OOVJ – Now Shipping

PRESS RELEASE 26/05/10

OOVJ – Now Shipping.

It has taken two years of research and development, talking to DJs and analysing their needs, as well as building on our established and highly respected OODJ design. Eagerly anticipated by the most respected UK and international DJ/VJs alike, the wait is finally over…the new OOVJ is now shipping.

Jonpaul Wright, Managing Director, Computer DJ Ltd said: “We are proud to announce that the ultimate hardware for music professionals has at long last arrived and we are now shipping. The feedback we have already received has been phenomenal, with compliments on our attention to detail, superb high quality interior components, and sleek, stylish exterior design.”

James Slater, Starlight Discos – consumer of the OOVJ said: ‘’ The new machine is fantastic, thanks for all your help and tremendous service. You guys in Hull are unique in that a customer can speak to a manufacturer direct, who is always on hand for support and advice. Love the new keyboard, and the touch screen is so responsive it makes dragging and dropping a piece of cake. Thanks again guys!’’

As the successor to the famous OODJ, which has been an industry favourite for over five years; OOVJ offers the OODJ and a whole lot more. Its technological ability will leave you ‘jaw dropped’, your pulse racing and your adrenaline pumped. Showcasing audio, karaoke and video through a rugged but sleek anodised aluminium chassis that cradles professional grade audio and video components, the storage of a colossal modern high speed drive, a generous 17” high resolution touch screen, liquid proof keyboard, built in mouse controller, Wi-Fi and slot loading DVDRW drive, the system is simply awe inspiring.

Dave Drew, Triple D Entertainment upgraded from the OODJ said: “The OOVJ manages the software perfectly, ripping tracks is easy with built in CD/DVD player and downloading is just as easy with the onboard Wi-Fi. The illuminated keyboard makes life easier and coupled with the built in joystick, the OOVJ is I believe the best mobile machine on the market!”

Keep an eye out for the launch of a new website- live mid June – www.oovj.co.uk

OOVJ – instant performance, infinite possibilities.

Ask Alfred: A New Look at Lasers

Ask Alfred

A New Look At Lasers:

With laser-like perception, American DJ National Sales Manager Alfred Gonzales hones in on the rapidly changing world of laser lighting. New products like our purple light emitting American DJ Galaxian Royale have brought new colors to laser lighting, which in turn opens up more creative opportunities for you as a mobile entertainer. Here is what Alfred had to say:

You’re big on laser lighting right now – how come?

“Laser lighting has always been exciting because of its intensity, but frankly its usage was somewhat held back by the limitations in the colors you could get from a laser. At first lasers only gave off red light, then came green lasers, now you can have purple laser light with the new American DJ Galaxian Royale. The fact that there are more laser colors, means that you can use laser in a wider variety of ways and in a wider variety of settings.”

Do you have any examples?

“Sure, for instance a purple laser light may be more appropriate for a corporate event than red. Or you can be playing a reception and start off with purple and green lasers in your show, then switch over to red when the evening heats up and people take to the dance floor. Of course mixing different colored laser beams in your show can give it more depth. It can also help you cover a wider area without looking like you’re repeating the same colored laser beams over again. Your business as a DJ is all about bringing sound and color to events, so the more color options you have at your disposal, the better.”

Can you tell us a little about the Galaxian Royale?

“This is the newest addition to our popular Galaxian series. It contains both a 200mW purple laser and a 30mW green laser, providing a truly unique color combo. One of the things that’s really impressive about the Galaxian Royale is that it produces a massive array of 500 pin-sized laser beams.”

So it’s not just the fact that it produces two colors, including purple, but it’s also the massive output of the Galaxian Royale that makes it special.

“You’re absolutely correct. Its massive output creates an real starry effect. You can project this huge army of beams onto the ceiling, wall or dance floor to immerse a room or a crowd in a cosmic ‘purple rain’ light display.”

Can you use the Galaxian Royale’s purple and green lights together?

“The Galaxian Royale’s contrasting color duo of purple and green can be projected alone or together to achieve different effects.”

What are some of its other features?

“The Galaxian Royale has a 90° beam angle and high-quality 1.8° stepper motors with microstepping; and it produces a wide beam spread and smooth, flowing movements. Its powerful razor-sharp beams look great with or without fog, so it’s perfect for venues where foggers are restricted. It also features 3 operation modes: DMX, Sound Active and Master/Slave mode. The DMX mode offers 4 channels (Purple Laser, Green Laser, Rotation and Macro), which gives users the ability to program a custom light show. DJs and mobile entertainers who opt not to use DMX have the option to set the Royale to groove to the music on its own with built-in internal programs. The Master/Slave mode can sync multiple units with the linkable 3-pin XLR connections.”

It also seems like a very compact fixture.

“Yes, it is. It weighs 2.8 kilograms, which is a little under 6 pounds, and it has a very small footprint. It’s also a very green effect, with a 17w power consumption – and it runs very cool. As I said earlier, there’s a great deal to like about this little effect. “

“Games Without Frontiers” Remix Contest

Indaba Music’s Community Invited to Remix Peter Gabriel’s Classic “Games Without Frontiers”

Winner Will Score Flight to London for Session at Gabriel’s Real World Studios & Have Remix Released as a “Scratch My Back” iTunes AA Digital Single

Indaba Music, the leading online destination for music creation, is thrilled to announce that Peter Gabriel has invited fans and fellow musicians to “scratch his back” by remixing his classic track, “Games Without Frontiers.”  The “Games Without Frontiers” Remix Contest will launch at http://www.indabamusic.com/featured_programs/show/remix-peter-gabriel on May 20th at 3 pm EDT, with a six-week submission period followed by a two-week public voting period.  One lucky Grand Prize winner will be flown to London to spend a day mastering their remix at Gabriel’s Real World Studios.  The winning version of “Games Without Frontiers” will then be released as an official digital single on iTunes.

With this competition, Gabriel is continuing his interest in crowd-sourcing talented collaborators through technology, while Indaba community members have the opportunity to team up with one of music’s biggest names. In the spirit of Gabriel’s recent Scratch My Back album of cover songs, the “Games Without Frontiers” Remix Contest fits right in line with the singer’s interest in a non-traditional covers record. Scratch My Back is the first part of a series of song exchanges in which Gabriel and other leading artists reinterpret each other’s songs, and finds Gabriel performing personalized versions of tunes by David Bowie, Radiohead, Lou Reed, Neil Young, Arcade Fire, and more.  Many of these artists, in turn, are recording reciprocal covers of Gabriel songs, which will follow on the forthcoming sequel, I’ll Scratch Yours.

“I have always been fascinated with the craft and the process of putting together a good song,” said Gabriel.  “I always wanted to do an album of other people’s songs; but rather than do a traditional cover record, I though it would be much more interesting to have a song exchange project, in which I would ask some of my favorite writers if they would swap tunes.”

“Peter is always up for hearing other peoples’ ways of doing music,” explains Gabriel’s longtime collaborator and producer, Richard Chappell. “It’s what keeps him going. He’s never precious about keeping it going in one way. He enjoys chaos, and gets off on how one person’s idea can trigger another’s – a kind of musical pass-the-parcel.”

Gabriel is opening up this collaboration to the next level with the “Games Without Frontiers” Remix Contest, allowing remixers to reassemble and re-interpret his classic song in whatever forms their imaginations allow. Each month -on the full moon- a double A-sided single is being released that pairs one of the songs from Scratch My Back with a reciprocal Peter Gabriel track recorded by that respective songwriter. The best remix of “Games Without Frontiers,” as judged by Gabriel, Chappell and Indaba Music’s Mantis Evar, will thus have the honor of being commercially released as a AA iTunes single, paired with Gabriel’s original, sometime in the fourth quarter of 2010.  The winning remixer will also be granted a share of the track’s royalties, asigned collector’s edition of the Scratch My Back box set, and a free year-long Platinum membership to Indaba Music.

In addition, two runners-up will each receive signed Peter Gabriel lithographs and free year-long Platinum Memberships to Indaba Music, while 10 honorable mentions will receive year-long Pro memberships to Indaba and an enhanced double CD of Scratch My Back.

Contestants for the “Games Without Frontiers” Remix Contest will be able to utilize their own software or to take advantage of Indaba’s recently unveiled MANTIS, its new web-based Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Mantis enables anyone, from anywhere in the world, to record, edit and mix high-quality audio – for free.  Based on feedback from hundreds of thousands of users, MANTIS sports an elegant redesign and marked increases in speed, stability and usability, and has already been embraced by everyone from DIY bedroom producers to respected pros including reggae/hip-hop singer Matisyahu and Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo.

About Peter Gabriel:
Peter Gabriel first came to international prominence with the success of Genesis, a band that he co-founded while still at school. Since leaving Genesis in 1975, his recording career has included seven studio albums, film soundtracks for Birdy, The Last Temptation of Christ and Rabbit Proof Fence, as well as live and compilation albums. His musical career has also included multiple Grammy Awards and the creation of the now global WOMAD festival.

Peter Gabriel co-founded the human rights organization Witness.org in 1989, and co-founded the Elders.org with Sir Richard Branson, which was launched in 2007 by Nelson Mandela.  In 2006, Peter Gabriel was awarded the prestigious Man of Peace title by The Nobel Peace Laureates, and was recipient of Amnesty International’s 2008 Ambassador of Conscience Award.  He was bestowed with the prestigious Polar Music Prize in 2009, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis in 2010.  He has also engaged in a wide variety of tech-based businesses throughout a variety of creative industries.  For more information, visit www.petergabriel.com

Scratch My Back Album Track Listing:
1. “Heroes”
2. “The Boy In The Bubble”
3. “Mirrorball”
4. “Flume”
5. “Listening Wind”
6. “The Power Of The Heart”
7. “My Body Is A Cage”
8. “The Book Of Love”
9. “I Think It’s Going To Rain Today”
10. “Apres Moi”
11. “Philadelphia”
12. “Street Spirit (Fade Out)”

About Indaba Music:
Indaba Music is employed by musicians around the world to collaborate through the exchange of files, ideas, and even rights. With a strong emphasis on community, users connect and collaborate as they would in any other social network-through search, algorithmic recommendation, and site programming.  As of early 2010, www.indabamusic.com has nearly 500,000 users, growing at a rate of nearly 450% over the past year to include members from 185 countries.   Indaba’s collaboration opportunities have previously featured such diverse artists as The Roots, Yo-Yo Ma, Mariah Carey, Crystal Method, John Legend, Alkaline Trio, Har Mar Superstar and more.  The company and its contests have been featured in USA Today, Wired, CNET, The Independent (UK), Rolling Stone, NPR, the Discovery Channel, the Christian Science Monitor, The Colbert Report, TechCrunch, Electronic Musician, SPIN and more.

With Indaba, the world of music has gotten even smaller, while the possibilities remain endless.

For more information, visit http://www.indabamusic.com.

New Protective Cases for the Numark MIXDECK

Industry-leading DJ accessories company announces new cases for Numark’s DJ system

Azusa, CA, May 20, 2010 – Odyssey Innovative Designs (Odyssey) is pleased to announce the release of the FZGSMIXDECKGT, FZMIXDECKBL and FZMIXDECK protective cases to accommodate the Numark MIXDECK universal DJ system.

The Odyssey FZGSMIXDECKGT is an ATA flight case designed specifically for the Numark MIXDECK DJ controller featuring Odyssey’s revolutionary patented Glide Style™ laptop/gear platform. Diverse and functional, the FZGSMIXDECKGT’s patented Glide Style™ design gives performers seamless access to their laptop or music gear with a sturdy wide-base glide platform at the top and a convenient pullout keyboard glide tray surface at the bottom. The protective case also features an exclusive, patent pending, high-density bevel foam that neatly angles upward from the interior of the case to effectively raising and displaying the MIXDECK controller for an efficient control surface. The stylish V-Cut™ removable front panel allows for easy access to the MIXDECK ‘s front controls, headphone/mic jacks, and disc slots. A spacious ventilation pit under the MIXDECK is ideal for storing cables and other accessories. Odyssey also offers a protective cases without the Glide Style™ design in the Black Label Series™ featuring Black on Black anodized and powder coated hardware (FZMIXDECKBL), as well as a traditional chrome on black version (FZMIXDECK). The cases dimensions are 28.75″W x 9.25H x 18.5″D and weigh in at just 25 lbs. Also coming soon is the FZGSMIXDECKGTBL, which features a combination of the Odyssey Glide Style™ and Black Label Series™ in one integrated design.

Features:

· Glide Style™ laptop/gear platform and pullout keyboard glide tray

· Black Label Series™ black anodized, powder coated hardware

· Heavy-Duty Ball Corners

· Removable V-Cut Front Cover

· Rear and Bottom Cable Port

· Recessed Handle and Latches

· Patent Pending Bevel Foam Interior

· Storage / Ventilation Pit

· Bottom Rubber Feet

· Limited Lifetime Warranty

FZGSMIXDECKGT – Glide Style™

MSRP: $379.99

FZMIXDECKBL – Black Label Series™

MSRP: $299.99

FZMIXDECK

MSRP: $279.99

ABOUT ODYSSEY

Odyssey Innovative Designs (www.odysseycases.com) is an industry-leading design and manufacturer of professional mobile accessory solutions for the DJ, musical instruments, and pro audio markets. Founded in 1995, Odyssey has brought to market hundreds of unique solutions and continues to lead the industry with innovative patents. With numerous technology and design awards, Odyssey has established a worldwide reputation for innovation, quality and design. The Odyssey group of companies includes Show Solutions (www.showsolutions.com) and BC Cases (www.bccases.com).

Mobile Beat May 2010 Free Edition Goes Online

Mobile Beat is all about DJs, and is one of the best ways to keep up on the most important industry trends, the best educational content, the latest gear to hit the streets, and much more.  At a cost of only $25 a year we feel it’s a bargain, but if you’re not sure, please check out the FREE sample online edition of the magazine by clicking on the link below.

(Subscribers receive a different link to get to the FULL magazine.)

Check out the FREE online edition of Mobile Beat BY CLICKING HERE and viewing it online.

We are confident that this sample of MB (more than 25% of the mag) will whet your appetite to receive a full hard copy in your mailbox 7 times a year. To subscribe please go to https://members.mobilebeat.com.

The Full May 2010 Issue of Mobile Beat covers the below and more…

Why You Need an Association

For those of you who are not yet association members, our cover story encourages you to consider joining together with your DJ counterparts to get support, education, special deals on insurance and other services, and a lot of other great benefits. The testimonials included with the article show just how much help you can get by being a part of a like-minded group of individuals, as well as how great it can be to give a little something back.

In this issue you’ll also find other ways to make connections that benefit your DJ service. Rob Peters offers some practical advice on how to PROFIT FROM NON-PROFITS in ways that benefit both entertainer and client. We also touch on the THE HIDDEN WORLD OF BARTERING, courtesy of Guerilla Marketing guru Jay Conrad Levinson.Getting things done without money changing hands is an extremely relevant idea for today’s economy. Mobile Beat publisher Ryan Burger answers the question DEAL, OR NO DEAL? dealing with how to creatively approach the sometimes dreaded request for a discount from friends or family. (MB forum members also weigh in on the topic.)

Sticking with the business end of things, Andy Ebon reveals how to revitalizing your enterprise by BUILDING A FIVE-YEAR PLAN. And we sat down with Coe Ramsey, a lawyer who knows DJ issues for some LEGAL Q & A.

Always trying to lend you a hand as you build your DJ business, we offer a great how-to from Cheryl Q. on THE ART OF THE QUINCEAÑARA, giving you the essentials on this tradition that is so important to the Hispanic community. Also in the how-to department, Jim Weisz coaches you on yearly website maintenance and strongly encourages you to MAKE A DATE TO UPDATE.

There’s a bunch more on great DJs, great new gear, industry VIPs and a slew of other topics, so read on…then share your knowledge with someone who needs it!

ALSO INSIDE…

SCOOPS: American DJ’s new Jellyfish LED, Scrim King stand & trusscoverings, RPM DJ software, Soundolier Duo “Lamp Speakers”

DJ SHOPPER: Wireless Mics in a DTV World

PRODJFILES: Charlene Mortillo and DJ Ref, “The Green DJ”

INSIDE THE INDUSTRY: John Schauer & Wayne Hrabak, Yamaha’s Dynamic Duo; Jorgen Hedberg, DJ Software pioneer

FEATURES & COLUMNS: 10 Game Show Do’s and Don’ts; Benefiting from the Shakeout; Cleaning Up Your Act (an organized approach to all aspects of DJing); and more!

The New Comscan Offers 2 DMX Scanners Plus Remote Controller In One Convenient Package

Package Deal!

The New Comscan Offers 2 DMX Scanners Plus Remote Controller In One Convenient Package

The new Comscan LED System from American DJ puts the power of a complete light show of scanning colors and gobos right in the hands of DJs and mobile entertainers – literally. An easy-to-use LED lighting system, the Comscan LED Sys contains everything DJs and clubs need to create a roomful of high-energy visual effects in one compact package: two Comscan LED DMX scanners, one universal UC3 handheld remote controller, and the required DMX cable for linking the units together.

Driven by an advanced high-performance LED source, each Comscan LED scanner projects 8 brilliant, dazzling color/gobo combinations that scan across the room in wide, sweeping X-Y mirror movement. Featuring a 13° beam angle, the units can pan up to 166° and tilt up to 54°. Adding to the excitement are a variety of eye-popping built-in lighting programs, a Gobo Shake effect, a Strobe effect and 0-100% dimming capabilities.

For all its punch and panache, the Comscan LED System is amazingly compact and portable, making it great for DJs, bands and mobile entertainers who want an exhilarating light show that packs up easily. Each Comscan LED scanner measures just slightly over a foot long and weighs only 8 lbs./3.6 kg. What’s more, the system is simple to operate with the included UC3 remote, which fits into the palm of your hand and provides easy control over Blackout, Programs, Strobing and other functions.

“The Comscan LED is the ultimate system for any mobile entertainer who wants the high-energy movement and professional look of a DMX scanner light show,” said Scott Davies, General Manager of the American DJ Group of Companies. “You get a great value – two scanners, a remote controller and cable – for one very affordable price. Plus, the system is perfect for taking on the road, because it’s so compact and lightweight. And our easy-to-use UC3 controller makes it simple for anyone to put on an amazing, professional-looking light show.”

In addition to being operated with the UC3 controller, the Comscan LED scanners are DMX compatible and can be used with any DMX-512 protocol controller, such as American DJ’s LED Operator or MyDMX software. Operating on 5 DMX channels, the scanner has a convenient 4-button menu system with LED display on the back, which makes it easy to navigate through DMX settings. The Comscan LED System can also be operated in Sound Active and Master-Slave modes. When four units are linked together Master-Slave, the system features a Pan/Tilt Inversion Mode, in which scanners 1 and 3 will sync together in the opposite direction of scanners 2 and 4.

Another feature of the Comscan LED System that users will appreciate are its low maintenance requirements. The scanners’ long-life LEDs are rated at 30,000 hours, so there’s no need for frequent lamp replacements. Because its LEDs produce very little heat, the system can run all night without shutting down for duty cycles. Its LED source is also very energy efficient; each scanner draws only 30W of power at maximum use.

The Comscan LED System features state-of-the-art 1.8° stepper motors with microstepping for smooth, fluid movements. The system includes a manual focusing lens and comes with a convenient hanging bracket with a safety hook for easy mounting. Compact and lightweight, each unit measures 13.5”L x 6.25”W x 8”H/344x 160 x 200 mm and weighs 8 lbs./3.6 kg.

See the Comscan LED in action, click below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix8W-voBqPE

For more information, contact American DJ at 1-800-322-6337 or visit the website at

http://www.americandj.com/

ADJ LEDs Ad Put Carwash In Fast Lane

ADJ LEDs Ad Put Carwash In Fast Lane:

The Versatile ADJ Profile Panel RGB Transforms Itself Depending On The Mood

A trip through a carwash tunnel reminds a lot of people of a theme park ride. Happy Cow Car Wash in El Cajon, CA has taken this a step further, installing a customized laser show featuring LED lighting from American DJ and some club music. Created for the carwash by Gilson Technical, the 5-minute show is available to customers for $20 (as opposed to the normal $8 basic carwash price.) Ok, so ADJ lights aren’t going to do anything to remove bugs from your windshield or mud from your fender, but they will make washing your car a lot more exciting.

20x Elation ELAR EXBAR

6x ADJ Rainbow Tube II system

4x ADJ Tri-Phase

4x ADJ Revo III

1x ADJ Galaxian 3D Laser

1x ADJ Par 56 LED

1x Sharp HD Projector

There’s more info and video at: http://www.happycowcarwash.com/Lazershow.htm

Mobile Beat May 2010 Issue Out Now

Mobile Beat’s latest issue is now available online and will hit subscribers’ mailboxes soon. (Log in at https://members.mobilebeat.com/ to access the online version.) We have worked out some major kinks in our production process and will be shooting mags out to you on a more typical schedule starting with the next issue, July 2010 (#129). Look for that one in June, featuring our much-anticipated yearly MB Top 200 song lists. In the meantime, there’s a ton of great stuff inside the May issue…

MOBILE BEAT – MAY 2010 – #128

Why You Need an Association

For those of you who are not yet association members, our cover story encourages you to consider joining together with your DJ counterparts to get support, education, special deals on insurance and other services, and a lot of other great benefits. The testimonials included with the article show just how much help you can get by being a part of a like-minded group of individuals, as well as how great it can be to give a little something back.

In this issue you’ll also find other ways to make connections that benefit your DJ service. Rob Peters offers some practical advice on how to PROFIT FROM NON-PROFITS in ways that benefit both entertainer and client. We also touch on the THE HIDDEN WORLD OF BARTERING, courtesy of Guerilla Marketing guru Jay Conrad Levinson.Getting things done without money changing hands is an extremely relevant idea for today’s economy. Mobile Beat publisher Ryan Burger answers the question DEAL, OR NO DEAL? dealing with how to creatively approach the sometimes dreaded request for a discount from friends or family. (MB forum members also weigh in on the topic.)

Sticking with the business end of things, Andy Ebon reveals how to revitalizing your enterprise by BUILDING A FIVE-YEAR PLAN. And we sat down with Coe Ramsey, a lawyer who knows DJ issues for some LEGAL Q & A.

Always trying to lend you a hand as you build your DJ business, we offer a great how-to from Cheryl Q. on THE ART OF THE QUINCEAÑARA, giving you the essentials on this tradition that is so important to the Hispanic community. Also in the how-to department, Jim Weisz coaches you on yearly website maintenance and strongly encourages you to MAKE A DATE TO UPDATE.

There’s a bunch more on great DJs, great new gear, industry VIPs and a slew of other topics, so read on…then share your knowledge with someone who needs it!

ALSO INSIDE…

SCOOPS: American DJ’s new Jellyfish LED, Scrim King stand & trusscoverings, RPM DJ software, Soundolier Duo “Lamp Speakers”

DJ SHOPPER: Wireless Mics in a DTV World

PRODJFILES: Charlene Mortillo and DJ Ref, “The Green DJ”

INSIDE THE INDUSTRY: John Schauer & Wayne Hrabak, Yamaha’s Dynamic Duo; Jorgen Hedberg, DJ Software pioneer

FEATURES & COLUMNS: 10 Game Show Do’s and Don’ts; Benefiting from the Shakeout; Cleaning Up Your Act (an organized approach to all aspects of DJing); and more!

Deal…or No Deal? – By Ryan Burger

Deal…or No Deal?

By Ryan Burger

HOW TO HANDLE DISCOUNTS FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

You run a fantastic company that everyone wants to hire for their events…including, of course, your friends and relatives. So how do you handle them when they ask you for a “deal.” This is a touchy spot that can leave you feeling taken advantage of if you don’t view it the right way. I would suggest two categories to help you deal with the question: “Deal, or no deal?” You should be able to look at these kind of “close” potential clients from one of these two perspectives:

1. Immediate “Family:” This includes truly immediate family like brothers and sisters, but also their significant others (brothers/sisters-in-law). And, at this level I also include employees who are like my business “family.” What I have done on these occasions is donate the services but I also ask that they pay my DJ employee. The company portion is about a $400-$450 gift, much more than anyone else is probably giving the couple, except for maybe the parents, but it works well. I ask that they look at the calendar and, if at all possible, avoid scheduling their event during my busier times with their higher income potential.

2. Everyone Else: I would others a deal of maybe $50 off, which is within my negotiability on almost any contract. I’d steer them to away from a prime date such as a Friday or Sunday and work from there.

Another way to “give” more to the potential friend/relative client is to use “the more bang for your buck” approach. If they are in category #2 above, I would offer them an extra hour of service, more personal attention on the event (“How about if I take care of you myself instead of my employees doing the event?”), free party props, etc.—anything that isn’t money directly out of my pocket. Another angle is to offer a heavier discount on add-on services such as a photo booth or something similar that doesn’t require heavy set-up or other labor/expense on your part.

EXPLAINING WHY

It should be relatively easy for you to come up with “deals” that you are comfortable offering to friends or family. The greater challenge may be explaining your offer to the person who thinks they should get a super deal because they know a DJ.

Remember, this is what you do for a living. If the person works in retail, for instance, they might be able to get you their employee discount of 10%, but they can’t just give away their company’s income. And in other cases, discounts are simply not an option. Just because your buddy works for UPS does he give you a discount?

THE HOBBY PROBLEM

The real problem lies in the unfortunate fact that most people, unless they really know someone in the DJ business, consider what we do to be a hobby. This is because a large segment of your competition is treating it that way. This is the reason why my company never got into karaoke and the bar karaoke market. In the Des Moines, Iowa area where we are based, there are simply too many people who will do a KJ gig at the local bar for $100 and their drink tab. This DJ thing is a real profession for us, and we express it in everything we do.

Maybe your friends from college remember when you used to think of DJing with a “paid to party” attitude, and they don’t know that you now take it seriously, read trade magazines, file taxes for the business instead of pocketing the cash, go to trade shows, and more. (And besides, If they haven’t talked to you since college, “way back when,” what right do they have to ask for a “friends and family” discount anyway?.)

Fixing this “hobby problem” has been an ongoing challenge for the national DJ associations, but we have a long way to go before people automatically treat DJs as true professionals.

Once you have educated your friend or family member about the reality of your profession, you should be able to strike a deal that is acceptable to all parties. Then, once you have performed a great gig and made their event a success, you’re likely to get at least few referrals that result in full-price clients!

Deal, or No Deal? The Online Buzz

We asked some of our chat board members at Start.MobileBeat.Com to weigh in on the subject of special treatment for family and friends. Here are some responses:

I tend to handle it by offering a small discount—nothing too drastic—and then explain that, because entertaining is my ONLY job, I can’t offer up one of my scarce weekend dates for free, nor can I miss my target income for that week if I expect to stay afloat. More often than not, they understand. If not, I say, “What would you do if your boss said that he’s not having a good month, and would you come in and work a week for free? Or half-pay?” That usually makes the light bulb come on.” – Stu, Stu and His Crew, SE Michigan

I base things like this on my actual relationship with the person. If it’s somebody I do a lot of things with and am involved otherwise on a regular basis with…then I would cut them a wider latitude than someone who I never hear from til they need a favor.” – Ken Heath, Start.MobileBeat.Com Moderator, Los Angeles, CA

“I totally agree with Ken to a point. I have quite a large family and a lot of them got me off to the start I got, so I like to pay back to my family and give them a discount. Friends on the other hand could be a best friend when they need something and never talk to you until they need something again so it’s a case by case situation. I would say relationship is key to the discount.” – DJ Krim, Northern NM

“Charge them double. No discounts. Friends and family usually want you to work harder, and want more out of you for nothing than the average customer. It is best to refer your friends/family to another reputable DJ which they have no manipulation over.” – Robert Starkey, Havasu Entertainment, Lake Havasu City, AZ.

“No Discounts… in fact, like a lawyer or doctor, I shy away from doing events for friends and family.” – DJ Jeffrey Evan Mufson, Jemstar Entertainment, Tampa, FL

For me it all depends on the relationship. Are they really friends or “acquaintances?” Close friends and family, I tell them just pay my guy directly, I’m not taking a dime and the DJ gets cash, so he’s happy. Previous clients get our “friends and family rate” We have numerous instances where we’ve done 3,4 or 5 weddings for a family and we’ll adjust accordingly as needed, not to 2000 prices, but we consider the relationship valuable and will make sure they know we appreciate the business. Outside of that, this is my business: I can’t give everyone a discount and still make a profit and a living wage. As I’ve pointed out on sales calls to clients, MY BEST PRICE and “Your best price” are often hundreds of dollars apart. MY BEST PRICE makes me the most money. Your best price means I’m not making what I want to be making. I’m always after MY BEST PRICE. – Brian Smith

I agree with Ken on the subject. Level of discount depends on the individual relationship with the family/friend. Usually, I can use the, “I don’t want to work, I wanna be a guest!” excuse, then offer to assist them with finding another DJ. This absolves me from being put in the uncomfortable position. – Lou Silva

Thankfully I don’t have a lot of family asking me to do events…

Friends are another situation! If they know this is solely what I do to feed my family and pay my bills, I wonder why they would even ask for a discount in the first place. I can’t ask my friend, the mortgage broker, to get me a discounted loan. I can’t ask my friend, the car salesman, to give me a car at cost. Well…I could ask, but I realize that is how they feed their families and are often NOT the business owner who can make that decision.

Now, I can ask my friend who does remodeling if we can do a trade-out. Perhaps he can put a new floor in my kitchen and only make me pay for the hard costs (i.e. the wood flooring) and get his services for less if I can do his daughter’s wedding for less than my normal fee. Give and take.

I think too many look at a DJ profession as far from a “real job”, and therefore they don’t think we should be able to live off our DJ income. How many full-time DJs have ever had someone ask them when they were going to give up this “DJ thing” and get a real job? – Brian, DJ Busyb

I’m not entirely successful at it myself, but one thing I have been trying is to somehow insist on some sort of ROI or “horse-trading” if you will, i.e. your cousin is getting married and expects a discount, so you give ‘em one. Is it unfair that you ask them to do something in return? Review your marketing, compare your services to others, Use pictures and video from their wedding, try out new things, etc., etc. – Hippydog

I’ve had to tell my friends and family that Saturdays are off-limits for discounts. Not even my mother gets a discount on a Saturday.

I explain that Saturday is THE day. I further explain that there are only 52 a year, with a few of those being hardly-ever-booked Saturdays. For example, the Saturday just before or just after Christmas hardly ever gets booked. I explain that I need those income opportunities to survive.

Now if it’s on any other day of the week, I’m more than willing to negotiate. But I make it a rule to never cut my base rate by more that 50%. This is to prevent being taken advantage of. But I will throw in add-ons at no additional charge. – DJ Wes

I borrowed the “model” that the leader of the band I hired for my wedding offered me in 2000. This was one of THE best bands in the area at the time, that I referred to many country club members. When it came time for my own wedding, I never asked but the band leader insisted upon showing his appreciation by offering me his deepest discount. He had a 3-tier discount package: Friends, Relatives and Family, with “Family” offering the deepest discount.

I was really impressed by how organized this guy was and how all 6 members of this very popular band were all on board with the discount plan for people in these 3 categories. I resisted, but gratefully accepted his “Family” discount price of $800 for a normally priced $3500 to $4000 band fee. The 3-tier plan is easy to explain and seems to make a lot of sense. A band of course must charge more because of the additional members in the group who need to be paid, who have no client relationship. – Uncle Mike, Class Act Events

The Art of the Quinceañera – By Cheryl Q.

The Art of the Quinceañera

By Cheryl Q.

TRADITIONS, PAGEANTRY AND MUSIC: THE QUINCEAÑERA IS AN IMPORTANT CELEBRATION IN THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY

Quinceañera (pronounced keen-see-ahn-yair-ah) traditions have a long history dating back to the Aztec Indians and are very symbolic. The custom celebrates the 15th birthday of a Hispanic girl who is leaving childhood behind and now is assuming the responsibilities of womanhood. It is very religious in nature beginning with a Catholic mass where the Quinceañera reaffirms her faith in God. Family is important in this rite of passage.

VIPS

Some key people who may be acknowledged during the reception or may be introduced as a part of the entrance are:

• Abuelos (ah-boo-ay-lows) – Grandparents
• Padrinos (pah-dree-knows) – Godparents, whose spiritual responsibility to the Quinceañera ends.
• Patrones (pah-trown-ace) – Sponsors, who are people who contribute to the success of the celebration.

The Quinceaños (“fifteen years” – one of the three terms used to identify the celebration—see if you can find the other two in this article) is a very elaborate event (even more than some weddings), is very expensive to put on (thus the importance of the Patrones), is usually a formal affair, and may revolve around a theme. Since this is such a major event, and involves extensive, wedding-style preparation on the DJ’s end, I typically charge the same as I do for a wedding.

The Quinceañera (also referring to the guest of honor) is dressed in a princess-like ball gown complete with petticoats and hoops. She has an Honor Court consisting of Damas (dah-mas) and Chambelanes (cham-bay-lahn-ace) similar to bridesmaids and groomsmen. Her escort is a Chambelan. While past tradition dictated 14 couples in the Honor Court (one couple for each year of the Quinceañera’s life), current trends are toward seven couples (one person for each year).

TRADITIONS

A number of traditions are usually part of the event, including the following.

Crowning – This is usually done by the mother and can be done at the church or reception. The crown signifies that the Quinceañera is a princess in the eyes of God. It also signifies the responsibilities she is now assuming. If your client says the crowning will be done at the church, you don’t have to do anything else. If it is going to be done at the reception, then ask who is going to do it, when it will be done and if any special music is required.

Changing of the Shoes – It is thought that up until this time, the Quinceañera hasn’t been able to walk in high-heeled shoes. It isn’t unusual for her to wear flats during the religious ceremony. At some point during the reception, her shoes will be changed from flats to high heels. This is done by her father, brother, padrino or other important male figure in the Quinceañera’s life. This signifies leaving behind childhood and entering adulthood. Special music is usually played during this tradition. Your client will let you know if they are going to do the Changing of the Shoes, who will do it, and when.

Presentation of the Last Doll – This is the last doll the Quinceañera will ever receive as a child. There are a number of ways the presentation can be made. There is a dance with the doll that may or may not be done. If the Quinceañera is not going to dance with the doll, I suggest that her grandmother present the doll to her.

The Dance (El Vals) – The highlight of the entire celebration is a well-rehearsed and choreographed dance involving the entire Honor Court. This is one of the first things the Quinceañera does as an adult. To be prepared, I strongly suggest that find out who the dance instructor is and go to some of the rehearsals. This is also a great way to cultivate new clients and meet an important vendor who can send business your way. The dance instructor may provide the music for the dance (or dances, if there will be a second special dance). They may also help with the entrance.

In each of these traditions, it’s important to let the guests know what’s going on and why.

MUSIC

Latin music and how it is used in the event is a regional matter. For example, in Arizona salsa is only something that is eaten, while in Miami it is something that is danced to. Rancheras, Bandas, Boleros, Cumbias, Nortena, and Corridos are some of the styles popular in the western states, while Salsa, Merengue, Reggaeton, Bachata, and Reggae are styles most requested on the east coast. Promo Only has “Tropical” (East Coast) and “Regional” (West Coast) music collections available, and TM Studios has incorporated both on one disc. Latin Grammy CDs are also a good source for a wide variety of popular music. The DJ Intelligence Top 200 has lists of wedding music that can also be used for entrances and dances with parents. Keep it age-appropriate when helping your client select their music. Interestingly, most of the requests I receive are first by type of music (such as Salsa, Bachata), then by artist, rather than song title.

RECEPTION

A typical order of events at the reception is as follows:

1. Entrance – announcing the Honor Court and Quinceañera (special songs)
2. Dance/Crowning//Changing of Shoes (order can be changed) (special songs)
3. Specialty Dance (optional) (special songs)
4. Father-Daughter Dance (special songs)
5. Last Doll Presentation (possibly special song)
6. Toasts
7. Thank You’s (usually done by Parents and Quinceañera)
8. Cake Cutting (may need “Las Mañanitas,” a traditional birthday song)
9. Candle Lighting or similar (may need special song)

IMPRESS YOUR CLIENT AND HELP YOURSELF

When you impress your client, you have the opportunity to earn big bucks. Do whatever you can to help them make the event a success. Sit with them face to face and help them plan the reception. Use the correct terminology—call the Quinceañera’s escort a Chambelan and the grandparents Abuelos. Some of the traditions have gotten lost over time, so suggest them and let your client know what they mean. Work with them on the dancing and music suggestions. Go to the dance rehearsals. And lastly, give your client “stuff’ such as music selection lists or a handy checklist of items they might need for the day.

FINDING CLIENTS

As most of the Quinceañeras are Catholic celebrations, call your local Catholic churches and ask about advertising in their bulletins. Go to Mexican restaurants and leave some business cards or fliers. You might ask if they know any Quinceañera dance instructors. If so, call them, as well as your local dance studios. Partner with local photographers who do “Quinces.” And there are supermarket bulletin boards that are usually free.

Have fun with Quinceañeras, and remember, when you participate in one, you are a significant part of a family milestone that will be remembered for a lifetime.

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