MOBILE BEAT – NOVEMBER 2011 – #138 – Reaching the Next Level: Weddings and More

MOBILE BEAT – NOVEMBER 2011 – #138

NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE – PRINT EDITION HITS MAILBOXES SOON

It may be a cliché, but “taking it to the next level” still aptly describes what this issue’s wedding-focused and other material will help you achieve. Jason Weldon offers advice for better booking results when you’re BANKING ON BRIDAL SHOWS. Augment your performances and your bottom line by taking a WIDE ANGLE ON WEDDING ADD-ONS, courtesy of Josh Yawn. One hot new add-on, TRIVIA: THE NEW PRE-NUPTIAL FUN can even help you provide couples with entertainment before wedding day, according to Rob Johnson. And Jay Maxwell helps you offer more options for reception music with THE RIGHT MUSICAL TOOLS FOR THE JOB.

Dealing with another cliché, in FEAR & LOATHING ON WALL STREET, Tom Haibeck confronts a recent online controversy concerning DJs and draws out some lessons on creating positive public perception.

Representing the best the industry has to offer, we profile award-winning DJ entrepreneur CAREY SMOLENKSY of Chicago and TIM “T” CAMPBELL: The Hockey Jockey, from Detroit. Publisher Ryan Burger also reports on his trip to Planet DJ—not a space journey, but a visit with a well-known DJ gear retailer.

Revving up for our upcoming MBLV16 SHOW PREVIEW issue in December, we welcome FEATURED SPEAKERS and guest columnists MOSES AVALON with some straight talk on sharing and CLONING HARD DRIVES and STEVE “THE HITMAN” BRAZELL, who admonishes DJs to FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS their business efforts.

Our regular BUSINESS FOCUS section is packed with practical info to help you really take your company to next level Mark Battersby explains LLCs, Ryan Burger compare notes with auto salesmen, John Stiernberg talks strategic planning, JEFFREY GITOMER defines real NETWORKING and DAVE RAMSEY looks back in hindsight and muses on LEADERSHIP.

Touching on youth event-oriented performance, Arnoldo Offerman reveals HOW TO MAKE THE CUT, that is, the right way to end a song early and move on to keep excitement levels high. We also review Promo Only’s new POOL digital music service, a fresh way to get those songs.

Other REVIEWS include: RELOOP’S JOCKEY 3 ME CONTROLLER, TRUESONIC ACTIVE SPEAKERS from ALTO PROFESSIONAL, and the latest version of the V-STATION game show system from DIGIGAMES. A review of MIX! software from STANTON and the SCRATCH DJ ACADEMY is paired with thoughts on that app and DJing in general by DJ Irie. In his latest REALITY CHECK, Mark Johnson also talks with a DJ who has become a MACHINE MASTER, hiring out gear-only for many smaller gigs.

Wide Angle on Wedding Add-Ons – By Josh Yawn

Mobile DJing has evolved into such an amazing place over the past decade. Ten years ago, we were looking with eager eyes at the possibility of making extra money by renting these then-newfangled devices called chocolate fountains. The thought of increasing income on a DJ gig without even having to DJ was foreign, but exciting. Many embraced this concept and successfully increased their income.

As one thing lead to another, and new trends and possibilities began to appear, so did our opportunities to double and triple our cash flow on a single event. Today, what were previously known as “DJ services” are now often found to be full-fledged event production companies. That is extremely good news for our business. DJs have redefined their market’s perceptions of what a DJ company can provide and have set new standards in options and service.

One of the best sales tips I ever received was, “Sell what they’re already buying!” That profound statement could never be more applicable to the mobile DJ than it is now. Today, uplighting, custom gobo lights, photo booths, and even photography and videography are allowing DJs to reap the benefit of being a one-stop shop for important services a bride is either already looking for, or would love to have. Now is time to take advantage of the mighty add-on.

UPLIGHTING

If you aren’t already offering uplighting, we’ll hold a spot on the bandwagon for you. Uplighting has quickly become a staple in the services mobile DJs offer. It’s an easily executed add-on that requires a relatively small investment with a potentially large return. The advances in LED technology have made uplighting equipment affordable, and companies are now designing units with rubber feet, dual brackets and even battery options specifically for this application. Plenty of DJs are still using LED par cans though, because of their continuing ability to double as truss lighting. Expect to pay somewhere around $100 to $250 for your uplighting fixtures. With a possible average increase of $300 to $500 or more for the night, you can quickly pay off your investment.

CUSTOM GOBOS

Custom gobo lights are another add-on that provides a substantial value increase to a wedding. The “wow factor” in seeing the bride and groom’s names or initials in lights makes it a worthwhile service to consider. After purchasing your projector or light, your only real overhead is in your gobo for each application. But, with the rise in amazing services that provide same-day turnaround and templates for your design, all of the legwork has been removed. Most DJs are catching an average of $150 to $300 additional income for providing custom gobo lights.

PHOTO BOOTH

Photo booths are hot right now, plain and simple. DJs are heavily increasing their income by renting or contracting photo booths for weddings. The recent surge in popularity has proven the worth of this soon-to-be staple. And photo booth rental definitely has the legs for longevity in the DJ/wedding industry. A photo booth will cost you a pretty penny, but the investment is made up with rentals bringing in anywhere from $800 to $1,500 a night.

PHOTOGRAPHY and VIDEOGRAPHY

Many mobile DJs are even beginning to offer photography and videography these days, making their companies a nearly all-inclusive “wedding services central.” You know that a photographer is going to be present at every wedding, and that a videographer will be present at most. These are services the bride will absolutely pay for anyway, so why not with you? Why not relieve the bride of all the headaches that come with searching for vendor after vendor? Even if you contract the service out to a photographer or videographer you trust and work well with, the benefits are still there.

MAKING THE SELL…THE UP-SELL, THAT IS

Up-selling a bride can be difficult. Being a salesperson in respect to DJ services alone can be difficult enough as it is. DJs agree though, that the best way to sell a bride on your add-on services is through the use of visual aids. An iPad or notebook computer will be your best tool in showcasing the incredible environment you can create with your add-ons.

Create a brief visual presentation with before-and-after photos of your uplighting and custom gobo effects. Show people having fun in your photo booth. Have a portfolio of your photography and videography work (if applies). Take advantage of the fact that these up-sells are all visual.

CONTRACTING

Contracting can be a great way to offer some of these add-ons without actually having to invest in them quite yet. For example, many DJs stock a certain number of uplights and then either contract or rent if they need more. We personally contract out our photo booth service. It has allowed our smaller company the means of offering a big add-on, while also helping a fellow wedding vendor get work. It’s been a win-win.

Many shy away from contracting work, usually for good reason. If you choose to contract work to someone else, make sure it’s someone you have history with and have worked with before. They must understand that even though they have their own company, they’re representing your company on these gigs. You can work out with your individual contract worker the specifics of whether you’ll allow them to split the bill and use their company name, or, if they’re obligated to operate essentially as an employee of yours for the night.

As far as paying your contract worker, you must first decide if you’re going to charge a fee on top of theirs, so that you still make money off of booking their services, or, if you’re going to break even because you see value in simply offering the service. And different states have different laws and regulations on contracting, so make sure you’re familiar before you set out on this path. In some states, charging a fee on top of theirs makes you technically an “agent,” which has additional requirements one must abide by. Your contract workers should be responsible for their own insurance and tax reporting if they are not your employees.

OPPORTUNITIES KNOCKING

In summary, the timing is right and the opportunities are ripe for these add-ons to increase your wedding revenue. Never have there been so many options available for mobile DJs to branch out. The trends are growing…brides are buying…and DJs are growing their businesses through providing these amazing services that help turn special days into dream days.

—–

Josh Yawn is a television host and producer as well as mobile DJ and author. He is the creator of the Mobile Beat DVD series DJ Crash Course and author of the upcoming book Hosting for DJs.

 

The Right Musical Tools for the Job – By Jay Maxwell

Growing up on the farm there was always something that needed repairing. It was interesting that we could fix almost everything with the same basic tools. All that was needed was a hammer, a pair of pliers, a wrench, a screwdriver, and maybe a saw.

Once I joined the Navy and went to Machinist Mate School, it took days to learn about all the special tools that we needed to operate and fix the equipment found on a ship or submarine. In fact, a pair of pliers wasn’t even one of the tools that we needed—pliers were all but banned from use. Instead there were many wrenches, and not just crescent wrenches, but precise wrenches for particular uses. There were tools that we were tested on during school that I remember never using at any time during my six-year stint in the service. But the point was that the tool was there if ever it was needed.

MUSICAL TOOL BOX

Let’s compare a DJ’s “tool box” to a machinist’s tool bag. For many DJs, their repertoire of wedding reception music for the special events like the cake cutting, bouquet toss, and garter removal, is akin to my tool bag when I was helping my father around the farm during my childhood. It contains just the basics.

In a farm community, every pickup truck has a hammer in it just in case you need to quickly stop and fix a gate or fence, or make some other repair requiring a hammer and nail. Likewise, every DJ would certainly have “Single Ladies” for the bouquet toss and “Let’s Get It On” for the garter removal, because those songs are requested more often than most other songs for those events. One wouldn’t leave home without those “tools” because the odds are high that they will be needed. (In fact, 53% of our brides last year chose “Single Ladies” for the bouquet toss and nearly 30% selected “Let’s Get It On” for the garter removal.)

DON’T ATTEMPT THIS AT HOME

But remember that what worked on our small farm in Georgia didn’t necessarily work on a nuclear-powered submarine. Special tools were required and knowledge about those tools was needed in order to know how and when to use then. When you are on patrol in a submarine, you must be self-reliant. That is, you must carry with you a lot of tools in case something needs repairing immediately. There’s no repair shop sitting in the Atlantic Ocean. You have to be prepared.

The same is true when a bride asks you to suggest songs for, say the cake cutting, that haven’t been played at every wedding during the past decade. This issue’s list should prepare every DJ for those brides who want to see some unique songs for their receptions’ special events.

For most of my career, when a bride asked for suggestions for an introduction song or the send-off song, the songs that came to mind were indeed those that we had played for that particular event time and again. For years, we would tally and track the most requested songs and create “top 10 or top 20” lists for our clients to look at to select their songs. Many of those same lists have appeared in several articles in this feature of Mobile Beat Magazine since 1992.

A BIGGER TOOL CHEST

This year though, we not only tabulated the most requested songs, we also created a list of ALL the songs requested for each event. Now our tool box is bigger and can handle more discriminating clients when they want to dig deeper to find just the right “gem” for their reception. The gem list is not exhaustive, of course. But it does represent a great start to show your client that you are prepared with the special tools needed to get their “custom” job done.

One thing that is noticeably missing from our tabulations is a selection of first dance songs. In the package that we send to our brides, this list is included, but we rarely get asked to see additional songs for this event because the bride and groom have typically already selected their special song for their first dance. When it comes to the other songs, though, such as the songs for the bride and father or the groom and mother, they are often clueless; so the more variety we can offer, the more they appreciate our service.

The most useful advice that we often give during a consultation is not in suggesting a particular song, but the direction that we take the conversation. That is, for the introduction song, we often ask if they want their college fight song. This usually only works if both the bride and groom went to the same college or at least like the same college football team from that school. Another way we sometimes help a couple when they can’t decide on the song for the parent’s dances is to encourage them to ask their mom and dad what song they want to dance to with their son and daughter. This takes the pressure off the bride and groom and gives the honor of choosing the song to the parents. Everyone wins in this arrangement.

As any do-it-yourselfer can tell you, there is always room for additional tools in the tool box. This list is a good assortment, but continue to increase the number tools in your own box. Keep track of your own client’s requests and catalog them where they were requested. If a song was requested for the garter removal, then make a note of it for your future clients. Suggestions and advice can figure prominently in a bride’s decision to hire a mobile DJ. She is hiring you—a professional—(rather than just firing up her iPod) because she trusts you to know what musical tool is needed when she wants you to…play something she can dance to!

 

INTRODUCTION
TOP SONGS
	SONG TITLE	ARTIST
1	I GOTTA FEELING	BLACK EYED PEAS
2	BEAUTIFUL DAY	U2
3	FOREVER	CHRIS BROWN
4	LET’S GET IT STARTED	BLACK EYED PEAS
5	SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED	STEVIE WONDER
6	GET THE PARTY STARTED	PINK
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
	BRIDE’S / GROOM’S COLLEGE FIGHT SONG	VARIOUS
	ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE	BEATLES
	AMAZED	LONESTAR
	ARE YOU GONNA BE MY GIRL	JET
	BACK IN BLACK (instrumental)	AC/DC
	BETTER TOGETHER	JACK JOHNSON
	BOOGIE SHOES	KC & SUNSHINE BAND
	CHECK IT OUT	WILL I AM
	DANCE TO THE MUSIC	SLY & FAMILY STONE
	DANCING IN THE STREET	VAN HALEN
	DYNAMITE	TAIO CRUZ
	EYE OF THE TIGER	SURVIVOR
	FINAL COUNTDOWN	EUROPE
	FIND OUT WHO YOUR FRIENDS ARE	TRACY LAWRENCE
	FOOTLOOSE	KENNY LOGGINS
	IMMORTALS	KINGS OF LEON
	JUMP	POINTER SISTERS
	JUST DANCE	LADY GAGA
	KICK IN THE HEAD	DEAN MARTIN
	KICKSTART MY HEART	MOTLEY CRUE
	LET ME CLEAR MY THROAT	DJ KOOL
	LIFE IN TECHNICOLOR	COLD PLAY
	LIKE A G6	FAR EAST MOVEMENT
	LOVE STORY	TAYLOR SWIFT
	MARRY YOU	BRUNO MARS
	NOW THAT WE FOUND LOVE	HEAVY D
	ONLY YOU CAN LOVE ME THIS WAY	KEITH URBAN
	PARTY LIKE A ROCK STAR	SHOP BOYZ
	POWER OF LOVE	HUEY LEWIS
	RAISE YOUR GLASS	PINK
	REGULATE	WARREN G
	ROCK STEADY	WHISPERS
	SANDSTORM	DARUDE
	SEND ME ON MY WAY	RUSTED ROOT
	SHARP DRESSED MAN	ZZ TOP
	SHIPPING UP TO BOSTON INTRO	DROPKICK MURPHYS
	SIRIUS	ALAN PARSONS
	SOMEDAY MY PRINCE WILL COME	MILES DAVIS
	THESE ARE MY PEOPLE	RODNEY ATKINS
	THUNDERSTRUCK	AC/DC
	TOP GUN THEME SONG	SOUNDTRACK
	WALK THIS WAY	AEROSMITH
	WE ARE FAMILY	SISTER SLEDGE
	YOU AND I	INGRID MICHAELSON
	YOU ARE THE BEST THING	RAY LAMONTAGNE
	YOU MAKE MY DREAMS COME TRUE	HALL & OATES
	YOU’RE MY BEST FRIEND	QUEEN
	YOU’RE MY FIRST, LAST, EVERYTHING	BARRY WHITE

Fear & Loathing on Wall Street – By Tom Haibeck

DJ PERCEPTION SO FUNNY, IT HURTS

If you share my belief that things often happen for a reason, then read on, my fellow wedding professionals.

As many of you know, I was one of the speakers on back-to-back legs of last summer’s Mobile Beat Tour. In between Philadelphia and Cleveland, we had a few days off, so I decided to spend some time in New York City.

Hotels in The Big Apple were, as always, at a premium. But I managed to score an amazing deal on a Four Star property in the Financial District through one of those discount online travel websites that never reveal the name of the hotel until your credit card clears.

In this case, the hotel turned out to be The Millennium Hilton, which was a steal at $156 a night. But I got the shock of my life when I checked into my room, opened the drapes and discovered that I was perched 54 stories up – and directly across the street from…the new World Trade Center construction site.

It was positively surreal, and I spent a fair bit of time contemplating both the view—and the odds of my being there.

OUTRAGEOUS VERBAL BARRAGE

But things were about to get a little weirder still. Because the next morning, I wandered into the Starbucks that adjoins the hotel and stumbled across a story that would further rock my world. It was there, in the shadows of Ground Zero, that I discovered a column in that morning’s edition of The Wall Street Journal titled “DJs: The Real Wedding Crashers.”

Now please note: I’m not a regular reader of that tony publication and, in fact, I probably would never have even seen that column had I not been in New York that very morning, sipping an overpriced latte and sifting through whatever leftover newspapers I could scavenge. But there it was, staring me in the face, a front-page rant that would be read by some 2.1 million of the planet’s wealthiest and most influential opinion leaders.

I read the column with a strange mixture of mirth, horror and glee.

Mirth because it was, actually, pretty darned funny. The columnist, Joe Queenan, is a satirist, so his “shtick” is to pick targets and make fun of them. (The title of his column is, in fact, “Moving Targets.”)

Horror because what he said was, unfortunately, too often true (a fact which would later be lost on many of those who remain in denial about the unconscionable lack of professionalism amongst many within the industry).

And glee because hey, I’ve been preaching this stuff for the past 20 years, and there it was, center stage in one of the world’s leading newspapers.

Here are a few excerpts from Mr. Queenan’s treatise on wedding DJs. But before we start, please re-holster your side arms. I’m just the messenger here, folks:

“…I’ve always worried that I’m going to end up doing life in prison for strangling the DJ at a wedding reception. You know the guy I’m talking about: the preening bozo in the Goodfellas threads, the blathering doofus who can’t stop interrupting everyone’s conversations, the clown who thinks people flew thousands of miles just to see…him.”

“I don’t remember exactly when it was that weddings turned into vulgar floor shows, when the ringmaster’s baton was officially passed to a jerk in a maroon shirt with a purple tie and Scarface hair and far too many disco records.”

“The worst part is the maddening banter: “At this particular moment in time, could you put your hands together and give it up for bridesmaid Caressa Van Riemsdyck and best man Shayenne O’Leary?” he screeches, as if every wedding were a re-enactment of an Arsenio Hall monologue, circa 1989.”

“They play music that is too loud for anyone to have an intelligent conversation, and when the groom’s father angrily complains that they’re doing too much Justin Timberlake, they switch to Eminem.”

“They mispronounce everyone’s name and forget to ask the guests to put their hands together—”at this particular moment in time”—and give it up for the groom’s parents, who flew all the way from England for the wedding. (Yes, this is a personal experience. The DJ assured me that he’d introduce the couple—close friends of mine—”later.” That was three years ago. Still waiting.)”

Again, this guy is a satirist; his goal is to provide some entertainment for readers by sounding off on various “targets.” (You should hear what he had to say about lawyers and PR guys in previous pieces.)

But sadly, the caricature he draws shows up every weekend at weddings across the nation. And whether you want to admit it or not, that “blathering doofus” manages to tarnish the reputation and professional standing of mobile entertainers, emcees and wedding DJs throughout the world (if you don’t believe me, read through the comments posted by Randy Bartlett, Elisabeth Daly, Alan Dodson and other leading wedding industry professionals at the end of the article).

SOUNDING THE ALARM

Having read his full-frontal assault on wedding DJs, I thought I should alert my industry colleagues to its existence. So I spent the next few hours posting links to it in various professional forums.

What followed was a veritable windstorm of hate and vitriol. The professionals—those that take their roles as wedding entertainers seriously and that have invested in developing their professional talents—were set to form a posse to hunt down and kill the buffoon in the maroon shirt that had so offended The Nasty Columnist.

Meanwhile, the preening bozos in the Goodfellas threads turned on their mics and began to scream for The Nasty Columnist’s head (“Ladies and gentlemen, at this particular moment in time, let’s all sharpen our knives and give up the head of this [freakin’] jerk in the newspaper!”).

And then there were the morons who accused me of making the whole thing up so I could sell more books (yup, it’s all part of the continuing 9/11 conspiracy).

But here’s the truth: As many of you know, my main gig is in the public relations business. I’ve operated my own little consulting firm (see Haibeck.com) for the past 25 years and have worked with a wide range of industries and organizations. And if one of my clients was gutted in the same way that Mr. Queenan just disemboweled wedding DJs, here’s what I would tell them:

First of all, get over yourselves. What he’s stated is a little over-the-top but grounded in reality. You need to do more within your profession to both weed out the hapless amateurs and better educate the industry as a whole about the need to “up” your collective game.

You can do that by developing a code of professional standards—and requiring participants within your industry to become professionally licensed in order to do business (in the same way that any other “skilled” body of workers has, from lawyers and accountants to carpenters, hairdressers and tattoo artists). By doing so, you will be able to power down those preening bozos and create an industry-wide set of professional standards that addresses core competencies, knowledge, accountability, ethics and regulation.

Like any other professional group, mentoring needs to be a big part of that. From I’ve seen, there are some exceptionally talented practitioners within your ranks who are more than willing to share their knowledge and help newcomers hone their craft. But rather than making that a voluntary process, it should become a requirement of certification (in the same way that lawyers and other professionals are required to lead and participate in ongoing professional development in order to retain their accreditation).

And finally, you need to become better business people. Most of you need to charge more for your services; and in order to do so, you need to better communicate the value you bring to your clients. As I’ve said many times, brides get far too fixated on the fluff around their weddings, from the dresses they wear once to the flowers that die the next day. Memories are what actually endure—and the most memorable part of any wedding is the reception itself. You, my friends, hold the power to shape that event and make it the very best it can be. But brides need to be educated on the importance of that process and the value of investing in it.

Yup, I know—it’s a seemingly impossible task to get everybody onboard. But if they can rebuild and re-brand a complex as big as the World Trade Center, then I’d say anything’s possible.

—–

Excerpts from The Wall Street Journal, online edition, used by permission. Original story found at: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904007304576496314248132004.html  (Last accessed 10/15/11.)

Tom Haibeck is the author of The Wedding MC: A Complete Guide for the Master of Ceremonies and Wedding Toasts Made Easy (www.weddingtoasts.com). He is also about to launch a new program to promote and celebrate excellence within the ranks of mobile DJs and emcees.

Chauvet Is HIRING – And they might want you!

Job title: Product Manager Club/DJ
Job location: Sunrise, FL 33351
Classification: Fulltime, Exempt, Salaried
Reports to: Sr. Product Manager

The primary objective of this position is to direct the new product development process from conception to launch. Oversee and manage product coordinator and/or specialist.

Job Requirements: include the following essential duties and responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned.

Execute product development strategy for a specific product category including coordination of strategic product map, pricing, and identifying & capitalizing on competitive advantage. Responsible for launching new products on-time and on-cost. Lead new product development process from conception to launch. Lead prototype/sample evaluation process for products within category, organize and maintain reports from product engineers and product specialist on products in development for feedback to manufacturing partners. Maintain product launch calendar. Work with Product Engineering Supervisor to help establish schedule for Technical Writers.

Write specifications for new products and communicates these to marketing and sales. Work with marketing team to create product positioning statement, product names and logos. Articulate applications of fixtures to marketing and Product Marketing Manager to assist with development of marketing materials including (but not limited to) PPS, Video, webpage, and catalog & catalog specs. Take an active role and provide feedback on product photography, packaging, videos, product web pages and other marketing communications. Responsible for internal and external training on new and existing products.

Lead trade show planning, design and execution. Manage selection and availability of new product samples for trade shows, and work with marketing and sales to ensure that category products are represented effectively. Work with quality control, marketing, sales, service and purchasing to reduce/eliminate product quality issues and to identify cost reduction and value improvement opportunities.

Act as a product champion; monitor market and competitor products before and after product launch via YouTube, lighting forums and other mediums. Supervise setup & programming of category specific products in showroom. Maintain relationships with key partners (customer and vendors).

Coach, develop and mentor product coordinator and/or specialist. Provide timely development and performance feedback. Produce and submit regular performance monitoring and assessment reports, including one (1) annual and one (1) semiannual review for each direct report.

Overnight travel required

Education and/or Experience:

Associate’s Degree in Electronics or Electrical Engineering and 2-3 years supervisory experience; 1-2 years experience and/or training in prototype/sample evaluation and teardown/reassembly of lighting, small electronics or technical products prototype or equivalent combination of education, experience, and supervisory skills. Proficiency in use of major PC applications including Microsoft Office. Expertise in Production/Installation Lighting technology and applications.

Ability to interpret technical instructions in diagram form, follow established procedures, and keep accurate records. Attention to detail. Excellent communication and time management skills with the ability to work independently with minimal direction in a fast-paced environment. Ability to lift up to 50lbs unassisted

For more information please contact:

Melanie Levy

Human Resources Assistant

CHAUVET® | 5200 NW 108th Ave., Sunrise, FL 33351

Direct: +1.954.577.4462 | Main Office: +1.954.577.4455 x 1201 | Fax: +1.954.678.3042

mlevy@chauvetlighting.com | www.chauvetlighting.com

“Pumped Up Kicks” Controversy + Safe School Top 30

 

We definitely hit a cord with this song by Foster the People.  Our esteemed review panel cleared this song for School dances.   It’s references to guns, bullets and violence however set up a flurry of controversy.  Our decision had been that although it refers to violence it didn’t promote or glorify it.    Several of our Responsible DJ members took exception to that, as did some school administrators and faculty.   Due to the flood of e mails, I sent the song back to our review panel, and they have reversed their position on this song.  It now appears on the DO NOT PLAY list.  TM/Prime Cuts (and maybe others) does provide a new version of the song that scrambles and edits all reference to violence however, and you might consider it for school dance play.   Responsible DJs who are members of the School Dance Network, have been provided with a copy of the edited version.

If you are interested in becoming a member we will provide you with a weekly “digital” version of our play lists, you will have access to our  full archived listing of DO NOT PLAY SONGS, will be included in our “Responsible DJ Directory and will be included on our soon to be published, nationally distributed list of “Responsible DJs”.   To Join CLICK HERE.  (The fee to support the network is just $50 per year)

TOP 30 SAFE SONGS FOR OCTOBER 25TH 2011

 

		Artist	Title	Notes/info	Prime Cuts #	BPM
1	1	Gym Class Heros	Stereo Hearts	Adam Levine	201125	91
4	2	Cobra Starship	You Make Me Feel		201120	132
6	3	David Guetta	Without You	Usher	201136	128
2	4	Lil Wayne	How to Love		201123	77
3	5	Maroon 5/Aguilera	Moves Like Jagger		201132	128
9	6	Jason Derulo	It Girl		201133	92
5	7	New Boyz	Better with the Lights on		201120	112
13	8	LMFAO	Sexy and I know it		201133	130
7	9	Britney Spears	I Wanna Go		201124	131
8	10	LMFAO	Party Rock Anthem	Lauren Bennett	201102	131
10	11	Bad Meets Evil	Lighters (squeaky clean)	Bruno Mars	201125	90
11	12	Nicki Minaj	Super Bass		201115	127
15	13	Alexandra Stan	Mr. Saxobeat		201119	127
14	14	Sean Paul	Got 2 Luv		201129	92
12	15	David Guetta	Where them Girls at	FloRida-Nicki Minaj	201119	130
21	16	Nicki Minaj-Rihanna	Fly	Must edit Motherf**ker	201132	120
16	17	Kanye West	All of the lights	Kid Cudi, Rihanna	201050	71
18	18	Afrojack	Take over Control	Eva Simons	201048	130
17	19	Pitbulll	Give Me Everything	Ne-Yo & Nayer -	201114	129
23	20	Rihanna	We Found Love		201140	128
25	21	Flo Rida	Good Feelin		201137	128
22	22	Breathe Carolina	Black Out	Use Radio Edit	201124	124
19	23	T-Pain	Best Love Song	Chris Brown	201108	81
28	24	Bruno Mars	It Will Rain	One reference to morophine	201140	75
20	25	Iyaz	Pretty Girls	Travie McCoy	201120	78
24	26	Lady Gaga	The Edge of Glory		201120	128
30	27	Enrique Iglesias	I Like How it Feels	FT Pitbull	201139	128
29	28	Hot Chelle Rae	I Like it Like That	FT-New Boyz	201139	101
New	29	Drake	Headlines	Must be edited! F**K, Sh*t, Nig**	201132	76
New	30	Jennifer Lopez	Papi		201135	120

THE NATIONAL DO NOT PLAY SONGS  (10-25-11)

	Artist	Title	Notes
NEW	Big Sean	Dance (A$$)	Even cleaned up with edits this one talks about grinding and butts.  Best to leave this one at home.
New	Taio Cruise	Hangover	Stand clear of this song.  It is all about drinking, getting drunk and the residuals of being drunk.
NEW	Foster the People	Pumped up Kicks	Search out the clean version with no guns, no bullets and no violence and this one is safe to play.  Otherwise better avoid it at schools.

 

Dj Bytes Computer DJ Conference by TriceraSoft and Cheryl Q Productions

Ontario, Canada — TriceraSoft and Cheryl Q Productions is partnering together to bring back the long awaited DJ Computer Show, this inaugural kick off will be debuted as the ‘DJ BYTES’ Summer Computer DJ Conference. The focus of the show will be to educate DJ’s, KJ’s, and VJ’s on repairs, problem solving, and recommendations for Entertainment Computer Systems (known as DJ Computers). Attendees will benefit from face to face exhibits with the manufacturers and educators and be treated to seminars that teach “how to’s”. If you are looking to go digital or already using a DJ Computer, you can’t miss this event!

The DJ BYTES conference will be help on June 11 to 14, 2012 at the B Ocean Fort Lauderdale hotel and resort. Visit www.djbytes.com for show room rates and for contact details. Regsitration for the show is available online and via phone. Call TriceraSoft at (905) 846-8460, contact us by email: gai@tricerasoft.com, or visit the website www.djbytes.com for more contact details and information. Early Bird pricing is provided for attendees who purchase full seminar passes before February 1st, 2012.

About TriceraSoft:

TriceraSoft brings the first All-In-One solutions for Video, Karaoke, Audio Mixing, and Lighting Control beginning as early as 1998. TriceraSoft has branched into the mobile market, automation, and revitalization of the digital entertainment industry. Further, is educating the public on utilizing the computer as a tool for entertainment. TriceraSoft will always be dedicated to releasing quality products that push the envelope of audio visual technology and bring these solutions to the hands of interested users everywhere.

Cheryl Q productions is an award winning entertainment service catering to the Ft. Lauderdale, Homestead, West Palm Beach, Miami, Florida Keys, Key Largo, Key West, Fla Keys and all South Florida areas. Cheryl Q productions is owned and run by Cheryl Quinlan, Certified Professional Disc Jockey.

Tricerasoft Returns To MBLV!

Ontario, Canada — TriceraSoft is returning to Mobilebeat with a bang! Find TriceraSoft at demo room Capri 116 serving FREE Seminars with a repeating seminar twice per hour, starting top of the hour. Each seminar will be 15 minutes focusing on an aspect of the digital karaoke industry with a “how to” instructional break down. Meet us for Q/A between seminars. If you are looking into the digital karaoke world, don’t miss these seminars!

The seminars topics will outline as follows:

Wednesday:

1pm – How to start your digital karaoke business

2pm – How to efficiently run a digital karaoke show (the crash course)

3pm – How to print your song books

4pm – How to update your digital karaoke content

5pm – How to convert CD+G Discs

Thursday:

1pm – How to support extraneous video formats (karaoke and videos)

2pm – How to finish with a bang (karaoke style)!

About TriceraSoft:

TriceraSoft brings the first All-In-One solutions for Video, Karaoke, Audio Mixing, and Lighting Control beginning as early as 1998. TriceraSoft has branched into the mobile market, automation, and revitalization of the digital entertainment industry. Further, is educating the public on utilizing the computer as a tool for entertainment. TriceraSoft will always be dedicated to releasing quality products that push the envelope of audio visual technology and bring these solutions to the hands of interested users everywhere.

A First Look At The Seminars – MBLV16

A FIRST LOOK AT THE SEMINARS: MBLV16

An exciting lineup of seminars is planned for the 2012 Mobile Beat DJ Show and Conference (MBLV16) coming to the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas for the fifth year in a row in February.

On Monday, February 6, the “Unofficial Day-Before-The-Show” seminars present SIX exciting sessions. What started as a few extra options for those arriving early has turned into a packed day of information kicking off at Noon.

Among the day’s presentations is Ron Ruth with an all-new Part 2 of “Disney’s 3 Keys to Success,” where we’ll take another peek behind the Disney curtain and explore…Clientology, Storytelling and Pixie Dust. These 3 processes not only support the essential service elements, but are key to your ability to deliver unexpected magic, enjoy unprecedented levels of client satisfaction and to solidifying YOUR reputation as the standard bearer of excellence in the wedding DJ industry.

 

David Hascom’s “Compound Your Success,” will look at all the keys to true success as applicable to all industries or individuals and help you learn what those things are and how to Compound Your Success.

 

The Boogie Hill Faders are known for their unique and club focused brand of music production works. They’ve combined the best studio practices in studio remixing and creating live mashups to create a new hybrid production style, they call, “The Reup”, a fusion of popular remixing production and creative mashup techniques. Don’t miss their “Tips & Tricks to produce your own DJ remixes & mashups”

Tom Haibeck

has a new book and seminar to go with it: “The Power of Publicity!”Have you ever wondered how business people get themselves profiled in newspapers, magazines and on radio and television programs? It’s a great way to generate free advertising about yourself as a mobile entertainer — and PR expert Tom will show you how to make it happen.

If you are seen as “just another DJ,” you will have trouble making yourself seem attractive to many potential customers. You may be amazing at what you do, but that only helps if you can get enough customers to showcase your skill and efficiency. Decide what makes you different from everyone else and use that to create your marketing concept. Alan Dodson has tips to do that in Taking Your DJ Business To The Top.

 

 

In Rob Peters’ Kid’s Entertainment For DJs – Revisited, take a close look at children’s entertainment as a profitable venture for DJs. In some cases, it does not require any additional investment beyond the equipment you already own. A little creativity, a good planned out performance, and some basic marketing can open the door to additional bookings and revenue.

 

On Tuesday, February 7, DJ Advocate Mark Ferrell returns to the Mobile Beat seminar lineup after his 2011 national tour with a presentation entitled “Shout of Mouth.” In this pull-no-punches seminar, Mark Ferrell examines what it truly takes to be considered a professional mobile DJ and what it takes to charge well above the average rate in any market: Excellent Master of Ceremonies skills.

 

 

Mark joins two already announced featured speakers who will appear at MBLV16, Steve Brazell, a/k/a “The Hitman” is one of America’s top marketing and branding experts. He helps Fortune 500s, start-ups, small-caps, celebrities, and individuals make more money by communicating their brand stories better. He is the founder of Hitman, Inc., a Competition Removal™ firm, and the author of “Clear! The Simple Guide to Keeping Your Business Alive and Kicking.”

 

Moses Avalon, a former New York record producer and recording engineer who appeared at the 2002 Mobile Beat Show, is an artist’s rights activist and the author of a top selling music industry reference, Million Dollar Mistakes. Mr. Avalon is a court-recognized music business expert in New York, California, and Florida. He takes on the most controversial issues in the music business today, and has appeared on Court TV, MSNBC, CNN Money Line, Bill O’Reilly and other national TV shows.

 

 

Day three, Wednesday, February 8, continues delivery of a full house of talent. Early risers can catch “THE MOCK MITZVAH”!!!! Sean Big Daddy McKee, Bobby Morganstein and Marz Lawhorn will be presenting a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Party. These three industry Veterans and a few surprise guest stars will perform a mitzvah party from start to finish, showing cocktail hour options, and all of the traditional ceremonial steps that take place on that day. Be prepared to move, dance and LEARN!!!

Are you the life of the party on Saturday night, and still up bright and early on Sunday to get to church? Do you have to make a conscientious effort not to use your “DJ voice” when praying? Are you thankful the “requests” in the Bible have nothing to do with what song God wants you to play next? Justin Windham is a DJ, Speaker, Stand Up Comedian, and Licensed Pastor (Yes, he gets the occasional request to both officiate the wedding AND emcee the reception!). Armed with hilarious observational insights and motivating scriptural truths, –it’ll be more fun than DJ-ing a church bake sale at a senior center! ”

 

 

Matt Blank has maintained a 95% closing rate on all his client meetings. He will explain his pre, during, and post meeting tactics that allow him to book virtually all of his meetings, in a seminar simply called “The Meeting”. Overall this seminar will help you confidently lead a conversation, and allow you to close more of your prospective client meetings.

 

 

Jim Cerone’s “Perfect Music Programming-Cocktails, Dinner & Dancing ,” will be presented in two parts, based on Jim’s programming skills from 20 years as a radio Music Director. After this presentation, you’ll understand why cocktail and dinner music are so important. You’ll discover the radio “Rule of Three.” When it’s over, you’ll know the Top 10 Secrets to creating Perfect Music Programming.

 

 

Mike Walter presents “Running Your Multi-Op :Advice on Recruiting, Training, Marketing and Sales & Managing” Mike is back with his most complete seminar to date. All new material with tips and advice for the Multi-Op of any size and experience. As always, Mike will offer a fast-paced, information-packed seminar that will cover recruitment tips and selling and marketing advice.

 

 

On Thursday February 9, seminars run until Noon. Arnoldo Offerman will speak on how to “Market and Sell School Dances”, using an out-of-the box method that will get you more meetings and more school clients guaranteed. Topics will include phone sales, print marketing plans, what equipment to purchase, how to sell to students and teachers at the same time, and how to get extra events from the students themselves.

 

Between Chuck Lehnhard, Keith Alan and Ron Ruth and Mike Buonaccorso, their combined time in the mobile DJ industry is over a century. DJing From 50 & Beyond will cover what will get you to the half century mark, and keep you there.

Last year, Steve Clayton gave an overview of how and why he moved his one op DJ company to a multi-op and then to a production company. After multiple requests, he returns this year and digs in deep and uncovers “5 Steps to Becoming a Production Company” and getting those big jobs. Steve will also cover topics such as: marketing, inventory, resources and insurance and how they are different and important in creating a different image and promoting to a different clientele.

 

Jason Weldon wants to help you with your marketing efforts. “The Marketing Plan” will show you how to create and implement a basic marketing plan to acquire and/or retain more business, focusing on a few key concepts. Together, we will analyze a typical marketing plan and show how to adapt it to change through the years. He will be brief, but very informative and give suggestions from his own business model.

The ability to be a good host is a crucial part of being a credible mobile entertainer. Josh Yawn’s “Branding Yourself As A Host” brings a national television host perspective on mic skills, branding, improvisation, keeping any event moving, interviewing skills and more.

In addition, several sponsored seminars currently scheduled include TriceraSoft, Pioneer, Chauvet, and American DJ. Watch this page for continuing updates!

2 Easy Tips for Laser-filled Halloweens

by Allan Reiss, product manager for CHAUVET® Club/DJ

Do you want to see how cool your Halloween party can get? You can bring in as many skulls, mummies and fake bloody human parts you want, but nothing will get as cool as lasers! Sharp, eye-catching and colorful, lasers should not be skipped when planning for Halloween. Lasers are special due to their unique concentrated beam that stays the same width even when it travels long distances. But what makes it so interesting can also pose a hazard to those who come in its path. When you are using lasers for Halloween, whether it’s for a haunted house or for a party, be careful how you place them. Just follow these quick suggestions and may the laser be with you!

1. Don’t ‘laser’ people’s faces. Position the lasers so they wouldn’t shine directly on your guests or in their face at eye level. Most lasers are class IIIa, which can cause severe damage if they hit the eye. To avoid any accidents, no matter how unlikely it may seem, just focus your laser at still inanimate scary objects.

2. Reflected laser light is just as powerful! Even if you were careful enough to position lasers correctly, follow the beam and ensure it doesn’t reflect into a mirror or other shiny surface. Due to its nature, the reflected laser beam is almost as powerful and can still cause damage to the eye.

For you being a responsible laser user, my reward is a cool tip on two even cooler lasers that will safely brighten your Halloween and help you build the haunted house of your dreams – or nightmares…

Perfect to set a Halloween mood, Cirrus™ and Eclipse™ from CHAUVET® are two aerial lasers that will get you all wrapped up in their spider web-style effects. Cirrus™ gives a green and red lumia effect combined with a blue LED ripple effect, to create one unique laser. It has three operating modes: manual, automatic and sound activated. Plus, it’s versatile with separate controls for lasers and LED. The Eclipse™ adds an exciting red and green laser star field to a deep blue, high power LED aura effect. The independently controllable lasers with the fully dimmable LED illumination create an awe-inspiring look that is equally effective with or without fog.

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