DJ Intelligence: by DJs, for DJs… The story behind the service

Over the past 8 years, DJ Intelligence has traveled to over two dozen national tradeshows and met literally thousands of DJs in person. One of the most popular questions we are asked is “How did DJ Intelligence get started?” In case your future travel plans do not include a trip to a national trade show, here’s the story behind the service that has forever transformed the DJ industry.

The first version of the DJ Intelligence software was actually developed in 1998 by one of Chicago’s largest and most respected DJ entertainment companies. Many are surprised to learn that the code itself was written by DJs, not programmers or engineers. Who better to understand the true needs of a mobile DJ than a group of seasoned DJs with decades of experience entertaining at weddings and parties?

The original version of the software was an immediate success. Clients loved the ability to book and plan their event online, especially the ability to make a request list. At the time, most DJs were still mailing out hard copies of their music list. The ability to search a music library online and make requests in real time was cutting edge. Clients were amazed and prospective clients were impressed. Business prospered!

Over the years, the Chicago DJ company was inundated with emails and phone calls from other DJ companies, sometimes three or four a week, asking if they would be willing to sell the software. Of course the answer was always “not at this time” because the DJ company was enjoying an unmatched competitive advantage. But finally in late 2001, after the volume of requests became overwhelming, the decision was made to offer the software to the general public.

In the months that followed, the software was re-developed from the ground up to offer greater flexibility for the unique needs of different types of DJ companies. In early 2002, the new version was complete and ready for launch. Few recall that the original name of the software was Music Intelligence because most of the early features were designed around the music tools. But within a few short months Music Intelligence expanded to become DJ Intelligence, a name that today is one of the most recognizable brands in the industry.

By early 2003 the co-founders and co-developers of DJ Intelligence decided it was time to sell the DJ business so they could focus their efforts on DJ Intelligence. Owning one of Chicago’s largest DJ companies, they did not feel it was appropriate and was a conflict of interest to be offering a service to DJs who in many cases were their local competitors. The business was quickly sold and these entertainers permanently changed their resume from “DJ” to “former DJ.” The Chicago DJ company continues to operate to date under its new ownership.

Over the years DJ Intelligence has grown beyond expectations. Today DJ Intelligence services thousands of DJs in two dozen countries worldwide. But one thing has never changed: DJ Intelligence is by DJs, for DJs. Only today, the community of contributing DJs is far larger than it was in 2002. DJ Intelligence’s full time staff consists of former DJs, entertainers, and professional service providers with decades of experience in the weddings & special events industries. Improvements and enhancements to the software come directly from the ideas that are submitted from professional DJs who use DJ Intelligence.

DJ Intelligence is your software and we are committed to developing new features and tools that better fit the needs of your company. We’re one of the few services in this industry to offer live 24×7 support from a team of professionals who not only understand the software, but also understand your business. And while the past has certainly been exciting, the future holds even greater promise. Some major upgrades and improvements are currently in development, based purely on your ideas and suggestions. We’re glad to have you along for the ride!

$600 GIVEAWAY from DJ Intelligence, enter by August 13th

$600 GIVEAWAY! In 420 characters or less, tell us how DJ Intelligence has helped your business or why you can’t live without it. Write your story directly on the DJ Intelligence wall at http://www.facebook.com/djintelligence as a new post. The story with the most “Likes” as of August 13th at Noon (CST) will win the $600 valued prize pack from DJ Intelligence, Party Blast, and TM Studios. Encourage your friends and colleagues to read your post and “Like” it!

$600 GIVEAWAY PRIZES INCLUDE: 6 Month Private Label Subscription to DJ Intelligence ($100 VALUE), 6 Month Platinum Listing at Party Blast ($200 VALUE), and 6 Month PrimeCuts Weekly MP3 Music Subscription from TM Studios ($300 VALUE). If you already have any of these services, they will be extended by 6 months.

And The Winner From Chauvet Is….

AND THE WINNER IS…
CHAUVET ENDS 2^ND ANNUAL DJ PRODUCT REVIEW CONTEST

SUNRISE, Fla. – CHAUVET®, a leading manufacturer of professional lighting, announced the end of their second annual DJ Product Review Contest [link: http://www.youtube.com/user/chauvetlighting#p/a/u/2/1w9_Qrs6tEo]. The contest yielded two winners in what became a tight race for victory. Both DJ Wicked Jester and DJ Omega80 were named grand prize winners, and official YouTube product reviewers for CHAUVET®, receiving products to review in the coming year.

Originally the contest was to have one grand prize winner and one first place winner, but the entries from DJ Wicked Jester, who reviewed the Scorpion™ Storm FX [link: FX http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-FUWN8OIbU], and DJ Omega80, who reviewed the COLORstrip™ [link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9paeZ1axE8], were considered by the judging committee to be the most informative and creative product reviews. It was a close competition which yielded two grand prize winners for this year’s contest.

“The review for the Scorpion Storm FX exhibited great product knowledge and really shared an understanding of the fixture,” said Allan Reiss, product manager for club/DJ line at CHAUVET®. “But the creativity delivered for the COLORstrip was just another galaxy away from the other reviews.”

The top 15 finalists will receive a special edition CHAUVET® T-shirt. They are listed here by their YouTube name: BigShowMobileEnt, bigshowmobile, clarkfrank123, DJRockinRob, keithdivel, djboentertainment, ChadAlanEvents, DJJoey100, DJAdvise, DjwickedJester, DJMIKEYB1000, crankupthevolume1517, DJOmega80, atakid920, and MikeLtheDJ. And the top 25 finalists will receive a CHAUVET® road case sticker.

The DJ Product Review Contest was the second for this annual event. All submitted contest entries were posted on YouTube. The goal of the contest was to find the most creative and informative review of one of the fixtures from the extensive line of club/DJ products from CHAUVET®.

Mobile Beat Magazine July issue features DJ Intelligence Top 200

The July issue of Mobile Beat Magazine (#129) hit the newsstands and is again overflowing with great content including the yearly Top 200 song lists. This highly anticipated issue of Mobile Beat features a number of lists with song data provided by DJ Intelligence. As a DJ Intelligence subscriber, when your clients make requests online they are automatically included in this vote, helping to shape future events all over the world! The most requested lists by DJ intelligence are systematically calculated by analyzing the nearly 2 million actual client requests made through the DJ intelligence music request system each year. Every request is compiled in real time to create these tallied lists. Because of the massive quantity of requests, the lists are precisely accurate.

In this issue of Mobile Beat, industry expert Jim Weisz provides some commentary on the Top 200, looking back at 20 years of lists as the publication approaches its 20 year anniversary in 2011. You might be surprised at the number one song of the year! Looking back at the classic part of the list, Mobile Beat talks with Tommy James, the man behind Mony, Mony and many other hits, and marks the inception of a new feature called Party Music People which focuses on the artists who have given us the hits that fill dance floors week after week.

Be sure to check out all this and much more in the July issue of Mobile Beat Magazine. Not a Mobile Beat subscriber? Subscribe today at http://www.mobilebeat.com. Already a Mobile Beat subscriber? Log in at http://members.mobilebeat.com to view the new issue electronically!

Crossfader Show Update!

In a few days time, we will be recording our 20th episode of The Crossfader Show. With that number looming over us, I am amazed at what we have accomplished and what the future has in store for us. The show is gaining momentum, thanks to our guests, and has attracted much attention from the DJ community. Yet, the show is still in its infancy and promises to flower into a vibrant spectacle for the DJ world to enjoy. Let’s take a look and what’s in store.

We are proud to produce shows with substance and enough character to keep viewers engaged and entertained. The next wave of shows will deliver on that promise starting off with a look at Female Disc Jockey on June 28th. We’re calling it our “ALL Girl DJ” episode with guests like Amanda Rose, Teemaree, DJ Kay Jay, Amanda Pearl and Jean Steinmetz. These ladies are actual working DJs with the looks to boot. We will go in-depth to explore the obstacles and learn their secrets to success.

The Disney name is known worldwide for family entertainment and fun. We talk with Ron Ruth on July 5th who has studied Disney’s methodology and shares some of their secrets which are ingrained into their DNA. “Disney’s Three Keys To Success and Your DJ Business” will give you the information you need to implement proven strategies to improve your business.

Traveling to Vegas, we sit down with master of online marketing and sorcerer of social media, Andy Ebon on July 12th. We shall discuss what can sabotage your web presence, online social interaction and DJ website no-no’s. This show is a must if you find that your web-site needs an overhaul.

Back in the studio on July 19th with a look at Odyssey and their product line of cases and DJ accessories. With hefty investments in your gear, it only makes sense to protect it with an established company. Then it’s a flashback to the 80’s LA Disco music scene with the Aquamen. These gentlemen will set the scene as we reveal what made this era in LA music history so memorable.

Keeping in tune with our look back in LA music history, KDAY’s DJ child Tony G will make an appearance at our studio on July 26th. An early Hip Hop radio station changed the Los Angeles and world radio scene forever with emerging DJs and artists.

And finally, August 9th marks our 25th episode. We revisit our past show topics and we’ll chat with past guests with their thoughts on their appearance on the show. As an added bonus, we’ll let our viewers chime in and chat with them LIVE on camera.

As we receive feedback from our fans and viewers, we are planning to bring some informative, entertaining and engaging content with top name guests and DJ manufacturers you know and trust. Tune in as we venture into uncharted territory with LIVE streaming every Monday at noon Pacific, 3 pm Eastern and 9 pm GMT.

Check out more info at http://www.thecrossfadershow.com/blog/2010/6/27/upcoming-shows-update.html

American Audio Launching “4 Things I Love About DJing!” Contest

For Lovers Only

American Audio Launching “4 Things I Love About DJing!” Contest,

With a Grand Prize of a Brand-New VMS4

LOS ANGELES – American DJ has always been proud to call itself a company that has been created by DJ’s for DJ’s; and the introduction of their exciting new contest is just another example of how the company continues to give back to the DJ community whenever possible. In the American Audio VMS4 “4 Things I Love About DJing!” Contest, participants are invited to submit a video entry telling American DJ what they love about being a DJ, which can include anything from why they are passionate about the DJ business, what got them interested in becoming a mobile entertainer or even their most memorable gig. The story that stands out the most will score some incredible prizes, including the grand prize of an all-new VMS4 Velocity MIDI station from American Audio.

American Audio’s VMS4 is an amazingly versatile 4-channel “MIDILOG” controller that fuses both MIDI and analog audio control into one unit. Billed as “the ultimate DJ performance tool” the VMS4 can be used with either a PC or MAC. If the computer crashes, it will kick into analog mode, where CD players or turntables may be used, or a DJ can use an external power supply. The unit can also be personalized with the option of customized skins. Along with all its high-tech features and all-around versatility, the VMS4 comes bundled with the Virtual DJ 6 LE Software, so DJs and mobile entertainers will need nothing more to get the party started right away.

Participants who are hopeful of winning the state-of-the-art American Audio VMS4 must submit their videos to DJ Brian Redd’s YouTube channel, (http://www.youtube.com/user/briansredd) as a response to the video posted that gives an overview of the contest and its exciting prize. In their video entry, contestants can include lighting, music and sound or visual props. The possibilities are limited only by their imagination! The contest, which runs until Tuesday, August 31, 2010, will have a total of four winners, who will receive gear from American Audio, plus 10 runners-up will receive a free custom VMS4 banner from American Audio. The list of winners and prizes are as follows:

Viewers Choice Winner: Will receive 1 pair American Audio HP 700 headphones + your choice of 6 different Accu Cable Products (i.e. Speaker Cables, Mic Cables, DMX Cables or Extension Cables) + 200 ADJ Advantage Points.

Brian S. Redd’s Choice Winner: Will receive: 1x Comscan LED System + 300 ADJ Advantage Points

American Audio’s Choice Winner: Will receive 1x VMS4 + 400 ADJ Advantage Points

Grand Prize Winner (drawn from a hat): Will receive 1x VMS4 + 1x VMS4 Hard Case + 500 ADJ Advantage Points

10 Runners-up: Will receive 1 custom VMS4 banner from American Audio. This will be a separate drawing. One submission per video will be randomly drawn to determine DJ banner winners.

For more information on the VMS4 please visit www.vms4dj.com.

To see the VMS4 in action, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seL-52mHqh0

For more information on the American Audio VMS4 “4 Things I Love About DJing!” Contest, including official rules, visit www.fucinipro.com/AmericanDJ/ADJBlast_june10/contest.htm.

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.

DJ Intelligence expands Most Requested song lists to include 1950’s

DJ Intelligence is pleased to introduce the “Top 100 Songs of the 1950’s,” a new addition to its existing collection of Most Requested song lists. As with DJ Intelligence’s other Most Requested charts, it’s systematically calculated by analyzing nearly 2 million actual client requests made through the DJ Intelligence music request system over the past 12 months. The requests are compiled and tallied to create this new, useful list. Because of the massive quantity of requests, we believe it is precisely accurate. This is a generalized list for all events ranging from weddings to parties.

Other Most Requested charts published by DJ Intelligence include Top 200 Songs, Top 100 1960’s, Top 100 1970’s, Top 100 1980’s, Top 100 1990’s, and Top 100 2000’s. DJ Intelligence also publishes specialty charts such as Top Bride & Groom first dance, Bride & Father, Groom & Mother, Bridal Party, Bouquet, Garter, Cake Cutting, and Introductions. These lists are accessible by clients through the DJ Intelligence Music Database, Music Search, and Guest Request website tools. You can view a sampling of these lists by visiting http://www.demo.djintelligence.com/music/requested.asp

The Music Database is just one of nearly two dozen interactive web modules included with the service, but among DJ Intelligence subscribers it is agreed to be the most popular. Your clients can log on to your existing website and search through your personal music library (or use the default list of 75,000 songs which is updated weekly) by keyword, genre, decade, and other search parameters, or simply browse through your music library by song title or artist. They can view song suggestions by category. They can even listen to 30 second song samples and view the lyrics to any song with a single click!

When the client finds a song they like, they can add it to one of three custom request lists: Must Play, Play if Possible, and Do Not Play. You can select how many of each type of request you are willing to accept and can even change the labels if you do not like these terms. The client can attach “notes” to any request for special instructions or dedications. And if the client wants to request a song that is not in your library, you can optionally provide the client with a “custom” request button for entering these requests by hand.

The client can save their work for continued progress and return to the site at any time to retrieve their saved list. Since the service is web based, the client can connect from anywhere in the world using an internet connected computer (PC or Mac) and their web browser. Throughout the process, you can monitor the client’s progress through the Control Panel and even receive email notifications every time the client makes an update to their list. Upon completion, the client’s request list is electronically submitted to you by email which also includes a link to a printable HTML report. If you use digital music software, the system can create an M3U playlist file so all the client’s requests are pre-loaded for the event!

Perhaps the neatest feature of the DJ Intelligence music request system is that every time your client makes a request, that request is automatically included in a real time tally for the Most Requested song lists. This means their contributions are helping to shape future events all over the world. Millions of requests are cast each year through this very system. To test drive a live demo site, please visit http://www.demo.djintelligence.com/music. To learn more about DJ Intelligence and add it to your existing website so your clients’ requests can be included in the voting, visit http://djintelligence.com.

DJ Intelligence to present seminar at NADJ tradeshow in UK on April 25th

DJ Intelligence will be presenting a seminar at the upcoming NADJ AGM & tradeshow on 25 April, 2010 at the Barn Function Centre in Gloucestershire, UK. The NADJ is the National Association of Disc Jockeys, a leading trade association for professional mobile DJs in the United Kingdom. DJ Intelligence will have a representative on hand to present the seminar, provide a full demonstration, and answer any questions from the group.

The UK is DJ Intelligence’s 3rd largest market, with over a thousand professional DJs using the software. DJ Intelligence is owned by Intelligence, Inc., a US-based company, but the service itself is fully optimised to fit the unique needs of the UK market. “While we do not hide the fact that we are a US-based company, we want DJs in the UK to feel as though they are transacting business with a UK-based company. In short, we want UK DJs to feel extremely comfortable doing business with us and know that they will receive all the same advantages as working with a local company” said Scott Kartsounes, CEO of DJ Intelligence parent company Intelligence, Inc.

One of the hallmarks of this mission is DJ Intelligence’s 24×7 support operation, a rarity in this industry. Even with the 6 hour time difference between the UK and US, UK-based DJs will have full confidence in knowing they can reach someone to answer their questions, day or night. “DJ Intelligence is critical to the operation of your DJ business. You need to be able to reach us anytime and we need to be available around the clock, regardless of local business hours or time differences” said Kartsounes. “Our reputation is built on first class customer support.”

DJ Intelligence also configures for local UK standards, including address formats (i.e. “House Number and Street” instead of “Address” or “Postal Code” instead of “ZIP Code”), currency formats (i.e. UK Pounds £ instead of US Dollars $), and advanced features such as the availability of travel charge (mileage) calculations within the Quote Generator tool and NoChex, a popular UK payment processor, within the Payment Gateway tool. “We have taken very careful consideration to determine the best way to serve DJs in the UK market. DJ Intelligence’s development is fueled directly by actual DJs who use the service. Through our UK subscribers, we have done extensive research to learn about local standards to ensure we conform as closely as possible. Of course if there are ever any details that have been overlooked, we are eager to make those changes” said Darren Hughes, President of Intelligence, Inc. and head of software development. “It is our goal to be the most flexible and powerful solution available in the UK market.”

To learn more about DJ Intelligence, please visit http://djintelligence.com. If you are located in the UK and are interested in attending the tradeshow and DJ Intelligence seminar, please visit http://www.nadjtradeshow.com for full details. You do not have to be a member of the NADJ to attend the show.

A Look at Best-Selling DJ/Author Stacy Zemon’s Must-Read New Book

Stacy Zemon
A Look at Best-Selling DJ/Author Stacy Zemon’s
Must-Read New Book

Can success be taught?  Ask the 40,000 or so DJs worldwide who’ve benefited from the wit and wisdom of DJ/Author Stacy Zemon’s widely acclaimed series of disc jockey books and you’ll likely get a resounding “Yes!”  Her books have become mainstays of the mobile industry because Stacy knows her stuff.

For over a decade, she has penned articles for DJ Times magazine and been a reporter for DJ News Network. Stacy is also an endorsed artist for American DJ Lighting, Cortex Digital Music Controllers, and Promo Only Music and Video.  Her roots began in radio where Stacy’s been an Announcer, Music Director and Program Director.  Stacy’s passion for professional excellence prompted her to pioneer a ground-breaking business model between her multi-system entertainment operation and a major radio broadcasting company.  The business was the dominant force in New England.  Today, Stacy works solely as an MC for high-end private and corporate events.

She routinely shares her wealth of knowledge as a speaker at industry conferences such as the Mobile Beat DJ Show and the International DJ Expo, where she is also a frequent judge at annual “DJ of the Year” competitions.

Most recently, Zemon has chosen to share her insights with a new book, The Mobile DJ MBA…Simply put, this book is a must-read for disc jockeys who are serious about running a profitable enterprise. Brimming with vital business, sales and marketing savvy garnered from Stacy’s years of experience, The Mobile DJ MBA provides both newcomers and seasoned pros alike with the know-how needed to gain and maintain a competitive edge.

This vital reference manual features tips from 60 of the brightest minds in our industry including: DJ Soulman,  Scott “The Game Master” Faver, Jason Jani, Marcello Pedalino, Sid Vanderpool, Lisa Kasberg Mike Walter, Professor Jam, Rick “DJ Flip” Sajorta and Albert Lineses III (ALIII).

TOPICS COVERED:

• Overcoming business obstacles
• Developing sales skills to convert prospects into clients
• Creating a network of partnerships that will grow your business
• Booking more events with surefire sales closing methods
• Gaining tons of exposure with free publicity
• Implementing the top guerrilla marketing tactics
• Gaining a competitive edge over your competition
• Expanding into a multi-system/person operation
• Producing a dazzling audio-visual sales presentation
• Expanding your roster of products and services
• Attracting and retaining loyal DJ staff members
• And much more….
 

The Mobile DJ MBA is a book about business that’s not all business.  Part of Stacy’s allure as an author is that she provides an easy and entertaining read.  We’re putting The Mobile DJ MBA on our recommended reading list – and so should you.

For more about Stacy Zemon, The Mobile DJ MBA and her other best sellers, The Mobile DJ Handbook and The DJ Sales & Marketing Handbook visit ProMobileDJ.com!

ProMobileDJ.com is Stacy’s Business, Sales & Marketing blog that features tools, techniques and strategies for management, innovation and growth.  Stacy encourages DJs to visit the blog frequently for updates and to comment on posts.

Could you mobile entertainment company benefit from a business tune-up?  Does the copy on your website and in your marketing materials accurately reflect the image you want to portray to your target market(s)?  If not, Stacy can help with business consulting and copywriting services.  For more information visit StacyZemon.com.

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