Dear DJ,
If etiquette is a code of appropriate behavior, then I hazard that calling this subject matter MUSIC ETIQUETTE will not be far of the mark!
Have you had that surreal experience of listening to an awful selection of songs at an event? Like a melancholic song about loneliness or jilting at a wedding? Or one about good riddance at a funeral reception? Although I am one to ask for a song list from the host or hostess of any event I work on, I am also first to acknowledge how difficult it is for the host(es) or couple to give out a list long enough to cover the entire duration of the event.
Often, we get song lists for the critical points of the ceremony, entrances, first-dances etc and the rest is left to the "should-be" best judgement of the specialist.
Enter Dear DJ:
In my humble opinion, I think it is in your best interest as a professional, to KNOW music and to KNOW the clients you play for. It is difficult to get you guys (locally) to see the point to attending production meetings for personal events. But you see, you encounter all your big clients first as persons and then as the brands they represent.
When a client is only able to give you key songs, kindly take a few hours to select and arrange songs that fit within the theme of the few you have been given. More often than not, it is clear from listening and from how many times the planner or coordinator has to walk up to you that you did very little work on preparing for the event. Whiles you are at it Dear DJ, kindly keep your eyes on the coordinator and MC, especially more so when your ears are covered. It aides communication guys!Don't get into your groove and forget to play guests instead of for yourself!
What will be the point to paying for high quality equipment, if most of what we hear is high quality wrong music? Answer? You leave an indelible reminder on our auditory memory of why we should never use your services again!
With all my love
YSO
Have you had that surreal experience of listening to an awful selection of songs at an event? Like a melancholic song about loneliness or jilting at a wedding? Or one about good riddance at a funeral reception? Although I am one to ask for a song list from the host or hostess of any event I work on, I am also first to acknowledge how difficult it is for the host(es) or couple to give out a list long enough to cover the entire duration of the event.
Often, we get song lists for the critical points of the ceremony, entrances, first-dances etc and the rest is left to the "should-be" best judgement of the specialist.
Enter Dear DJ:
In my humble opinion, I think it is in your best interest as a professional, to KNOW music and to KNOW the clients you play for. It is difficult to get you guys (locally) to see the point to attending production meetings for personal events. But you see, you encounter all your big clients first as persons and then as the brands they represent.
When a client is only able to give you key songs, kindly take a few hours to select and arrange songs that fit within the theme of the few you have been given. More often than not, it is clear from listening and from how many times the planner or coordinator has to walk up to you that you did very little work on preparing for the event. Whiles you are at it Dear DJ, kindly keep your eyes on the coordinator and MC, especially more so when your ears are covered. It aides communication guys!Don't get into your groove and forget to play guests instead of for yourself!
What will be the point to paying for high quality equipment, if most of what we hear is high quality wrong music? Answer? You leave an indelible reminder on our auditory memory of why we should never use your services again!
With all my love
YSO
ON POINT!
ReplyDeletevery much on point
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