DJOC Washington DC Blog

As one of the agents and managers of talent here at DJOC, I receive a lot of promos from DJ’s looking to get quality gigs.  They are also looking to be recognized for their talents as a professional entertainer.  In their attempts to accomplish this goal, many times they forward pre-recorded demo sessions unsolicited to my attention.  Without even being aware of the true process of what I or any promoter, venue owner or event planner is looking for in talent, this action usually puts a padlock on the door of opportunity before one even decides to look through the peep hole. 

There hasn’t been a more impressive woman to the world of Jazz over the last twenty two years than Diana Krall.  Her husky yet sensual contralto voice is the current epitome of her genre.  Her approach with either Bossa Nova or Traditional Vocal Lounge is very captivating and with such hits as “My Love” and “Frim Fram Sauce” her place in music history is secure.

I presented this question to friends and family on FaceBook late Monday evening and I received great responses.  Here are the minutes of this live blog:

Ross Anderson I think so. If you never take time to prepare, it leads to being in ruts. At least for me, if I don't add new crates and themes to what I'm doing I find myself reaching for the same combinations that have worked in the past. To keep it fresh, preparation is a must.

Aaron Couch i like that ross, when you are preparing a set, let's say for an after party at a lounge or club, what are first few steps in putting together a unique unforgettable set?

Ross Anderson I start with a main theme or a mood. I'll find a few tracks that in my mind really embody that mood to me and put them together. Then I start digging for things that would compliment them, give myself room to go up or down energy wise. It turns into a domino effect and I end up with (hopefully) more ideas than I need, and so I end up being able to react to the crowd and stay with the general idea. That is the goal at least.

Aaron Couch do you do any discussing with the client on the energy they want and the vision they have for their evening, even with promoters or event planners?

Ross Anderson Absolutely, the client’s wishes are always paramount. It’s about bringing the vibe they want to life.

Aaron Couch how do you feel about dj's who play for themselves rather than the crowd? i have a quote in remix magazine that states, "a hobbyists is one plays for themselves, a professional is one who plays for the crowed", do you feel the same or do you believe that a dj should be taken as an artists and the crowd should be more open minded in the musician's presentation

Evan Reitmeyer I psychically alter the collective unconscious of my crowds and then insert a desire to hear what I feel like playing. That way, I get to have my cake and eat it too - I get to play whatever I want, and the crowd loves it because that's what I made them think they wanted to hear.

Aaron Couch that's a good point evan; that is in the same manner that a great jazz musician improvs

Evan Reitmeyer It's like musical psychological warfare, but for the purposes of fun. That's why I like this job :)

Jaegan Williams That's a good question. As a non-DJ (but regular partygoer) I'd think it depends on the event/venue. If you're hired to play what the crowd/guests of honor want, then that's that.

But if you were invited because the client/venue likes *your* particular style, taste and ability, then you should be yourself --- since that's what they want!

Deejay Drew A solid DJ will always play to his or her crowd. However, DJ's are Deejays for a reason. Many have great taste in music and bring new things to the crowds that they play for. Good judgment and an awesome sense of what s hot is paramount.

Jenilee Bruce I agree it depends on what you are being hired for. If it is a party or club then I think you should have a list of songs that you want to play during the night, but something like a wedding I think it is very important to have some sort of set list (obviously of the important songs) but also of songs that the bride & groom think are suitable for their wedding. For instance most brides/grooms I know would get embarrassed if uncensored music were playing in front of their children or grandparents LOL

Aaron Couch good point jenilee, also, i would like to add, if a dj were to play uncensored music at a wedding, then he is not a professional

Aaron Couch ‎@ jaegan, people who hire dj's based on a style that they see at a party are putting themselves in a terrible position

if someone sees a dj at a club and they are rocking drum and bass, house, hip-hop, etc., and they want to bring that to their event, it may or may not be suitable and the dj becomes the escape goat

let me explain even further with a dj playing house and then they are hired for a wedding after party, now, even if the person who hired you wants that sound, do the majority of their guests want that? now, what if it is just a handful of people and the majority of the crowd is not feeling it, then the person who hired you may state, "hey, you are not doing like you did that other night"!

now, you are at a loss for words and excuses come in to play, but, the dj who is the professional prepares for such situations and fades into grooves and tempos that work for everybody, while still pleasing the guests with a taste embedded in the funk that makes the party swing

hiring a professional is the key, never base it on the style, bass it on the talent and level of understanding the entertainer has for different settings and multiple scenarios:)

Jaegan Williams I see your point, but doesn't that create a bit of conflict? What if the folks that hire want one thing, but you as the DJ can absolutely tell that the crowd isn't feeling it?

I'm not a DJ, so I'd just drop the headphones and run away fast, haha.

Aaron Couch good point, you still give them what they want and that is for the party to be a success. you have to listen to them, ask questions and understand their vision. once you have an understanding of that you then prep your set and prepare outs. a solid professional will be prepared after speaking with a client if they feel their tastes and their vision contradict one another. house doesn't make everyone bump and with so many sub-genres, the client may want a feeling that they had in one spot transferred to another

sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't but you are to prepare for mixing their desires with what really works, but, if their music profile actually is popping the scenario, then keep it up……………..

Above is an example of how talent such as Evan, Drew, Ross, Jenilee and myself, take the time to understand what is going on in our industry so that we can become better professionals.

Since it’s introduction in 2004 Serato Scratch Live has become the industry standard.  Along with a pair of CDJ’s and/or a set of Technics 1200’s, you can put yourself in the game as a professional DJ and performing entertainer.  Now, with Rane’s SL4, a DJ now has the professional tools flexibility to perform with multiple options.

If you are just starting off, and you have the financial resources, Rane also has the Sixty-Eight and the Sixty-Two.  Both are incredible mixers that are welcome additions to any mobile or club set up.  They both have the ability for a DJ to use the Bridge with Ableton Live but the most endearing feature that I found that they share with the SL4 are the dual USB ports. 

Having dual USB ports allows for switching back and forth between two separate DJ’s and their computers without any disruption in music entertainment.  Any DJ who wants to be sure that they can give their client the goods.  Knowing that sometimes computers do crash, no matter the brand, you can have a back up machine in place and, if your computer does crash, no one enjoying the music is the wiser. 

The SL4 also allows for a DJ to use up to four decks in any manner they choose.  They can connect four turntables or four CDJ’s or mix it up.  They can also even set up three tables along with midi controller and take their sets to the ultimate performance level with Ableton Live via the Bridge.  DJ’s who want to begin getting into the mix quickly without a heavy learning curve, Serato makes it easy with simple connecting and with an interface that is not only user friendly, but also simplistic, practical and effective in design.

Searto’s software is rock solid and with the SL4 a DJ can set up a fully functional and very effective performance set.  Even if a newbie has little funding they can purchase a mixer and just one turntable and then they can begin learning the skills that it takes to move hundreds and eventually, thousands at a party.  They staff at Serato understands what DJ’s want and require.  Serato has far surpassed Traktor and will eventually become the stand alone in the industry.

On February 11, 2012, and around 8:08 PM EST, I, as the rest of the world, were informed that we lost the great Whitney Houston.  I am very sad and disturbed about the pain she was going thorugh in final days, but I am also glad that I was able to witness one of the greatest voices ever to walk this planet.

Her rendition of the Star Spangel Banner is the best ever.  EVER!  As I left an event in which I was spinning hits, I found myself on the way home in the snow from Washington DC listening to this version and thinking about the timing.  The arrangement and a voice designed by the one above, makes you proud to be an American and proud that Whitney is an American.

Take the time and enjoy this piece of history as we morn the late great Whitney Houston.

Whitney Houston, dead at 48

I was recently interviewed by Ray Publishing House for a book that they are publishing titled, “Planning The Perfect Washington DC Wedding”.  Here is some of the interview:

How far in advance should a couple book their DJ?

As soon as the couple has their date solidified and their venue secured they should book their DJ.  If it is six months or a year in advance this allows time for our DJ's to get to know the client.  The notion that you are to get a DJ who's style fits your wedding is antiquated.  At DJOC we establish a client's music profile which allows us to get to know their meaning and likes of a specific genre and sub genre.  We also take the time to understand the approach that they want from the DJ albeit conservative or highly interactive.  Getting this done sooner rather than later is a great step in producing a great night of entertainment.

How far in advance of the event should the DJ arrive at the event?

DJOC has outlined in all of our agreements that we will arrive two hours prior to the start of the reception and/or ceremony.  This gives us time to adjust to possible delays or items that may arise during the set up.

Can couples typically request specific songs they'd like the DJ to play? If the answer to this is yes, how and when should these requests be made by the couple?

This is another assumption that is antiquated.  DJ's are not iPods.  At DJOC when we start the process of establishing a client's music profile we want to know everything that they like.  And I do mean everything.  Once we have this initial step out of the way, we can continue to the next part of this process during our first music consultation.  We talk about the cocktail hour and genre of music that they would prefer and we use song titles within their list of music to create the sound desired.  We never make assumptions and we talk about all aspects of the evening so that we provide them with the sound that the deserve.

Do Disc Jockeys usually play requests made by the guests? If yes, how is this typically done?

Knowing what guests like is very helpful.  We can incorporate their tastes with those of the client's while staying within the box.  At DJOC we supply clients with a link so that the client's guests can make requests.  If there is a song that is on the do not play list, it is not played.  Now, if there is a song that has a multitude of requests, meaning more than 20% of the estimated guests have requested it, and it is on the do not play list, we will discuss this with client.

Music profiling is the biggest part of making the evening huge success!

How can a couple see a DJ "in action" at an event, prior to deciding whether or not to hire them?

DJOC does not recommend or endorse this practice.  It creates too much downtime in beginning their journey as a client of DJOC.  We would have to get permission from the client's event that they may wish to attend and this is not respectful to the client.  DJOC's only focus during the day of an event is that client and their event.  Also we have to know what the client wants in terms of music and ambiance to match them with an event that they could possibly attend.  Having a client come by to see a DJ perform with music that they do not like is counter productive.  It can also stereotype the DJ as first impressions are everything in this business.  Professionalism and talent are the keys to success in our industry and knowing that a DJ has solid professional references is a very sound approach.

What should a couple pay attention to when interviewing DJs for their big day? 

Knowledge of music and their professional approach.  Also, do they ask questions instead of telling the client what they are going to do for their wedding.  Listening is the best tool in supplying the client with their needs and wants.

Additional Advice 

At DJOC our approach to music profiling has proven to be a highly effective way in reducing assumptions in the planning the music flow and energy for the evening.  It helps to provide a night of fun and excitement that couple actually has envisioned for their wedding.  Past ways in approaching a wedding via a form that says 80’s, 90’s, Blues, Rock, Hip-Hop, Top 40,etc., is old and far past the prime.  Why would one want to use a typewriter when they can use a MacBook Pro?  Taking advantage of technology and history is what we do at DJOC.  We are the client’s best friend on their wedding day.  Yes, the venue, food and décor play a huge part, however, without one of our talented DJ’s providing the score, in the manner that they have requested, then the evening could become the opposite of their desired intentions.  Professional DJ’s will give you, the client, the attention you need, a talented DJ will give you the party you requested and so, a professional and talented DJ is your answer for great entertainment.

As any DJ will tell you, performing at a high level and giving your clients the entertainment that they envision should be the only concern of any entertainer.  All of the energy that the talent has for the evening should be 100% focused on creating the pace and excitement that has been outlined in the client’s music profile.  In knowing this DJOC has put in place an effective tool for making the entertainment for our client’s events even more remarkable than they could ever imagine.  It is a subtle tool that most party goers and guests may or may not notice, but it is an effective component that has proven to be essential to humble but yet obsessed entertainers and event planners.

Since late 2010, high profile and very detailed events for DJOC that involve Aaron Couch as the DJ entertainment for either a wedding, private and corporate event, has had a security blanket.  This security blanket is Mr. Eric Hill, Event Liaison and VP of  Relationship Management for DJOC.  His presence at an event creates a comfort level that is not recognized immediately but has left many event planners, brides and corporate heads in awe at the effectiveness and need of this role.  At DJOC we do a lot of planning ahead with our music profiling and walk through of venues.  The day of the event is when Mr. Hill takes this information and operates within the needs of the DJ Couch and the procedures of the venue and the event planner.  The DJ now becomes second in charge as Mr. Hill advises Aaron Couch that “you are to entertain and I am will handle logistics”. 

Mr. Hill begins by reviewing his outline for the evening and (1) advises the venue that the entertainment has arrived, (2) re-confirms load-in procedures and parking as discussed prior to the day’s event, (3) informs the catering, event management and/or event planner that the entertainment is setting up and (4) advises on a time in which sound check will commence and when it will be completed.  Mr. Hill also takes the time to go over with catering how they would like things run for the evening as well as asking the event planner how DJOC can be of assistance.  He also asks how they want us to work with them throughout the evening as they are the ones in charge. 

Many event planners love talking directly to the DJ.  Communication between all is great and it is needed throughout the evening for various items such as the introductions, awards, etc.  There sometimes is, however, a “disconnect” between the event planner and the entertainment and Mr. Hill’s presence has eliminated any issues of this type through his diplomatic insight during the performance.  The event planner, catering staff and the entertainment all want to perform above and beyond and this is more than capable when they all put their and trust in Mr. Hill. He knows that running a tight ship by all is for the sheer purpose of giving the client “the goods”.   He keeps track of the timeline, inquires as to when an award is to be ready for presentation and goes over weather the father of the bride wants to toast the couple at his seat or in the middle of the dance floor.  These, as well as countless other items, are all done without notice and within the flow of the evening.

DJOC is the only entertainment entity in Washington DC that has this feature.  It allows the DJ to perform as required and it keeps harmony behind the scenes leaving all, the event planner, catering, the venue and, most of all, the client, smiling, happy and extremely pleased!