It Ain't Just iPods.......

[JoeChartreuse]

This could get a bit stinky, but I hope it doesn't, and I hope you take these comments in a stictly business sense. How you run your business is not for me to judge, and I don't.


OK, as many of you may have noticed, there has been an upswing in events with self-provided music. While it is certain that technology is at least partially to blame, I fully believe that it is also our own fault.

How? By those who have used that exact job-killing technology to run their shows. They have made the clients' perception of our job as something so easy that they can do it themselves. There may be no truth to that perception, but they won't know that until the event is over and that job is forever lost.

The traditional DJ/Karaoke Host would haul in his equipment ( speakers, amp, player(s), mixer, CDs/vinyl, etc...), it would look complicated and technical, and the client would feel that this is money well spent.

Now, in walks a DJ/Host with an MP3 source and a couple of powered speakers. I might add that to the perception of the client, there is no difference between an iPod and a laptop. Sure, you may have all kinds of nifty mixing programs, but in most cases the client sees nothing but the back of the laptop. Nothing complicated, nothing technical. "Of Course" they could do this themselves- why pay the big bucks to us? Anyone can program an iPod or laptop...

Yes, you and I know why and how we earn the fees that we charge. We're professionals and know what's involved, but what WE know doesn't matter. It's the clients' perception that determines our worth.

The normal reply to this sort of rant is " We have to educate our perspective clients." Newsflash, folks. Our perspective clients aren't there because they are interested in taking DJ appreciation classes. They're looking for entertainment. Especially when the aforesaid "education" will cost them more money.

Hence, IMHO, those who live by the technology may die by it- and take some non-users with 'em.

This rant was bought on by watching a house DJ walk into the club with absolutely nothing but a jump drive in his hand. The club has it's own sound system and laptop source. The DJ got paid $75 for the night- I spent some time speaking with him afterwards. His total investment was the jump drive and unspecified download fees ( you thinkin' what I'm thinkin' ? - uh huh...). He's happy with the fee, says it's better than sitting home watching TV. Did I mention that the club holds 350? What would YOUR fee have been? It doesn't matter, 'cause that venue will never pay it. Nor, probably, will the surrounding ones. All of us are affected.

I also found out that the local karaoke retailer is attempting to sell self-serve karaoke juke-boxes to clubs. Did I mention that this store is also one of the largest karaoke multi-ops in the area? You can't make this kind of stupid up...Luckily, since Karaoke is so interactive, they have been fabulously unsuccessful- one sale, returned. ( thousands of dollars per unit, btw).

To repeat: This post is not pointed to specific iPod and laptop users, but to the use of the technology in general, and it's effect on the industry. One might run a more efficient business, but in doing so one might also shoot oneself-and others-in the foot. Thanks for reading......

 

[maestro]

I totally agree which is why I always bring my Denon 1000 set up with me even if I plan on running some of the show off of the laptop. I refuse to go in with just a mixer and a laptop for the exact reasons you've stated. Some here will harp on the fact that 'it's their talent and not the gear' but they are the ones that are completely missing the point of the 'client's & guests perception' and causing the problem.

 

[Pamela]

We could take away all of the technology and be left with....live music.

 

[barry stamper]

I totally agree which is why I always bring my Denon 1000 set up with me even if I plan on running some of the show off of the laptop. I refuse to go in with just a mixer and a laptop for the exact reasons you've stated. Some here will harp on the fact that 'it's their talent and not the gear' but they are the ones that are completely missing the point of the 'client's & guests perception' and causing the problem.

FANTASTIC POST I COULD NOT AGREE MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Spinking]

OK, as many of you may have noticed, there has been an upswing in events with self-provided music. While it is certain that technology is at least partially to blame, I fully believe that it is also our own fault.

Do you honestly think the upswing in "self-provided" music is because of DJs using laptops, ipods, etc?

From reading various wedding related websites over the years, I haven't seen a single post where a couple decided to do it themselves because they've seen a DJ using a laptop or an ipod.

The main reasons why couples opted to do it themselves is because they've seen crappy DJ's in action or they've heard the horror stories from their friends weddings about the DJ that didn't play anything from their playlist, played inappropriate music or basically screw up the wedding because the DJ didn't have a clue. They feel they can do it better themselves. They don't want to blow a few hundred dollars and take the chance that the DJ will do exactly what they don't want.

Many couples have no clue what it really takes to do an event and they think all the DJ does is push buttons. How hard can that be? We'll do it our selves and save some money.

What's really causing the your upswing DIY music is all those wannabe's that think they can be a DJ. They buy some powered speakers, a mixer, some business cards, then plug in their laptop, call themselves a professional DJ and then proceed to do a terrible job.

So, no matter how you want to cut it, it's the talent , or lack thereof, and not the technology, which is causing the problem.

 

[Kevin Kelly]

Joe you make some great points and I actually kind of ran into this with a client that I'm currently working with. It had nothing to do with them seeing me set up equipment but they were considering going the iPod route when they called me. After a long conversation they booked me and we have had one planning meeting since then. 1/2 way through our meeting, the words that came out of the bride were priceless..."Wow...we didn't know there was so much to this!"

I think the first part of your theory is somewhat valid but if an experienced, polished mc/dj is running the show, the client will quickly see that "it's all in the details." That the equipment is only a small part of the success of the function. Conversely, if the dj is crapola, the client and guests WILL view that AND the laptop as something they could've done themselves.

 

[Flyingdjdan]

I agree whole heartedly with your thoughts.

However, unless the client has been living in the dark ages, or on some deserted island, they are well aware that the technology exists.

My thoughts are this. Most quality dj's have nothing to worry about. Our true talents should keep us going.

It is only those that take jobs for granted, treat the clients with poor service, and no talent that will be in trouble.

To that, I say no great loss.

On a side note.

Music delivered by means of automation has been around longer than mobile dj's. Quite frankly, longer than most of us have been alive.

It does have a cool name.

Jukebox.

 

[Scott Hanna]

totally agree with kevin and flyingdjdan

This EXACT same arguement came out when cd's....and then again when...gasp...recordable cd's came out.(no one would need to buy cd's anymore...they would all be copied from someone else.)

If I am done with a show, and some thinks...boy, i could have just plugged an ipod in and do the same show.....please do not blame the ipod....blame me!

 

[maestro]

You see Joe, some folks still don't get it! Yes, there are crappy DJ's ruining it but there always have been. That is not what we're talking about here.

 

[Spinking]

Please explain what it is that some of us don't get.

 

[Scott Hanna]

Joe,
this thread also reminded me of a recent conversation i had with a customer. He asked if i used cd's or computer...when i told him computers, he said the last guy he talked to told him that using a computer is illegal in djing...i laughed and told the customer to feel free to give the other dj my name if he wanted to turn me in. He said he thought it sounded strange..especially since this DJ company was the only one he'd talked to that still uses cd's. The customer stated that he thought it didn't make sense for a DJ to still be using cd's when all this new technology was available.

Point is...the secret is out...most people already know it's much easier to play computer files than searching for discs(like flyingdjdan said)

 

[Scott Hanna]

Steve,
some of us do understand the point. I do agree that the total look of your set up is important and does effect the client's perception. I also agree that as technology evolves...more people will feel they can do this....and some will do it just fine.

My point is that a client is not going to be shocked at all to see anyone using a computer as a music source. And i don't believe that seeing a laptop at a show is going to "drive" people into thinking they want to do it themselves....Those do it your-selfers have been around for a long time(cassette tape, recordable cds).....and they don't need to see us to know they can plug their computer or ipod into an amp.

now, if everyone can see a laptop's wires going into a cheap mixer...and then wires from that going into a cheap looking amp...then out to cheap looking speakers...then yes...that looks cheap and cheesy. Just like a bad presentation using cd's...or vinyl.

 

[maestro]

Please explain what it is that some of us don't get.

Just re-read the original post.

 

[John Allo]

Boy are Steven and Joe ever right. (I've said that many times over the years, but it was always in reference to the boys in Aerosmith. And now those same two names combine for a great truth here!)

Regardless of what DJs in the industry know to be the truth about gear and such, it's the perception of the customer that can have the most impact. If the customer doesn't think the DJ is "doing all that much more than punching keys or using a mouse with a laptop" then that's what the DJ is doing in their eyes until such time as they can be proven wrong.

How are they proven wrong? By having the DJ deliver an unforgettable performance, by having the technology supplement and strengthen their performance, not become the show.

In the customer's world, perception IS reality. Beta was a superior home video format but the perception was that VHS was better (it was better marketed, that's all) but Beta couldn't overcome this perception, incorrect as it may have been.

Change the perception. Hmmm....if only there was a national DJ association that used its collected dues in a way that could speak for the industry and raise its level of appreciation with the general public.

 

[Arnoldo]

Gee.. I can go buy a camera and take pictures. Since everything's digital I don't have to know anything about film or hard stuff like that.

Gee.


No, I think I'll stick with a pro photographer


If you think client perspective falls upon technology and what we bring out, then you need to learn how to establish a rapport and provide the kind of service that a laptop or CDs or vinyl can't replicate.

All of you that think that laptop DJs are the fall of the industry, keep moping around while my iBook and I keep booking gig after gig after gig after gig...

 

[Kevin Kelly]

Please explain what it is that some of us don't get.

Yeah because that's EXACTLY what we're talking about.

The point is that the client sees the new technology (and lack of crap that is hauled in) sees the very familiar laptop or iPod and thinks, "gee...is that all it takes? I can do that!"

In my post I addressed that very issue. The client and guests may possibly come to that conclusion BEFORE THE EVENT BEGINS but once they see the talent and experience that is required to make the event successful, they will understand that they CAN'T do what they thought they could.

What's so hard to understand about that Maestro?

 

[Scott Hanna]

How are they proven wrong? By having the DJ deliver an unforgettable performance, by having the technology supplement and strengthen their performance, not become the show.
.

totally....totally agree with this!!

 

[Kevin Kelly]

Boy are Steven and Joe ever right. (I've said that many times over the years, but it was always in reference to the boys in Aerosmith. And now those same two names combine for a great truth here!)

Regardless of what DJs in the industry know to be the truth about gear and such, it's the perception of the customer that can have the most impact. If the customer doesn't think the DJ is "doing all that much more than punching keys or using a mouse with a laptop" then that's what the DJ is doing in their eyes until such time as they can be proven wrong.

How are they proven wrong? By having the DJ deliver an unforgettable performance, by having the technology supplement and strengthen their performance, not become the show.

In the customer's world, perception IS reality. Beta was a superior home video format but the perception was that VHS was better (it was better marketed, that's all) but Beta couldn't overcome this perception, incorrect as it may have been.

Change the perception. Hmmm....if only there was a national DJ association that used its collected dues in a way that could speak for the industry and raise its level of appreciation with the general public.

It sounds like you think we're all right! Unity in the world!

The initial perception can be correct (Joe, maestro) but it's up to the dj/mc to show them that it takes more then the laptop and the iPod. (me, Scott, Ace)

 

[Spinking]

Just re-read the original post.

I did.

What I "get" is a rant about clients perception because DJ's use laptops/ipods and how it is starting to hurt our industry.

I disagree for the most part. The thing is, most people expect that we are using computers to play music. I still play cds and when I get people come up to my console for a request, or just to check things out, they're surprised I'm using cds.

Ddjdawg said it best:

That the equipment is only a small part of the success of the function. Conversely, if the dj is crapola, the client and guests WILL view that AND the laptop as something they could've done themselves.

 

[maestro]

I'm sure someone else will post while I'm typing this...

Kevin, I totally agree with what you've said. Unfortunately, not all of these new technology DJ's have talent which brings us back to the original post. I am sure that most here will agree that there are more 'bad to average' DJ's out there at weddings than really good DJ's. Agree or disagree? So then, the majority of party guests in North America will only see what little gear the DJ has brought in and what little needs to be a DJ at their next party. A bad DJ sure, but a DJ none the less...

I have a question for everyone... Who here will let two songs mix together during the dance portion of the evening while you are not at the controls? BIG NO-NO!!! The guests see that and ask themselves, what the heck do you need a DJ for then? Even if you've got a great program that will do it for you, you should at least be at the mixer, preferably hands-on.

Remember, in Canada, the DJ is not the emcee. The DJ generally takes over with the intro of the first dance, sometimes not even then. Some of the so called emcees will do a real crummy job of introducing the traditional dances (against the advise given to them before the event by yours truly) and the DJ doesn't ever get to speak on the mic except to announce the bouquet and garter. If it's a Filipino wedding, we don't even get to do that! The emcee will come back to take care of that too and usually completely destroy it! We have very little time to 'shine'.

OK, I'm a bit off topic but it all kind of ties in...