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why are wedding DJs so cheesy?


DJMC

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I've tried to explore some of these issues at my blog:

http://djmc.blogsavy.com

 

Meanwhile, tell me why you think mobile DJs are cheesy, either in the songs they play -OR- in their mannerisms or how they emcee....

 

Thanks in advance for your input...

 

(If your idea is used, I'll credit and link to your site in my blog!)

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The reason wedding DJs and bands play the "cheesy songs is because thats what people want to hear. You don't play a song if people don't react favoribly to it. And ussually when you play those "cheesy" songs people dance and have a good time. As far as MCs being corny, sometimes you have to be cornier than the dorkiest person there. If other people see you not being afraid to be out there being silly then they are more likely to join you and get the party started. Nobody wants to be the first one.

 

 

And now that that has been explained you are not allowed to criticize anyone about being "cheesy", according to your own website: YOU DO KARAOKE!!! The ultimate "cheese", one step above Guitar Hero. I thought Sacramento was in California not Wisconsin, the cheese state.

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And now that that has been explained you are not allowed to criticize anyone about being "cheesy", according to your own website:
YOU DO KARAOKE!!!
The ultimate "cheese", one step above Guitar Hero. I thought Sacramento was in California not Wisconsin, the cheese state.

 

 

:poke:hahhahahaha:love::love::love: that was funny!

 

Yeah, I do Karaoke but ONLY because my daughter is a world-class singer and I purchased the Sound Choice ™ instrumentals for her benefit. (I can write 'em off as a business expense)

 

Ya know--- Karaoke has a "cheesy" rep because MOST instrumental tracks by other companies do NOT sound close to the original arrangement. Sound Choice ™ instrumentals are VERY similar to the original artist's version, which when combined with good singers, makes for a more professional product.

 

When my daughter sings at school pageants or talent shows, her songs always seem to have better arranging because she has Sound Choice backing her up (while the other students are using Chartbusters, DKK, or some other cheap and cheesy Karaoke knockoff version).

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It doesn't matter if you're a DJ, KJ, band, singer, MC, or anything else. You are there to do a job. If you can't adjust to your audience you have no business taking the work. Professionalism is more than knowing music, it's knowing people.

 

 

Exactly! Which is why my company promotes itself as the NON-CHEESY alternative to obnoxious mobile DJ services.

 

By pre-screening the prospects BEFORE they hire me--- it insures that we only take jobs that will generate MORE work from similar like-minded customers.

 

Its called "Finding Your Niche".......BUSINESS 101:idea:

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I tell people upfront if they want karaoke I'm not the one for the job. I scope the room after talking to the bride and/or mother of the bride. People don't go to a wedding reception to hear the new Sasha/Digweed/whoever remix. They want to hear OLD TIME ROCK'N'ROLL and the CHICKEN DANCE. Throw in SHOUT and they'll be coming up and asking for your business card.

 

It's a state law.

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I tell people upfront if they want karaoke I'm not the one for the job. I scope the room after talking to the bride and/or mother of the bride. People don't go to a wedding reception to hear the new Sasha/Digweed/whoever remix. They want to hear OLD TIME ROCK'N'ROLL and the CHICKEN DANCE. Throw in SHOUT and they'll be coming up and asking for your business card.


It's a state law.

 

 

{censored}, I would love to have Sasha be my wedding DJ.

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Weddings are a piece of cake...One of my most profitable...I am far from cheesy...We follow a proven timeline and used to use scripts...I am in control from the 1st guest till the groom pukes!

 

 

So what do you do to make it fun, entertaining, different, memorable. Because if I were a Bride and you gave me that sales pitch I would throw you out on your ear!

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So what do you do to make it fun, entertaining, different, memorable. Because if I were a Bride and you gave me that sales pitch I would throw you out on your ear!

 

 

Thats typically what I tell the bride.:poke:

We get insider type info about all of the wedding party and use that for the intro's. (with approval) We also know most of the dance steps people request (not all) and we help the guest (ala cruise ships) most of the time singles do not want to come up for the garter and boquet...1 of us walks the room while the other ask the bride and groom who is and isn't married....never fails, aunt emma or uncle mac always get up to help. We give the maid of honor and best man a book of suggested toasts. Our shows always have a minimum 2 Master Of Ceremonies. the nuptuals are given a questionaire to be fill out after our first consult to help us determine what type of reception they are hoping for. We do not offer "packages" we offer 1 package with options...(karaoke, games, game shows, low key to over the top, small system to 20,000 watts) our only rate variances are determined by sound system: outside of that it is the same no matter what they want. The other "dj's" in my market are underpowered, undermanned, under capitalized, play outdated material, and offer very little outside of a few pin spots for lighting and coverage for small halls. We do not advertise and only work off referals. Our business has grown by 400% for the first 2 years and is on track for similar growth again in this year.

So what do we do differently....everything. Every market is different. Fortunatly all we have to do is follow what others are doing in bigger more competitive markets and our dates fill themselves. We have used an initial $500 (100w powered mixer and 2 12" monitor wedges )investment and turned it into a small sound company that is well on its way to dominating our local market....I have 5 systems and 3 DJ's. We always have a backup system with us for the occasional failure....Only twice have I needed any of this equipment in a few hundred shows but it is there for my customers piece of mind as well as my own..

 

What do you do differently?

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Clayface, I respect what you do but that is not my style, sound to dry and staled typical low key dj.

 

I get out on the floor and do the Cupic shuffle, Cha Cha slide, electric Slide, Jump on top of my speakers and get Crazy. I will take off my shirt and show off my muscles, yes at that point I stink like B.O. (chicken noodle soup) but no one minds, they just laugh and have a good time! I show them some Hip Hop moves, DC Swing, Lindy hop with the ladies, arm wrestle the guys whatever it takes to win them over, I try to keep everyone from being borred.

 

Yes, big tips too!

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Clayface, I respect what you do but that is not my style, sound to dry and staled typical low key dj.


I get out on the floor and do the Cupic shuffle, Cha Cha slide, electric Slide, Jump on top of my speakers and get Crazy. I will take off my shirt and show off my muscles, yes at that point I stink like B.O. (chicken noodle soup) but no one minds, they just laugh and have a good time! I show them some Hip Hop moves, DC Swing, Lindy hop with the ladies, arm wrestle the guys whatever it takes to win them over, I try to keep everyone from being borred.


Yes, big tips too!

 

 

Yeah......Our goal is to have the person the party is about be the center of attention and guide the attendies through an entetrtaining night. Remember, we are the "professionals" and it is our job to show the party goers "how-to" enjoy themselves. If I wanted to dance on the speakers and tear off my shirt I would have to change all our cards and listings to "Male Entertainers" and that just doesn't help one get a birthday party, class reunion, wedding, school dance, etc.....I am an entertainer....a professional....with pro gear and a good reputation.

 

Keep doing your own thing though. Sounds like your doing well.

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Claymanator, sounds like your djs do not mix or scratch, just lead cattle to the water?

 

I say if the place does not smell like Body Oder at the end of the night you did not do a good job.

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I've done radio (many formats) and it is different than clubbing (from the '70's to today, done that too), and weddings are a different beast entirely. At a wedding it should NOT matter what the DJ wants, it is what the Bride wants, period. They are who pay you, and who you answer to at the end of the night. I have had some brides give me a song by song playlist, others want it like a club, most want their relatives and friends to enjoy themselves. And then I'm on my own. Cheese is the easy way, and it is very familiar music to most folks.

Nice thing there are so many different DJs and styles out there to choose from. You could NOT pay me to wear funny hats, do stupid games or Karaoke, but I carry over 30,000 songs and will play anything (unless it is on the Bride's banned list).

So, it is all about choices. Do whatever works for you. I don't criticize, I just see if it is working, and if it is, I try and learn something. Aren't you on WEDJ too? I thought I recognized that logo ;) pk

Mr.8 Ohms, I flow, now you know. scratching is so '80's

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pks THE BOMB DJ, have you ever video taped yourself, well get ready to fall asleep if that all you do is play request, boring! Come on get out there dont dj from behind the booth alway in front, make your speeches in front, you got to take command. You sound like a push over, say to everyone hey were doing the Electric Slide and demand them to get on the floor you will get more tips! Who needs 300,0000 songs anyway, we all use the same thing.

 

Old Time Rock And Roll

Brown Eyed Girl

Play That Funky

Love Shack

In The Mood

Unchained

Unforgetable

Up In The Club

Cha Cha Slide

Yeah Usher

 

You only need 1 gig of favorites to do a 4 hour event, who cares if you dont have the request, it will probably kill the dance floor anyway!

 

Why do you call yourself the Bomb, if you dont mix and interact?

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8 ohm, dude, I was just jazzin you. I'm old school where I beat match in the dancing part of the reception (so '70's). I interact, and have a great time with my folks. I am sure you do too. With my body, it's best to stay clothed, though if that is YOU in your avatar, that must be rough :) I also don't hide behind my equipment, I stand in front of it, I dance when asked (otherwise it could be construed as rude). I talk as necessary, but no more. The wedding is about the bride and groom, they are the center of attention at my gigs. I provide what they ask for, and more. I think we are just approaching things differently, and that's a good thing.

I wish I had 3 million songs, someday maybe...... Strangely I pride my self on being able to name that tune, then play it, and it's working for me. I find it's different in different parts of the country, though your sample/suggested playlist would work here well enough.

Peace and Love! pk

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