Mr. Productions DJ Service

Wow DJ is included for free!

2011-09-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

Real meaning: half the stuff isn't working, you just can't tell. I'm at such a party now, and I can notice the difference!

Using MIDI Controllers for DJing Legally

2011-01-28T19:47:00.000-08:00

Attention technical/legal seeking customers, AVLA, and DJs in Canada. So many companies are making MIDI controllers, but can you use them legally? Yes, provided that the music is taken from original sources, like store bought CDs, or from Audio Video Licensing Agency (AVLA) download subscription sources. This does not include DJ subscription CDs that have been ripped on to a Hard Drive, this music is AVLA licensed, but not for Hard-Drives. The AVLA sells an "All-in-one" hard-drive license, and in the signed license agreement the DJ signs, it clearly states that you cannot copy AVLA subscription source CDs on to a Hard-drive. Furthermore, using download sites, such as Napster, iTunes, and Beatport, are all prohibited by the AVLA "All-in-one" license. Mr. Productions DJ Service has an "All-in-one" license to rip store bought CDs, and also uses subscription music download services that are licensed by the AVLA (ZipDJ and Digi-beats). Therefore Mr. Productions DJ Service is able to legally play music from a laptop computers.

What is a MIDI controller? A MIDI controller allows DJs to operate software and play music from their laptop computers using a record player style controller.

What changes would I make to the AVLA license? I believe it is necessary for every DJ to have a license in order to operate (similar to a Driver's license). No license? Then the DJ should be fined, by the police. Multiple occurrences should then increase the fine. The money from all the mandatory licenses should then cover the DJ to play music from every and any high quality source. I believe this is the only way the artists, the DJs, and customers all win.

I hired a DJ. Now, how do I make sure everyone is dancing?

2011-01-20T13:27:00.000-08:00

Here are some tips!

Get on the dancefloor! If you get on the dancefloor, people will follow. After all if you invited them, and they came to party with you.
Create a list of past favorite songs you like.
Listen to the radio! Become familiar with the current popular top 40 music, and figure out songs you like and can dance to. This ties into rule 4.
Make sure you tell the DJ the music you like! Include your past favorites as well as the top 40 you like. This will give the DJ an idea of what genres to play. If you know a certain group of people like a certain type of music or song, make sure to tell the DJ as well.
Spend some time drinking (if you drink), socializing, or maybe go outside if you smoke, but then get right back to the dance floor. The DJ gauges what songs are working and what songs are not working, but this only only happens if the guests are on the dance floor, or inside the building. If you hang out by the bar or go outside all night, the party follows you.
Encourage guests to requests songs they like, especially if they know these songs crowd favorites. Discourage guests from making requests that suck (especially if the songs not danceable!). Instead, get these guests to make requests right away, before the dance. Make sure to ask the DJ to play these requests that are not necessarily danceable before the dance actually starts. This will keep the guest requesting the songs happy, and it also acts as a good warm-up for the crowd.
The music should be loud and clear. If the music is not loud enough, inform the DJ. If the music sounds too loud and distorted, tell the DJ to turn it down. A good sound system will be loud, and clear.
Move guests that will be bothered by loud clear music away from the speakers. If not, these people will eventually move on there own or leave once the party has started. If you have a younger audience then no need to worry.
Move guests that will be bothered by the light show. Most lights will not be aimed into the eyes guests, but depending on the age, you might get some lights that are cool for a younger group, but annoying to an older group... A table of people not dancing "looks" better at the back! lol...
Get those guests that are annoyed by the loud music, and/or those guests who are complaining about the bright lights to join in the dancing. Request a song they'll like and get them on the dancefloor. Chances are they want to party with you also!

Is the DJ included in your hall package?

2011-01-16T01:30:00.000-08:00

Make sure you meet the DJ for your party. This is ALWAYS a good idea!

Some halls discourage or do not allow you to bring in an outside DJ by charging you a fee. Ask to meet with their DJ. If not, ask the hall if the outside DJ fee can be waived? Would the hall risk losing your business because you do not use their DJ?

DJ services that are included with a hall package, also known as "in-house DJ", are typically operated by a disc jockey company acting as a booking agent. Are you paying just for the disc jockey company to subcontract another lower-priced DJ company?

Even if you meet with a DJ from an "in-house" DJ company is there a guarantee the DJ you meet will be the DJ at your party? I have heard of customers being charged a premium for reserving the DJ they are meeting! I have heard of customers meeting with a DJ they like, and then another DJ showing up to the party!

How do you make sure the DJ you meet with is the DJ at your party?

Hire a DJ company with only one DJ!

By finding a company with a single DJ like my company, chances are you will get:

1. more equipment (lighting, special effects, etc.)

2. a more experienced DJ, and

3. a better price!

Be a smart DJ shopper. Always meet the DJ for your party.

Single-Op vs Multi-Op Disc Jockey Companies

2011-01-04T08:40:00.000-08:00

Your dance is like a concert. A single-operating DJ company focuses only on one DJ. A multiple-operator DJ company has more than one DJ. What would you do if you paid for a ticket and then a different artist showed up? The questions becomes, do I get to meet the DJ before the event? The answer should always be yes. Both types of companies should provide you with the opportunity to meet the DJ for your event. With a single operator company like MPDJ, you are guaranteed to meet the DJ and know the DJ coming to play at your event.