We’re taking some much needed rest, and spending the Easter holiday away with family. There will be NO karaoke events this week, but be sure to join us again next week when we’ll be back in full swing!

Requests can make or break a DJ, and I get asked often how I handle them. As a patron of an event, you need to realize that just because you ask me, doesn’t mean I will play your request. Don’t take it personally. Either I simply just don’t have the song, or more than likely, it just won’t gel well with the event, or that current atmosphere. No one wants to hear Motley Crue when people are having a great time dancing to Katy Perry. As a DJ I’m going to let that top 40 train ride as long as people are filling the dance floor. 

Every event is different. Weddings, for example, I tend to play it cautiously with requests. Typically the Bride and Groom has already given me a list of songs they want to hear, and although we try to please everyone, our first priority are the newlyweds. I often suggest to people that when sending out your invitations, you include a spot for people to request a song when they RSVP. That way not only can the DJ be prepared, but it gives a general idea of what that crowd wants to hear, and no one is disappointed.

Other events, such as a Christmas or birthday party tend to be more of an all-request type scenario, respectfully. As a DJ I enjoy the variety and challenge that taking requests can bring. 

That being said, I’m probably not going to play ‘Take This Job and Shove It’ at your corporate event or ‘Crazy Bitch’ at Granny’s 80s birthday bash. 

The bottom line is, feel free to make those requests to your DJ, but don’t get offended if it just simply can’t be played. 

Respect the event. Respect the DJ. 

I have this argument with people all the time, and it goes something like this;
“Congratulations on your engagement. Have you thought about a DJ or a live band?”
“Honestly, we’re thinking of just putting on a playlist. “
Don’t get me wrong, playlists are great, but not what you want for the big day.
Here are some benefits of hiring a professional DJ for your wedding.

Stress/Worry
First of all, much like hiring a caterer or a florist to take care of certain details in your wedding, a DJ will take responsibility of all the musical details so you and your guests can have the best experience. A good DJ will work closely with you to make sure all your audio needs are met on the day of, taking the burden off of you. As professionals, they often know to ask specific questions that you may not have thought of, and offer suggestions based on experience.

The Playlist
If your argument is that you want to hear specific songs at your wedding, rather than a DJ playing top 40, well you’re in luck! As a DJ I encourage my clients to send me a list of songs they would like to hear. Not only does it allow me time to acquire these songs, but it also gives me a snapshot of what kind of musical atmosphere you want to convey.

Reading The Crowd
If you choose a playlist, there is absolutely no interaction with the crowd. A proper DJ knows how to read a crowd, feel the vibes, and keep people on your dance floor. They will then play music accordingly, choosing from either their library or from the list you have provided. DJs also often offer encouragement through hyping things up on the microphone. With a real person the crowd can interact with, your event can have a much higher success rate, than with a playlist.

Requests
People love to request songs. When hiring a DJ they come with their own library of songs, usually with thousands to choose from, making your guests request easy to find and play, keeping everyone having a good time. You can avoid having to fumble through your iPhone to find a song you may not even have.

Atmosphere
Not only will a DJ provide music suited to your event, they often offer dance floor lighting, and M.C. services, keeping a certain atmosphere in the room ensuring everyone is having a great time. A DJ will often set the mood for wedding games, dances, or announcements throughout the night.

Equipment and Cost
Everyone’s on a budget. People often think by going the playlist route they can save some cash by avoiding the DJ bill. Although this may be true to some degree, there are many factors to consider. You are now pained with having to find or rent a sound system, transport it, set it up and tear it down. You’re also going to need microphones. Probably need to think about dance floor lighting, too. This all adds up.
By hiring a DJ not only are you paying for their time, service, and musical library, they also usually come with an adequate sound system, and lighting options. This would also include transport, set up, and tear down.

There are a variety of DJ services available out there, for a variety of budgets.

Come out and see what all the fun is about!

790 Southdale Rd. London, ON.

9:30pm.

Come out and sing your heart out with DJ STASH! We’ll be rocking karaoke from 10pm this THURSDAY & FRIDAY night at Gordy’s Brewhouse. Bring your friends and celebrate the weekday.