Well…My regular price today for a weekly karaoke gig is the same that it was 10 years ago. Despite 1) the price of gas, 2) the equipment upgrades, 3) the karaoke tunes that I try to update regularly, and 4) Magical Music’s reputation for BUILDING a crowd on the night we perform IF the venue owners/managers will follow our advice as to what works and what doesn’t.

IN ADDITION,  there have been several venues for which I’ve worked that couldn’t afford what I usually charged. So,  given the chance on a weekly basis to help build their business, I altered the price somewhat. Yet, rarely was there EVER an offer from the venue management to increase my nightly rate once I had helped bring more people thru the door — not a couple of people, but usually dozens,  sometimes increasing the foot traffic to the point, they had a line waiting outside to get in.

The reason I charge what I do is because I’m worth it. I rarely promise results because I never know what management might do to muck it all up…When I do promise results, I deliver.

With that in mind venue owners, where ever you might be, keep searching for the lowest price possible. Continue getting complaints, keep getting ho-hum numbers in sales and keep being amazed when the “entertainment” just doesn’t show up.

10 years? …Yep, it may be time for a price increase. Maybe there’s some other changes that need to be implemented as well.  Seeing how I’m not getting that business NOW, what am I losing if I do shake things up a bit? Just sayin’…

We are all imperfect beings — not from creation, but rather by our own doing. Many of the problems we encounter deserve the finger of blame pointed in our own direction. And before you think I’m bashing Whitney Houston, I’m not…how easy it would have been for my “demons” to grab hold of me and lead me down a path of destruction.

We’ll continue to see news updates, hear tributes and memorials to Whitney for the next several weeks or months. Let’s take a look at our own mortality and judge whether we our leading our lives unimpeded by outside forces and inner addictions. Here’s hoping Whitney Houston is truly in a better place.

That being the case, it baffles me that I sometimes receive calls from folks who claim they can’t find a DJ — they simply don’t know of any. Truth is: there are TOO MANY DJs that are in the business. Check out the Yellow Pages or the bulletin board at a local music store and you’ll see that in reality, at some point during the week you are rubbing elbows with a DJ (or someone who knows a DJ). One reason is because DJing is perceived as a “Dream Job” — playing music and always at a party.

With the technology providing a variety of affordable portable music devices, each storing thousands of songs which can be obtained digitally (many times via free illegal downloads)…it’s no wonder that overpopulation in the DJ world is WAY outta control!  With cheap equipment and free music leading the way, anybody can at least own the equipment that it requires to be a DJ. Please, don’t get me wrong. When I began Magical Music, I was toting turntables, heavy & bulky amplifiers & loudspeakers along with multiple crates of vinyl albums & 45s. I celebrate the fact that technology has allowed me to downsize the equipment and yet maintain a full, rich sound. (My back is also eternally grateful.)

The abundance of DJs leads to another issue: Pricing. When a market is saturated with a product or a service, it results in lower prices (and lower prices ALWAYS sound good). In the DJ realm, a whole lot of DJs mean you have some  “under-cutters” or “bottom-feeders”  — wanna-be DJs that charge a much lower price than their competitors in an effort to gain business. Comparing apples to apples, the cheapest DJ you can track down is better than one who charges much more. Here’s the problem: a low-priced DJ usually sells his service based on that point…and the level of his professionalism, quality of the sound or the fun (you hope your guests have) can not be assured based on a low-price.

That’s why I don’t mind telling my prospective clients that I’m one of the most expensive entertainers in my area. I have more than a quarter-century of experience of entertaining at a variety of functions: from backyard bar-b-ques to elegant weddings; from Sweet 16 parties to weekly performances in restaurant/bars. Every event has different demands and it is through my 25+ years of DJ experience that I’ve honed my skills to make every one — regardless of the unique demands — an exciting, memorable & fun celebration! The skill of entertaining may come natural to some, but even then must be refined.  There is much more to hosting a party than “just playing music”. Your party may not require dance floor lighting, introductions or interactivity between DJ and guests. Even in a very casual setting such as a backyard bar-b-que, every event has an ebb & flow. A true professional will not just “play music” but knows when to play a particular tune for maximum effect.

There are many more reasons why low-priced DJs aren’t really the value they make themselves out to be, but that is another subject for another blog.

So…if you’re looking for a DJ, let me assure you there are plenty of people who know a DJ — maybe they are one themselves. But when all is said and done, is your event important enough to risk the entertainment to a decision based on price alone?

Stay outta the way! It's coming this way and it looks HON-GRY!

Mini-me (aka my oldest child Alex) is now 14. If I can keep him off Facebook, Nintendo & other video games or watching that crazy “Turtle Man” on TV — we actually get to indulge in some father/son wrestling action. He can ALMOST take me…by this time next year, I’m in for it!

My daughter (My Easter Angel from 2002, Emily) will be turning 10 at the end of March and she is ALL into girlie stuff. She frequently asks to visit “Bath & Bodyworks” when we’re at the mall or shopping center. She constantly is modeling her older brother and I have thus far unsuccessfully attempted to teach her that “lifting her leg and letting one rip”…especially in public, is NOT acceptable!

My wife (my first and only since 1990, Cyndi) continues to work in healthcare as a Physical Therapy Assistant. She recently took on a part-time position as well as her regular “day job” due to the economy affecting my business. She is constantly having to lift and help navigate people 2 and 3 times her size. I keep fearing for the health of her back, but it’s work she enjoys and finds rewarding.

I’m a people person, no doubt about it. While I enjoy what I do, it’s definitely because of the people NOT the whole “nightlife” scene. On my nights off, that’s one of the last places you would find me. Give me dinner and a movie most anytime! In that respect, I don’t mind the slower performance schedule at this time of year. I know by May & June, I’ll only have an occassional night home with the family.

I hope you’re making or taking time to spend with those who are most important to you. Have a safe, prosperous New Year. We’ll see you soon.

• Bridal shows – it’s always a pleasure to get out and “press flesh” with those planning the most important day in their lives. I love it almost as much as a packed dance floor at a party for which I’m providing DJ/MC services.

• Nightlife – I love the challenge of getting into a new venue and attempting to build the crowd as word gets out about our services. Be it a dance party, karaoke or trivia — there’s nothing quite as nice as seeing the number of patrons multiply on nights I perform. Call it a confirmation of my talents and my chosen line of work.

• New Ventures – This fat boy (phat boi) can still rock a party in a variety of ways, but let’s face it: I’m nearly 50 and soon, I’ll need to consider turning over Magical Music’s daily performance schedule to someone(s) who appeals to the younger demographic. That process allows me to explore some additional possibilities both inside and outside the traditional “DJ market”. Don’t get me wrong — DJ Bert isn’t hanging up the mic or headphones: I’m having too much fun!

• Mentoring – On the subject of turning the reins over to a younger generation, there’s not a week that goes by that someone isn’t complimenting some aspect of the services I (& Magical Music) provides. The kudos usually come during a comparison to another DJ who for some reason, fell short of expectations. I’ve been in business 26+ years and that tenure in itself speaks for me doing something right. I want to be able to pass along as much knowledge & skill as possible to those “up & comers”. Being a part of the American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA) is certainly a part of that, but I’m considering some options that would allow me to take a more local approach as well.

Thanks for taking the time to read thru my ramblings on my blog. You can always get timely updates from me by becoming a fan of Magical Music on Facebook. Subscribe to me on Twitter (@Boogie2Go) or any other number of social networks. Or if you’re still stuck in the old-school 90s, you can always email me: wncdj@aol.com.

The Truth About iPod Weddings

Professional Wedding Vendors of all types of services deal with the same type of mindset. And yes, sometimes the results are just as disasterous as the video example above. There are those who will always attempt to beat the odds by doing it themselves. For those who desire a memorable wedding, do the smart thing: Hire a professional.

Though I won’t be in attendance, I am excited to hear how things progress in the annual ADJA awards ceremony as I hear the Charlotte Chapter and members may be deserving of kudos again this year. My fingers are crossed.

Looking back, certain people offered words of wisdom that I really didn’t  understand until my later years. One such piece of advice explains a lot about why people settle for “inferior products or services”.

My junior high teacher Cy Walker once said “If you’ve never seen a motorbike, how could you ever want one?”  At face value, that statement seems really quite simple. But take some time and ponder on it for a moment.

To make this simpler to illustrate, let’s say Suzy Q has only seen DJ Joe Bob perform. DJ Joe Bob has decided to use the cheapest equipment possible, has no formal training and illegally downloads his music free – usually unedited versions — from the internet. DJ Joe Bob shows up to perform dressed in his Black Sabbath T-shirt and motor-oil stains on his tattered jeans –whether it’s a bar gig or a wedding reception. During his performance, DJ Joe Bob doesn’t say much; He’s too busy drinking alcohol and trying to line up a post-party date. In Suzy Q’s mind, this is how EVERY DJ conducts business. She just doesn’t realize there’s something better to be had.

Now, let’s say we introduce Suzy Q to an event being hosted by DJ Fred. DJ Fred has invested in quality, professional-grade equipment. DJ Fred regularly educates himself about the latest trends in mobile entertainment and is always attempting to improve his presentation. As a matter of fact, DJ Fred adjusts his attire depending on the event: Tuxedo at weddings, business casual at corporate picnics and really cool clothes for bar gigs and school dances. DJ Fred’s music, karaoke and video library — even downloaded content – has been purchased from legitmate sources. Once the show starts, DJ Fred is verbally interactive with his party-goers, inspiring them to get active in the program to dance, sing, play games and more.

Who do you think Suzy Q would prefer to host and entertain at her next event?  Who would YOU choose?  The majority of consumers would rather have DJ Fred.  

But there is a segment of the population that has been indoctrinated into the mindset that quality doesn’t count but low price does. In their minds, all DJs are the same and the only difference is the price. Again, let’s simplify with a food analogy.

Just because an international restaurant serves millions and millions of burgers for 99-cents each, does that automatically mean that restaurant is the preferred place to have a meal? Given a choice, most of us who love steak will opt for another venue.

In closing, most people will choose quality and professionalism…and will pay more for it.  However, some won’t. So the next time you wonder how an inferior service remains in business, remember that some folks don’t expect quality. Those who realize there is something better to be had yet still choose the cheaper alternative, don’t deserve any better.

If you or someone you know has a wedding in their future, encourage them to attend to see a variety of merchandise and services available for their wedding day. In light of our appearance at this show, let’s revisit an article I originally wrote in January of 2010:

Just as vendors prepare for a bridal show, those attending as consumers also need to prepare.

• Come armed with computer-generated labels with your name, mailing address, email and phone number. Many vendors require this information in order to register for prizes given away during the show. By providing this information on computer-generated labels, you avoid developing writer’s cramp. Also, many vendors will offer time-sensitive offers after the show. If you make it difficult for these vendors to contact you, you could potentially miss out on savings or upgrades. Finally, when you print your labels, use an easily-readable font or else your post-show offers don’t get delivered because someone had read your address or email incorrectly.

• Depending on the flow of attendees, take time to talk with vendors with whom you are interested. While price is certainly a concern, you DO NOT want to begin a conversation with “How Much Do You Charge?”  A vendor who will quote a price without first considering the demands of the event as well as your desired outcome will probably deliver a “cookie-cutter service”. Your wedding will be no different than any other wedding that vendor has serviced. You deserve better. Instead of starting off on the price factor, find out why this vendor is unique and how they can help you reach your desired vision for your wedding. A great source for interviewing wedding entertainment for instance is the American Disc Jockey Association. Find out more at www.adja.org.

• Pick up literature in the form of brochures, info packs or at least business cards. A wealth of information can be obtained just by marketing materials a vendor dispenses at a bridal show. Sort the collected material within a couple of days of the show. Compare the quality of material: It either impresses you and catches your interest or it does not. The quality of the marketing materials will tell you volumes when it comes to the quality that vendor places on his/her merchandise or services.

• Bring your checkbook! Though most brides attend wedding shows  researching vendors for the future, remember these vendors have limited availability. Most brides hold their weddings on Saturdays. Personally, if I work every weekend, I only have 52 potential availabilities per year – with thousands of brides in the state exchanging vows in 2010, chances are if you delay in reserving a vendor, another bride will beat you to the punch.