Eine Kleine Nachtmusik

I was watching a TV show this evening about a hospital (New Amsterdam on Amazon Prime) – great show, moving, funny, dramatic and I was enjoying getting into it as you do with a new show.

Then, over a fairly tense scene the music started (a cover of Fix You by Coldplay – and I am desperate to find the Artiste) and suddenly the scene became – to my now tear stained eyes – so much more tense, so much more dramatic and so much more moving

And it made me think about how deeply tied to our emotions music is, how one song or a snatch of a song can trigger that emotion, or a memory, or a feeling

It doesn’t have to be a slow song, it doesn’t have to be a sad memory, music can trigger happy memories or even euphoric feelings.  Think about “that” song that always makes you want to dance, or sing, or scream out loud, to call your friend, to share the emotion, share the memory, share the moment…share the song, the feeling, the euphoria

We all have one.  Or two. Or three

Maybe you have one that is sad, one that is happy, one that is bitter sweet.

A lost love, a found love, a never love

A time, a moment, a summer, a party

A person, a friend, a relative, a lover

A love.

A loss.

You’re singing it right now, or you are calling it up on iTunes, on Spotify…and you are also calling up that moment, that person, that love…or that loss

I am privileged that I have the greatest job – I get to play music to people. I am there for some special times, special memories and I can provide the soundtrack to them

If you were able to stand where I stand and watch a newly married couple dancing their first dance to a song that has so much meaning for them, you’d really see what music means.  When a Father proudly takes his newly married daughter onto the dance floor for the Father/daughter dance, usually a song that has poignant lyrics.  When a married couple get to dance to the song that was their first dance.  So much emotion and so much love – all framed by a song

Music is the soundtrack to our everyday lives, the highs and the lows.

Tell me your story. Tell me your memory

Tell me your song

Oh, and that version of the Coldplay song?  I found it. It is by Canyon City.  I’ve got it on repeat now.  Maybe it hit me that bit more because it was played at a dear friend’s funeral.

A time.

A moment

A memory

A friend

A loss

Be Our Guest - Catering for the National TV Awards

Its not just about the discos – when I am not DJing I work freelance through a major hospitality staffing agency, and have done since 2014.  In that time I have been privileged to work in some incredible venues, at amazing events for some wonderful clients

One of my favourite jobs is the National TV Awards (NTAs).  This annual televised event is catered by a client with whom I have worked many times before – and this year was my third time at this event over the past 4 years.  Once again the client requested me specifically for a supervisory role in the team.

The client is a company called GIG, responsible for catering some of the biggest events in the world, but they are a fabulous, friendly team.  At the NTAs GIG provide their service to a variety of areas backstage, with the largest being the pre-show reception/post show party for the nominees.  We provide food and bar to around 500 guests pre show and 800 or more post show – and these guests are the ones that you saw on TV hoping to win, and winning, the coveted awards, voted for by the viewing public.

So – what do I do? With a colleague I am responsible for setting up and running the two bars and two champagne receptions, and then clearing down at the end of the night. Sounds straightforward?  On top of this I am also personally responsible for the Responsible Service of Alcohol as the duty licensee.  Add in staff allocation, briefing and management, ensuring that the right stock and right glassware is in place, that the bars are ready for service and then made ready again for the second party and that the necessary clearing is done across the whole room, and provide support to our amazing Back of House manager. Then of course there is liaison with the event manager from the TV production company, the venue staff and the venue security and medical team.

Just when you might think it sounds simple – I also take responsibility for stopping bar service at exactly 7:15 pm, which gives sufficient time to move 500 guests across to the arena for a live TV broadcast, and then closing two bars at the end of service at 12:30am  Closing a bar is never an easy or popular job, made a bit more challenging when the guests are faces that you may have been seeing on TV for thirty or more years, and many guests with potentially a feeling that they are particularly important…. 

In addition(!) I walked the whole room constantly to keep my manager informed of how the event was running while she was based back of house.

The NTAs is a long day.  I arrived on site at midday on Tuesday, and left the o2 car park at 2:30am Wednesday – a fourteen and a half hour day, but I walked away with my head up knowing that we, as a team, provided a fantastic service to a room full of celebrity guests. The end of a day is a mixture of deep tiredness and absolute elation at a job well done

You Wear It Well

I worked on the "other side" of an event recently, which gave me the opportunity to observe the DJ booked by the event organisers.  The first thing that struck me was the way he was dressed.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not a “Dedicated Follower of Fashion” but it did make me think about this very simple element of presentation. 

Picture your event – your wedding, your special party, everyone dressed up to the nines – surely all the suppliers should be dressed appropriately too?

Having watched a DJ arrive in jeans and a denim shirt, he was essentially “negotiating” whether he’d need to put on a suit when the guests arrived.  A Christmas dinner at over £100 per person?  Why wouldn’t you be in a suit before the first guest walks through the door?

For me, I arrive to set up in a logo’d polo shirt and will normally wear a dinner jacket for weddings/formal events, or a logo’d shirt/polo with smart jeans for a party.  My dinner jacket is a plum colour so that I stand out from the guests/catering staff – I’m happy if you ask me for a request, but not for a drink!  I will vary what I wear dependant on the event - Black tuxedo for a recent James Bond themed event, and always happy to wear fancy dress to match a theme!

I’ve noticed it with other suppliers too – photographers looking scruffy and a live band in ripped t shirts!

So – does it matter?  Well I would say yes.  Every element of your presentation reflects you and the service you are providing – and crucially, it demonstrates how seriously you take your job, your clients and the event.

Its not a fashion show, but it is an important event!

Personal – Passionate – Professional

Ch-Ch-ch-ch-Changes

I passed a major milestone this weekend – I DJ’d a full 4+ hour party without using any CDS. For the first time the disco was 100% laptop driven.  I’ve resisted the switch until recently, but I am finally (almost) a convert.  I say “almost” because until I’m totally comfortable with the reliability of laptops I will continue to have CDs available as a backup

This step made me think about the changes to the equipment I have used since starting out in 1988, as a fresh faced 19 year old.  It all began with a traditional (for the time) “twin decks” console, some traffic lights and a pair of speakers. The speakers are still in my garage, but all the rest is long gone (which is a shame really, I’d love to play with that console again!)

After a few years (I have no recollection how many) I upgraded to a separates system a air of turntables mounted wither side of a proper mixer in a long “coffin case”.  The mixer served me for years, even after moving to CDs.  This set up allowed much better control for mixing scratching and drop-ins.  I can still remember the first (and best) mix – “Joy and Pain” into….”Joy and Pain”.  Two different versions, mixed to perfection - as much by luck as judgement I’m sure, although it was quite achievable using vinyl!

The move to CDs was as gradual as my current move to laptop, and was made quite tough by the lack of flexibility – having to physically balance a domestic style cd player within reach while still using the turntables!

Now it is all easier, even the CD rig is totally flight-cased and easy to use, store, transport and set up, and even the laptops have separate controllers that mimic the kit we have used for years.  Lighting effects to have become far more sophisticated and controllable, using LED allows a huge range of colours, and a whole lighting show can now be controlled from a smartphone

Even the advertising has changed – now I have various social media platforms as well as the website (www.silverball-leisure.co.uk)which is entirely self-built, reflecting the ethos of Silverball Leisure – personal but professional.

Times move on and so do I – but it is fun to look back and what I used to use, and what I used to wear! (man, I LOVED that dress shirt!)

Personal-Passionate -Professional

x

Me Myself and I

When did DJing become so corporate?  Back in the days when I started (1988!) there were no “DJ companies” Sure, there were entertainment agencies who would fill gigs, normally for pubs/restaurants/hotels, but the general birthday party and wedding market was still very personal – you find a DJ and you hire him. Discos back then were individuals, even though we did give ourselves fancy names - Silverball Disco (as it was originally) was named after pinball, my friend named his roadshow after the street he lived in (and lots of people were a “roadshow”). Oh, the 80s…..

There have been many changes in the technology of discos in the thirty years that I have been a DJ – Vinyl gave way to CDs, and now even I am moving to a laptop (with multiple backups). The traditional twin decks have gone, as have the big bulbs an static lighting effects of old, replaced by LED technology and effects that mimic those seen in nightclubs and at concerts! Radio mics, controllers, many things are now available and have changed the physical side of DJing

Back where it all began!

What hasn’t changed, what shouldn’t have changed, is the personal service.  The DJ who you meet, book and who comes to your wedding or your special event.  What I am now seeing more and more is companies, teams of DJs – what used to be a single operator job being replaced by what feel like huge conglomerates!  Ok, maybe not quite, but when I see a website listing “all our DJs” I just wonder where the personal service is, where the specialisms are….  Who turns up to your show?  Will s/he have a different level of experience, a totally different style?

From a personal point of view, it feels like these companies/agencies/teams can squeeze out other DJs which may lessen the choice for anyone looking for a DJ.  Venues use these companies and will steer clients to them, or even insist on you using them which again reduces your choice for your special day.

Even if you hear me say “we”, Silverball Leisure has always been a single operator disco, (although we can call on experienced specialists as and when required), and that is how it will always be.

Personal – Passionate – Professional

Let’s Get Ready To Rhumble

I exhibited at a small wedding fair on Sunday, a whole day talking to Brides and Grooms and explaining the service that I provide to them.

The standout point of discussion was how prepared I am.  It wasn’t until a visitor was so impressed that I realised how unusual this apparently is!

If you follow this blog, or any of my other platforms you’ll have seen “Justin Case”.  Justin is a tool box that goes to every single gig, and contains all the essentials that might be needed – which includes confetti, bottle openers, lighters, sewing kit, safety pins, tissues, plasters…well, you get the idea!

The main thing in Justin is the cake knife.  I DJ’d at a wedding once when the venue supplied a chef’s knife to cut the cake – one with a tatty white plastic handle!  The very next day I went out and bought a knife from John Lewis so that none of my Brides would ever be faced with that again!  Having used a sword at a military wedding, the knife is now joined by my own sword – so you have the choice of using it if you so desire!

What else?

The equipment comes in a large flight case, so rather than only carrying what I think I might need – I carry it all!  Extra lights, lots of power leads so that whatever the venue, I have the means to make it look good!  The flight case also has a complete CD player/mixer unit in it, so that at every event I have a back up mixer, back up CD player.

As standard I use a radio microphone – with a cabled back up – so that I can make announcements from anywhere in the room (and of course I carry spare batteries!) and the microphone can be used for speeches, by your own MC etc… There is also a sound monitor - Just In Case!

Recently I have started to use a laptop for my music – but until I am 100% certain of the reliability of the system I will continue to carry CD players (plus back up!) and CDs.

The van (Wolfgang) is covered by breakdown cover, is always driven the day before an event and also carries a tow rope and a battery charger – plus I have the 4x4 (Travis) for snowy days!

There is probably more – but I don’t really plan my “just in case” – I just do it as a standard!

Personal – Passionate – Professional

Morris Wedding Polish Dancing

Morris Wedding 1 9 18 Goldwasser Toast Intro

All Day and All of the Night

Do you think of a wedding DJ as someone who just turns up at 7, plays music and maybe announces the buffet?  Is that really all you expect?  Is that what you want for the DJ on your big day?  At Silverball Leisure I do more – much more!

Before the Day

Whenever possible I will meet you face to face – if not we’ll talk by phone/skype or (at worst) very detailed emails!  This meeting is to discuss your music choices, the timetable for your day and allows me to get to know you a bit better and understand how your special day will go.  I will then make sure that all your special music is available to me, and listen to your first dance several times so I know when best to make announcements etc

In The Morning

Up early, load the van with everything I will need and might need for the whole day.  The equipment is mostly in roadtrunks for ease of transport and for safe keeping.  I’m already dressed in logo’d rigging clothes with my suit safely in its own carrier!  Appearance is important, even when travelling and setting up.

At the Venue

Subject to the venue I will always arrive way ahead of time to load in the equipment and set it all up.  Especially for a wedding it is important that the set up is neat and elegant as it will be on show all day and will form the backdrop to some of your most important photos.  It can take anything up to three hours to rig, the more time I have, the more precise I can be!  I will finish off by taking a photograph as that is the best way to check there is nothing messy about the set up.  Being in so early also allows me to discuss the timings with the venue and familiarise myself with the room.  The equipment will be set, everything tidied away and I will be in my suit before you arrive in the room so that neither you or your guests are faced with the mess of setting up

During the Wedding Breakfast

Background music on (there is never any need to “DJ” this part, and therefore never any need to pay for it!) and I am available should you need me – announcing you into the room, introducing the speeches – I have a lot of experience in this!  If you have your own MC I will supply a radio mic for both announcements and the speeches

Evening Time

I always feel cake cutting is best done once the evening guests arrive, and just before the first dance.  Both of these are important events and should be properly managed. I will liaise with everyone over timings, assemble the guests, introduce and also build the excitement!  Too many times I see cake cutting done practically in silence!  Cakes deserve a countdown and a cheer – and you can use my sword if you so choose!  

The First Dance is a very important part of the day – and the last formal thing you have to do.  Again, properly managed, built up with appropriate invitations (usually staged) for people to join you – parents, best man/bridesmaids etc.  It shouldn’t just stop at the first announcement.  Let’s make it a big deal and celebrate your marriage!

Party!

Now you can kick back and enjoy!  Based on your playlist, guest requests and of course reading the crowd we will have a fun night.  The last hour I now call “Bride Hour” when I can really focus on your favourite tunes until the big finish.

 

No wedding should fizzle out, and all your guests will want to say goodbye to you, so its everyone on to the dance floor, lots of singalongs, arms in the air and a fitting end to your big day. 

A good DJ can make such a difference to your special day.

A great DJ will help your day go smoothly

An excellent DJ will go beyond your expectations and make your day fabulous

Book an excellent DJ, book a DJ who cares

Personal – Passionate – Professional

Money's Too Tight (To Mention)

Whenever we talk about the disco, especially at Wedding fairs or in any sales call, the main question people want to ask is “how much?”  Its not a surprising question, and with wedding planning in particular budgets are very important – and in the modern social media savvy world there are far more opportunities for price comparisons.

When it comes down to it, we are not the cheapest supplier, although we are not the most expensive either!  If you are watching the pennies for your wedding day – or even if you are not! – you have a few options for a DJ

The Cheap DJ

“Well, all DJs are the same aren’t they?  They just play music, and I know a bloke down the pub/my mate’s friend/a guy my Dad knows who can do it cheap”

Have you planned your whole wedding around “cheapest option” or “best value”?  It does feel like we are the only part of the wedding (or general entertainments) industry where people base their selection solely on price

"Price is what you pay, value is what you get." 

Warren Buffet

There is a reason why that cheap DJ is cheap – and very often it is because they are not very good,  they only attract bookings based on price alone.  If they are charging less than the going rate then they don’t seem to place much value on their own services – so what value will they place on your wedding, and what value will they add to the day?

Are they reliable?  I see, every single week without fail, requests for cover for a DJ who has let down a client.  These are never at a high rate, they are always, always, for very low money, because the cheap DJs will drop a booking to take one for a bit more money.  Now, imagine that was your wedding they have just dropped….

Are they professional?  I’ve written another blog post on this – take a look.  Will your cheap DJ have decent kit?  Insurance?  Will they make an effort?

We do.

The Supplied DJ

We met a bride to be at the weekend who said “its cheaper to have it in the package”.  She didn’t seem bothered at all to have no choice, no input into the DJ – and that is her absolute right!

But having chosen your dress, your flowers, the colour for your bridesmaids dresses, the car you will arrive in, even the design of your place cards are you going to trust to “whoever they supply”?

What if he doesn’t have your music?  Your first dance?  Does he even know your names?  Does he understand your family dynamics?  Will he make a faux pas about your family out loud on a microphone?

This is why I always talk to my happy couples in advance – preferably in person – so I understand exactly what they want, exactly how we are going to deliver it

The “Too Good To Be True” DJ

You’ve seen their set up, their glossy brochure, it all looks fabulous and the price is really low!  Isn’t that perfect?  Well, no.  Does that price actually cover everything they’ve shown you?  More and more DJs are going with “extras”, so the price they show you is not the price you pay.  All those additional fees quickly add up to a price way higher than you first thought – and more than the DJ you thought was the more expensive!  Charging for extra hours, microphones, extra lights, early set up, background music – even for requests in advance…we’ve seen all this and more and we will not charge for these things.  All of this comes for free with our price.  We have two optional add-ons (mood lighting and games) and that’s it!  

We believe in honest pricing

The Ultra Expensive DJ

Surely after all I’ve said there is nothing wrong here?  Well, the DJs who position themselves at the very top end are making a great living – but most of them are not “wedding DJs”, they are club DJs, which is a very specific skill set – as is wedding DJing.

Other ultras have “gadgets and gizmos aplenty, whozits and whatsists galore” – and you are paying for them!  If that’s what you want – go for it!  But remember your budget…..

So where do I sit?  Right at the price that I believe is fair, both for me and for you.  Thirty years experience, high levels of service, attention to detail, support and reliability means that I provide value, and add value to your wedding day.  Feel free to ask me more, or see what previous happy couples have said… Facebook Reviews