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

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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