| DJ vs. Band |
Why should I use a disc jockey entertainment service instead of a live band?
Reliability: A DJ service has less staff to rely on to show up and provide an optimum performance.
Variety: The larger the guest list, the more variety in music is needed. Live bands are usually limited to what they can play well. Our
extensive music library can keep any crowd happy.
Dancing: People like to dance to the music they are familiar with. We play the original versions of your favorite music.
Cost: Fewer personnel at your affair can mean lower cost to you. Our professional staff will provide your favorite music at a
reasonable rate.
Sound: A DJ service can tailor the sound level much easier than a live band can. We will reduce the volume level during cocktails
and meals to allow your guests to chat comfortably; music will typically be played somewhat louder during dancing, but this is totally
at your discretion. We also use techniques to adjust our sound system to the reception room, making the sound pleasing to you and
your guests.
Participation: DJ Services tend to offer more activities than bands. Our disc jockey's will lead your guests in various games,
contests, specialty dances, line dancing and all to encourage more active participation by all of your guests.
Break Time: DJ's can "take five" during songs and still keep the good music going. A band has to take time to rest voices, standing,
and fatigue from playing. A band typically plays for 45 minutes and then rests for 15, a DJ can play music all night long.
Reliability: A DJ service has less staff to rely on to show up and provide an optimum performance.
Variety: The larger the guest list, the more variety in music is needed. Live bands are usually limited to what they can play well. Our
extensive music library can keep any crowd happy.
Dancing: People like to dance to the music they are familiar with. We play the original versions of your favorite music.
Cost: Fewer personnel at your affair can mean lower cost to you. Our professional staff will provide your favorite music at a
reasonable rate.
Sound: A DJ service can tailor the sound level much easier than a live band can. We will reduce the volume level during cocktails
and meals to allow your guests to chat comfortably; music will typically be played somewhat louder during dancing, but this is totally
at your discretion. We also use techniques to adjust our sound system to the reception room, making the sound pleasing to you and
your guests.
Participation: DJ Services tend to offer more activities than bands. Our disc jockey's will lead your guests in various games,
contests, specialty dances, line dancing and all to encourage more active participation by all of your guests.
Break Time: DJ's can "take five" during songs and still keep the good music going. A band has to take time to rest voices, standing,
and fatigue from playing. A band typically plays for 45 minutes and then rests for 15, a DJ can play music all night long.
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| STEVENS DJ SERVICE INC. DJ/MC Matthew Stevens 217-585-4008 Springfield, IL |
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| The event you've always dreamed of...We make it a reality. Matthew Stevens is a Wedding and Master of Ceremonies Expert. |
| DJ vs. Ipod... |
Yet another article about the scourge of the iPod? Well, yes, but this is one to share with grooms who are being tempted by
Getting married, mister? Congratulations. Are you handling the details with your fiancée? Great. Your job is to arrange the
music? Brilliant. You are doing it yourself? How so? Your iPod! You’re kidding, right? How much are you spending on your
wedding? Oh, it’s a control issue? You want your favorites played? Have you really thought this through? Didn’t think so.
Although an iPod is a very efficient personal music system, there are several problems that arise when depending on your
iPod to handle your wedding reception. Your risk vs. reward is not as clear cut as you might think. So, here comes the “tough
love.” I’ve been a mobile disc jockey since 1979. I have some frank advice for you, since you get only one chance to handle
this wedding music issue…
To put it as simply as possible: Get a pro. A experienced professional disc jockey solves many reception issues in the
planning. Your preferences and song list should be completely explored months before the ceremony and delivered by
someone who has been there before. The well-prepared DJ also has professional grade sound equipment and back-up gear
that is dependable.
Technical Difficulties
Got some home speakers? What are you using for your amplifier? Briefly, my professional DJ speakers are better than your
home speakers. I use powered JBL EON-15 G2 speakers, some of the best portable speakers available. A mobile disc jockey
depends on durable, high-performance equipment gig after gig after gig.
Thinking of renting PA gear? Rental equipment costs money. Rental equipment also costs time. Pick-up and drop-off does not
include your shopping time spent finding the right sound rental company. Got time? In the week prior to your wedding, time is
your most precious commodity. Does the money-back guarantee give you any comfort if it fails at your wedding reception?
Risky business. You will not get a chance to test rental equipment. You can’t even do a venue sound check. Are all the
connecting wires included? Are your XLR cables matched with 1/4″ speaker inputs? Too technical? This is just chapter one.
Do you plan on any toasts or blessings to be delivered? Did you forget about the microphone? Would you say that all
microphones the same?
When you are listening to your iPod, you involuntarily adjust the volume to your comfort. You’ll soon find out that all songs are
not recorded at the same volume. Since you are pumping raw iPod sound, you have no volume control or equalizer (bass vs.
treble) control. Your iPod is smaller than your keys. Have you ever misplaced your keys? Doesn’t it turn your stomach if your
drop your digital camera on the floor or your cell phone on the parking lot? How durable is your iPod? Any back-up plan?
What could possibly go wrong?
Musical Magic-or Mayhem?
What about your song selections? With an iPod wedding, you’ll get your songs and your random mix, but, you won’t get
pacing, such as breaking up a lengthy, fast-paced set with one or two ballads. This is especially vital for a reception including
a variety of ages. Are guests of all age groups attending?
“Got my favorite song?” Who will be asked this question? You will. It seems you forgot about audience requests or what
tendencies are occurring on the dance floor. Observation is one of the most important skills of disc jockeying.
A pro disc jockey takes the bride’s and groom’s song preferences and presents them in such a way as to provide the guests
with the couple’s very own musical signature. “Reading the crowd” is the disc jockey’s primary skill. Do you really think that
“the crowd will dance to anything” anyway? Are you willing to bet your special day on that idea?
Time Keeps on Slippin’…
Should your wedding day responsibilities include troubleshooting power needs like batteries or chargers? Your attention will
be directed to many different people during the ceremony and reception. Every person in attendance would like some of your
time. Not to mention, your new partner. Your priorities need to be re-examined if your iPod gets as much attention as your new
wedding ring. This statement will also be posed to you, by your new spouse. Guaranteed. Remember the difficulty that you
two had selecting the names on your guest list? Your time spent with selected family and selected friends is such a
memorable part of the wedding reception, so hold it as a gift with great value. Is your attention going to be diverted by sound
equipment during the most important day of your life?
Maybe you had the breakthrough idea to ask a wedding party attendant to watch your iPod. So it seems that this friend is no
longer a guest, but is now working for you. Maybe you’ll trust a non-guest who will baby sit the iPod. And maybe you’ll want a
first-time chef baking your wedding cake too. Speaking of other vendors, are you aware that experienced vendors like the disc
jockey, caterer, photographer, venue manager, video-grapher and wedding coordinator together work out the final details and
fine-tune the timing…during the event!
Money Well Spent
Is it cheaper? Sure, hiring a professional costs more than a do-it-yourself project. But, is your wedding really a do-it-yourself
project? This may not be the best time to show how frugal you are. You are planning the biggest party in your life and you
have the opportunity to select experienced, professional vendors-so do the right thing. Although your input and your needs
are essential in the planning stage, you must transition to the “guest of honor” stage to fully enjoy your wedding day. Don’t
you want to experience it together with your new bride as the happy couple?
You will get a fair representation of what the modern disc jockey does during your personal meeting, months before your
event. That’s why I like meeting the wedding couple to get both bride and groom perspectives on what to do and what not to
do. The clients supply me with a song list and wedding preference timeline, just like they will tell their needs to the caterer,
florist and so on. Your mix of traditional and modern choices makes your wedding unique. The DJ is the one who will weave
your choices into a musical tapestry worthy of your most special occasion.
Get Real
You should know, by now, that the modern disc jockey is not so anxious to play line dances. This optional choice is covered in
part of the couple’s song-list and is called the “do not play list”. We understand and appreciate that kind of instruction. You
should know that the modern disc jockey uses judgment concerning objectionable lyrics. Your iPod does not have that kind of
filter. The glut of sunny wedding music advice on the web does not give you the real life pros and cons about the modern disc
jockey. There are some major practical limitations when you pre-program the music event, days before your guests see you
walk down the aisle.
Every vendor wants a well-planned wedding, just like every client. So, let the chefs cook. Let the florist bring the flowers. Let
the photographers shoot. Let the limousine driver drive. Let the professional disc jockey provide the soundtrack for your once-
in-a-lifetime reception.
Did you ever hear the old line about “making or breaking the reception”? What do you think they were talking about? A smart
bride once said, “Good entertainment isn’t cheap and cheap entertainment isn’t good”.
So, you want to have an iPod wedding? Are you kidding?
Comments / Reprint Permission? www.DJMrED.com
Getting married, mister? Congratulations. Are you handling the details with your fiancée? Great. Your job is to arrange the
music? Brilliant. You are doing it yourself? How so? Your iPod! You’re kidding, right? How much are you spending on your
wedding? Oh, it’s a control issue? You want your favorites played? Have you really thought this through? Didn’t think so.
Although an iPod is a very efficient personal music system, there are several problems that arise when depending on your
iPod to handle your wedding reception. Your risk vs. reward is not as clear cut as you might think. So, here comes the “tough
love.” I’ve been a mobile disc jockey since 1979. I have some frank advice for you, since you get only one chance to handle
this wedding music issue…
To put it as simply as possible: Get a pro. A experienced professional disc jockey solves many reception issues in the
planning. Your preferences and song list should be completely explored months before the ceremony and delivered by
someone who has been there before. The well-prepared DJ also has professional grade sound equipment and back-up gear
that is dependable.
Technical Difficulties
Got some home speakers? What are you using for your amplifier? Briefly, my professional DJ speakers are better than your
home speakers. I use powered JBL EON-15 G2 speakers, some of the best portable speakers available. A mobile disc jockey
depends on durable, high-performance equipment gig after gig after gig.
Thinking of renting PA gear? Rental equipment costs money. Rental equipment also costs time. Pick-up and drop-off does not
include your shopping time spent finding the right sound rental company. Got time? In the week prior to your wedding, time is
your most precious commodity. Does the money-back guarantee give you any comfort if it fails at your wedding reception?
Risky business. You will not get a chance to test rental equipment. You can’t even do a venue sound check. Are all the
connecting wires included? Are your XLR cables matched with 1/4″ speaker inputs? Too technical? This is just chapter one.
Do you plan on any toasts or blessings to be delivered? Did you forget about the microphone? Would you say that all
microphones the same?
When you are listening to your iPod, you involuntarily adjust the volume to your comfort. You’ll soon find out that all songs are
not recorded at the same volume. Since you are pumping raw iPod sound, you have no volume control or equalizer (bass vs.
treble) control. Your iPod is smaller than your keys. Have you ever misplaced your keys? Doesn’t it turn your stomach if your
drop your digital camera on the floor or your cell phone on the parking lot? How durable is your iPod? Any back-up plan?
What could possibly go wrong?
Musical Magic-or Mayhem?
What about your song selections? With an iPod wedding, you’ll get your songs and your random mix, but, you won’t get
pacing, such as breaking up a lengthy, fast-paced set with one or two ballads. This is especially vital for a reception including
a variety of ages. Are guests of all age groups attending?
“Got my favorite song?” Who will be asked this question? You will. It seems you forgot about audience requests or what
tendencies are occurring on the dance floor. Observation is one of the most important skills of disc jockeying.
A pro disc jockey takes the bride’s and groom’s song preferences and presents them in such a way as to provide the guests
with the couple’s very own musical signature. “Reading the crowd” is the disc jockey’s primary skill. Do you really think that
“the crowd will dance to anything” anyway? Are you willing to bet your special day on that idea?
Time Keeps on Slippin’…
Should your wedding day responsibilities include troubleshooting power needs like batteries or chargers? Your attention will
be directed to many different people during the ceremony and reception. Every person in attendance would like some of your
time. Not to mention, your new partner. Your priorities need to be re-examined if your iPod gets as much attention as your new
wedding ring. This statement will also be posed to you, by your new spouse. Guaranteed. Remember the difficulty that you
two had selecting the names on your guest list? Your time spent with selected family and selected friends is such a
memorable part of the wedding reception, so hold it as a gift with great value. Is your attention going to be diverted by sound
equipment during the most important day of your life?
Maybe you had the breakthrough idea to ask a wedding party attendant to watch your iPod. So it seems that this friend is no
longer a guest, but is now working for you. Maybe you’ll trust a non-guest who will baby sit the iPod. And maybe you’ll want a
first-time chef baking your wedding cake too. Speaking of other vendors, are you aware that experienced vendors like the disc
jockey, caterer, photographer, venue manager, video-grapher and wedding coordinator together work out the final details and
fine-tune the timing…during the event!
Money Well Spent
Is it cheaper? Sure, hiring a professional costs more than a do-it-yourself project. But, is your wedding really a do-it-yourself
project? This may not be the best time to show how frugal you are. You are planning the biggest party in your life and you
have the opportunity to select experienced, professional vendors-so do the right thing. Although your input and your needs
are essential in the planning stage, you must transition to the “guest of honor” stage to fully enjoy your wedding day. Don’t
you want to experience it together with your new bride as the happy couple?
You will get a fair representation of what the modern disc jockey does during your personal meeting, months before your
event. That’s why I like meeting the wedding couple to get both bride and groom perspectives on what to do and what not to
do. The clients supply me with a song list and wedding preference timeline, just like they will tell their needs to the caterer,
florist and so on. Your mix of traditional and modern choices makes your wedding unique. The DJ is the one who will weave
your choices into a musical tapestry worthy of your most special occasion.
Get Real
You should know, by now, that the modern disc jockey is not so anxious to play line dances. This optional choice is covered in
part of the couple’s song-list and is called the “do not play list”. We understand and appreciate that kind of instruction. You
should know that the modern disc jockey uses judgment concerning objectionable lyrics. Your iPod does not have that kind of
filter. The glut of sunny wedding music advice on the web does not give you the real life pros and cons about the modern disc
jockey. There are some major practical limitations when you pre-program the music event, days before your guests see you
walk down the aisle.
Every vendor wants a well-planned wedding, just like every client. So, let the chefs cook. Let the florist bring the flowers. Let
the photographers shoot. Let the limousine driver drive. Let the professional disc jockey provide the soundtrack for your once-
in-a-lifetime reception.
Did you ever hear the old line about “making or breaking the reception”? What do you think they were talking about? A smart
bride once said, “Good entertainment isn’t cheap and cheap entertainment isn’t good”.
So, you want to have an iPod wedding? Are you kidding?
Comments / Reprint Permission? www.DJMrED.com
