BS: Dee Jay Rant

Subject: Dee Jay Rant
From: GUEST, Banjo Johnny
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 12:33 AM

This will probably be a thread for blowing off steam, but that could be worthwhile.

I used to work in Los Angeles booking bands -- you know, getting work for real live (union) musicians. It was such a bummer when a party would say, "We're going in a different direction." I hate that expression. It means they are hiring a D.J. instead of a live band.

I've tried to be polite, but at times I have said, "Why don't you get someone from your (club/office/...) to bring a record player for nothing?" .. you cheap SOB.

I have sworn a solemn oath that I will never attend a DJ party. These guys have no talent -- but they're cheap. You get what you pay for.

== Johnny in OKC

Subject: RE: BS: Dee Jay Rant
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 02:02 AM

I've gotten a few offers to do a gig at a party, and then have it taken away on just a few days notice, and one time only one day's notice, because they decided on something else. Sometimes "We want this folk group for dinner music" really means "We want to have your name in the hopper but we're still looking." It's a pain in the butt, it shows no respect for the time and effort musicians put into preparation, and it leaves you feeling helplessy frustrated. People who do that just don't get it. It's a little different than what you're talking about here, but the same mentality.

Subject: RE: BS: Dee Jay Rant
From: Jim the Bart
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 01:59 PM

I'd like to agree, and I suppose I do, but ...

A lot of this is pure economics. You know what you're gonna get for your buck with a recording. A live performance is too much of a crap shoot for most people these days. It's an unfortunately conservative age. Musicians get sick. They "interpret" songs. They get drunk and insult the mother of the bride. They don't sound anywhere near as good as their demo tape. They play dance music at tempoes people can't dance to. Of course they do lots of good stuff that a recording can't. But most people don't go to weddings or other events for a musical experience. Let's face it - most of the time you, as a hired musician, are no more important than the floral arrangements.

That's why "being a professional" is such a dubious distinction. All it means is you talked someone into paying you to play. "Professionalism", however, is a different thing. It means fulfilling the terms of the agreement, living up to someone else's expectations. If more "professional musicians" lived up to the name, you'd probably see fewer people willing to settle for a record player and disc jockey. "Disc jockey" - what an image that term conjurs up!

Subject: RE: BS: Dee Jay Rant
From: SeanM
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 02:12 PM

That's the crux of the problem.

I used to attend a company party regularly, and after several years of bands that didn't show, or showed but didn't live up to various elements of the contract ("Hey Bob, it says bring our own amps!""Dude, it always says that. They'll have some"), or showed but were absolutely horrible - after dealing with that for a while, the party eventually switched over to DJ music. As was explained, this meant the music could go longer, would be consistently good (in a "if you consider top 40 good" kind of way), and the money saved could be routed into other areas of the party.

Unfortunately, the parties with the DJ DID tend to be better.

However, from a Mudcat point of view... I just can't see the same being true for a large party with folk music. Of course, at a large folk party, half the crowd would break out guitars and drown out the DJ strumming along to whichever song they thought they heard...

M

Subject: RE: BS: Dee Jay Rant
From: kendall
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 03:29 PM

another direction eh? This is what I tell them
If you want good quality oats, you are going to pay top price.
However, if you can settle for those that have been through the horse
They are much cheaper.

Subject: RE: BS: Dee Jay Rant
From: Kim C
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 05:06 PM

Kendall, I like that. I'll have to remember it. :)

Subject: RE: BS: Dee Jay Rant
From: catspaw49
Date: 03 Aug 00 - 10:14 AM

The DJ is at least an honest kinda' thing. Most play what is expected and have selections geared to your party. To some degree they have professionalism and expertise in whatever type of music you are asking for. I am fully understanding of your point though and would prefer live anytime, providing they live up to their billing. There is something else that I really do hate though.

In recent years we have run across a completely AWFUL combination of DJ/Live that embodies the absolute WORST of both.......the Karaoke Player. Last year we were at a party for a friend's retirement and they had booked this guy who played guitar badly and sang cornily to a Karaoke background. It was completely hideous.......just no other word for it.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Dee Jay Rant
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Aug 00 - 10:50 AM

I have promised $10,000 to any niece, nephew, or son of mine who agrees to elope and spare me the blaring DeeJay and the Hokey Pokey.