Over the next few days, I will add venue listings and photographers, caterers, etc...
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Dancemix.co.uk gets a facelift
Over the next few days, I will add venue listings and photographers, caterers, etc...
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
A day in the life of a mobile DJ
Many people think that a DJ only does a couple of hours work for his hard earned pay. Only yesterday, a potential client asked me for a quote for me to DJ at their wedding from 10:00pm to 12:00pm after a bands set for 170 guests in an upstairs venue. I quoted a very reasonable £395 as this was a weekday function, and this would mean getting there to set up by 7pm in reality. The response from the client was that they were "looking at paying £100 - 200 at the most, as its a thursday and we are already having a live band play from 8pm - 10pm. It was just to finish the evening off".
What some people fail to see is all the work which goes into providing an evening function, it really isn't just turn up, play for 2 hours, go home, invariably this means I start work at about 4pm and finish at 1am. To hire a basic disco setup from a PA company would cost about £150 to £200 alone. I use some of the very best equipment available, and the hire costs alone would be nearer £800. Add to this the costs of running a legitimate business, and you can see that £100 to £200 is not a realistic expectation for a professional DJ. Not only do I visit all my clients to plan their party in detail, but I also prepare their choice of music, prepare contracts, visit the venue beforehand and that's before the day itself which goes a little bit like this:
For more information on how I can help, please visit my website.
However, I do realise that there are clients who are not expecting a top quality service, and are happy to run the risk of an inexperienced DJ ruining their party. You would not believe how often I get calls from distraught brides or function managers because the bargain basement DJ has not turned up, or has canceled with no notice.
What some people fail to see is all the work which goes into providing an evening function, it really isn't just turn up, play for 2 hours, go home, invariably this means I start work at about 4pm and finish at 1am. To hire a basic disco setup from a PA company would cost about £150 to £200 alone. I use some of the very best equipment available, and the hire costs alone would be nearer £800. Add to this the costs of running a legitimate business, and you can see that £100 to £200 is not a realistic expectation for a professional DJ. Not only do I visit all my clients to plan their party in detail, but I also prepare their choice of music, prepare contracts, visit the venue beforehand and that's before the day itself which goes a little bit like this:
For more information on how I can help, please visit my website.
However, I do realise that there are clients who are not expecting a top quality service, and are happy to run the risk of an inexperienced DJ ruining their party. You would not believe how often I get calls from distraught brides or function managers because the bargain basement DJ has not turned up, or has canceled with no notice.
Thursday, 10 September 2009
What is PAT and PLI?
Electrical safety
It is really important to ensure everyone’s safety at any function. All of Brian Mole's sound and lighting equipment is tested every year for electrical safety with what is commonly known as a PAT test. Every venue manager should be asking to see this in advance, if you have booked and your chosen venue ask, I can arrange to show my current PAT test certificate as required.
Public Liability Indemnity
Public Liability Indemnity insurance, also known as PLI, is another requirement of many venues. I am a member of the MU, this gives me the benefit of a £10M level of PLI insurance cover. Again, I am happy to provide this document on demand for any of my clients or venues.
Please make sure you ask to see these important documents from any entertainer you book. Although PAT and PLI are not a legal requirement, they are common sense, and a condition of hire for many venues. Should you decide to book an entertainer who cannot provide valid evidence of PLI or PAT, you may find they are denied access to perform at your function, even at the last minute. Every month, I receive last-minute calls from both venues and potential clients who are let down by performers who were unable to provide the required paperwork, and are desperately looking for a reputable DJ who is still available!
Before and after each function, all of my lighting, sound, and general equipment such as stands together with all the stands are inspected for any signs of damage. On arrival in a venue as part of my risk assessment, the electricity supply is tested to ensure that it is safe to use. I also carry a mains monitor, and a fire extinguisher ‘just in case’.
These are all common sense and good practice, and part of the code of practice which is a condition of my membership of the South Eastern Discotheque Association - an association of DJ’s based in the South East which prides itself in professionalism, education, and support (SEDA).
For more information on the service I offer to all my clients and to find out why you should book me for your special event, please visit my mobile DJ website.
It is really important to ensure everyone’s safety at any function. All of Brian Mole's sound and lighting equipment is tested every year for electrical safety with what is commonly known as a PAT test. Every venue manager should be asking to see this in advance, if you have booked and your chosen venue ask, I can arrange to show my current PAT test certificate as required.
Public Liability Indemnity
Public Liability Indemnity insurance, also known as PLI, is another requirement of many venues. I am a member of the MU, this gives me the benefit of a £10M level of PLI insurance cover. Again, I am happy to provide this document on demand for any of my clients or venues.
Please make sure you ask to see these important documents from any entertainer you book. Although PAT and PLI are not a legal requirement, they are common sense, and a condition of hire for many venues. Should you decide to book an entertainer who cannot provide valid evidence of PLI or PAT, you may find they are denied access to perform at your function, even at the last minute. Every month, I receive last-minute calls from both venues and potential clients who are let down by performers who were unable to provide the required paperwork, and are desperately looking for a reputable DJ who is still available!
Before and after each function, all of my lighting, sound, and general equipment such as stands together with all the stands are inspected for any signs of damage. On arrival in a venue as part of my risk assessment, the electricity supply is tested to ensure that it is safe to use. I also carry a mains monitor, and a fire extinguisher ‘just in case’.
These are all common sense and good practice, and part of the code of practice which is a condition of my membership of the South Eastern Discotheque Association - an association of DJ’s based in the South East which prides itself in professionalism, education, and support (SEDA).
For more information on the service I offer to all my clients and to find out why you should book me for your special event, please visit my mobile DJ website.
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
Dawn of a new species....
Pioneer are without a doubt the manufacturer of choice for playback and mixing devices in the professional DJ industry. For years their CDJ-1000 CD turntables have dominated the DJ booths of this world's clubs, and rightly so. The user experience, innovation and reliability is second to none.
Now is the time for Pioneer to unveil the next generation for the Pro DJ, the ultimate tool in their arsenal. Believe me, it is going to be awesome, and it will change dramatically the way I DJ. The user experience of the control surfaces are of the same high quality, and there are a few amazing new features too which will allow us to concentrate more on lifting the crowds we play to. Preparation of our music and connectivity are also key areas where you will see great features and changes.
The Dawn of the new species is here ...... Standby for 17th September 2009 when all is revealed.
For a few tantalising insights, visit the Pioneer site...
Now is the time for Pioneer to unveil the next generation for the Pro DJ, the ultimate tool in their arsenal. Believe me, it is going to be awesome, and it will change dramatically the way I DJ. The user experience of the control surfaces are of the same high quality, and there are a few amazing new features too which will allow us to concentrate more on lifting the crowds we play to. Preparation of our music and connectivity are also key areas where you will see great features and changes.
The Dawn of the new species is here ...... Standby for 17th September 2009 when all is revealed.
For a few tantalising insights, visit the Pioneer site...
Sunday, 6 September 2009
How do I conduct business with my clients?
Once we have made contact, and I can confirm I am available, I will suggest that I visit my clients to find out exactly what is required for the party. This is a no-obligation, no pressure planning visit, and my aim is to give complete peace of mind when choosing the DJ for your function. If preferred, this can be done over the phone or indeed by email.
Should a client wish to book me for their party, I would then prepare a written agreement for both of us, and request a nominal fee as an advance payment. Only when this is done is the booking confirmed, and I will no longer be available to any other enquiries. Access to my exclusive online planning system will then be granted, this allows my clients to preview and chose musical requests in advance, and set an expected timeline for your function. If the venue is new to me, I would arrange to visit the management to ensure that I comply with their requirements, and of course to make sure they can fit in with mine!
A few weeks before your party, I will ensure I have all the music requested at hand, and confirm this with my client. The balance of my fee is also due up to 14 days before the event. I will also double check all the final details including any timing changes, and liaise with 3rd parties such as venue management, caterers, bands, photographers, etc... as required.
Terms and conditions summary:
Should a client wish to book me for their party, I would then prepare a written agreement for both of us, and request a nominal fee as an advance payment. Only when this is done is the booking confirmed, and I will no longer be available to any other enquiries. Access to my exclusive online planning system will then be granted, this allows my clients to preview and chose musical requests in advance, and set an expected timeline for your function. If the venue is new to me, I would arrange to visit the management to ensure that I comply with their requirements, and of course to make sure they can fit in with mine!
A few weeks before your party, I will ensure I have all the music requested at hand, and confirm this with my client. The balance of my fee is also due up to 14 days before the event. I will also double check all the final details including any timing changes, and liaise with 3rd parties such as venue management, caterers, bands, photographers, etc... as required.
Terms and conditions summary:
- Booking DJ Brian Mole is subject to a written agreement. No written agreement = no booking!
- Payment must be received in full up to 14 days before the event.
- Changes to the timings agreed will be charged at £60 per hour or part.
- Cancellations MUST be notified in writing AND by telephone.
- If a cancellation is made within 30 days of the event, the full fee is payable.
- If a cancellation is made up to 30 days from the event, the advance payment will be forfeited.
- The electricity supply must be adequate, safe, clean, and exclusive. If a generator is to be used, this HAS to be approved in advance by my technical crew - no exceptions!
- Functions outdoors or in a Marquee are subject to further conditions, mainly for logistical and health & safety reasons, and I need to know in advance in order to make sure the event runs smoothly.
- The client and venue management must allow suitable time and access for setting up and removal of the equipment.
- I expect to perform in a safe, non-abusive and non-hostile environment. Any mistreatment or abuse of the DJ or anyone accompanying the DJ, in any way will result in the immediate discontinuing of service.
Music; the soundtrack to your life!
Have you been to a party where the DJ only played what he wanted? How crazy is this?!!!
A professional mobile DJ should be prepared to listen to his customers’ requests to play appropriate music for their party. As a highly experienced DJ, I know what kinds of music make people move, but it is essential that you and your guests enjoy the music played, and I encourage all my clients to suggest what they want to hear.
This can be done at our planning meetings, by email, or using my exclusive online planning tools where you can hear samples of music as you make your selections. On the day of your event, you will be confident that you will have no unwanted surprises, and your party will be a great success, and you and your guests will dance to your favourite tunes.
I have been collecting many genres of music since I was a teenager, and my collection is very extensive. I am constantly updating my collection in order to provide the best possible service to all my clients. I cover the following genres, if you don’t see what you like, just ask (I probably have it already!):
party • disco • pop • house • hip hop • pre-release promos • club anthems • ambient chill-out • bhangra & bollywood • drum n bass • soul • funk • Ibiza anthems • trance • motown • breaks • rock • smooth jazz • salsa & latin • 50’s • 60’s • 70’s • 80’s • 90’s • 00’s.
This can be done at our planning meetings, by email, or using my exclusive online planning tools where you can hear samples of music as you make your selections. On the day of your event, you will be confident that you will have no unwanted surprises, and your party will be a great success, and you and your guests will dance to your favourite tunes.
I have been collecting many genres of music since I was a teenager, and my collection is very extensive. I am constantly updating my collection in order to provide the best possible service to all my clients. I cover the following genres, if you don’t see what you like, just ask (I probably have it already!):
party • disco • pop • house • hip hop • pre-release promos • club anthems • ambient chill-out • bhangra & bollywood • drum n bass • soul • funk • Ibiza anthems • trance • motown • breaks • rock • smooth jazz • salsa & latin • 50’s • 60’s • 70’s • 80’s • 90’s • 00’s.
Friday, 4 September 2009
Value for money
"It's unwise to pay too much but it's unwise to pay too little. When you pay too much you lose a little money, that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing you bought it to do.
The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot. It can't be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it's well to add something for the risk you run. And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better"
Quote from John Ruskin 1819 to 1900.
Think again before you look for a cheap disco or a cheap DJ for your party, it could be a disaster for your party!
DJ Brian Mole offers excellent entertainment, service and value for money. To find out more, visit my website.
The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot. It can't be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it's well to add something for the risk you run. And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better"
Quote from John Ruskin 1819 to 1900.
Think again before you look for a cheap disco or a cheap DJ for your party, it could be a disaster for your party!
DJ Brian Mole offers excellent entertainment, service and value for money. To find out more, visit my website.
Local DJ lets down client at the last minute
This morning, I had a call from a bride in tears. A DJ from a local firm in Worthing whom she had booked for her special day let her down with a text message. What on earth goes though the minds of these people? A wedding is a very very important event, not something which can be taken lightly.
I would never ever do this, once booked, I will guarantee to be there. In 28 years of DJing, I have never let anyone down, and I find his practice abhorrent. Unfortunately, this does happen, and we do receive calls like this with frightening regularity.
Reliability, trust, professionalism, and peace of mind are all key values which I work hard on in my business model. For more infrmation on how I work, visit my website - there is a page of relevant questions and answers which give you an idea of how I ensure that the booking experience is great.
I would never ever do this, once booked, I will guarantee to be there. In 28 years of DJing, I have never let anyone down, and I find his practice abhorrent. Unfortunately, this does happen, and we do receive calls like this with frightening regularity.
Reliability, trust, professionalism, and peace of mind are all key values which I work hard on in my business model. For more infrmation on how I work, visit my website - there is a page of relevant questions and answers which give you an idea of how I ensure that the booking experience is great.
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