MBLVX Seminar: 12 Steps To Better Performances

First seminar I attended was a good one. Hosted by Dean Carlson who is a well established US Mobile DJ. This was Deans first time talking at Mobile Beat, and he openly confessed that no more than 7 years ago he was a homeless, jobless, drug addict with nothing to his name… he is now a very successful multi-op and came to share his tips. The introduction sounded very inviting:

Do you find yourself struggling, unable to make that solid connection with your clients or their guests that creates the energy and synergy making it a truly memorable event? Having trained nearly 100 DJs, Dean Carlson will show you that it’s not about being “on”, but rather a matter of small steps enhancing performances in a short period of time.

It all started with 2 very capturing quotes: “If life gives you lemons – make lemonade” and “Get knocked down 7 – get up 8″ this was Deans way of highlighting the importance of striving and continuing to fight and on go with improving yourself and your performance to ultimate create an outstanding show. The seminar focused on 12 steps which I will now outline

1. Admit you are not nearly as good as you think you are – If we already think we are the best then we stop learning as we feel we have nothing to learn. No one is perfect and there is always room for improvement. Have a slice of humble pie….
2. Understand there are people better than us out there –  Why not try and find a mentor (As part of SEDA this is exactly what we are all about)? There is no need to be so closed with sharing your idea also, say as a mentor you think you have an “original idea” chances are someone else may well have done it too in a slightly different way, but thats exactly what you (as someone looking for a mentor) should be looking to do: find an idea you like, take it and evolve it and make it your own. Having a mentor also proves invaluable as its an outside source of information, a new perspective on the way you do things and something you might have missed. To set up a good relationship with student/mentor there are 3 things:
   • Give Permission – When people offer advice with out being invited you can often feel offended, so give your mentor the opportunity and invite them to make suggestions and comments. If you have a suggestion for someone else , ask, something like “Hey Barney, I saw your performance and I thought based on my experience I might have something that could be of use to you, would you mind if I share it with you”
   • Humility – Don’t always take a defensive stance such as “thats how i’ve always done it” or “thats just the way it has to be done”. If you don’t welcome and accept comments you can’t expect to receive future honest feedback next time!
   • Trust – A point of confidentiality is vital. If you always have the feeling that “what if he posts it all on the forums for all to see” your relationship needs work
3. Take a searching & fearless inventory of your show – Examine what you are doing, highlight the good and the bad. Its important to look at the good also as it can often be heard “I’ve been doing it for years now, and my clients like it and it gets the job done” is OK, but thats all it is. If you want an outstanding performance you need to really get a good list. Get your mentor to be brutal, you want to hear it all! There are mainly 2 ways to go about doing this:
   • Get a DJ to shadow – If you get a friend or mentor to come along and shadow you this will prove to be a great way to get all the information needed as its not limited in capturing the moment (so to speak), although it can also be slightly incorrect as knowing you have another DJ shadowing you prompts you to sharpen up and act slightly differently
   • Video your performances – perhaps a lot more convenient than having a shadow but still requires time to be taken to watch the video and also doesn’t really capture the moment of the event.
4. One thing at a time – So we now have our big list of things to work on. Hitting all the points at once is going to do you no favors as you can’t really work out what element has influenced the change. Find one aspect that your slacking in, and work on it solely. Work on 1 aspect for a year to force your memory to make it natural – then you can live in the moment of it rather than a scripted attempt.
5. Get into the classroom – So we have all had the experience of the guy at a wedding who comes up to us and says “Hey I’m a DJ too” there can often be a bit of hostility to this chap as you question why would you feel the need to tell me. But rather than taking this negatively why not ask him @how did you get into it?”… “What did you do to get into it?” these can serve as valuable overlooked information. Now Dean went on to say how this happened to him and he saw the “DJ” go off and start note taking. This guy was actually taking tips from the Dean at an event, this guy was obviously clever as there’s no point trying to reinvent the wheel. So this step is all about keeping your eyes and ears out to always be learning, its not a once done its done, its an on going process. This extra knowledge is an added bonus and strong encouragement to your potential clients, after all if we are the professionals shouldn’t we know the answers to related questions… a great question was asked “Do you know why the tradition of cake cutting takes place” only 2 people put there hands up out of hundreds. Dean then said he used his cake cutting piece to help seal many deals with clients.
6. Practice makes near perfect – Practicing is good, but its never as good as the real thing. To look at the way we learn we must image a growth chart, where we learn something new, we go up, then we go down a bit as we come to accept our new found improvement, then there is a plateau where we strive to improve but just cant. Later the process is repeated again and again
7. Getting Intentional – Simply learn to visualize your successful event. Image it: get to the room, set up a nice rig, then thing about as the guests enter the room, the buzz to find their seats, opening the mic usage, the great grand march going perfectly, the crowd all pumped up, entrances all go well, Bride and Groom with big smiles, a full dance floor… all these visualization are strongly pushed by many successful people in being the encouragement and motivation they needed… try it.
8. Getting to the edge – You need to push your self to the very thing line, the edge. Take your performances to NEARLY ridiculous and then pull it back a bit, just a bit. Push your self hard, and you will find its a lot easier to to come back. If you feel you can’t do, just try it… push yourself out of your comfort zone to push for the better performance.
9. Wave the white flag – As mentioned in 6, these plateaus and improvements take longer to come to, and the better you get the hard it becomes to improve and see that jump of excellence. Don’t resist the change, accept new technology, accept new customs, accept new performance changes
10. Play with a childs heart - Get down to a childs level. Sometimes we thinks as are professionals we must always be on our professional level, but using a childs playful heart will really bring your performance into an emotional level
11. Mastermind – get connected! - Exchange ideas, ask others, discuss… lets say you have a problem; you struggle to get women up to do the flower toss or think think that your grand entrance needs work. Ask the question, get the answers and evaluate them to come up with your own concepts and way of working.
12. Give it back! – Share… there is nothing quite like the feeling of some one asking you for advice, don’t be a scrooge a give it to them! This is what we are SEDA are all about, about sharing as a community of Mobile DJs. Take take take isn’t the way of a community, we need to work to give and take. Offering our own opinion on some aspects

All these are made from the notes I made during the seminar, it was quite hard to keep up (all that came form 45 mins) and if some of it doesn’t make sense or doesn’t sit well… it did at the time I just cant remember the connections. So why not get started on your outstanding performance

Barney
Party Events Unlimited (Mobile Disco)

MBLVX: 12 Steps to Outstanding Performances

Hi all,

This will be my first of many blog posts on the SEDA website, for those who havn’t met me or don’t quite know who I am: I’m Barney and I’m a Mobile DJ in Watford with my company called Party Events Unlimited.

As I am currently typing this, I am looking out of my hotel room in the Rivera in Las Vegas. I’m not just here on pleasure, I’m actually hear on business along with many many other DJs. This is because I am attending the highly rated and respected Mobile DJ Show & Conference that is Mobile Beat Las Vegas

For those who haven’t heard of Mobile Beat you have unfortunately missed out this year, but its certainly something to consider for next year! There are many things here to do in Las Vegas, let alone just this conference but that I will save for another time. Mobile Beat is a show specifically for mobile DJs, compromising of 3 main elements:

1. The seminars – This is the main reason many DJs come to MBLV. There are plenty of seminars here covering every business area possible from “Wedding 101″ to “Advanced Internet Strategies for DJs”. And there’s not just one seminar taking place, there usually 2 3 or maybe even 4 going on. So there is always something on for everyone. If you want to better your business, this is something that could really serve your business well!
2. The exhibition – The exhibition floor is the largest gatherings of DJ related business in one room! Everything from Equipment, to Marketing, to services will be here for mobile DJs to come along play and buy. As well as the very popular book store where you can pick up some very treasurable information.
3. The parties – How can we come to one of the entertainment capitals of the world and not have a party. Each night there is an event specifically for MBLV visitors to attend to network and enjoy themselves, and with some top artists, DJs and performances there’s going to be no holding back! This year we have a Soul Train party night, Coolio performing live, The Sugar Hill Gang on stage, and the American DJ Customer Appreciation Party

So as you can see there’s a lot to do here and certainly a lot to gain, its defiantly something worth considering for next year – and i will be more than happy to share my experiences for all when I’m back. As I am attending as many seminars as possible this year, I’m going to try and post a blog up about each of them and their content for those missing out to read. So keep a close eye on here, as I’m shortly to be copying up my notes from the first seminar…

Barney

A bit about me, just in case you wondered: I’m a part time DJ (due to university) and would consider myself a specialist Wedding DJ, Prom DJ and Party DJ. I’m based in the Watford, Herts area (quite possible one of the more North Easten members of SEDA) and have been successfully operation for about 9 years.

Retailer opens new shop in Billingshurst, West Sussex

For all Sound & Lighting needs, Peach have opened a new shop in Billingshurst, West Sussex.

With all leading brands available for purchase as well as a dedicated hire department with a vast range of lighting effects, Smoke Machines and PA systems all available to hire.

For further information please call on 01403 780900 / 780988, visit the website at www.peach-soundandlighting.co.uk or better still, why not pay them a visit.

Laser Safety for the Mobile DJ

It is important that we are aware of the risks and health and safety recommendations when using lasers during mobile discos or when installed in a night club. This article is written and taken from the five minute crash-course I gave to the SEDA membership on Sunday 17 January 2010 at the bi-monthly shownight in Maidstone.

Lasers are a stunning bright effect that stands out from other types of disco lighting. Due to their high brightness levels, there are risks and thus considerations to take when using and operating lasers. Most DJ and disco lasers are likely to be of the laser class 3B and no more than 500mw. It is highly recommended that you do not use lasers more powerful than 500mw, as they could potentially cause skin burn.

The main factor to consider when using a laser is the positioning and location of not just the laser, but the beams and final output picture it creates on walls, ceilings and floors. It is recommended that a laser beam should be, where possible, more than 3m above the ground. This is because the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) (which is the maximum amount of laser light a person may be exposed to) is very complex work out, this way we ensure, when possible, that we do not break the recommended MPE . Despite this recommendation, “audience scanning” of lasers is forbidden by law or the health and safety executive, as the risks may not be as high as they may seem at first.

“Audience scanning” means the laser beams are being directed straight at the audience. As the beams can therefore scan over people’s faces there is a risk of damage to the audience’s eyesight. Lasers are bright because the light source they use is pin pointed to a very small area; this creates the bright, vivid beams. If a (static) light beam is pointed into someone’s eye it can potentially burn a hole in the back of their eye. However this is painless and the person will be unaware of any damage that has taken place. Despite this, if a laser is moving fast (in making a pattern or moving around the audience or dance floor) then the risk of eye damage is dramatically decreased. This almost certainly (on laser models up to 500mw) means the audience won’t be exposed to more than the MPE meaning the use of “audience scanning” isn’t unsafe.

With all this in mind, it is still down to the individual operating the laser as to where it is positioned and how long it is used for. If you don’t want to lose the classic laser and smoke effect, consider pointing your laser effects slightly up onto the ceiling, so that half the laser can scan the audience whilst the other half creates a visual pattern effect. You should also consider using lasers in moderation, having a duty cycle will reduce the risks further and could also give your audience a boost of excitement every time you switch the laser back on.

Quick Facts:

• There are no laws on laser usage, who should use them, or how they should be used. However there is a document issued by the Health and Safety Executive with regard to the use of lasers in entertainment and performance.

• Generally, an operator of a temporary or permanently installed laser should follow this HSE document to comply with the venue’s ‘Public Entertainments Licence’ issued by the local authority.

• Lasers are classed together by numbers from 1 to 4. 1 is the safest, 4 the most dangerous.

• Most lasers between 5mw and 500mw are classed as a class 3B laser.

• Class 3B lasers can cause damage to the eyes, this is because lasers are very bright pin pointed light sources unlike conventional lights (which may be just as bright, however they are not compressed to such a small area).

• Class 3B lasers must fulfil several criteria points. These include: a key switch and warning labels. The key switch is intended to stop use by unauthorised people.

Additional Information:

• There is a one day course run by Laser Visuals Research Limited (www.laservisualsresearch.com) which gives a full, in depth explanation and safety tutorial about the use of lasers. A certificate of completion is awarded at the end of the course.

• Terralec (www.terralec.co.uk) have issued an in-depth document which advises users about the health and safety aspects to consider when using lasers. This document may be found here: www.terralec.co.uk/effects_lighting/lasers/296_0c.html.

Resources: Terralec Laser Safety Manual written by Laser Visuals Research Limited, www.laservisualsresearch.com and HSE website: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg224.htm.

SEDA ShowNight GO!

A small committee meeting the other night resulted in the decision that despite the snow, the first 2010 gathering of SEDA members on the 17th January WILL go ahead as planned!

We poured over sheets and sheets of meteorological evidence, checked out an monitored the paths of several weather formations, hurricanes and other umm stuff like that.  In a nutshell, it’s going to rain…a bit…we think but there’ll be no snow.

See you on Sunday!

Mobile DJ show postponed

Just to let you know that the DJ show over at Lacey Green has been postponed and will not be taking place this Sunday 10th January 2010.

Please see below…….

CRS1 – ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE

Postponed Due to Adverse Weather!
The event will now be on Sunday March 7th.
Please be aware that due to the recent warnings about the impending weather problems in the south, we have made the decision to postpone this years show.
As you are probably aware both Prolight, American DJ and Bose have a very long way to travel and as such we’ve decided to wait until the conditions aren’t so hazardous.
If you have any questions please contact us in the usual way!
Apologies
Clive

Xpressbeats closing down

I am sad to hear that the online DJ download service Xpressbeats is closing down.. Their website gives the following message:

We want to thank you for shopping with us over the past couple of years, we’ve loved bringing you the best in dance music to buy online but all good things must come to an end.

If you have money in your Virtual wallet, you must use it before we close the store or you will lose it! There are still tens of thousands of tracks to choose from so have a rummage through the site and fill your hard drive with some great new music.

Don’t forget you can still find some great new music in 2010 by visiting www.cdpool.com where you can find the best in promo tunes upfront of release.

If you have any questions regarding Xpressbeats you can e-mail us at admin@xpressbeats.com

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and we’ll catch you in 2010.

Last minute gift

You may be in desperate need of a gift for that DJ in your life! If so look no further.

This maybe too late for Christams, however, if your quick and pay for next day delivery who knows …

Check this out, apart from a pair of CDJ 2000’s this may just be the best christmas gift ever!

You can get it for about £17 just google Stylophone beatbox.

Pioneer Xmas prize draw for 2010 calendars

Follow and Tweet to enter the prize draw to win one of 50 Pioneer DJ 2010 Calendars

Pioneer is ready for Christmas and as a thank you for a great year they are giving away 50 Pioneer DJ 2010 Calendars. The large A3 Calendars feature 12 high gloss photos of famous DJs such as James Zabiela, Carl Cox and Deadmau5, along with 2010s greatest up and coming events.

twitter link – http://bit.ly/pdj2010

facebook link – http://bit.ly/4Lb2cL

Dont forget that the Pioneer team is showing off the evolution of the species at the next SEDA ShowNight on Sunday 17th January 2010 at the Village Hotel in Maidstone from 7:30pm.  Check our events pages for more details.

Traktor Kontrol X1

Traktor, who are probably best known for their DJ software of the same name, have recently announced their first fully fledge software controller for the DJ market.

Designed for use with any DJ software, although it comes with Traktor LE. Whether you are a DVS timecode or software DJ, you can connect the TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 to a computer and gain instant control of your decks and effect parameters. Robust rotary knobs with a heavy-duty feel and backlit buttons provide precise visual and tactile status feedback- letting you delve deep inside TRAKTOR without having to touch your computer.

The TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 features a total of 30 buttons, 4 push encoders and 8 knobs. Optimised for use with the Traktor software they are arranged in the following sections:

1. EFFECTS SECTION
8 high resolution potentiometers and 8 buttons make up the effect section of TRAKTOR KONTROL X1. This section allows control of all the parameters of 2 TRAKTOR effect units simultaneously. In Chained mode, this means simultaneous control over 3 effects per deck. The effects section buttons are programmed to give direct access to 3 of your favorite effect presets.

2. BROWSE SECTION
One push encoder per deck is dedicated to browsing through play lists and loading tracks. Simply turn the push encoder to find the track you want, and push it to load it into the corresponding deck. Once the track is loaded the same encoders seek through the track, using tempo sync’d beat jumps to remain in time.

3. LOOP SECTION
This section allows for intuitive control of TRAKTOR’s loop function, giving clear visual feedback about the loop status via LEDs. The section offers first level access to auto loops and manual loops as well as loop editing functions such as loop size and loop position, both coarse and fine.

4. TRANSPORT SECTION
This section provides direct access to basic playback controls as well as shifted access to 8 secondary functions for each deck. All buttons for industry standard workflows (Play, Sync, Cue + Cup) are located here. Switch to hotcue mode and you get another 16 buttons for controlling the 8 hot cues or hot loops per track. Plus, the CUP button flashes in time with the deck’s BPM as an added visual mix aid.

You can find more information on their website here

Next Page »