Hey all, been trying to find a nice forum that had a lot of information, this seems to be the place. I been playing music at house partys for like 7 months for free, and decided to invest into some equipment and try to have more fun, and make some money. I got ******** cd players, ******** mixer,*********800watt amp and some **** **** floor speakers. was just wondering if yall had any other tips or if I got bad equipment. thanks

--------------------------------------------------

Please do not mention other companies products on this forum. Welcome to the forum, if you have any questions just ask. also worry about aquiring music, that should be your main concern and please purchase it legally do not burn it from your computer. Always remember its not the equipment that makes a good DJ, its how you use the equipment you have at the time.

Josh

Hey Jest, welcome to the best place to be for a mobile dj. The world of mobile dj'n is the ultimate elevator ride of emotions there can be, BUT this forum can and will be your best friend, I've found that no matter what the crisis, question, or anything else - your best friend will be the jocks that use this forum. As for your equip - If your happy w/ it so am I!! Good Luck and am looking forward to hearing all about what's goin' on in your neck of da woods.

- ircoach

Welcome to the forums Jest, like ircoach said, these forums can prolly help you with just about any type of DJ situation. We have all seen and done many things and the people who visit here are great people. Your equipment doesn't sound bad to me either, as long as YOU like it, and YOU can use it, then I would see no problem with it.

Though just a little tip, a little down the road when you start getting some paying gigs, you might want to pick up a few ADJ lights!

Thanks all, warm reception party
I live in a little town, near Waco, there is not a DJ in site, and well, I always wanted to be a DJ, so I figured why not. There any other sites with good resources? Got my first gig at a middle school dance 3 hours long pro bono fundraiser, this friday, been practicing like no other getting crossfading down, and good mix of songs. Whats some good "aces" as I have heard them called. thanks again!

Congrats Jest on that first booking. Now the real work/fun starts. Format wise, I'm sure several will want to chime in on this - But one of the first things ya' gotta do is get a read on your crowd, be brave experiment with them, course w/ middle school Top 40 urban & mainstream usually are great openers. Also w/ this age bracket- slow songs lots of slow songs. As for can't miss - cha-cha slide, baby got back, back that thang up, c'mon ride the train, just to name a few. I'll get outta here and let the others add there sure thangs. But lastly don't think you gotta over work the mic, thats easy to do at first but this age group(if you aren't careful) will use this against ya'. Have fun, let us know how it went & good luck (K - A MAN)!!!!

- ircoach

ircoach is right, stick with the newer top 40, hip hop, etc. type songs. Those "Now" CD's work pretty good for that type of crowd. Also, it's a good idea to have the CLEAN "radio friendly" versions of the tunes, as some schools are real particular when it comes to lyrical content. Have some of the popular songs as well; YMCA, Macarena, Chicken Dance, Hokey Pokey, etc...you might not actually play all of them, but there's a good chance you'll have requests for 'em.

Hey ircoach, what "Cha-Cha Slide" song do you have. I've been wanting to add this song to my library since I've had requests for it, but haven't run across one. What CD do you have it on?

The "Live Platinum" of Cha-cha slide is a must to me. Especially with the kids. That song is a sure guarantee to pack the floor. I wish I had written that one. Doh!

I've got the cd - Cha-cha slide by Casper & the platinum band. I'm at my day job right now(ugh!) but I believe there are 11 tracks. Cha I play is track #4. it also has several good line dances - bus stop/electric slide, plus others. I actually found it at a pawn shop for $5.00. it's more than paid for itself!! Hope this helps.

- ircoach

The Electric Slide (Shall We Dance) by Grand Master Slice.

Welcome to the board, if you read through alot of the other posts there is a lot of useful information for the new guys.

You should get some lights like a vertigo and scantrons and mirror balls and a stand. Lights really add to the mood of the dance floor. Without them, the dance is really boring. U can use the mirror ball for slow dances.

Hey Jest,

For Lights I suggest getting a solid start with for floods (PAR 56), with various colored gels. Buy a 4 channel dimmer pack and simple controller with a tap sync. You will also need a mirrorball with motor, 12" should be fine, and two pin spots with colored filters - or - use a starball to make your life easier. And then add two effects lights, I prefer the vertigo. At first you can plug you vertigos into a power strip, but get a switcher as quickly as possible.
This set up will give great coverage and allow you to set the mood any way you want.

For music I like to ask the teachers to give a request list to the student council and have them come up with a top 25. This will give you a heads up on what their friends think is cool. They will suprise you sometimes with what they request.
One year I performed for a middle school that just loved the song Lowrider by War. I would have never played that song if they did not request it.
Lastly, I know you said the competion is pretty slim in your town, but don't allow that to limit you. Learn how to interact with the kids and adults. Learn line dances, fun games, how to present music not just play it, and most importantly learn how to set the tone for the party by having a clear understanding of what you structure is. Then have fun with them. You will end up putting DJs in Waco out of business.

check out my website for some simple games.
www.bestmitzvahs.com the meshuga zone