Welcome back, hope your time since our last meeting has been full of great things! Taking the Prism Rhythm to a more personal level this time and sharing the Cliff's notes version of how I got into this profession in the first place. It is the most commonly asked first question I am asked upon meeting someone, since this isn't exactly the kind of thing where you study and ace a final or work up through getting promotions. For most of the truly experienced DJ's I know, it was something they either got inspired into learning by observing or hearing a DJ, or they had to jump in as an emergency fill-in when a DJ didn't show up or got sick. Some, like me, never even thought about it. I have always loved music and dancing and exploring different clubs and venues. I love walking up to and into a place and absorbing all the atmosphere, meeting different people, listening to the songs I know and finding out about music that's new to me. One feature that always gets my attention is the lighting. Visual effects add a whole other dimension to any party experience. And that's what opened the door for me.
I got a job bartending at a popular Buckhead classic dance club called Bellbottoms. I was a second-on bartender, which meant that while I had to be there at a certain time, sometimes I would have to wait a bit until they needed me behind the bar. Bellbottoms had an amazing light set-up, with lightning effects and rain lights, an enormous disco ball, and many more, so to kill time I would go up in the DJ booth and play with the lights, which were set up on an easy to use controller. After a while, the head DJ, Steve, took notice of how I was always on beat with the light transitions. I spent years as a band geek in school (first the flute, then the tuba... that's another story) so the concept of measures, beats and frames was by no means foreign to me, and after I explained that to him he said the words that changed my life: "Have you ever thought about learning how to DJ?"
As I mentioned, the thought never crossed my mind before then. But he showed me how to match beats in a beat mix, and told me when I could do that to come back to him and he would teach me more. I spent two weeks making horrible thumps and bumps, and the one day Eureka! I carried off a mix. I spent a year practicing several times a week at the club, for hours during the day when they were taking deliveries (I had great managers there; thank you Tricky and Matt!), and eventually auditioned for my first paying gig. I still had a lot to learn, but over the years I've had many talented mentors and to this day I still learn from everyone I meet, about new music and new technology and new techniques. Always keep your eyes and ears open, you never know what opportunity could present itself to you next!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The Best Holiday and Corporate Parties Remember These Things!
Hope everyone had a safe and amazing Halloween weekend! I think I have come up with my favorite costume to date (visit my Facebook Halloween 2011 photo album to see what it was). As November begins our thoughts turn to the festivities of the last months of the year, and several factors can influence the success of your holiday or corporate end-of-year party. How do you keep your guests happy, involve them and create memories that will keep your guests and employees talking and anticipating future parties? Consider these factors:
Location, Location, Location
The venue you choose is extremely important. Too large, and your guests could feel lost. Too small, they may not all fit, and will be uncomfortable at best as they push through to the bar, restroom, etc. Be sure to ask about the occupancy level of the room or venue before booking! Take into account how much space you will need for food, drinks, display or gift tables and entertainment. Can they provide staging or a dance floor if needed? Is there a video feed option available for you to show those end of year tributes and slideshows? How easy is it to get to and what is the parking like? And don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to venues. You can find amazing unique locations such as art galleries, museums, vineyards or historic buildings that host events just by doing a little searching in your area!
Ambiance
Catch your guests attention by putting a themed spin and name on your party, such as Vegas Nights for a casino party or A Star is Born for a karaoke party. choose a decade, era or style you would like to base your decor, music and entertainment around (think Classic Hollywood, Winter Beach Party, The Big Apple, Motown Magic, Under the Sea). Have fun with it, and have friends/employees contribute ideas as well. Don't forget disposable cameras - you can collect these and make a lasting memory video for all attendees!
The Sound of Music
Music is an integral part of any party (not being biased here; it is absolutely vital!). You should pick a band or DJ (or both) that have a quality reputation and are able to provide referrals consistent with the type of event you are putting together. Word of mouth is excellent, but be sure to follow up with questions such as: What do they have in their library/playlist that would fit your event? Will there be children there, and if so do they provide edited versions of popular songs? If you require more interaction, such as games, activities or announcements, be sure to let them know ahead of time and type up specific announcements in advance for the performers to refer to. And don't forget that disclosing party and venue size and onsite equipment is extremely important, so that your performer can give you an informed quote.
Extra, Extra! (Entertainment, That Is)
You have the place, you have the tunes... now what? You can add even more interactive entertainment! There are dancers that teach simple dance routines in Disco, Latin, Stepping, Shag and Swing. You can crank up karaoke, or add a clown, magician, comedian, impersonator or caricature artist to the line-up. These are all great ways to get some fabulous photos and blackmail... er, I mean video....
Bartender, Pour Me Another
If alcohol is going to be part of your event, consider having it at or near a hotel, or making sure you have the names and numbers of your local cab company or an organization such as Safe Ride, which will get your over-the-limit guest and their car home safely. Provide plenty of non-alcoholic choices for designated drivers and non-drinkers (you can find hundreds of tasty recipes here ) and encourage attendees to check their keys in to an appointed Key Guard if they are going to drink. Remember this variation on an old adage; an ounce of prevention is worth about $5,000-$10,000 in legal and court fees!
Feed Me, Seymour!
The theme and location of your event will play a large part in determining the food served. A more casual party benefits from the flexibility of a buffet, a more elegant soiree' would bring to mind a seated dinner. Ask guests to provide any details about special dietary considerations such as diabetes or vegetarianism when they RSVP so you can make informed decisions when considering the menu. Be sure to find out if the venue allows outside catering, as many venues have in-house services they require you to use, or may charge a fee should you choose to use another caterer. Limit the amount of salty foods and be sure to include vegetables, meats and cheeses; this will keep guests from getting overly thirsty and possibly drinking too much.
As always, I want to know what YOU think! What is the best thing you've seen or experienced at a party? Was there a unique presentation or type of entertainment you just can't forget? A big no-no you've observed? I would love to hear from you and share it with others.
Thank you for visiting! - DJ Prism
Location, Location, Location
The venue you choose is extremely important. Too large, and your guests could feel lost. Too small, they may not all fit, and will be uncomfortable at best as they push through to the bar, restroom, etc. Be sure to ask about the occupancy level of the room or venue before booking! Take into account how much space you will need for food, drinks, display or gift tables and entertainment. Can they provide staging or a dance floor if needed? Is there a video feed option available for you to show those end of year tributes and slideshows? How easy is it to get to and what is the parking like? And don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to venues. You can find amazing unique locations such as art galleries, museums, vineyards or historic buildings that host events just by doing a little searching in your area!
Ambiance
Catch your guests attention by putting a themed spin and name on your party, such as Vegas Nights for a casino party or A Star is Born for a karaoke party. choose a decade, era or style you would like to base your decor, music and entertainment around (think Classic Hollywood, Winter Beach Party, The Big Apple, Motown Magic, Under the Sea). Have fun with it, and have friends/employees contribute ideas as well. Don't forget disposable cameras - you can collect these and make a lasting memory video for all attendees!
The Sound of Music
Music is an integral part of any party (not being biased here; it is absolutely vital!). You should pick a band or DJ (or both) that have a quality reputation and are able to provide referrals consistent with the type of event you are putting together. Word of mouth is excellent, but be sure to follow up with questions such as: What do they have in their library/playlist that would fit your event? Will there be children there, and if so do they provide edited versions of popular songs? If you require more interaction, such as games, activities or announcements, be sure to let them know ahead of time and type up specific announcements in advance for the performers to refer to. And don't forget that disclosing party and venue size and onsite equipment is extremely important, so that your performer can give you an informed quote.
Extra, Extra! (Entertainment, That Is)
You have the place, you have the tunes... now what? You can add even more interactive entertainment! There are dancers that teach simple dance routines in Disco, Latin, Stepping, Shag and Swing. You can crank up karaoke, or add a clown, magician, comedian, impersonator or caricature artist to the line-up. These are all great ways to get some fabulous photos and blackmail... er, I mean video....
Bartender, Pour Me Another
If alcohol is going to be part of your event, consider having it at or near a hotel, or making sure you have the names and numbers of your local cab company or an organization such as Safe Ride, which will get your over-the-limit guest and their car home safely. Provide plenty of non-alcoholic choices for designated drivers and non-drinkers (you can find hundreds of tasty recipes here ) and encourage attendees to check their keys in to an appointed Key Guard if they are going to drink. Remember this variation on an old adage; an ounce of prevention is worth about $5,000-$10,000 in legal and court fees!
Feed Me, Seymour!
The theme and location of your event will play a large part in determining the food served. A more casual party benefits from the flexibility of a buffet, a more elegant soiree' would bring to mind a seated dinner. Ask guests to provide any details about special dietary considerations such as diabetes or vegetarianism when they RSVP so you can make informed decisions when considering the menu. Be sure to find out if the venue allows outside catering, as many venues have in-house services they require you to use, or may charge a fee should you choose to use another caterer. Limit the amount of salty foods and be sure to include vegetables, meats and cheeses; this will keep guests from getting overly thirsty and possibly drinking too much.
As always, I want to know what YOU think! What is the best thing you've seen or experienced at a party? Was there a unique presentation or type of entertainment you just can't forget? A big no-no you've observed? I would love to hear from you and share it with others.
Thank you for visiting! - DJ Prism
Sunday, October 16, 2011
This Is Halloween - a spooky selection of songs for your party!
UPDATED 10/25/11: Song suggestions added by fans!
Here are some of the great suggestions that rolled in from my Facebook and Twitter friends, especially SecretAsian Man, fellow DJ extraordinaire!!
Spirit in the Sky - Norman Greenbaum
Hell Is For Children - Pat Benatar
Helter Skelter - The Beatles/Pat Benetar/U2
Living Dead Girl - Rob Zombie
Zombie - The Cranberries
Running with the Devil - Van Halen
Living' on a Prayer - Bon Jovi
Like a Prayer - Madonna
Living on the Edge - Aerosmith
The Other Side - Aerosmith
Living after Midnight - Judas Priest
Smells like a Teen Spirit - Nirvana
The Roof is on Fire - Rockmaster Scott
Love, Sex and Magic - Ciara
Candyman - Sammy Davis Jr
She Sells Sanctuary - The Cult
After Midnight - Eric Clapton
Magic - Olivia Newton John
You Can Do Magic - America
Magic Carpet Ride - Steppenwolf
Do you Believe In Magic - Lovin' Spoonful
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic - The Police
Could it be Magic - Barry Manilow
Magic Man - Heart
Run Like Hell - Pink Floyd
King of Pain - The Police
Rapture - Blondie
Murder She Wrote - Chaka Dumas
Dangerous - Kardinal Offishal
Thunderstruck - AC/DC
Paranoid - Black Sabbath
Mental Health - Quiet Riot
Spirit in the Material World - The Police
I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight - Cutting Crew
Men in Black - Will Smith
It's the End of the World - REM
Back to Life - Soul to Soul
Life - Haddaway
Silence - Sarah McLauglin
Bad to the Bone - George Thorogood
Fever - Peggy Lee
Temperature - Sean Paul
Cold as Ice - Foreigner
Urgent - Foreigner
Blue Monday - New Order
Le Freak - Chic
Let's go Crazy - Prince
Genie in a Bottle - Christina Aguilera
Hocus Pocus - Focus
Doctor, Doctor - Thompson Twins
Lullaby - The Cure
Stairway to Heaven; House of the Holy - Led Zeppelin
Butterfly Wings - Smashing Pumpkins
Greetings all, and thank you for taking the time to visit my first blog!
Here are some of the great suggestions that rolled in from my Facebook and Twitter friends, especially SecretAsian Man, fellow DJ extraordinaire!!
Spirit in the Sky - Norman Greenbaum
Hell Is For Children - Pat Benatar
Helter Skelter - The Beatles/Pat Benetar/U2
Living Dead Girl - Rob Zombie
Zombie - The Cranberries
Running with the Devil - Van Halen
Living' on a Prayer - Bon Jovi
Like a Prayer - Madonna
Living on the Edge - Aerosmith
The Other Side - Aerosmith
Living after Midnight - Judas Priest
Smells like a Teen Spirit - Nirvana
The Roof is on Fire - Rockmaster Scott
Love, Sex and Magic - Ciara
Candyman - Sammy Davis Jr
She Sells Sanctuary - The Cult
After Midnight - Eric Clapton
Magic - Olivia Newton John
You Can Do Magic - America
Magic Carpet Ride - Steppenwolf
Do you Believe In Magic - Lovin' Spoonful
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic - The Police
Could it be Magic - Barry Manilow
Magic Man - Heart
Run Like Hell - Pink Floyd
King of Pain - The Police
Rapture - Blondie
Murder She Wrote - Chaka Dumas
Dangerous - Kardinal Offishal
Thunderstruck - AC/DC
Paranoid - Black Sabbath
Mental Health - Quiet Riot
Spirit in the Material World - The Police
I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight - Cutting Crew
Men in Black - Will Smith
It's the End of the World - REM
Back to Life - Soul to Soul
Life - Haddaway
Silence - Sarah McLauglin
Bad to the Bone - George Thorogood
Fever - Peggy Lee
Temperature - Sean Paul
Cold as Ice - Foreigner
Urgent - Foreigner
Blue Monday - New Order
Le Freak - Chic
Let's go Crazy - Prince
Genie in a Bottle - Christina Aguilera
Hocus Pocus - Focus
Doctor, Doctor - Thompson Twins
Lullaby - The Cure
Stairway to Heaven; House of the Holy - Led Zeppelin
Butterfly Wings - Smashing Pumpkins
Greetings all, and thank you for taking the time to visit my first blog!
The only thing that makes me look forward to the cooling weather (I'm a Florida girl, not so big on cold) is the holiday season, which kicks off with what is one of my favorite holidays - Halloween! It's an all ages time of revelry, where you can be anything you want to be, and candy rains from the sky... but of course I am a great deal about the music. Whimsical, creepy, futuristic, or classic, here are some suggestions for your party playlist. There are many contemporary versions of the classics, and remixes galore of everything, so look around to find the sound that suits you best. Of course there are many, many more so please share if you don't see what makes you scream below!
Heart-Thumping Theme Music
Amityville - Lalo Schifrin
Beetlejuice - Danny Elfman
Exorcist Theme (Tubular Bells) - Mike Oldfield
Friday the 13th - Harry Manfredini
Halloween Theme - John Carpenter
Jaws Theme - John Williams
Psycho Theme - The Ghost Doctors
The Shining Theme
Twilight Zone - Gregor F. Narholz
Any creepy movie theme will work... what's your poison?
Creepy Classics/Family Favorites
Come Little Children - Bette Midler
Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead - Various
I Put A Spell On You - Screamin' Jay Hawkins; Bette Midler
Jeepers Creepers - Various
Purple People Eater - Sheb Wooley
Monster Mash - Bobby 'Boris' Pickett
Munsters Theme Song
Scooby Doo Theme
This Is Halloween (and most songs from The Nightmare Before Christmas)
They're Coming to Take Me Away - Napoleon's Ghost
Witch Doctor - David Seville; Toybox
Halloween kid compilations will include many of these and hundreds more!
Haunting Rock Hits
Abracadabra - Steve Miller Band
Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater Revival
Bat Out Of Hell - Meatloaf
Black Magic Woman - Santana
Bloodletting - Concrete Blonde
Boris The Spider - The Who
Dangerous Type - Letters to Cleo
Devil Inside - INXS
Devil Went Down to Georgia - Charlie Daniels Band
Don't Fear The Reaper - Blue Oyster Cult
Dragula - Rob Zombie
Enter Sandman - Metallica
Evil Ways - Santana
Evil Woman - Electric Light Orchestra
Frankenstein - Edgar Winter Group
Ghost Riders in the Sky - Blues Brothers; Johnny Cash
Ghost Song - The Doors
Ghost Town - Shiny Toy Guns
Godzilla - Blue Oyster Cult
Grimly Fiendish - The Damned
Halloween - Misfits; AFI
Hell's Bells - AC/DC
Highway to Hell - AC/DC
Howling For You - The Black Keys
Hunting For Witches - Bloc Party
I Think I'm Paranoid - Garbage
Love Potion No. 9 - The Searchers
Moon Over Bourbon Street - Sting
Moondance - Van Morrison
My Immortal - Evanescence
Paint It Black - The Rolling Stones
People Are Strange - The Doors
Poison - Alice Cooper
Scary Monsters - David Bowie
Season of the Witch - Donovan
Shout at the Devil - Motley Crue
Spooky - Classics IV, Atlanta Rhythm Section
Sweet Transvestite - Tim Curry
Sympathy For The Devil - The Rolling Stones
Teenage Frankenstein - Alice Cooper
The Killer in Me - Smashing Pumpkins
This Is Halloween - Panic at the Disco, Marilyn Manson
Twilight Zone - Golden Earring
Voodoo Child - Jimi Hendrix
War Pigs - Ozzy Osbourne
Welcome to My Nightmare - Alice Cooper
Welcome to the Black Parade - My Cemical Romance
Werewolves Of London - Warren Zevon
Wild Thing - The Troggs
Witches Promise - Jethro Tull
Witchy Woman - The Eagles
Just Dance... If You Dare
Addams Groove - M.C. Hammer
Are You Ready For Freddy? - The Fat Boys
Batdance - Prince
Batman - Get Cool
Beautiful Monster - Ne Yo
Black Cat - Janet Jackson
Breathe - Prodigy
Burning Down the House - Talking Heads
C'Mon, Catch Em By Surprise - Tiesto
Candyman - Christina Aguilera
Closer - Nine Inch Nails
Come Undone - Duran Duran; My Darkest Days
Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
Crazy Train - 3 Elements
Crypt Jam - Crypt Keeper
Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen
Danger! High Voltage - Electric Six
Day N Nite - Kid Cudi
Days Go By - Dirty Vegas
Dead Man's Party - Oingo Boingo
Devil Inside - Utada
Disturbia - Rihanna
Dude Looks Like a Lady - Aerosmith
E.T. - Katy Perry
Echo - Gorilla Zoe
Elevate My Mind - Stereo MC's
Every Breath You Take - The Police
Fade to Black - Apoptygma Berzerk
Firestarter - Prodigy
Freak - Estelle
Freak A Zoid - Midnight Star
Freaks Come Out At Night - Whodini
Frozen - Madonna
Galvanize - Chemical Brothers
Ghost in the Machine - B.o.B
Ghostbusters - Ray Parker Jr.
Ghostly Groove - Paul D Lewis
Ghosts 'n Stuff - Deadmau5
Halloween - Aqua
Halloween '09 - Fast Foot
Halloween 2010 - DJ Sign & Purple Project
Halloween (Techno Remix) - DJ Tiesto
He's a Pirate (Tiesto rmx) - Klaus Badelt
Heads Will Roll (Tiesto Remix) - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Hell - Squirrel Nut Zippers
How Soon Is Now - The Smiths
Hungry Like The Wolf - Duran Duran
I Want Candy - Bow Wow Wow
I'm A Goner - Matt & Kim feat Soulja Boy & Andrew W.K.
I'm Your Boogie Man - KC & the Sunshine Band; White Zombie
In the Air Tonight - Phil Collins
In the Dark - Dev
In For the Kill - La Roux feat Kanye West
In The Midnight Hour - Wilson Pickett
Insane in the Brain - Cypress Hill
Insomnia - Faithless
Intergalactic - Beastie Boys
Interview with a Vampire - Ras Kass
It's Spooky In Here - Baha Men
Jump in the Line (Shake Senora) - Harry Belafonte
Lil' Devil - The Cult
Mad World - Tears For Fears
Man In The Moon - Fragma
Maniac - Kid Cudi
Monster - Kanye West
Monster - Lady Gaga
Murder was the Case - Snoop Dogg
My Mind's Playing Tricks On Me - Ghetto Boys
Mysterious Ways - U2
Need You Tonight - INXS
New Moon On Monday - Duran Duran
Nightmare On My Street - DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Nightmares - Dana Dane
October - Deadmau5
Oh Yeah - Yello
Out Of Limits - Marketts
Paralyzer - Finger Eleven
Phantom of the Opera - Harajuku
Poison - Bel Biv Devoe
Psycho Killer - Talking Heads
Resurrection - PPK
Robot Rock - Daft Punk
Sadeness Pt 1 - Enigma
Sandstorm - Darude
Scream - Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson
Sex Drugs & House - D-Devils
She Blinded Me With Science - Thomas Dolby
She Wolf - Shakira
Somebody's Watching Me - Rockwell
Something In My House - Dead or Alive
Spin Spin Sugar - Sneaker Pimps
Stan - Eminem
Sunglasses at Night - Corey Hart
Superfreak - Rick James
Supermassive Black Hole - Muse
Superstition - Stevie Wonder
Sweet Dreams - Beyonce'
Sweet Dreams - Eurythmics
Sweet Dreams - Marilyn Manson
Tainted Love - Soft Cell
The Creep - The Lonely Island feat Nicki Minaj
The Haunted House Of Rock - Whodini
The Killing Moon - Echo & the Bunnymen
The Mozza Mash - Cheeky Boy
The Time Warp - Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Witch Queen of Halloween - Redbone
Thriller - Michael Jackson
Torture - The Jacksons
Toxic - Britney Spears
Twilight Zone - 2 Unlimited
Vampire's Revenge (Blade) - Paradise Decay
Walking On Air - Kerli
Weird Science - Oingo Boingo
Who Can It Be Now - Men At Work
Wicked Game - Chris Isaak
Wicked Ways - Blow Monkeys
Wild Thing - Tone Loc
Witch Doktor - Armand Van Helden
Word Up - Korn
Zombie Nation - Kernkraft 400
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)