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
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