Mobile disc jockey

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mobile Disc Jockeys are an extension of the original Radio Disc Jockeys. Today there are a variety of Mobile Disc Jockey business models, including full-time, part-time, multi-operator, and single-operator companies.^[1]

Contents 1 What do mobile disc jockeys do? 2 Mobile DJ Associations are Formed 3 Technology, Information Helps Make Mobile DJing More Professional 4 Computers and The Information Age: It's Impact on the Mobile DJ 5 21st century Challenges 6 References

[edit] What do mobile disc jockeys do?

Mobile Disc Jockeys (or Mobile DJs) travel or tour with mobile sound systems and play from an extensive collection of pre-recorded music for a targeted audience.

In the past, Mobile DJs utilized formats such as vinyl records or cassettes. During the Disco era of the 1970s, demand for Mobile DJs (called Mobile Discos in the UK) soared. Top Disc Jockeys in this era would have hundreds of vinyl records and/or cassette tapes. The equipment used in this era was enormous and usually required roadies (similar to those who work for bands) to set up. While many Club Disc Jockeys still use vinyl, most Mobile DJs currently use Compact Discs, computer-based files (such as MP3s), or a combination of sources. In addition, professional-grade equipment created by a variety of companies expressly for Mobile DJing has allowed for faster step-up and break-down, as well as improved quality of performance.^[2]

The audiences Mobile DJs play for may be at one of many different types of events including wedding receptions, bar and bat mitzvah receptions, company parties, school dances, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. Mobile DJs also perform in public at bars / taverns, nightclubs, or even at block parties.^[3]

The definition and responsibilities of a Mobile DJ have changed since Bob Casey's first two-turntable system for continuous playback was utilized for sock-hops in 1955.^[4]

Bands had long dominated the wedding entertainment industry, but with the advent of the less expensive and more versatile Mobile DJ, their market share dwindled. Mobile DJs offer the advantage of being able to play music in a wide variety of styles by a wide range of artists, as they use the artists’ own original recordings. In addition, audiences or planners that formerly could not afford music for their event are now able to hire a Mobile DJ while still staying within their budget.^[5]

In the 1980s and 1990s, Mobile DJs began to form and expand associations and create professional business networks, which now include annual trade shows and Internet discussion forums. Today, many Mobile DJs also promote themselves as an event’s planner, organizer, and MC (Master of Ceremonies). Working closely with their customers, their guests, and other vendors (such as venue staff and photographers / videographers), today’s professional Mobile DJs strive to provide quality entertainment that fits the event in question in terms of style and performance.^[6]

In addition, a good Mobile DJ should be able to play a client’s specific requests by incorporating them into a repertoire of party favorites. This is called "reading" the crowd.^[7]

Today, a large selection of music, professional-grade equipment, good organizational skills, vocal talent as an MC, mixing skills, quality lighting, insurance for liability, and on-site back-up equipment are all essential customer expectations when purchasing Mobile DJ services.^[8]

Some current topics of debate within the professional Mobile DJ community include moving from CDs to MP3s, full-time vs. part-time DJs, pricing, and multi-ops vs. single-ops. (A multi-operator company offers several difference DJs on staff for an event, while a single-operator company is owned and run by one DJ.) The chief argument between most of these positions in the professional Mobile DJ community is that of quantity vs. quality, but the debate itself indicates a thriving professional business community attempting to continually redefine itself for its customers’ ever-changing needs.

[edit] Mobile DJ Associations are Formed

To improve the industry's image and create networking opportunities, Mobile DJs have formed professional associations. The Canadian Disc Jockey Association (CDJA) was one of the original associations formed in 1976 as a not-for-profit Trade association for Disc Jockeys across Canada. It was joined by a much broader online association called the Canadian Online Disc Jockey Association (CODJA), founded by Glenn Miller and Dennis Hampson. Additionally in the United States, the American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA) was formed in the 1980s, followed by the National Association of Mobile Entertainers in the late 1990s.^[9]

[edit] Technology, Information Helps Make Mobile DJing More Professional

As the late 1980s turned into the 1990s, new technologies emerged. Compact Disc collections were becoming the standard. Many equipment manufacturers realized the potential market that existed for Mobile DJs and raced to make equipment that was smaller, easier to use, and of better quality. The introduction of dedicated Mobile Disc Jockey Trade publications such as DJ Times magazine, followed by Mobile Beat magazine were founded in this era as well. These publications helped to spread the word about the emerging technologies and would publish informational articles that were helpful to the Mobile Disc Jockey.^[10]

[edit] Computers and The Information Age: It's Impact on the Mobile DJ

In the mid 1990s, computers and the Internet had a profound impact on the Mobile DJ Industry.

Professor Jam, a Tampa Bay, Florida Disc Jockey already known in the industry for having performed for many celebrities and television networks, became one of the first Disc Jockeys in the United States to regularly use computer technology to play music at his shows and the first professional endorsed computer disc jockey internationally.

Glenn Miller, a well-know Mobile DJ in Ontario, Canada (who also co-founded the CODJA) became the First Licensed MP3 DJ under new music licensing agreement that was introduced to Canada in 2000 by the AVLA. He is also regarded as the father of online networking for Mobile Disc Jockeys. It was Miller who started the first Bulletin Board System for Mobile DJs from all over North America (and eventually the world) to network and share ideas with one another. See a 1998 version of that board here: [http://web.archive.org/web/19980125231124/www.glenn-miller.com/wwwboard/wwwboard.html Forum] at approximately the same time, ProDJ.Com launches what goes on to eventually become Start.ProDJ.Com with the assistance at one time of Glenn Miller in a combined effort for several years.

Phil Hulton of HeadlineDJ based in the UK was a pioneer of Computer DJing within the UK. Not only did he actively use and promote the use of computer systems for professional DJs such as David Morales he also imported many software titles and commercially produced various hardware systems for other DJs. Phil Hulton also went on to provide live demonstrations of these systems at international trade expo's such as PLASA 2001 in London. Phil Hulton continues to use computer technology in his work and is also a professional member of The Musicians Union the worlds oldest Union which was established in 1893. As well as being a full time professional DJ, Phil also hosts a national DJ exhibition which is aimed at educating those within the industry. More information on this exhibition can be found at: http://www.prodjshow.co.uk

[edit] 21st century Challenges

In the 21st century, the role of the Mobile Disc Jockey has expanded. Many Mobile DJs have assumed additional reponsibilities to ensure an event's success. These responsibilities include the roles of MC, event organizer and coordinator, lighting director, and/or sound engineer. It is important to note that with their professional training and years of experience the professional Mobile DJ is an important part of any party or event where a crowded dancefloor is desired.^[11]

[edit] References