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Tag Archive for: melbourne entertainment company

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DJ Henton – Diary of a Wedding DJ

Diary of a DJ by DJ Henton S

It’s always a pleasure being asked to provide the soundtrack to a couple’s special day. I don’t just rock up on the day. The planning starts well before the actual event by sitting down and going through the details provided to Top Dog on the event form to get a feel for how they dream of the day panning out. I like to find out what music is special to them, what might make their friends and family dance, look at playlists they may have created and make sure I am across the run sheet and key songs, such as ceremony music or the first dance.

In the week leading up to the big day I ring the couple. It’s a great opportunity not only to introduce myself but to run through all the music, get a feel for the vibe they are after and just get to know them a little. I think it’s important that they feel comfortable with me and that they trust that I can deliver the atmosphere they are after for their big day.

After chatting with them I will play around with my music and put together some folders containing music they like and music that will fit around that. It helps to be prepared and although I have an extensive collection of music, (great for requests!) it makes the night easier when I have all of their must plays on hand.

On the event day from behind the decks I’m very lucky to have a fantastic viewpoint of the entire venue and celebrations. Starting off with seeing the smiles of excitement from the guest arrivals, everyone looking beautiful and sharp, friends & family travelling from far & wide, reuniting and embracing with joy!

My first aim is to set the mood and play a perfect balance of welcoming and warming music to get everyone relaxed and excited for the evening ahead. It’s great to look around and see people happy in conversation catching up or eating the amazing food but as long as the toes are tapping then that’s a good sign!

Once the formalities are out of the way it’s time for the DJ’s most crucial job; to get the party started and everyone on the dance floor! Quite often this involves a First Dance of the couple’s choice and then straight after it’s my turn to up the BPM (beats per minute for those non musicians!) and get everyone in the party spirit! Working with other musicians, such as saxophone, trumpet and percussion also brings an extra wave of energy which the crowd always enjoy. It is really fun seeing them roving around the dance floor and interacting with the guests.

Once you get the guests up and dancing, one of the most difficult jobs as a DJ is to keep them there because one wrong song choice can kill the dance floor! This is where experience and a vast music collection comes in to play. With 20 years practice under my belt I like to read the crowd, mix it up with some new hits, some sing along classics, floor fillers and play for the girls, as they are usually the best dancers!

As the night draws to the end (depending on what is requested) I would usually aim to finish with a bang, some big sing along anthems and finally give the couple a farewell circle or archway send off if that’s their thing. This is a great way to bring everyone together for one last time to say their goodbyes and off into the night.

Once it’s all over I pack up and fill out an online job report form so that everyone at Top Dog knows how amazing the night was! Job done!

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Band or DJ – That Is The Question!

Congratulations! You are engaged and planning your wedding – fun times. By now you have probably sorted the venue, photographer, celebrant and maybe even your outfits? Those are usually the first to be investigated and entertainment tends to be further towards the end of the list.

I have been in the wedding and events industry now for almost fifteen years, working at some of Melbourne’s premium wedding venues and I have seen everything come through those doors. From DJs to bands, strings to magicians, I have seen the best and the absolute worst. Believe me, the world of weddings could make for an epic new Netflix reality doco! Music is so valuable to getting the atmosphere right. The music needs to reflect the mood you wish to create and the guests you have invited.

For most couples the entertainment decisions come down to just one question: Band or DJ?

At the end of the day it really should come down to what you would prefer personally, however, I hope the below points help you make up your mind!

DJ:

DJs are fun because they play all your songs in their original format. Not too many singers can belt out Whitney Houston and do her justice however a DJ can play that banger at any time of the night and it will be exactly how you remembered it. They can play any song at any time due to having huge digital libraries. You like multiple genres? No worries, just give your DJ an idea of what you want, and they will have it all ready to go!

When you hire a DJ, there is no set list to choose from – if the song exists then with a bit of notice they should be able to source any of your favourite tunes. Having everything digital means they can keep an incredible amount of music with them at any time. Should you or your guests have any requests on the night, there is a great chance they will have it (or can quickly download it!) and your favourite song you forgot to put on your list will be coming up next.

Bands:

Party bands have come a long way from the typical wedding band you would have seen 10, 20 years ago. There are so many talented bands and it’s a tough path to go down when choosing one. Bands bring the party in different ways to a DJ. It helps encourage the first few people to get on the dance floor when there is already 5 band members there creating a party atmosphere! Although they can’t perform each song you love, they can alter some of your favourites and give them their own spin. Whether you want a rock song slowed down for your first dance or you want acoustic style versions of some epic pop tunes for background music during your canape hour bands can cater for different parts of the night and play most songs in a suitable style. My husband and I walked down the aisle to a chilled out version of a rock track!

Now, if you really can’t decide there’s always the ever-popular DJ Band which is a handy creative mix of the two. With a DJ band you get to hear your favourite songs played in their original format with some embellishments. First you have a DJ then you book a sax, singer, percussionist or any other musician. This way you get to hear your favourite songs come to life with the added flair of live musicians. A fun element of the DJ band is when some of the instruments you can add are wireless (hello saxophonist or vocalist) and what’s more fun than having a dance with the sax player as they belt out an epic solo! A DJ band is an affordable way of achieving the feel of a full band without paying for 5 people to be there for the whole night. As you add members to the DJ band you only need to pay for the hours that the musicians play for making this option a budget friendly alternative when you love live music!

So, how do you make the decision if you are still on the fence? My best suggestion that I always give to clients is to think about what they prefer to hear when they go out. Do you gravitate towards venues with DJs or are you the band type and love heading out to gigs? Consider what would suit your friends and family’s demographic and whether one would be more suitable or expected than the other. Also, have a think about weddings you have been to and loved and what entertainment they had.

So, the answer really lies with you. All are great options and as long as you choose a professional, talented and experienced DJ, band or DJ band you will have an epic time. You and your guests make the party, we just nudge you all along!

Like to talk to someone about choosing entertainment for your engagement party, wedding ceremony or reception? Get in touch and we’ll help you find the perfect match!

 

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Artist Spotlight – Chris S (DJ/Sax Hybrid)

These days, people are looking for the next best/most popular entertainment option when planning their event. A DJ Hybrid is the latest option (and one of our most popular) when choosing a DJ band. A DJ Hybrid is produced when you find an incredibly talented individual who has not only nailed the skill of an instrument (or vocals) but learnt to mix tracks on the decks like a pro! Booking a hybrid gives you the flexibility to have a bit of live music without the price of hiring two separate people.

We sat down (virtually…) with one of our most popular hybrid performers, Chris, who is not only an incredible saxophonist but also a DJ!

What instruments do you play (and how are they incorporated into your set)?

Saxophone and Flute, and DJ decks.

Acoustic flute and sax work really well in canapes or meal sets. Wandering through the guests as they eat and mingle without being too intrusive

Sax gets the dance floor going! Wandering out and partying with guests

What music is your favourite to play?

Love playing any funk/disco/soul music – works wonders with the sax! But honestly, my favourite type of music is what the client wants to hear – their energy on the dance floor gives me energy and it creates a really positive feedback loop that makes the night a huge success.

Why do you love performing at events?

Being a part of someone’s special day (wedding) or party (corporate event). Knowing that you are helping to make the day memorable.

Why a hybrid? Why not one or the other?

Saves the client money by hiring one person instead of multiple performers!

Playing sax whilst DJing offers a live music experience without the need for a full band. You get the flexibility of song choice that a DJ offers, but have the live music element and interactivity that a musician can offer. When you are the musician and the DJ you know all the perfect songs to complement the event but also your instrument.

Favourite dance floor song?

Definitely love disco hits like September but also a big fan of Yeah! or You’re the Voice (especially playing along with the bagpipe solo!) or sax specific tunes like Jubel.

What song goes off with a sax solo?

Jubel and Careless Whisper are definitely the two most request sax songs. Levels, Valerie and I Wanna Dance with Somebody are close thirds. Can also end the evening and begin to wind down the night with the famous INXS never tear us apart solo.

Memorable moment?

  • Playing at the races and moving around the marquees – also love the different crowds that are in the bird cage or the private marquees on the other end of the track
  • Having another guest at an event bring along his own saxophone and we had a good jam throughout the night
  • Joining in with a Croatian band at a wedding – They were a great bunch of guys and had some music for me to read. Night was a huge success – they played all the classic Croatian tunes and gave me freedom to jam along and roam amongst the crowd.

What’s good about working with Top Dog? (shameless plug – can you blame us??)

Organisation and making my life easy – they take care of the admin and fine details for me so I can focus on making the night a success!

The honesty and transparency when working with them, as well as feeling like you are valued as a musician. They have your best interests in mind when working to deliver what the clients want.

What’s next for you Chris?

  • I love playing with the Garth Ploog Trio where Garth sings and does keys, Henton DJs the beats and I play sax. This gives a great canape and early evening sound that can easily transition into the dance floor as the DJ is already set up and ready to go! It’s a really unique DJ band option!
  • Next step is pairing up multiple entertainers with the hybrid and having a full DJ band. Percussion and vocals with a DJ/sax hybrid creates live music entertainment with the flexibility of song choice of a DJ.
  • Pairing a Hybrid DJ with a Hybrid DJ so that there can be more features of my sax whilst the other hybrid DJs and/or sings – the options are endless! I’m booked in early next year to DJ and play sax with another DJ who sings. It will be an awesome vibe!

Like to hire Chris for your next event or function?  Contact Top Dog Entertainment today!

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Top 10 Entertainment Tips

Book Early

Particularly during peak event periods (Nov – Apr) and on keys nights (Fri, Sat and around public holidays}

Watch videos & read testimonials

Make sure the agency you choose is reputable and well-reviewed

You get what you pay for

Don’t automatically go for the cheapest option or lowest quote – you often will get what you pay for. On the other hand, be conscious of what you are being charged. Some agencies will charge a premium price for an entertainer you can book though another agency for much less. For more info on pricing check out our FAQs

Atmosphere

Set the mood from the moment your guests arrive – entertainment creates that mood in an instant

Be creative

Think of something that will make your event unique (i.e. feature performance, bridal waltz sung live etc.)

Timing is key

Consider your timings and at what points your entertainment can make the best impact, whether its a corporate event, wedding or anything in between!

Keep in touch

Ensure you have access for direct contact with your entertainer(s) before the day, not just the agency. It’s important to be on the same page and build rapport as opposed to introducing yourself on the night

Be kind

Be kind to your entertainers on the night – It’s also a huge day for them, make sure they are happy, you’ll get the best performance that way!

Trust your entertainers

Let your entertainers read the room, they are the professionals – it might be your day/event, but it’s everyone’s night to party

Give Feedback

Let the agency know what you thought – write a review! Testimonials help agencies and entertainers get to play at great events like yours

 

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