Thread: How Many Forms of Music Do You Take To Gigs?

Hi All:

How many ways do you all bring your music with you on gigs? CD only? iPod only? CD and iPod? Non-Apple MP3 player? What is considered "well-prepared in this department?

Last weekend I did a show, and when I tried to give the DJ (presumably a big-deal pro) my CD, he looked aghast and said, "Oh I can't use CD's! Why I haven't used THOSE since 19XX!" I know this is sometimes the case, so in my other hand, I had my iPod, charged up and ready to go. Of course, Mr. BigWigDeeJay looked down his nose again, and said, "I can't use iPod's either. I only use MP3's. In order to play your music, you would have had to e-mailed it to me yesterday." Being a headlining special attraction at this function, I was pretty worried. Finally, Mr. BWDJ said, "well, let me see what I can do." On his "smaller" laptop, he managed to get the CD into the machine, and by some miracle he "still had some really, really old program" on it (Windows MediaPlayer) ("I'm surprised this program is still on here. I thought I got rid of all this stuff years ago ...." and was able to download and play my music. Of course he had all the latest gizmos in terms of lights, names and designs spinning around on the floor, sound effects, etc, etc.

This ever happen to any of you folks? What should I have done if the music hadn't worked? I always check the sound system possibilities at private parties in private homes, and ask if there will be a DJ if it's a catering hall or other public venue. And I have NEVER had this issue with a professional DJ in any venue in the past.

I think this character was just yanking my chain, promoting his own up-to-the-minute-ness, and trying to make me feel like an unprepared luddite. Still, I worry.

What do my fellow Bhuzzers think?

I always ask if I should bring cd or ipod as I've definitely been in situations where only one sort of sound system was available. I have had several parties in the past where the dj wanted my music emailed ahead of time. If there will be a dj, I usually ask for his contact info so I can find out how he'll need my music.
My preference is for my ipod though, since it allows me to make last minute changes to my playlist ;)

It's ridiculous. If you were supposed to have e-mailed him music "yesterday", you would have needed to know that, before "yesterday". Grr. I've had the same thing happen. It's a terrible feeling, no?

I have issues to a certain extent with e-mailing music to people ahead of time, because that's giving them music. I try to make it very clear what the music options are/need to be when dancing -- then if there's a problem, at least it's theirs not mine.

If he uses mp3s, there has to be some way to load mp3s into his system, and it's his professional responsibility to know what those ways are. Yes, people still use cds, and they're an important back-up. I try to have a cd (usually 2, pre-tested in regular cd player not just my computer) and a flash drive with my music file (in mp3 and at least one other format) on it when I perform. I do not own or use a portable music device -- because I'd likely dance into a wall or something, I cannot multitask and listen to music while attempting many other activities ... and I don't expect to have to have that when performing. Maybe someday I'll use gig money to get an ipod (and a helmet).

i think he was being a bit of a brat about it. Any computer with a CD/DVD drive can play a CD. And if he's a laptop DJ then his fancy schmantzy Macbook Pro can certainly play your CD.

Wow what a dick! As others have said, it is his professional responsibility to be able to accommodate all sorts of media and situations. There definitely should have been communication beforehand about this.

I typically only carry around cds (one with my set and one or two backups that have had different sets I've used in the past just in case the current one doesn't work for some reason), though lately I also do my ipod, because one local dj "can't" do cds (stupid I think). I was lucky the first time I encountered him, because someone just so happened to have a boom box with cd player and usb cable lying around so he could tap it into the pa system. I might just carry around a usb drive with my cds from now on just in case.

ETA: I might start leaving my own boombox in the car from now on too.

In cases with DJ's where I can't bring my own sound system (my preferred method), I bring both a CD and ipod with an audio cable so my ipod can be directly plugged into a sound board/PA.

Most DJs want ipods, but once I did a gig with a very low budget DJ who only used tapes/CDs. I only had an ipod so we had to mic my back up ipod player so it could be heard through the big speakers. What a mess!

So now I bring both CD and iPod regardless of what the party planner says.

we burn a routene for each gig and then give it to the guest ( s ) when we are done.
there is a dancer in town that will charge the client about $25.00 to bring ipod stuff if they do not have them.
but i am mostley dealing with middle eastern dj's and they get music from the dang guests while playing!. i have been told no ipod but i did not ask, they were just running all by us.
the one thing i have ran into
1..older cd player will only play factory disc
2.. blue disc's will not play lots of times !
so, i ask about these issues

Just FYI there are lots of really stellar DJs who spin vinyl or use CD-DJ's*, so being prepared with ipod and cable isn't a bad idea. Also even if the sound system won't directly take your ipod, if they are running a Mac (most do if they are laptop jockeys) they can play your iPod/iPhone playlist through their iTunes.

Definitely communicate ahead of time, although it doesn't alway solve every problem.

*caveat- I tend to deal mostly with Nightclub DJs as opposed to wedding/party DJs, a bit of a different breed.

Originally Posted by NancyAsiya

Just FYI there are lots of really stellar DJs who spin vinyl

hahah I have one belly dance record! I bought it to hang in my room (for the cover art of course) but I guess it can be the emergency record if I need it!

I still don't have an Ipod, probably should by now :/
I use CD's. I always check ahead to make sure that's going to work and always have all my regular gig sets on Cd's in my bag, so maybe 20 other 'back-up' sets. But I've never had a problem just bringing the CD I made specifically for the gig, but I always check first with the client AND the venue/DJ.. whoever's doing the actual music. I agree, think he was being a lil brat hehe... I work with different DJ's all the time, they've all been nothing but awesome for me luckily!

That's ridiculous. It's all been said up thread.
I bring CD and iPod just in case.
Maybe you should have suggested that next time you will just work with musicians...and watch his feathers ruffle *evil grin*

I bring CD's. A friend of mine actually brings her MacBook. That way if the Dj is being difficult, she just smiles sweetly, hands it to him and tells him to get it straight from the source. You should see how fast those CD's suddenly work.

{{{HUGS}}}

Originally Posted by Lesedi

Wow what a dick! As others have said, it is his professional responsibility to be able to accommodate all sorts of media and situations. There definitely should have been communication beforehand about this.

THANK YOU! That's what I thought. And it's good to hear that most everyone carries a selection of CD's and an iPod (along with cords!). Getting a thumb drive for having a few emergency MP3's might be good, but that's way, way down on the list of priorities.

And YES, it IS his professional responsibility to be able to have some flexibility about being able to accommodate different media. I've worked with LOTS of DJ's and I've never had a problem that we/they couldn't handle. And graciously, too, I might add. No CD's aren't the latest, greatest state-of-the-art thing anymore, but they are still in widespread common use and will be for quite a while longer, especially for folks like us, like it or not. Besides, I can burn, use, and then forget a CD at the gig, it's not that big of a deal; Unless I have to, I'd rather not give a $200+ piece of equipment with ALL my gig music to a total stranger in a chaotic environment where it could get stolen.

What's gonna happen to this guy when he gets a big wedding gig, and at the last minute they hire (and pay for) an entertainer, and there he/she is, ready to go on in full costume with a CD in their hand that he can't play? Who's gonna look dumb there?

Oh, yes, and the "Oh, I just don't use anything made by Apple at all" line. Ummm, professional responsibility again. You may not like a particular product line or company, but if you're expected to be familiar with it from time to time because that's your line of work .... Hmmmm.

Now that I re-read this, I wonder if he just didn't want to work with the belly dancer? I have had this happen before. And we hear stories all the time about DJ's who cut or remix the dancers music or are doing such weird things with the lights that what the dancer is doing is almost obscured. Much as I prefer to believe in the goodness of my fellow man, sometimes I have to take a slightly cynical out look.

{{{HUGS}}}}

Just throwing a little more fuel on the fire...

Originally Posted by Nabila-Nazem

Last weekend I did a show, and when I tried to give the DJ (presumably a big-deal pro) my CD, he looked aghast and said, "Oh I can't use CD's! Why I haven't used THOSE since 19XX!" I know this is sometimes the case, so in my other hand, I had my iPod, charged up and ready to go. Of course, Mr. BigWigDeeJay looked down his nose again, and said, "I can't use iPod's either. I only use MP3's. "

Aside from the brand elitism, I want to know how such an artiste can bear to endorse such a lossy audio format. If he's such an expert, he should know that the compression on MP3s would render them an inferior format for playing audio through a professional sound system.

In order to play your music, you would have had to e-mailed it to me yesterday."

I bet that saves him a lot of money. Think of all the "free" music he collects doing business that way. If you had mailed him your music in advance, the next dancer he pulled this on probably would have been given the option to dance to your set list, since that was "already in his system."

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

Now that I re-read this, I wonder if he just didn't want to work with the belly dancer? I have had this happen before. And we hear stories all the time about DJ's who cut or remix the dancers music or are doing such weird things with the lights that what the dancer is doing is almost obscured. Much as I prefer to believe in the goodness of my fellow man, sometimes I have to take a slightly cynical out look.

{{{HUGS}}}}

now that is a nrew one!..usually it is a band that tries to screw with you....trying to trip you up...see if they can do something you do not know. usually it was a 9/8 for a non 9/8 dancers because they thought she got to much attention and did not share tips!..the dj of course!...had one screw up music for a wedding...never thought it was evil intent hmmmmm.
thanks guys..yet another thing to look out for !

I bring a CD and put everything on my phone since the time a venue owner said, "Of course we can play CDS!" and when I got there, it turned out they couldn't. The DJ said, "Don't worry, I have music for you. I downloaded some Middle Eastern dubstep beats."

I pointed out that since the venue had hired my dance partner and I to dance together, we needed our music to do the choreographies. He kindly suggested we just do them to his music.

I was at the end of my rope when I spotted a local radio DJ in the crowd and went to ask his advice. Turns out he drove the station van to the show, and had all of their event equipment! He and two other radio staff pulled out the PA and everything and played our CD. One of them even held up a speaker the whole time for us!

But I'm thinking of getting the smallest, cheapest iPod for gigs - that way if it does get lost, I'm not out a phone, or a big shiny new iPod.

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

Just throwing a little more fuel on the fire...



Aside from the brand elitism, I want to know how such an artiste can bear to endorse such a lossy audio format. If he's such an expert, he should know that the compression on MP3s would render them an inferior format for playing audio through a professional sound system.



I bet that saves him a lot of money. Think of all the "free" music he collects doing business that way. If you had mailed him your music in advance, the next dancer he pulled this on probably would have been given the option to dance to your set list, since that was "already in his system."

This.

Originally Posted by LeylaFahada

I pointed out that since the venue had hired my dance partner and I to dance together, we needed our music to do the choreographies. He kindly suggested we just do them to his music.

This. (Aaaauuuuughghghgh!)

I realize that this is more our field of expertise than theirs, but have they NEVER heard of the term "choreography"?!? It strikes some folks as a complete surprise that there could be (even in the absence of a formal choreography) certain musical cues that are essential for you to respond to, or that there might be a certain dynamic flow to your piece that makes your dancing an actual performance rather than atmospheric wallpaper.

Thankfully, if the DJ hasn't seen Middle Eastern Dance before, you're able to provide an educational "aha!" moment.

That being said, yes, in some situations, like a rowdy nightclub where you're more of a party motivator than performer, it can be appropriate to go with what a good DJ has. And there are times that the music is an appropriate "mood" backdrop to what you're doing. But these tend to be exceptions, not the rule.

I DO think the guy was being a brat and I definitely have experienced other bratty djs who are just oh so annoyed that they have to play anything but there own music But, I also think it is important to find out what music format will be needed for a gig beforehand....and have backups. I don't burn a cd for every show, if they requested ipod, but I always have a few standard show cds in my bag that I can use in a pinch.

Sometimes no matter how much backup music you have, it is destiny for things to happen differently than you planned. For example, last weekend I hosted a huge show in my hometown. I brought an iPod, my iPhone, and 2 sets of cds that all contained the playlist. We had several music checks and everything was perfect. When it was turn for my solo, some freak accident happened and my music would not play on any method.

Luckily, I have practiced improv and went on stage dancing to drum solo that I had never heard before. It ended up turning out much better than I expected! I even posted a clip of it under the video section of the forum! Prepare for every situation!

As an event producer, it is my responsibility to work with the DJ and determine what fomats of music work best and then inform my performers.

As a pro gig-er, it is my responsibility to work with the host (or DJ, if applicable) to determine what format is best.

I always have my own boombox with me. I have had to pull it out on numerous occasions over the years when the equipment planned for either wasn't available or wasn't working. Boombox with mic usually works well. Boombox without mic ... well, let's just say that I've had to alter my performance plans on more than one occasion because I couldn't get too far from the player because it simply was too small for the space.

Personally, I use CDs. I know that I should get a cheaper iPod or similar as so many places prefer those now . . . but like LeylaFahada, maybe I'll just buy a cheapo iPod. Lose a CD, no big deal. Lose a piece of equipment? Big deal.

Deborah

Great Post Nabilah,
I am a professional DJ and I too, would have issue with a burned CD or even with the use of your ipod. Sound quality is a very important to me. I have been handed a burned CD where one song was record and the levels were very low, the next song is very high with pronounced bass and then I hear the promo voice of DJ Tiger, "DJ Tiger, Tiger, Tiger, Roar"
That being said, I am very meticulous about planning. A month before, I get in touch with all the vendors: send out a scheduled order of events. I contact musicians I will be provide sound for, Singers and dancers I will playing their music. I get everything together before the event. I don't like surprises. I will be prepared for you when you hand me a CD or MP3s.
It seems this guy tried to accommodate without going overboard.
In the future, find out who you are going to be working with, contact them telling them what you plan on doing. They will appreciate your professionalism and you won't have to get all stress out before your performance.
Warmly,

Originally Posted by AlegriaDJ

That being said, I am very meticulous about planning. A month before, I get in touch with all the vendors: send out a scheduled order of events. I contact musicians I will be provide sound for, Singers and dancers I will playing their music. I get everything together before the event. I don't like surprises. I will be prepared for you when you hand me a CD or MP3s.
It seems this guy tried to accommodate without going overboard.
In the future, find out who you are going to be working with, contact them telling them what you plan on doing. They will appreciate your professionalism and you won't have to get all stress out before your performance.
Warmly,

this is great, except that many times we, the dancers, are hired less than a week before a gig. I have found this especially true with weddings. Which can mean that even if we want to get the music to the DJ, many times we can't due to time constraints, or simply being told ahead of time how to get in touch with the DJ, because the bride and the coordinator are in panic mode and really don't want to be bothered. And I have to tell you, at least here in LA, even wedding DJ's can have egos the size of Texas. They really don't WANT to work with the dancer and will do things which sabotage her performance such as mixing in other music, cutting her set into two, etc. Yes, I have recently had this happen. On top of that, I had a world class drummer in the audience who offered to do the drum solo, and we were thrilled to be able to work together. great fun when we went from Entr Omri to Funky Town and back because the Professional DJ decided that what we were doing was boring! I was the person who the coordinator was looking at like I had lost my mind. I also almost lost my fee because Mr. Professional DJ decided that I should do the second half of my set later in the evening, even though it had all been explained to him.

Standing in the kitchen hallway with a discman showing the coordinator that *I* hadn't been responsible for the fiasco, was not fun.

And BTW - I have several friends who are or have been DJ's. When I tell these stories, they laugh. Because, while it's something THEY would not do, these stories are incredibly common.

{{{HUGS}}}

Originally Posted by Nabila-Nazem

This. (Aaaauuuuughghghgh!)

I realize that this is more our field of expertise than theirs, but have they NEVER heard of the term "choreography"?!? It strikes some folks as a complete surprise that there could be (even in the absence of a formal choreography) certain musical cues that are essential for you to respond to, or that there might be a certain dynamic flow to your piece that makes your dancing an actual performance rather than atmospheric wallpaper.

So true. It seems like a lot of people don't realize that our movements are based on the music. Hopefully he took it all in and had a breakthrough!

You make a very good point: there have been several times that I've danced to what the DJ has because it makes sense, and that was always pre-arranged.

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

this is great, except that many times we, the dancers, are hired less than a week before a gig. I have found this especially true with weddings. Which can mean that even if we want to get the music to the DJ, many times we can't due to time constraints, or simply being told ahead of time how to get in touch with the DJ, because the bride and the coordinator are in panic mode and really don't want to be bothered.

Or, you have the time, so you make your set a month before, and even practice diligently and then two days before, the couple informs you that they want you to dance to their music.

Believe me, I love buddying up to the DJ early on, and I've made some great new friends that way, but sometimes you're working with the sound guy of the week, or with little advanced notice.

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

this is great, except that many times we, the dancers, are hired less than a week before a gig. I have found this especially true with weddings. Which can mean that even if we want to get the music to the DJ, many times we can't due to time constraints, or simply being told ahead of time how to get in touch with the DJ, because the bride and the coordinator are in panic mode and really don't want to be bothered. And I have to tell you, at least here in LA, even wedding DJ's can have egos the size of Texas. They really don't WANT to work with the dancer and will do things which sabotage her performance such as mixing in other music, cutting her set into two, etc. Yes, I have recently had this happen. On top of that, I had a world class drummer in the audience who offered to do the drum solo, and we were thrilled to be able to work together. great fun when we went from Entr Omri to Funky Town and back because the Professional DJ decided that what we were doing was boring! I was the person who the coordinator was looking at like I had lost my mind. I also almost lost my fee because Mr. Professional DJ decided that I should do the second half of my set later in the evening, even though it had all been explained to him.

Standing in the kitchen hallway with a discman showing the coordinator that *I* hadn't been responsible for the fiasco, was not fun.

And BTW - I have several friends who are or have been DJ's. When I tell these stories, they laugh. Because, while it's something THEY would not do, these stories are incredibly common.

{{{HUGS}}}

Even when it is last minute, I have never had a client who was too busy to give me the dj's phone #. In fact, they are always really happy to do so. They either tell me right then or send it to me when they email back the contract. It is always among the standard things I ask when confirming the gig details, along with getting the address and everything else. The problem I have had is with the dj being unresponsive...:-P

I have only been using cds but I know that I need to jump on the ipod band wagon and get with the times...lol