Why I still do mixtapes and why every event is unique.

A couple of weeks ago, I was part of a DJ gathering in Melbourne where we had guest speakers from the US. Myself and 2 other local DJs had the opportunity to entertain by DJing in between the presentations.

How do you entertain a group of DJs by mixing a few tunes in a 30 minute time slot?

That question was going on in my head over and over again for a few weeks until I thought of how much I like, ok more love than like, listening to a good mixtape, whether it's something that I mixed myself or by other DJs. I also find that the shorter the mix, the more straight to the point it is, less repetitive and the more I enjoy it. BINGO!!!

Yes, today I am more of an entertainer than a DJ but deep down, I still LOVE and get goosebumps when I hear or do a good mix. Me being me, wanted to create something different, veeery different :). I took this challenge and started my preparation. I knew that most of the guys and girls there, were going to be networking and my mix was going to be somewhat more like background music. Then I thought about those ones who were there for the first time and for a moment felt like they knew nobody. I wanted to make sure that my mix served as a talking point, something to break the ice.

For weeks I worked on preparing this 30 minute mash up mix for long hours and a few sleepless nights. I wanted the set to be perfect like I want every other event I do, not to impress, but because my crowd, my guests are spending time listening to me and they deserve something they will remember.

It was something I never attempted live but now that I got the bug... :)

Now, I do not usually do this, because what I do is not about me but my clients and their guests. However, for those 30 minutes I was the 'main attraction' and I was really proud to receive praise from my fellow colleagues. This is what some of the guests had to say. :)

Glenn Mackay "I'm so glad you did this. I heard a few bits of it on the day and remember thinking how good it was. Soooo glad I get to listen to it all."

Bernard Sutton Power "Absolutely bloody brilliant brother!!"

Peter De Wever "I must admit I forgot to mention on the day how good it sounded. Well done mate."

Robert Huggins "This is just wonderful Thomas Well done I was so busy talking I missed this on the day. It is so wonderful to hear this fantastic effort."

Phil Rampton "Enjoyed it at the time and again now. Nice work Thomas".

Brock Funkwell PI "Sounded fantastic Thomas! I'm disappointed I missed the meeting, but happy that I didn't have to follow your performance there!"

Serge Olivieri "Just finished listening to it properly (only heard bits and pieces on the day), great work Mr Thomas!!"

Thanks for reading and enjoy listening!!! :)

LISTEN HERE

2014: A Big Year

2014 is finally here and I can say, this year is a big year for myself as a DJ/MC. It's a year that I'm looking really forward too.

With workshops from Bill Hermann and Jason Jones with their "The Entertainment Experience - Seminars and Workshops" in a couple of weeks and then Mark and Rebecca Ferrell with "The MarBecca Method" in October, it couldn't get any better. But wait, it does... This year is also the year where I'm hoping to become a member of the DJ Alliance Australia.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who used my DJ services along the years and those DJs who are willing to network and help one another because if it wasn't for all of you, I wouldn't be where I am today.

THANK YOU ALL and all the best for 2014!!!

How much do you charge? - The million dollar question!!!

99.9%, I can guarantee this is the first question that comes to your head when you contact a DJ to hire their services, right? From my experience nearly all enquiries start like this.

How much does a DJ charge?

OK here's a simple answer, DJs charge from less than a $100 to thousands of dollars. That is probably not the answer you wanted to hear, so I will go into a bit of detail of what's the difference between a $100 DJ and a more 'expensive' DJ service. I suggest you continue reading.

Now before I go further, I am NOT the best DJ on the planet and I don't pretend to be but I DO KNOW that I love what I do. I know my limitations and how far I can go. I've got a tremendous respect for every single Disc Jockey out there, I'm willing to share ideas with everyone and help wherever I can. I see other DJs as my colleagues and NOT my competition. I only compete with one person and that is myself, to better my services.

I started DJing as a hobby, my bedroom was loaded with records and cassette tapes - Do you remember them? and a load of speakers, turntables & tape decks. Then I DJed on a Radio Station and got a few gigs from there too. After a few years I went on to Nightclubs and a few Mobile Gigs as a part time, this time it was records and CDs. Now I am a full time Disc Jockey. After my family, this is what I live, breathe and focus on, on a daily basis. Oh!!! and I carry mp3s and fewer CDs nowadays.

What am I trying to say?

Would you have trusted me with your Wedding over 20 years ago when I was still a Bedroom DJ at a $100? Probably NOT. I couldn't even get a small Pub or Club gig back then, let alone MC or DJ a Wedding.

There's probably nothing wrong with a $100 DJ and you can probably find a $400 Wedding DJ who does an excellent job. So what is the difference?

From years of experience, networking and courses I've done all over the years, this is what I can tell about myself. I've always charged for the value I offer. When I started years ago, the value I offered was only worth a $100 - $200. 5 years ago I charged $500 - $600 for a Wedding when today $500 is my minimum deposit. Why? Because I could only offer $500 - $600 worth of value. Because I did not know what I know today. I did not know how to care. I did not know how to fulfil someone's dream and create a special memorable day for them. I did not know how to give my clients peace of mind and STRESS FREE entertainment. I did not offer customer care 24 hours a day. I did not sit down listen and discuss and go into a great detail of what the client want to achieve on their special day.

Today I get excited when I have meetings with my clients. It feels like they draw a sketch of their ideas and then together we paint and colour it on canvas.

I CARE, I really do and all the DJs I know who charge more than average is because they feel the same way as I do. We want to build friendship and TRUST with our clients.

So next time you need a DJ's service, ask yourself a few questions about how you envision your special day or event. Is a cheaper DJ going to fulfil your dreams or do you need the services of someone who will give you peace of mind? Nothing wrong with either. It's your choice.

Choose wisely!!!