Michael Banovic

  • Self Care & Avoiding Burnout for DJs & MCs

    27 Sep 2024
    DJAA
    157
    0

    DJ & MC Self Care

    During peak seasons, DJs and MCs often face long hours, multiple events, and physical as well as mental demands. Self-care is crucial to maintain energy, enthusiasm, and performance quality. Here are some practical tips:

    1. Plan Your Schedule Wisely

    • Pace Yourself: Avoid overloading your calendar. Leave room for breaks and downtime between events.
    • Prioritise Recovery Time: Block off time for rest and recovery after particularly intense weekends.
    • Set Boundaries: Learn to say “no” when your schedule is full, even if it’s tempting to take on more gigs.

    2. Stay Physically Healthy

    • Hydrate: Bring water to every event and stay hydrated throughout your performance. Dehydration can cause fatigue and affect your performance.
    • Stretching & Movement: Take short breaks to stretch or move around during long gigs to prevent stiffness.
    • Sleep: Aim for quality sleep, especially after late-night events. Consider power naps if you have back-to-back gigs.
    • Healthy Eating: Pack healthy snacks (fruits, nuts, protein bars) to maintain your energy. Avoid too much caffeine or sugary foods that may lead to energy crashes.

    3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

    • Mindful Relaxation: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or breathing exercises to calm your mind after an event.
    • Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate your wins. Positive self-talk helps keep spirits high during a busy period.
    • Disconnect: Schedule time to disconnect from work (social media, emails) to recharge mentally.

    4. Delegate and Automate

    • Outsource Tasks: If possible, delegate non-essential tasks like social media posting, admin work, or post-event follow-ups.
    • Use Tools: Use planning and automation tools for music prep, invoicing, and communication to reduce workload.

    5. Stay Organised

    • Pack Essentials in Advance: Have your gear and backups ready before the event to reduce stress on the day.
    • Create Checklists: Use checklists to ensure nothing is forgotten, from equipment to outfit, to snacks, reducing the mental load before events.

    6. Seek Support and Community

    • Talk to Fellow DJs/MCs: Share experiences and challenges with others in the industry. A strong support network can help alleviate stress.
    • Connect with Family/Friends: Ensure you’re making time to connect with loved ones, even during peak season, to keep your emotional balance.

    By incorporating these self-care practices, DJs and MCs can sustain their energy and ensure they’re performing at their best during the busiest times of the year.

    DJ & MC Self Care
    DJ & MC Mental Health

    Recognising & Avoiding Burnout

    Recognising the signs of burnout is crucial for DJs and MCs, especially during peak seasons, to avoid long-term negative effects on health and performance. Burnout can affect both physical and mental well-being, so here’s how to identify it and ways to address it:

    Signs of Burnout

    7. Physical Signs

    • Chronic Fatigue: Feeling constantly exhausted, even after rest.
    • Frequent Illness: Lowered immune system leading to colds, headaches, or other health issues.
    • Sleep Issues: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling unrested even after sleep.
    • Body Aches and Pains: Persistent muscle tension, backaches, or headaches.

    8. Emotional Signs

    • Irritability: Feeling more easily frustrated or irritated by small things.
    • Feeling Detached: A sense of disconnection from work, colleagues, or even clients.
    • Loss of Enthusiasm: Once enjoyable work starts to feel like a burden.
    • Cynicism: Negative outlook towards events, clients, or the industry in general.

    9. Mental Signs

    • Difficulty Concentrating: Struggling to focus on tasks or make decisions.
    • Forgetfulness: Missing deadlines, forgetting equipment, or important details.
    • Indecision: Feeling overwhelmed by choices or decisions that used to be easy.
    • Decreased Performance: Noticing that the quality of your work is declining.

    Addressing Burnout

    10. Acknowledge the Issue

    • Recognise and accept that you are experiencing burnout. Denial can prolong the problem and worsen symptoms.
    • Speak openly with trusted colleagues, friends, or family about what you’re feeling.

    11. Take Time Off

    • Prioritise Rest: Schedule time off between gigs to recharge. It might mean saying no to new bookings temporarily, but it’s crucial for long-term health.
    • Unplug from Work: Completely disconnect from work-related activities (emails, social media, event planning) during downtime to give your mind a full break.

    12. Re-evaluate Workload and Practices

    • Delegate: If possible, delegate tasks such as administrative work, sound checks, or setup to others.
    • Automate: Use software to streamline tasks like invoicing, contracts, or playlist curation, reducing manual workload.
    • Balance Commitments: Reassess your schedule and avoid overcommitting during peak periods.
    DJ & MC Help

    13. Seek Support

    • Professional Help: Consider talking to a therapist or counsellor who can help you manage stress and emotions.
    • Peer Support: Join DJ/MC communities or networks where you can share experiences and get advice from others who understand the pressures of the job.
    • Mentorship: Reach out to mentors or industry veterans who can offer guidance on maintaining balance.

    14. Practice Self-care

    • Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps reduce stress and boost energy levels.
    • Mindfulness/Meditation: Engage in mindfulness or relaxation techniques to help reduce anxiety and keep your mental state in check.
    • Healthy Eating and Hydration: Prioritise nutritious meals and proper hydration to maintain physical health, even during busy times.

    15. Rediscover Your Passion

    • Reconnect with Your Why: Remind yourself of the reasons you love your work. Reflecting on past successful events or fulfilling interactions with clients can reignite your passion.
    • Diversify Your Interests: Engage in hobbies or creative projects outside of work to bring new energy and excitement to your daily life.

    16. Set Realistic Goals

    • Avoid perfectionism by setting achievable and realistic goals for each event or task. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable ones to avoid overwhelm.

    17. Review and Revise Your Routine

    • Work-Life Balance: Ensure you are maintaining a balance between work and personal life.
    • Regular Check-ins: Periodically assess your mental and physical state to catch signs of burnout early. Adjust your routine if needed.

    By recognising these signs early and taking proactive steps, DJs and MCs can prevent burnout from spiralling and maintain a healthier, more sustainable approach to their careers ensuring continued success and longevity.

    This post was contributed by Serge Olivieri. Serge is an Accredited Member of the Alliance and currently serves on the DJAA Committee, is based in Sydney, New South Wales and runs DJ:Plus! Entertainment.

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  • Nathan Cassar

    6 Sep 2024
    DJAA
    4141
    0
    MC, NSW
    Nathan Cassar

    Meet Nathan Cassar: The Award-Winning MC Elevating Events to New Heights

    Step into the exhilarating world of Nathan Cassar, Sydney’s own award-winning Master of Ceremonies. With a decade-plus of transforming events into legendary experiences, Nathan is not just an MC – he’s an event alchemist!

    For an MC who brings a fusion of charisma, unparalleled professionalism, and the ability to create lasting memories, Nathan Cassar stands unmatched. His unique blend of talent and experience makes every event he hosts a vibrant, unmatched celebration.

    **Celebrated for Excellence and Energy**

    Nathan’s expertise is recognized through several prestigious accolades,
    such as being the recipient of the Corporate Vision’s Best Professional Event MC (Australia), Small Business Awards 2023, and Runner Up Best Wedding MC in the ABIA Wedding Awards (NSW) 2023. Nathan is also proudly listed among Eventex’s 100 Most Influential People in the Events Industry, Top 50 Most Influential People in the Events Industry Aus & NZ, and Top 50 Most Influential Wedding Professionals. This is more than a job for Nathan; it’s a stage for excellence!

    **Versatility Showcased in Premier Events**

    Nathan’s skill set is vividly displayed in a variety of prestigious top-tier events he has hosted, highlighting his adaptability across multiple event genres and ability to energize any occasion. Past notable events include:

    – Australian Event Awards 2022 & 2023

    – Marlow Hotel Group Awards Night 2022 & 2023

    – Standards Australia Mid-Year Awards Night 2022

    – Sydney Marathon 2023

    – Cancer Council Stars of Southwest Sydney 2023

    – Hills Shire Council Australia Day 2023 & 2024

    – Australian Hydrographers Association Conference 2023

    **Trusted by Top-Tier Clients**

    Nathan’s impressive roster of past clients showcases the breadth and versatility of his expertise. His MC talents have graced events hosted by leading organizations such as the REA Group, the Cancer Council, Freedom For Humanity, the Marlow Hotel Group, University of Wollongong, Nectr Energy, MG Motor Australia, Standards Australia, Yellow Brick Road, as well as local city councils including Campbelltown, Northern Beaches, and the Hills Shire.

    This diverse clientele reflects Nathan’s capacity to cater to various event styles and audiences with finesse.

    **The Go-To MC for Elite NSW Venues**

    Preferred at over 20 prestigious venues across NSW like The William Inglis Hotel and Sheraton Grand Hyde Park, Nathan is synonymous with excellence. His involvement ensures every event, from corporate galas to high-profile weddings, is not just an event but a milestone.

    **5-Star Testimonials You Can Trust**

    “Nathan was a highly engaging, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and professional MC at the 2023 Sydney Marathon, based at the Half Marathon and Family Fun Run finish line. It was a pleasure to have him as part of our extended entertainment team and will definitely invite him back to MC future events that we run.”

    – Tim Wiche, Pont3 Events

    “Nathan Cassar was a fantastic host at Cancer Council’s Stars of Sydney South West 2023 gala night! His energy was amazing and he is absolutely incredible at what he does! Thank you so much for being part of the night and generously giving us your time!”

    – Jenny Nguyen, Cancer Council NSW

    “We hired Nathan to MC our recent staff event, and he absolutely delivered.

    His professionalism, energy, communication and delivery on the evening was nothing less than first class. We will be requesting Nathan for all future corporate events. Could not recommend Nathan higher for any MC role. The best in the business!”

    – Kate Jones, Standards Australia

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    • DJ, MC, WA

      James Rae

      15 Feb 2024
      DJAA
      4176
      0
      DJ, MC, WA
      Nathan Cassar

      James Rae, also known by his stage name DJ Raz, has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry since 1976, where his journey began in the vibrant music scene of the United Kingdom. With an illustrious career spanning decades, DJ Raz has become synonymous with delivering exceptional musical experiences at a diverse array of events, including weddings, 21st birthdays, engagements, birthdays, corporate functions, and serving as a skilled Master of Ceremonies.

      DJ Raz’s passion for music and knack for reading crowds started to flourish in the dynamic UK music scene of the late ’70s. His early career was marked by a deep exploration of various musical genres, allowing him to develop a versatile style that would later become a hallmark of his performances.

      In the late ’80s, seeking new horizons and inspired by the allure of Australia’s diverse cultural landscape, DJ Raz made the significant move down under. His arrival in Australia marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, where he seamlessly blended his UK roots with the vibrant energy of the Australian music scene.

      Specializing in weddings, DJ Raz quickly gained a reputation for creating magical atmospheres on the most important day of couples’ lives. His ability to curate the perfect playlist, combined with a keen sense of timing, made him a sought-after choice for those looking to infuse their weddings with unforgettable moments through music.

      From lively 21st birthday celebrations to romantic engagement parties and corporate functions, DJ Raz’s expertise continued to shine. His commitment to tailoring each performance to the unique needs of his clients, coupled with his vast musical knowledge, ensured that he remained at the forefront of the industry.

      Beyond his role as a DJ, DJ Raz’s charismatic and engaging personality naturally led him to become a skilled Master of Ceremonies. His seamless transitions and ability to command the attention of audiences made him a trusted host for a wide range of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate functions.

      As the years passed, DJ Raz’s legacy in Australia’s entertainment scene continued to grow. His dedication to providing unparalleled musical experiences, coupled with his warm and professional approach, solidified his status as a respected and beloved figure in the industry.

      Today, DJ Raz’s journey from the UK to Australia stands as a testament to his enduring passion for music and commitment to creating moments that last a lifetime. With a career that spans continents and generations, DJ Raz remains a dynamic force in the world of entertainment, bringing joy and musical magic to every event he graces.

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      • Why Should DJs & MCs Attend Beat Mix On The Gold Coast In August Each Year

        13 Mar 2023
        DJAA
        668
        0

        DJs and MCs should attend Beat Mix on the Gold Coast in August each year for several reasons:

        Networking opportunities: Beat Mix is a great opportunity for DJs and MCs to connect with other professionals in the industry. They can meet and network with other DJs and MCs, as well as industry experts, event professionals, and other key players in the wedding and event industry. This can lead to new business opportunities, collaborations, and friendships that can benefit them throughout their career.

        Professional development: The event will feature a variety of workshops and seminars led by experienced DJs, MCs and industry experts. These sessions will provide DJs and MCs with valuable insights and tips on how to improve their skills and take their careers to the next level.

        Exposure: Beat Mix is a well-known event in the industry and it attracts a lot of attendees from across the country. By attending the event, DJs and MCs will have the opportunity to showcase their talents and gain exposure to a wider audience, which can lead to more bookings and increased visibility for their business.

        Product & Equipment Showcase: Many companies related to DJing and sound production will showcase their latest products and equipment in the event. It is a great opportunity for DJs and MCs to learn about new and cutting-edge technology and see how it can benefit their work.

        Location: Gold Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia, known for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife. Attending Beat Mix in August each year will allow DJs and MCs to enjoy the best of both worlds – professional development and a chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery of the Gold Coast.

        Overall, Beat Mix is an excellent opportunity for DJs and MCs to improve their skills, network with other professionals in the industry, and gain exposure for their business, all while enjoying the beautiful location of the Gold Coast. For ticket information, visit www.beatmix.com.au

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      • Amitesh Kumar

        12 Mar 2023
        DJAA
        4110
        0
        DJ, MC, QLD

        As an experienced DJ with nearly two decades of experience in the industry, DJ AMIT is dedicated to delivering unforgettable music experiences to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The ability to break-through and mix the music seamlessly to keep the party going is his specialty!

        To continue his hobby and passion for music after settling in Sydney, NSW in 2011 from the Fiji Islands, he crafted his skills and started DJing, transitioning into the mobile Dj scene performing for weddings, school dances, corporate & other social events. Now he is a highly trained professional who brings along many years of experience performing for a variety of events.

        In 2015, DJ AMIT relocated to Brisbane where he is well settled and established his DJ, Emcee, Lighting & Special Effects event business as “Fusion Sound & Lighting Events”.

        Whether it’s a cultural or western event celebration, DJ AMIT and his team surely knows how to cater.

         
        Check us out on:

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        • Glenn Ritchie

          12 Feb 2021
          DJAA
          4175
          0
          DJ, MC, QLD

          Glenn has had a long history in the DJ industry. Starting out in the late ’90s as a radio host on SWR-FM Sydney, he then moved into the mobile Dj field in 2001.
          After 2 years in the Sydney scene working for MobyDisc, he moved to Brisbane where he started PartySound in 2003 and ran it until 2013.

          On a vacation in January 2014 to the USA, Glenn met his now wife, Jennifer and quickly moved to Seattle to be with her where he resurrected PartySound in Seattle and continued his love of DJing there for numerous years. In this time Jennifer also added Photo Booths to PartySound’s offerings. They became a huge hit.

          In 2018 Glenn & Jennifer decided it was time to move back to Australia for good. As of October 2018, Glenn is back offering his 18 years experience to Queenslanders. Along with Jennifer, our passion is making clients special events come alive. Having had the opportunity to DJ over 2000 weddings & events in Sydney, Seattle & Brisbane in the last 18 years you can rest assured your big day is in good hands.

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          • Let’s Daaaaance!

            26 Aug 2020
            DJAA
            3697
            0

            The pandemic of 2020 has caused wedding receptions to be put on hold or only held with limited numbers, while observing restrictive social distancing parameters. Many wedding couples stated that they would not consider having their wedding reception during the pandemic because of the “no dancing” restriction. No or limited dancing appeared to be the biggest ‘deal breaker’ in proceeding with weddings.

            Why are they not willing to compromise?

            One of the major elements of most weddings is dancing. People just love to dance! In some cultures, dancing is an integral part of their heritage. Dancing is frequently the single greatest opportunity guests have to collectively express the happiness they feel for the newly married couple.

            When dancing is not allowed, Facebook wedding groups are filled with comments such as;

            “What’s a wedding without dancing? ? ”
            “A wedding is not a wedding without dancing.”
            “Now we can have all our loved ones at our wedding but no dancing? It’s not a wedding without it. ? ”
            “No wedding is complete without dancing.”
            “I’m not having a wedding without dancing. ? ”

            When the joy of entertainment was taken away, many wedding couples were forced to appreciate the incredible impact that entertainment has on a wedding reception. For some, this was not big news, for others, the value of entertainment began to carry a far greater importance than had previously been realised. When being forced to choose between having a wedding with no dancing or postponing until they are permitted to have dancing, the vast majority of wedding couples chose to postpone.

            Numerous surveys conducted with couples following their wedding have unanimously revealed that they would have spent more money on quality entertainment if they had known the true impact it was capable of delivering. Sadly, however, it is frequently the element that is not given the priority warranted during the planning process. In many cases, when the budget has been depleted, whatever is left over is relegated to entertainment.

            Tragically, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken much from the world. In response, many of us have been reminded of those things we value most greatly. For it is often in times of loss, that we are sometimes reminded about what we cherish so greatly.

            When this pandemic becomes a distant memory, we will be here to help you celebrate again. Remember why you postponed your celebration and ensure you get the best entertainment your wedding can buy.

            Prioritise that which was paramount in your decision to postpone your big day.

            If your wedding was postponed because it wouldn’t measure up to the level of entertainment and excitement you had been dreaming of, don’t relegate your entertainment to the bottom of your budget. If you have yet to secure your entertainment, ensure this is done early in the planning process.

            Prioritise appropriately and we guarantee you will have a celebration that is more than worth postponing for. And like Ren McCormack shouts near the end of Footloose, your DJ & MC will help you in screaming with your guests, let’s daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaance!

            The DJ Alliance Australasia along with our international not-for-profit partner Associations, the Canadian Professional Disc Jockey Association (Canada) and the National Association of Disc Jockeys (UK) are publishing a series of articles designed to help the general public better utilise the industry our collective Associations represent. We hope these articles are helpful and function to assist everyone achieve greater event success with mobile DJ & MC entertainment.

            DJs & MCs wishing to publish DJAA “DJ MC Hiring Tips” blog content to their own website is permissible provided the content remains unchanged and when credit is given to a guest author that credit remains intact at the end of the blog post as originally written. Those republishing blog content must also have the following line inserted at the start of the post:

            This was originally published by the DJAA (embed link to original article here) and has been republished here with permission.

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          • Is Music Enough?

            28 Jul 2020
            DJAA
            3244
            0

            The makeup of an event depends on the event itself, whether a birthday celebration, big family wedding, black tie awards night or teenage party, each will have its own needs and characteristics. The one factor they will all have is the requirement for music. This may be to create background atmosphere, moments of dancing, or to highlight spotlight moments. Whatever the reason, is it enough?

            Music does play an important role when used to stir emotions or conjure up happy memories, filling the empty spaces of conversation as background and adding to the ambience of the event. But consider a room with harsh ceiling lighting, no personal touches and minimal room and table dressing. This may not be very welcoming and might not inspire guests to get into the party spirit. Would you put up your Christmas tree decked only with plain fairy lights and not a bauble or sparkle of tinsel anywhere?

            There are many options in the marketplace to help create the look and feel you desire, with many experts ready to help and advise on your requirements. Lighting is a great place to start, so ask your DJ or MC Entertainer what solutions they have available or that they can help you organise. From full room up-lighting and washing the walls with colour to ambient lighting that creates excitement at the event entrance or to spotlight a key area such as the cake table. And be sure to discuss dance-floor lighting to set the right mood in the dance area. Likewise, a special dance-floor can be a great add-on if you are looking to encourage your guests to dance the night away reminiscing about the school formal, your hen’s night or bopping away together to family favourites.

            To add a personal touch to any celebration, there are a selection of additional enhancements. Light up letters (commonly known as “Love Letters”) can create a great focal point for photo opportunities. For weddings, the initials of the couple, “LOVE” or “Mr & Mrs” are popular choices and readily available but depending on the type of celebration, consider simple emotive words such as DANCE, PARTY and CELEBRATE to enhance the wow-factor of the room.

            To add excitement to your event, remember the thrill of the carnival sideshows and take inspiration from this; popcorn, fairy floss and lolly carts, chocolate fountains and photo booth stations with a dress a up box. This can create for some welcome distraction, especially for an all-day wedding where it can be a long day for guests. The photo booth options have exploded over the past years and the choices range from traditional enclosed booths to increasingly more popular “magic mirrors” that are not limited to a closed booth. Rather, up to 15 people at once can gather around the mirror for a terrific and fun group shot. If you prefer something more compact, there are digital based systems in all sorts of hip or vintage styles that take surprisingly little room but deliver fantastic photographic results and many can be sent directly to your guests Instagram and Facebook accounts.

            Music is the foundation of a great time with family, friends, and colleagues. It creates drama, stirs emotions, and can spark fond memories of people and places. How all of the ingredients of your event are matched and blended is what will make it remarkable, successfully mixing audio and visual elements to stimulate all the senses.

            Is music enough? Not always, but there is plenty of opportunity to work with your DJ or MC Entertainer to create the perfect recipe for your event or celebration.

            The DJ Alliance Australasia along with our international not-for-profit partner Associations, the Canadian Professional Disc Jockey Association (Canada) and the National Association of Disc Jockeys (UK) are publishing a series of articles designed to help the general public better utilise the industry our collective Associations represent. We hope these articles are helpful and function to assist everyone achieve greater event success with mobile DJ & MC entertainment.

            DJs & MCs wishing to publish DJAA “DJ MC Hiring Tips” blog content to their own website is permissible provided the content remains unchanged and when credit is given to a guest author that credit remains intact at the end of the blog post as originally written. Those republishing blog content must also have the following line inserted at the start of the post:

            This was originally published by the DJAA (embed link to original article here) and has been republished here with permission.

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          • Price, Quality and Service

            9 Jul 2020
            DJAA
            3489
            0

            When searching for a DJ or MC to provide the entertainment at their wedding, most wedding couples don’t know a lot about what they should look for. In nearly every case, the very first thing they ask when the DJ or MC picks up the phone is, “How much do you charge?”. Most people have not considered that the concept of price is only one of three factors that should play into their decision making. These three components are PRICE, QUALITY and SERVICE.

            Many couples want the cheapest price, but the highest quality and best service for their wedding celebration. It is important to understand that when one of these three components are compromised, it inadvertently impacts one or both of the other two components.

            Higher prices are almost always associated with high quality and high-touch level service. In the case of a DJ or MC, a higher price generally translates to extremely professional, polished performances, strong customer service efforts and great attention to detail. A DJ or MC service that charges a higher fee for their talent and skills, usually has earned this right due to great public and industry respect gained over a long period, by continuously meeting and exceeding customer expectations.

            On the other hand, a lower priced DJ service does not generally offer highly trained DJs that have undergone peer reviewed performance critique (quality). Their attention to detail is not always at the level that higher priced services offer, but their pricing generally makes their services more accessible to a wider range of customers that do not require or desire higher levels of service.

            Most professional, reputable DJs & MCs will charge a higher fee for their services than a hobby or part-time DJ or MC who is only looking to make a few extra dollars on the side. If a DJ or MC is communicating that they offer absolutely the same quality and service that another very differently priced DJ or MC offers, you should fully vet the DJ or MC services you are considering.

            When planning any large event, risk tolerance is something that varies greatly according to the person in charge. Everyone looks at price, quality and service differently. If your risk tolerance is high, choosing a lower priced option may not be a bad decision. You might be ok taking a chance on lower quality or service. On the other hand, if your risk tolerance is very low, finding a DJ or MC with a higher price will increase the odds of exceptional quality and service for the things that you value highly and don’t want to take any risks on.

            Consider what you value, how important entertainment is to you, and what your risk tolerance is. This will tell you everything you need to know about price, quality and service as YOU see them (not what some slick sales material is trying to tell you). After taking the time to consider these three factors, selecting a DJ or MC will be so much easier for you and your once in a lifetime event.

            The DJ Alliance Australasia along with our international not-for-profit partner Associations, the Canadian Professional Disc Jockey Association (Canada) and the National Association of Disc Jockeys (UK) are publishing a series of articles designed to help the general public better utilise the industry our collective Associations represent. We hope these articles are helpful and function to assist everyone achieve greater event success with mobile DJ & MC entertainment.

            DJs & MCs wishing to publish DJAA “DJ MC Hiring Tips” blog content to their own website is permissible provided the content remains unchanged and when credit is given to a guest author that credit remains intact at the end of the blog post as originally written. Those republishing blog content must also have the following line inserted at the start of the post:

            This was originally published by the DJAA (embed link to original article here) and has been republished here with permission.

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          • Why Should My DJ MC?

            16 Jun 2020
            DJAA
            3283
            0

            In many parts of the world, the Master of Ceremonies (MC) role may be filled by a variety of people from a favourite aunt or uncle to the best man or maid of honour and in other cases, there is no person truly in the role – things just “happen” throughout the event. In many regions though, the DJ will also take on the role of your event MC. In this post, we will explore just a few of the many great reasons why your DJ should also be your event MC.

            Your DJ has seen a lot of events and based on that experience, they generally have a pretty good idea about what works and what doesn’t work for countless situations. Most DJs have an incredible ability to recognise when things are not flowing correctly or when moments are missing the appropriate set up. They will adjust things on the fly as needed to ensure all moments create the impact you planned for.

            In the case of a wedding, your DJ will come at things from a neutral, third party, point of view. This is very beneficial because when a family or friend is the MC at a wedding, they generally know one part of your audience a lot more than the rest. What can result from this, is that they say things only some will understand or cater more toward one part of your audience, leaving the other half feeling disconnected. A DJ can not make this mistake as they need to research both sides of the family and all of your wedding party (for example) so that it comes off that they know everyone equally.

            Speaking on a microphone is typically something your DJ is already very adept at. They understand how to use sound equipment appropriately so that their voice is heard loud and clear without any additional coaching.

            Many DJs also undertake specialised MC based performance training (such as MarBecca Method Workshops) to become uniquely prepared at presiding over the special moments at your event in ways that cousin John or Aunty Kim simply will not have the ability to do.

            Oh and there shouldn’t be fear that your DJ will become that inebriated MC from that wedding last year. You remember that one, or you heard about that one, right? The things that were said at that wedding scarred some people for life. OK, maybe you didn’t hear about that wedding, but either way, this shouldn’t be an issue when your DJ is the MC. Professional DJs generally avoid all alcohol at events they are hired for.

            If the above ideas mean something to you, take time during the consultations you’ll carry out with DJs before selecting the one you’ll hire to get an understanding of their approach to each of these topics.

            There are many more reasons than just the above, but this should get you started on thinking about the many reasons why your DJ should also be considered for being your MC.

            The DJ Alliance Australasia along with our international not-for-profit partner Associations, the Canadian Professional Disc Jockey Association (Canada) and the National Association of Disc Jockeys (UK) are publishing a series of articles designed to help the general public better utilise the industry our collective Associations represent. We hope these articles are helpful and function to assist everyone achieve greater event success with mobile DJ & MC entertainment.

            DJs & MCs wishing to publish DJAA “DJ MC Hiring Tips” blog content to their own website is permissible provided the content remains unchanged and when credit is given to a guest author that credit remains intact at the end of the blog post as originally written. Those republishing blog content must also have the following line inserted at the start of the post:

            This was originally published by the DJAA (embed link to original article here) and has been republished here with permission.

            Continue Reading