-
Continue Reading
Simon McCuskey
Simon MC is Simon McCuskey – a polished, award winning master of ceremonies, television host and presenter. Simon MC’s philosophy is that you are only given one chance to deliver an event right!
With over fifteen years’ experience, Simon has hosted numerous television shows, presented radio segments and been a master of ceremonies for a variety of events. These include: weddings, engagements, festivals, conferences, gala events, awards, corporate functions – any occasion that needs to bring the best out of people!
Let’s celebrate once, yet remember it forever. Let’s do it!
Additional Information:
-
- Business: Simon MC
- Phone: 03 8395 1577 / 0410 291 030
- Email: simon@simonmc.com.au
- Website: www.simonmc.com.au
- Service Area: Melbourne and surrounds
-
-
Continue Reading
Scott Eichler
Additional Info
- Phone: 07 8561550
- Mobile: 027 5438335
- Email: info@djentertainment.co.nz
- Website: https://www.djentertainment.co.nz/
- Service Area: Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Auckland, Manawatu, Taranaki, Taupo, Hawkes Bay and Canterbury
-
Continue Reading
It Starts With Us
Mitch Taylor who presented at our 2018 National Conference in Adelaide, writes about his experience in attending the DJAA National Conference “It Starts With Us” in the latest issue of Disc Jockey News. For information on the 2019 DJAA National Conference and to purchase tickets, head to www.djaa.org.au/nationalconference.
-
Continue Reading
What Frequency Do I Need For My Wireless Microphone?
You would think that buying a Wireless Microphone is easy right?
A few weeks ago, I had some challenges trying to buy a Wireless Microphone and work out the correct range.
It was really confusing.It’s easy to buy a wireless microphone, but if you want it to work correctly in your area then that’s a different story.
This is my understanding of how these frequencies work, and the purpose of this article is to help other DJ’s identify the type of frequency they need when buying a Wireless Microphone.
So back in January 2015, the ACMA said that wireless microphones must not be used in the 694 – 820 MHz frequency range. The main alternative frequency ranges will be 520 – 694 MHz and 1790 – 1800 MHz, with some other frequencies also available.
Frequencies
To keep things simple, Microphones operate on different frequencies. Most common microphones that you buy are either;
1) MHz range
2) Ghz range.The MHZ range are most Wireless Microphones you buy off the shelf, and there are different types of ranges. Much like the different freqencies on the radio FM, AM, etc.
So you will see it say what frequencies it uses on the box like 694Mhz, 820Mhz, 1790Mhz etc.For example:
The Ghz range, are like routers, and Wifi Devices, they operate on 2.4Ghz frequency.
There are PRO’s and CON’s to the Mhz range and Ghz range. I personally myself use both depending on the application, and the type of setup I use. I find personally that the Mhz range is more reliable, where as the Ghz range does seem to occasionally get interference from other devices such as Wireless Routers, Mobile Phones, etc because they also run on the Ghz frequency.
A good article to read about Mhz VS Ghz is here: https://www.rfvenue.com/blog/2015/01/27/what-you-need-to-know-about-2-4-ghz-wireless-microphones
So what frequency do I buy for my Wireless Microphone?
So, if you buy a Microphone that operates in the Mhz range, you need to make sure that the frequency it uses/operates in is not going to be a problem in your area.
To do this, go here: https://www.acma.gov.au/theACMA/channel-finder
Using this map, it will tell you what frequencies your Wireless Microphone can operate in that area.
So for example, I travel to the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Brisbane, and other areas. So i’ll pick a few venues using this map and enter in the address of the venue to work out if my Wireless Microphone that i want to buy will work using the frequency it uses.
So i’ll use Maleny Manor as an example, it’s address is: 894 Landsborough Maleny Rd, Maleny
So now that we have entered an address it will come back and tell you what frequencies are available.
You can see below it says that an available frequency is 520-526Mhz.
It’s a good idea to also check other areas & locations to make sure that that frequency is the same at other areas as well. So put in some other addresses and check what frequency is safe to use in that area too.
Once you’ve found the right frequency – now you need to check the wireless microphone your buying will match that frequency.
So let’s look at an example of one online that I bought recently.
So there you go. Now you understand a bit more about Wireless Microphone frequencies and how to find the right frequency in your area.
Of course, if your still not sure and need help, ask your local Audio/DJ/Shop that your buying it from and they can help you.
Quick Disclaimer: I dont claim to be an audio professional, or expert on this subject. I simply used the information provided to me by other professionals and people in the industry to solve a problem that I couldn’t work out, so this information is like any advice, general advice and you should do your own research before acting on any decision.
This post was contributed by Bradley Kjeldsen. Brad is an Accredited Member of the Alliance who currently serves on the DJAA Committee, is based in Brisbane, Queensland and runs DJ BRAD servicing Brisbane & QLD areas and beyond.Good luck!
-
Continue Reading
What’s Been Happening At The DJAA Lately?
The last few weeks have been a busy time for the DJAA!
May 22nd 2018 – QLD ABIA Awards Night
On Tuesday the 22nd of May, over 30 Winners of the 20th Queensland Annual Bridal Industry Awards were invited to the stage to accept their award at the exquisite Victoria Park, featuring the magical views of Brisbane’s cityscape.
Winners from the DJ & MC categories included:
Wedding DJ – DJ RHINO
Wedding MC – G&M Event Group
Ceremony Music – Michael Eotvos Music
June 12th 2018 – DJ TAKE OVER NIGHT – Mon Komo Hotel
We had our first QLD Social Night where we invited DJ’s across Brisbane for free, to come along to our Take Over Night where any DJ could jump on the decks and play a 10-15 minute set and show off their skills. We had just over 10 DJ’s play with a variety of music from R&B, Psy Trance, House and more. With approximately 40 DJ’s coming along from Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, we also had 2 DJ’s travel from interstate in NSW & VIC to come along as well.
Special thanks to…
BJ’s Sound & Lighting
We also must give a big thanks to BJ’s Sound & Lighting, they came along to show their support with some hot products & new gear available, and also gave out a $500 Hire Voucher along with a 10% discount when your mention the DJAA when hiring from them. They also showed off their new SPARK machine, which is a giant sparkler used for events such as Weddings.Mon Komo Hotel
Thanks to the Mon Komo Hotel for allowing us to use their function room and DJ area on a Tuesday night.Bradley Kjeldsen
Thanks to Brad from DJ BRAD for supplying some gear & equipment, along with organising and promoting the event.
June 18th 2018 – DJ Social Catch Up – Kurrawa Surf Club
Steve Bowen, Peter De Wever & Serge Olivieri were headed to the Gold Coast for the 2018 ABIA Designer of Dreams Awards night and asked for local DJs interested in catching up for a drink and/or meal plus chat about all things DJ!
It was a great night to catch up with friends & family over some good food and drinks.
June 19th 2018 – ABIA National Designer of Dreams Awards
On Tuesday, the 19th of June at The Star Gold Coast, wedding businesses from all around Australia flew in to celebrate the prestigious 9th National ABIA Designer of Dreams Awards.
To qualify as a National Finalist or Winner, a business is required to receive high quality ratings & reviews over the past 4 consecutive years. The standard of these industry awards continue to motivate business owners and team members to strive for better in setting standards for the Australian Wedding Industry.
Winners from the DJ & MC categories included:
Wedding DJ (VIC) – DJ PeterD Entertainment Plus
Wedding MC (QLD) – G&M Event Group
Ceremony Music (SA) – Music by Pearl
-
Continue Reading
Making Use of Technology – Responsive Marketing
We live in an amazing time. Technology has really made the world smaller as we are able to instantly communicate in real time across the globe. All those childhood dreams of one day having a video phone like in the science fiction movies has actually come to pass!
When we wind the clock back and consider the marketing of days gone by, it was non-responsive, one-way communication. Marketing in print media, television, radio and billboards are all one way. It is a place to get your message out, but is not responsive. There is no real effective way for the person seeing the advertisement to respond quickly and easily.
Fast forward to today with online marketing (especially social media), and we have a wonderful opportunity to embrace responsive marketing. Here is where we can advertise and encourage almost instant two-way communication between the seller and the buyer. This is something that marketers in the past would have only ever dreamed about. (Check out the story of Edward Bernays if you want some real inspiration when it comes to effective marketing. What he could have done with responsive marketing would have been incredible).
Even though we have this gift of responsive marketing, it is all too common to see people still stuck in the mindset of one-way marketing. Pushing their message out without taking advantage of the fact they could actually build a conversation with the potential client. It is not surprising as responsive marketing is so new that a mind-shift will probably take a generation to truly be embraced and used to its full potential. Dave Evans, co-founder of Digital Voodoo, a well respected marketing company in the United States said “to truly persuade, you must engage”. When it comes to social media, two-way communication really is the heart of the entire reason for the existence of
social media.It is not uncommon to see a potential client mention they want to hire a DJ on a Facebook forum, only to have the post quickly filled with one-way advertisements. This is one way of advertising and may work well, but consider the power we have been given and take the opportunity to start a conversation with the potential client. Ask a question, give advice, make a comment … whatever it takes to start that two-way communication. These strategies will have you stand head and shoulders above the rest who just pasted their usual advertisement on the post as it shows you actually took the time and care to read what they want and tailored a well thought out response.
This post was contributed by Nik Edser. Nik is an Accredited Member of the Alliance and an ABIA Award Winner, based on the Gold Goast in Queensland. He currently holds a position on the DJAA Committee and together with his wife Natalie, run NikNat Entertainment. Nik not only provides MC & DJ services but also offers a live music option.
-
Continue Reading
Thank You
As I sit at my local coffee shop for my regular daily coffee watching the commuters head up this busy road to work, one per car, rushed and unsmiling, it serves as a daily reminder of how truly fortunate I am to be able to do what I love for a living.
I have the power to create wonderful memories and experiences with people, build relationships, create links between others and feel truly great about doing this as I grow as a human being.
I give thanks for this regularly.
One of my favourite things to do is drive to nearby Mount Cootha and hike the mountain.
As I reach the peak I stomp my feet and as my left foot hits the ground I say THANK and as my right foot hits the ground I say YOU! I continue to do this as I walk.
I give thanks for my amazing twin boys, My family, my beautiful Edi, my good health, my amazing group of friends, for my ever expanding skill set, my good judgement, and on it goes. I keep thanking until I can’t think of anything else to thank for. This practice lightens my load and brings a smile to my face every time. It makes me feel fantastic, so much so that it has now become a regular part of my hiking routine. Important: It matters not who you give this thanks to, it may be to a higher order, the universe, your God or whomever. What matters is the loud verbalisation of those words ~ THANK YOU.
One of the things I constantly give thanks for is my ability to continue to do what I love for a living.
THANK YOU! to everyone who has helped me along this journey.
This post was contributed by Brent Officen. Brent is an Accredited Member of the Alliance based in Brisbane, Queensland and runs Decibels Entertainment servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond. Brent also offers Live Music, Photo Booth and complementary services.
-
Continue Reading
Important Things To Remember To Make Your Event Unique To YOU
With so many people getting married these days it is so easy to just fall into the trap of doing what everyone else is doing.
As a supplier to the industry for over 30 years I have seen many businesses and trends come and go.
Yes, there are certain facets that should be followed in a wedding, but you can also add your own little touches to these to make them your own.
Reaching out to not only couples getting married but also industry suppliers, I hope this article inspires you to open your mind to hopefully creating a new trend that will continue into the future.
So what next?
Well the first thing you need to find is suppliers that you totally trust as without that trust you won’t be able to let go and become creative. Once trust has been established, you may find that your supplier will ask you what you have visualised or dreamt of for your day and can then advise you on what has worked in the past and what they feel may not work or come up with alternatives that you have not thought of.Just a couple of ideas:
Ceremony: instead of doing what they have always done, walk down the aisle, vows etc. Sign the register, then walk up the aisle as newlyweds consider:
Walking down the aisle, stopping at the entry of the ceremony and allow everyone to look at the bride, then continue the walk, then instead of proceeding to the signing, have your officiant announce you as the newlyweds and after everyone has conveyed their congratulations, then take care of the paperwork.Reception: Try doing a Parent Dance and consider including the Mother of the groom with her son and then go into your first dance as a
couple.If there are kids at the wedding maybe look at doing some kids entertainment such as balloons or magician plus consider having drawing and colouring in books and also allow the DJ to play some kids music for the kids to dance to.
There are many other ways to make an event unique to you so keep an open mind and ask your trusted suppliers if they have any ideas to help you.
This post was contributed by Peter De Wever. Peter is an Accredited Member of the Alliance who currently serves on the DJAA Committee, is based in Mornington, Victoria and runs DJ PeterD Entertainment Plus servicing Mornington & Melbourne areas and beyond. Peter also offers Photo Booth and complementary services.
-
Continue Reading
Are You A Goose?
I found this wonderful piece by Milton Olson while searching for some important documents today and I couldn’t help but relate it directly to the DJAA and our growing group of members.
It was on an old piece of faded yellow paper which I’ve been hoarding since the pre-email days. Every now and again I read over it and the message is as strong today as it has ever been.
I hope it resonates with you as it did with me.
Honour Others As Geese Do.
The next time you see a flock of geese heading south for the winter flying along in a ‘V’ formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a ‘V’ formation, the whole flock adds 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on it’s own.
People who share a common direction and sense of community can better get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the trust of one another.
When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone…and quickly gets back into the formation to take advantage of the ‘lifting power’. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those that are heading in the same direction as we are (and willing to accept their help as well as give ours to others.)
When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies point. It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs. With people, as with geese, we are interdependent on each other.
Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraged and not something else.
Finally, and this is important, when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by gunshots and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with that fallen goose until it is able to fly again or dies.
Only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation, to catch up with their group. If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other in difficult times as when we are strong.
Milton Olson.
IT STARTS WITH US.
This post was contributed by Brent Officen. Brent is an Accredited Member of the Alliance based in Brisbane, Queensland and runs Decibels Entertainment servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond. Brent also offers Live Music, Photo Booth and complementary services.
