ISSUE 196 JULY 2018 WWW.MOBILEBEAT.COM ENTERTAINING YOUTH GET READY TO ROCK AT SCHOOLS AND BEYOND ProSight Direct www.prosightdirect.com Audio-Technica www.audio-technica.com ENTERTAINING YOUTH
PLAYLIST
FEATURE...... 6 Kid Rock By Stu Chisholm
FEATURE...... 8 Oontz Oontz: Kids’ DJ School Is In Session By Staci Nichols
MIDWEEK MONEY...... 10 Successful Trivia Shows with Teens By Rob Johnson
MOBILE MATTERS...... 12 Bubbling Up the Fun at Kids’ Events Matt Martindale ADVERTISERS
THE SPIN DOCTOR...... 14 Audio-Technica www.audio-technica.com 3 Party Pumpers! By Mike “Dr Frankenstand” Ryan DigiGames www.digigames.com 11
PLAY SOMETHING WE CAN DANCE TO...... 16 DJ Trivia www.djtrivia.com 13 Musical Prudence for Youth Events Global Truss America www.globaltruss.com 5 By Jay Maxwell Innovative LED www.innovativeledsales.com 7 PRODJFILES...... 18 Pittsburgh’s DJ Jess Mobile Beat Cruise www.mobilebeatcruise.com 22 By Mike Cordeiro Mobile Beat Las Vegas www.mobilebeatlasvegas.com 21
FEATURE...... 20 Play Something We Can www.mobilebeat.com/store 17 Does Today’s Music Suck? Part 1 of 2 Dance To! By Steve Sharp ProSight Direct www.prosightdirect.com 2
Stage Spot www.stagespot.com 17
Publisher Events Director Editorial Assistant / Ryan Burger Jake Feldman Writer Mobile Beat Circulation Manager Rebecca Burger Editor-in-Chief Kitty Harr Events Director Emeritus Dan Walsh Michael Buonaccorso
TO ADVERTISE IN MOBILE BEAT OR EXHIBIT AT A MOBILE BEAT EVENT, CALL 515-986-3344 x300 OR EMAIL [email protected]
4 MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ JULY 2018 Global Truss America www.globaltruss.com FEATURE Kid Rock
By Stu Chisholm
FEATURE
to mention that all of the kids who are “out” may not be content to sit Kid Rock and watch! It is a rare event that is so packed NO, NOT THAT RAPPY ROCK with activity that there are no “in- DUDE FROM DETROIT... betweens” where the audience is less engaged and expected to dance. This By Stu Chisholm is where we rejoin our 5th and 6th graders. For those moments I use the “greed factor.” Everybody loves free his article is actually about stuff! Most events have some sort T entertaining for younger of objective in mind. They may offer prizes for best costume, etc. I usually audiences. I’ve always said that DJ to be the gatekeeper. And we should suggest they bring in several small children are the best audience. Any be! In the “old days” (early 2000s), all a DJ prizes as well. My typical opening announce- DJ who has ever asked an audience had to do was head over to Radio Disney ment might then sound something like this: to do something knows what I’m and download the Top 30 and be good to “We DJs just LOVE to see good dancing! And if go. Yet in recent years, even The Mouse we spot somebody doing an especially good talking about. “Let’s make a big has gotten too risqué for unsupervised dance, we will come on out and lay a sweet circle on the dance floor!” Adults visits with the kids. While it’s still great prize on you instantly!” will usually stand around gawking to peruse, be sure to play through every- As Michael Douglas said in Wall Street, until a few people finally get up. thing before throwing it at this audience! “Greed works”! As the first song starts and Teens will sometimes come up Secondly, a staple among both your young audience sees you come out parents and DJs who cater to them and from behind your booth in that first minute and say, “What for”? But the K-6 their kids is the Kidz Bop series. They’ve and plant something in the hands of one of audience will be up there before been around for years (I was stunned their classmates or friends, you’re suddenly you have said “…floor”! And this to see that they’re on volume #38!) and going to have all of them trying to catch tells you one important thing: consist of well-done versions of popular your eye! I had been called to a Catholic tunes totally cleaned up for kidlet use. this age group NEEDS to be led. school to replace their regular DJ who was Teacher-tested, mom-approved! Between busy with another gig back in the ‘90s. At the CHAOS IS ALWAYS A MOMENT AWAY these two sources, you should be amply end, the organizers said, “That was amazing! covered for music. In fact, you’ll have We’ve never seen our kids get so involved My #1 word for kid’s parties is “engage- more than you need, because these types before!” They booked me for the next dance ment.” Kids need to be continually of events tend to run short, just like the on the spot. I still get their calls to this day. engaged or they end up out of control. If attention spans of the audience. you’re playing the school gym, they’ll be Pro tip: Not all clients will provide prizes. This provides you an opportunity for climbing the bleachers and doing anything MORE THAN MUSIC some shameless self-promotion! Order a box BUT paying a ttention to you (or anything As I said, music alone is not enough. You else). This also leads to a conundrum at the of fidget spinners printed with your logo must be able to hold their attention. You can and website. Have some buttons made up upper end of the scale (5th and 6th grade) do this any number of ways. For me, activity who are well into music and might want to that say “Great Dancer,” “Best Costume” and songs and games are the best route. This “Birthday Boy/Girl.” Including your company’s hear music more than doing the Chicken IS where you’ll play “Cha Cha Slide,” “Cupid Dance or the Cha Cha Slide. More on this in URL discreetly printed around the edge is like Shuffle,” and all of the songs with dances passing out business cards to every parent. a moment. Let’s first start at the youngest: that go with them. Oh, and you’ll probably the school age toddler set. want to demonstrate or lead the dance. Or, POSITIVITY FOR KIDS AND PARENTS Choosing music for this group can better yet, make a show of getting a parent Lastly, while you’re there to entertain the be problematic because parents will find or teacher to do it. This is a good time to kids, keep in mind that you’re actually offense in nearly any pop tune, new or old. break out some of the old staples, like hula there for the parents. Not only are you No matter how “clean” the lyrics, or buried hoops (and I suggest an assistant to help supervising the content and keeping their the actual “message” might be, new wrangle them), limbo sticks and other kids busy, but there is nothing a parent parents are super sensitive to lyrics and “tried and true” games. “Simon Says” always loves more than to see someone doting content. Naturally they depend on the pleases, but take it on their child. If your activity means you’ll from me: PRACTICE! be selecting a child or children to do Stu Chisholm had been collecting music since he was It looks easy...but something, be sure to get their names, about age 8 and began his DJ career in 1979. After a it’s not. It takes a say them correctly, compliment them stint at the Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts, he lot of attention and on their costume, dance or any unique studied the DJ arts with famous Michigan broadcaster verbal skill. Be in features, and always stay positive. Do your Bill Henning, interned at Detroit's rock powerhouse, the moment. Also, WRIF, and later added voiceover work and club gigs at best to make participants look good and don’t go too long. Detroit's best venues. He has shared his extensive DJ feel special...that will make you and your experience through MB columns, as a seminar speaker Remember, you’re service special to your client! dealing with short and through his book, The Complete Disc Jockey: A Until next time, safe bopping! Comprehensive Manual for the Professional DJ. attention spans, not
6 MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ JULY 2018 Innovative LED www.innovativeledsales.com FEATURE Oontz Oontz: Kids’ DJ School Is In Session
By Staci Nichols
FEATURE
Oontz, Oontz... DAN QUINN STARTS A DJ SCHOOL FOR KIDS By Staci Nichols
www.danielmotta- photography.com
Above: Dan working with aspiring DJ Emma. Left: Emma showing off her mix to Mom and Dad.
Dan and his kids, Sophia (13), Natalie (11), Lily (9), and Dillon (2), have used the term "oontz" (a nod to the classic sound of electronic music) as household vernacular for years. "Can you put on some oontz?" would mean to play some music. It was a no-brainer for Dan to name his DJ school after that infectious toe-tapping sound comprised of the downbeat from a kick drum followed by a hi-hat. (Just say it out loud: “Oontz, oontz, oontz, oontz...” —you get the idea.) OontzKids started with six DJ stations (two-channel Pioneer controllers, All photos by Daniel Motta - www.danielmottaphotography.com rekordbox software, and used laptops) and 12-hour summer camp sessions. Now the program, which was recently featured in the Dallas Morning News and on CBS11, has 10 n 2016, Dan Quinn, a full-time mobile DJ, guitarist and DJ stations, offers a Level 2 session (getting I dad, found himself talking to his wife, who suggested that into key-matching and other advanced topics), an Ableton Live class, after-school he start a DJ school for kids. He agreed that it was a good programs, and Christmas break camps. Dan idea. Since then he has taught 150 kids how to beatmatch, will soon be traveling out of Texas to teach beatgrid, and — most importantly — find their own inner beats. DJing out-of-state, as well.
8 MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ JULY 2018 "I really suggest that students that they can. I've certainly be at least eight years old," says Learn more about OontzKids: become a troubleshooting master,” Dan, speaking from experience. Dan says, citing accidental engage- When he had six- and seven-year- Website: www.oontzkids.com ments of slip mode, alternative old students, he had to stop and audio drivers, and virtual deck Facebook: www.facebook.com/oontzkids explain how to drag and drop a reassignments. file, for example. Eight seems to Instagram: @oontzkids On day one at OontzKids, be the threshold of solid computer Email: [email protected] Dan or one of his instructors mastery. talks to students about tolerat- And speaking of mastery, ing the "oontzes" that get other Dan’s older students often get DJing parties, had his parents paid back kids excited, whether it's rap or inspired to take what they’re learning very quickly, and is now booked almost country. In addition to teaching good to the next level all on their own. “Last every weekend! It's incredibly rewarding "music citizenship," Dan finds that he stays week I had a 15-year-old girl who figured to see his students turning a few fun days well-versed in whatever music the kids are out how to loop the vocals on a track’s of summer camp into not just a passion into these days. "Two years ago it was all acapella break. She confidently took the but a job. (Hmm... DJing/running your Skrillex and Knife Party. This summer is all tempo down on this break and dropped own show... or working fast food. No Drake and Migos.” it into her new track while maintaining contest!) Dan says his students often stay From a business standpoint, Dan's
Winston works on EQ techniques. Ty practices transitions www.danielmotta- photography.com
the phrasing and creating a really cool in touch after camp finishes and follow initial investment in the gear paid for itself transition to a much slower track. This is each other's progress online. very quickly, growing from a casual hobby a lot more advanced than what we were "I am a self-taught DJ. I wish I could into a legitimate operation that will see teaching in the Level 1 class," says Dan, have gone to OontzKids ten years ago," he over 100 students in 2018. “Our expansion obviously proud of his flock. tells me, chuckling. "It would have saved into production and performance with "Because today's music is so elec- me so much time!" Despite that long Ableton Live is also extremely exciting” tronic, I think learning to DJ today is kind learning curve so many of us have had, adds Dan, who just recently earned a pro- of like learning to play guitar was maybe Dan has really solidified his DJ knowledge fessional Ableton certificate from Berklee 20-30 years ago," says Dan. He sees how via teaching. "The kids are always pushing College of Music. some aspects of DJing can provide instant every button and changing every setting A new generation of professionally- gratification for his students, trained DJs is coming...Are you much like playing video games. ready? If not, Dan offers private With the push of a button, lessons!! something can be created on the spot. There is no expensive piano to buy and then years of piano lessons. On the first day DJ Staci Nichols is based in San Diego and specializes in spinning of camp, the parents can come “country fusion,” Latin/Spanish, and pick up their kid and listen to a mainstream music. Her know-how mix their son or daughter put has appeared in San Diego Style together that morning. Weddings, Offbeat Bride, Wedding Planner Magazine, and Book More One of Dan's first DJ Brides. She offers consulting at students asked for a $250 DJ WeddingBizConsultant.com or check controller for his birthday, took out her DJ biz at SanDiegoDJStaci. out a loan from his parents to com. IG / FB / Pinterest /Twitter: get some speakers, started SanDiegoDJStaci
MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ JULY 2018 9 MIDWEEK MONEY Successful Trivia Shows with Teens
By Rob Johnson
MIDWEEK MONEY
PRESENTED BY
throughout the event, without the typical “drink breaks” to get patrons to the bar. Successful Have background music playing (make sure its up to date) and keep the flow going. Using technology like DigGames Trivia Cubes or Trivia Pads along with Extreme Bingo will definitely Trivia Shows make the show cool for the kids. Get the lights going, the backdrops in place and really make an effort to make a “show” of the whole thing to impress your with Teens young audience. QUESTION SUBJECTS By Rob Johnson It is also very important to think about the kind of trivia you are writing. It is very little use dipping into your archive and simply picking out a set of questions from there as they are likely not to his time we are going to look at the slightly more suit your young audience. T difficult job of running trivia shows with kids and The teenagers want fun questions, questions they can teenagers. Because of all the things available to teens guess—they don’t want academic studies. Think of questions these days, like social media, phone apps, Xbox, Wii, about trendy TV shows. Get some teenage help if you can, as there is nothing worse than a quiz master trying to be cool and Netflix, etc, teenagers are not necessarily drawn to getting it wrong. trivia events. What you may be asked to run obviously won’t be bar trivia. It is going to be special events, social occasions for clubs, schools, churches and others. Get some teenage help if you can, What follows is a look at how to approach doing teen trivia as there is nothing worse than a events. I’m assuming that you already have potential or actual gigs lined up with the schools and other organizations that serve quiz master trying to be cool and youth. Even if you only do the occasional teen trivia event, this info should be helpful. getting it wrong.
TECHNOLOGY One of the first things you need to think about is that you have Plenty of pictures, music rounds, visual rounds if you can, to make this show as interactive and technology-led as possible. and make a quiz that’s just interesting! Teenagers are notorious for their short attention spans and they MIXING IT UP will soon switch off if you start boring them with a traditional pen and paper trivia or a “by the numbers” game. You need to make At teen trivia events you can also “mix up” your services. So if you sure that you have cutting edge technology with all the latest have the facilities to run a DJ service along with the trivia event then gadgets and gizmos. You have to keep it very relevant. Make sure this is a time to start upselling yourself and really pushing all the the technology you are using isn’t dated, as teenagers will be varied services you can offer to potential customers. Don’t let your familiar with the finest and most up to date gadgets. shyness get in the way and always remember to sell sell sell sell! This is where DigiGames wireless buzzers come in handy! PRIZES TO GIVE “THE SHOW” Obviously the prizes here matter to kids. Money is not really appropriate—its not really good to hand over $400 to a 13-year- As mentioned, teenagers will also appreciate the “show” element old! Beer as a prize is obviously out as well. So when I am running of your trivia occasions much more the cleverness of your events for teens I spend the prize money on things like gift cards, questions and answers (remember those short attention spans). tickets to theme parks, iTunes vouchers—things they will use They don’t want to be waiting between questions and twiddling and which will appeal to them. their thumbs until something exciting happens. These events will not be in bars; so you need to keep the audience entertained All in all, I must admit that when I was first running trivia for a teen-based audience I found it difficult to get the balance right The first time was far from perfect and it took time and thought Rob Johnson is back writing a monthly article to get it right. I wish I’d had the info I’ve shared with you here for Mobile Beat after taking a year or so off. The when I was first starting out on this road! main focus is to touch on “midweek money” and If you cater to your audience, which you should be doing in how you can increase your bottom line. Rob every trivia show you run, then you are not going to go wrong. has been the Spokesperson for DigiGames for The teenagers want to be entertained. You will need to devise a over 10 years; he has been in the entertainment trivia game that keeps their attention focused on you. You must business for over 25 years and full time for 17. If create a show that truly entertains. you have any questions, please feel free to email Until next time...happy trivia hosting! [email protected] or call 701-710-1657.
10 MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ JULY 2018 DigiGames...... www.digigames.com MOBILE MATTERS Bubbling Up the Fun at Kids’ Events
Matt Martindale
MOBILE MATTERS Bubbling Up the Fun at Kids’ Events MIKE MIRELES ON A UNIQUE WAY TO INJECT FUN AND GAMES INTO KID GIGS By Matt Martindale
ames are popular in every demographic—age group, gender, whatever—regardless of the G industry. The best-designed games don’t even appear to be games, but rather, specifically fuse human nature with intentional game design to create a pleasant experience. Even the accumulation of loyalty rewards, so popular in today’s consumer culture, is, in effect, a game.
We’ve learned to create games, Certain “rockstar DJs” like Mike weekday events calendar. compete and challenge ourselves. In Mireles, owner and operator of Steppin’ Mireles has created a market fact, games are everywhere. Take the Out Entertainment and Bubble Parties groove that connects naturally with his simple fact that you listen to music while Texas, have done just that. Mireles audiences. “After 30 years of being a pro- running, or challenge yourself to beat a now features his licensed bubble party fessional mobile DJ,” he says, “I’ve learned certain weight goal. The lottery, mileage program (BubbleParties.com/Rob Peters to produce and capture energy in a fresh, credit cards, loyalty programs, and even Entertainment) and offers it in Houston, new way. I just love hearing the excite- fantasy football are all forms of games. San Antonio, Dallas, Galveston, Southern ment, laughter, spontaneous energy and Fantasy football, is in fact, a game based California, and is ramping up Bubble families having a fantastic time together” on a game—which is crazy. Games are Parties Praise for Christian festivals! Mireles thinks out of the box to also very good for business. Mireles has created his own spe- create the emotional aspects of fun, play, Integrating fun, games and play itself cialized youth market for: pool parties, creativity, imagination but is designed isn’t about setting something into effect summer camps, daycare centers, field to establish vivid, memorable experi- (like just playing music), then leaving trips, family events, festivals and more, ences that participants want to engage in it at that. Today’s youth demand more. with a plethora of bubble parties (done beyond just music. Thinking out of the box is an opportu- correctly through Rob Peters’ system) DJs who think that bubble nity to spin the freshest music grooves to create a tremendously successful parties are a limited concept and introduce interactive DJ games along business model with over 75 percent of couldn’t be more wrong. with a party motivator, dancers, or add on his clientele as repeat clients. Most of the As Rob Peters of BubbleParties.com karaoke, glow parties, etc to ensure there work is during the week for quick one- says, “If you love kids, this program will is never a dull moment. or two-hour events that energizing the work” but, it won’t work for everyone. It
12 MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ JULY 2018 • Play is a response to our individual need for expression. • Play opens up new creative surges of the imagination. • Play gives an opportunity for a new perspective. definitely takes a certain temperament to directors, and everyone. That also means an average kid DJ party does, like hula do these events and to become as success- that photos are never taken at our events. hoops, limbo, walla balla, but the real rock ful as Mireles. “It’s not about the money, Instead, all marketing and promotional star of the show is always the bubbles. but genuinely about being a little kid at material has to go through Rob Peters for We offer so many diverse bubble games, heart. That appreciation for their curiosity, his professional, licensed photos because bubble contests, bubble pits, bubble wonder, amazement, with a tremendous of a much more strict set of rules for youth toys and get interactive with the daycare amount of patience, creativity and fun.” events.” teachers, directors, parents, etc. As a result, Doing youth events, including Mireles has brilliantly infused the creativity, music selection and event flow bubble parties, is different when thinking elements of “game mechanics” by inten- programming are key. And that’s what our about safety. “We assign ‘bubble sitters’ tionally using innovative ways to engage experience brings to the table.” from the daycare staff, festival volunteers, youth through specific techniques, Plato was asked, “What then is the etc to keep kiddos away from the bubble actions, challenges or processes (with right way to live?” He replied “Life should machines and breaking toys because kids BubbleParties). “We already do everything be lived as play.” have such an eye of wonder- So go play. ment to find out how things Matt Martindale has been a professional DJ and MC since 1989, performing work. Anything indoors, clients at more than 1,400 wedding receptions since then. Along with running For more info on bubble parties in general, must provide a carpet-covered his award-winning, multi-DJ company, Amoré DJ Entertainment (www. or how Mike Mireles produces his success- amoredjentertainment.com), he has accumulated extensive entertainment area. With these events, you ful events: Rob Peters, BubbleParties.com • experience including training in audio production, sound engineering, lighting are always being monitored 781-848-4235; Mike Mireles, 713-992-7352 and design, improv comedy, voice over artistry, magic, and much more. by their parents, daycare • [email protected] .
MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ JULY 2018 13
DJ Trivia www.djtrivia.com THE SPIN DOCTOR Party Pumpers
By Mike “Dr Frankenstand” Ryan
THE SPIN DOCTOR
Party Pumpers! ASSISTANTS IN MOTION HELP DJS GET AUDIENCES MOVING By Mike “Dr Frankenstand” Ryan
t’s another Saturday night at a HELPING DJS ELEVATE PULSES Party pumpers, as I learned, are an ‘50s-style Southern California I integral part of Jewish rite of passage malt shop, packed with families, parties. A Southern California mobile waiters and waitresses racing DJ company, Maximum Impact around with trays full of burgers Productions, specializes in bar and and fries expertly balanced on bat mitzvah parties and lists having performed over 7,700 events! Owner one hand high above their heads, Greg Rackley weighs in on party while navigating in and around pumpers, which he also calls dancers, unrestrained kids. Hard work, game assistants, production assistants, made even more challenging and baby sitters. with the required beehive Mike Ryan: As someone who has done hairdos and wild wigs, dressed thousands of mitzvah parties, I suspect in car-hop uniforms decorated you’ve probably used hundreds of with tons of fun buttons party pumpers. What’s your experience working with them? arranged like merit badges. Greg Rackley: I initially found that All of a sudden, one male waiter, Baby Huey certain special events, especially an imposing 20-something with those with lots of children (mitzvahs, the stage-name of Baby Huey (a.k.a. school events, etc.) were very difficult to create high-impact as Robert Dagdagan) acts like the Pied Piper and commands boys a solo DJ, so I decided to try adding some dancers. I had met and men to follow him; and surprisingly they do. After a few some talented dancers at a night club dance competition and minutes a large group of males form a circle around the main hired them as helpers, and low and behold, a new performance dining area. With a wireless mic in hand Huey explains his “YMCA” combination was born for me. Later I found out this was quite dance moves. And the fun begins! Robert is entertaining with his common on the East Coast and was a natural evolution in Hercules-shooting-an-arrow pose (pictured) and exaggerated many places around the country as well. At Maximum Impact body building moves. He is a natural “party pumper.” we’ve had a diverse dance troupe now for nearly 25 years. Many of the restaurant staff are part-time actors and dancers who work to support their career goals. Coincidentally part of the MR : Mobile DJs are entertainers, but we’re also in business, and job is to participate in different dances, once an hour, to songs adding party pumpers is an additional expense. What should we like “Land of a 1000 Dances,” “The Roach,” “Shake Your Tailfeather,” expect to pay them? etc. I asked Huey if he knew that what he was doing is called GR : In San Diego, starting rates can be around $15.00 per hour, party pumping. He didn’t and didn’t give it much thought. I did, averaging between $100-$200 per event. But in Los Angeles and decided to investigate. it’s upwards of $250 to $350. (Plus) we compensate for travel and gas when it’s out of our local county. However, certain
14 MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ JULY 2018 party dancers (Party Pumpers). Job requirements: be reliable, be energetic and have a reliable vehicle. Know current follow-dances (cha cha slide, YMCA, Cupid shuffle, Wobble, Lean/Dabb, Juju...), be kid friendly with a good smile and an outgoing personality.”
MR : What common traits do party pumpers share, if any? GR : Many of our pumpers are dance-oriented or “funsters” who just love making some weekend money participating in parties. Others are finely tuned choreographers or working at dance studios, but love to showcase their talents and sup- plement their incomes by doing party pumping. Some have MC skills on the microphone and have moved into coordi- nating games and dances on the dance floor. We’ve even had several evolve naturally into DJs with our company.
MR : How much training goes into preparing party pumpers? party pumpers have special GR : It depends on what you expect out of your party pumpers. dance skills and may charge more, as they We’ve had everything from formal, weekly rehearsals, to one- have much more to offer. There are many factors to consider on-one training for newbies to get them up to speed. The in payment including the rates you charge the client. more time you spend and the more skills you have as a DJ performer in incorporating your party pumpers, the more MR : Are party pumpers really worth the investment? likelihood you will have more training and higher standards for your performers. As a rule of thumb, we usually like to see GR : Many kids and guests form bonds with our party a new party pumper do at least 10 events before we pumpers and know them even better than some of our consider them coming up the DJs, as they are on the floor with them from start to finish. scale and Some of our clients will book with us based on our party pumping talent and request their favorite dancers if they are available. When a person genuinely loves what they are doing as a party pumper, you can’t help but notice it!
MR : Do pumpers come and go or stick around for a considerable amount of time? GR : They come and go for a variety of reasons. Some are students and may move on to other schools or graduate. Others move into successful dance careers on stage, touring, choreography, and event specialty festival performances. At Maximum Impact, a handful of our pumpers have danced with us for over ten-plus years and two that have been with us well over 15 years, but that’s the exception to the rule. We find that it’s important to keep the door open to new blood, especially here in San Diego, which can be very transitional.
MR : Besides being able to dance, what other qualities do you look for in a party pumper? starting to have a decent feel for an event. Our experienced GR : ...I think the biggest additional assets would be a primary party pumpers all have at least 50 events to draw on smooth, social personality, with the willingness to actively to be considered able to lead an event in all aspects. But the engage in getting people involved in the party. Specialty learning curve continues with new dances that come out and dance skills are always a plus. And never under estimate the new games created for guests as well. importance of reliability and timeliness!
From an online ad for party pumpers from Xtreme Fun in Southern Dancers, Party Motivators, Party Energizers—or Party California: “...accepting applications and hosting auditions for kid Pumpers—whatever you want to call them, they are specialty performers worth every dollar, in my book, when you need to add kinetic impact to an entertainment experience. Rackley’s simple premise about Party Pumpers: “Music
Mike Ryan started out writing for news radio, and has played by the DJ generates dancing by the crowd and party been a DJ in the SoCal radio market on KGB and KSDS. He pumpers add more impact and involvement with the crowd.” mobiles as Mike on the Mike. He is also the inventor/owner In other words, party pumpers can help a DJ raise the fun and of Frankenstand Powered Speaker Stands. excitement level for an audience by adding an extra dimension to their music.
MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ JULY 2018 15 PLAY SOMETHING WE CAN DANCE TO Musical Prudence for Youth Events
By Jay Maxwell
PLAY SOMETHING WE CAN DANCE TO
his last July 4th, we enjoyed the usual family T events, ending with an awesome fireworks display, of course. Earlier, I had flipped a few delicious hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill. The following day, at the beginning of a college class I teach, I broke the ice by asking the 13 students to raise their hands if they ate a hotdog as a part of their celebration. I was surprised that only one hand was raised. I then asked if they ate a hamburger instead. Only two hands were raised and one of Musical the outstretched arms belonged to the sole student who ate the hotdog. My assumption had been that every patriotic American ate either hotdogs or hamburgers on Independence Day. Based Prudence on my impromptu survey, however, I was wrong. As DJs, we can make a similar error by assuming that a par- ticular group wants to hear only the type of music matching their for Youth demographic. For example, it would be a mistake to believe all youth at a school dance want to hear only today’s music. You risk sounding like a mobile Top 40 radio station if you Events treat the school dance playlist as “one size fits all.” It is extremely important to have the latest hits at a school dance, but it is HOW TO MAKE GOOD CHOICES equally important to mix in the standards like “Cupid Shuffle,” AND AVOID DISASTER “Wobble,” and “Uptown Funk.” Different schools, even in the same town, might have By Jay Maxwell different tastes in music. We’ve had schools where the students ask for country music, while in the same town, another school’s students ask for mostly rap. One of the best ways to ensure you are playing the songs the students want to hear is to ask for requests before the day of the dance. Somebody is in charge
You risk sounding like a mobile Top 40 radio station if you treat the school dance playlist as “one size fits all.”
of the dance, usually a teacher or staff member, and when you contract with her, ask if she can have the students list potential requests to send to you. This gives an idea of what music the students want played and it also gives you time to confirm the lyrics are appropriate. Under no circumstance should a DJ play a song with explicit lyrics at a school dance. Even if the adult who booked you for the event says to play whatever the students ask for...don’t! We’ve had students come up and request an unfamiliar song, tell us the song has clean lyrics, and even give us their phones to show us. Then in the headphones—BAM—the first line has the word #@!*. Fortunately, we always listen first. Otherwise, we might suffer the same fate as some of my DJ friends who were literally called by the principal’s office on Monday morning and never hired for another school dance there. Of course you want to please the crowd, but what you play Mobile Beat’s resident musicologist since 1992 (issue is ultimately up to you. Taking requests is always a sure way to #11), Jay Maxwell runs the multi-talent entertainment determine what the crowd wants to hear. At the same time, you company, Jay Maxwell’s Music by Request, LLC, in want to ensure no single clique or person dominates the request Charleston, South Carolina. He is also a professor sheet. There might be 400 students at the dance and only 20 of Business at Charleston Southern University. His students asking for songs. That’s only 5% of the crowd. It’s best passion for detail and continuous research of clients’ requests can be found not only in this column, but also to mix it up with today’s hits, play the standards that always get in his annually updated music guide, Play Something people on the floor, and be ready to take requests when someone We Can Dance To. shouts, “Play Something We Can Dance To!”
16 MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ JULY 2018 Stage Spot www.stagespot.com
COOL Youth Grooves
SONG TITLE ARTIST BPM ALL THE STARS LAMAR, KENDRICK 97 BAD AND BOUJEE MIGOS 64 BELIEVER IMAGINE DRAGONS 62 BLACK BEATLES SREMMURD, RAE 73 BODAK YELLOW CARDI B 125 BOUNCE BACK BIG SEAN 82 CANDY PAINT POST MALONE 90 CONGRATULATIONS MALONE, POST 62 DESPACITO FONSI, LUIS 89 DON'T WANNA KNOW MAROON 5 100 FAKE LOVE DRAKE 67 FEEL IT STILL PORTUGAL THE MAN 158 FEELS HARRIS, CALVIN 101 FINESSE MARS, BRUNO 105 GOD'S PLAN DRAKE 77 HANDCLAP FITZ & THE TANTRUMS 140 HAVANA CABELLO, CAMILA 106 HUMBLE LAMAR, KENDRICK 76 I FEEL IT COMING WEEKND/DAFTPUNK 93 I'M THE ONE DJ KHALED 81 ISPY KYLE / LIL YACHTY 75 IT AIN'T ME KYGO / SELENA GOMEZ 100 LOCATION KHALID 80 MI GENTE BALVIN / WILLIAM 105 MIDDLE ZEDD, MAREN MORRIS 107 MORE THAN YOU KNOW AXWELL / INGROSSO 123 PASSIONFRUIT DRAKE 112 REDBONE CHILDISH GAMBINO 80 ROCKABYE CLEAN BANDIT 102 ROLEX AYO & TEO 145 SKY WALKER MIGUEL 73 SLIDE HARRIS, CALVIN 104 SOMETHING JUST LIKE THIS CHAINSMOKERS 103 SORRY NOT SORRY DEMI LOVATO 72 STAY ZEDD / ALESSIA CARA 103 STIR FRY MIGOS 91 THAT'S WHAT I LIKE MARS, BRUNO 67 THUNDER IMAGINE DRAGONS 84 TREAT YOU BETTER MENDES, SHAWN 84 UNFORGETTABLE FRENCH MONTANA 98 VERSACE ON THE FLOOR MARS, BRUNO 87 WHAT LOVERS DO MAROON 5 / SZA 110 WILD THOUGHTS DJ KHALED 98 Always play edited versions!
MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ JULY 2018 17
Play Something We Can Dance To! www.mobile- beat.com/store PRODJFILES Pittsburgh’s DJ Jess
By Mike Cordeiro
PRODJFILES Planning AND Spontaneity: DJ Jess Brings it All
By Mike Cordeiro
city. I realized that I loved the flexible schedule. After I had he Peavey DJ Takeover has become a signature my second son I decided that I wanted to be in complete T event at MBLV each year, since its inception as an control of my schedule. I always had the dream to develop informal gathering of DJs for the purpose of showing an event planning company, but then I realized that I’ve been planning events musically for most of my adult life. I off mixing styles. There are always some really great wanted to use those creative abilities to stand out. I decided performances, but usually one or two stand out above the it was time to go for it on my own and in February 2016 my rest. Jessica McKelvey, a.ka. DJ Jess, from Pittsburgh, PA company Blue House Sound & Lighting (https://djjess412. made her first appearance at the 2017 DJ Takeover and com) was launched. crushed it. Her mixing style and song choices instantly MC : Which events do you specialize in? packed the dance floor and got everyone grooving. JM : I do all private events, from grad parties to birthdays, After watching her performance I knew Jessica (owner of but specialize in weddings. I originally wanted to be an Blue House Sound & Lighting) would be a great interview choice event planner and did an internship in NYC. My favorite for Mobile Beat and our continuing series on women who are aspect of weddings is the planning. I love the pressure of rocking the DJ industry. Her story is unique and inspiring in this such an important day on my shoulders. male-dominated field. In our interview Jessica dished on music, gear, kids, and starting her own company. MC : Do you DJ full time? Mike Cordeiro: How did you get your start as a DJ? JM : Yes, I went full time in 2016. I have office hours twice a week when my boys are in preschool. My mind and phone Jesicca McKelvey: I started DJing in 2003 at Edinboro are on 24/7, I really need to work on that! University. My sorority sister was the DJ at The Hotel Bar, which is where all the over-21 students went to dance. MC : The joys of owning a business! What do you feel sets you apart I would always request songs (I specifically remember a from others in your market? whole lot of Obie Trice requests) and she mentioned that I should be a DJ. I give much credit to the owners of The Hotel JM : Well, there’s the obvious: I’m a female in a male-domi- Bar for hiring female DJs! nated industry. In regards to my style, I’ve come to learn that I get really personal with the music. I dive deep into genre MC : Who were some of your major influences? exploration for cocktail and dinner. Some DJ’s have the couples create a playlist or put on the same crate of music, JM : While on spring break in 2004, I went to this club in but I look at these times as a chance to take risks with tracks. Miami called Pascha. There was a DJ booth in the ceiling, I’ll search for an artist that’s requested, and look deeper into right above the dance floor. I remember looking up to artists similar to them. I want to find songs and performers see who was spinning, and there was this female DJ with that make the crowd go “wow, I forgot about that song” or long blonde hair, just whipping it around to the music and “who is this, I need to know”. Also, with my background in dancing. The crowd was electric and she was in control. That event planning I’m able to create and execute a schedule and was the first time I’d ever seen a female DJ in that role. I follow communicate fairly naturally with other vendors at an event. a ton of female DJs on Instagram. I love how DJ Dayna of Columbus (https://djdayna.com) is real with her audience. MC : Do you belong to any groups or organizations? Her content is so captivating and she’s not afraid to be herself. I also really admire the exclusive female DJ company JM : No DJ-related groups, but I am part of the Pittsburgh in Florida called Our DJ Rocks (https://ourdjrocks.com). They Professional Women network here in Pittsburgh. I also are so talented and creative with their marketing. Locally, belong to a group called The Rising Tide Society (www. I’m inspired by all of the professional DJs who are true to honeybook.com/risingtide). themselves and ego-less. It’s a competitive industry but we should all support one another. MC : What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as a female DJ? JM : In regards to bookings, being a female actually works MC : Great point! When did you decide to go solo and how did you in my favor. Our society has come a long way with gender develop your company? roles in the industry. The DJ industry is very different now. JM : I’ve been doing this part-time for 15 years. After Now if you ask my back, hips, and shoulders the same having my first son in 2013, I decided to look for part time question after a job, they would answer you differently. I’m work and came across a DJ company that was hiring. I not naturally strong. I need to work on that. Thank goodness started working for them, doing weddings around the for air pressurized speaker stands.
18 MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ JULY 2018 MC : What motivated you to sign up for The Peavey DJ Takeover? school full time. I have so many creative ideas that I want to JM : I learned about the DJ Takeover after MBLV21. That was bring to life. I’ve wanted to pick the violin back up and work my first year going and I knew I had to get up there and that into my performance. I’d also like to be financially stable perform for everyone. It was pretty male-dominated so I enough to travel and buy a new fridge if I need it. wanted to show the DJs in our nation what a female DJ from Pittsburgh is capable of. Plus, I love being on stage. Michael Cordeiro is the owner of M.C. Entertainment, a small multi-op in Rhode Island. He has been on TLC’s Four Weddings, hosted an episode of Toddlers & Tiaras MC : What were some of the fears or emotions you had leading up and has opened for many celebrities. He has a degree in Entertainment and Event to your performance? Management from Johnson and Wales University. JM : The night I found out I made it was like Christmas times 10. I was so beyond excited! And of course I was nervous, because I’m a perfectionist and I knew I had to bring it. I was anxious about being in a spot between two turntablists. That type of skill is ridiculous and something I’d like to get better at. I had to stop comparing myself to them and hone in on my talents. I was also pretty anxious about my set. I usually work off of the energy of the room when picking songs, but for this I was planning. I wanted the music to reflect my personal style and connect with the crowd. Thankfully, I was able to do both.
MC : I think you crushed it! What gear do you use to “bring it?” JM : Thank you. I use a Mac Book Pro 2017 with Virtual DJ, Western Digital hard drive, Pioneer DDJ SX2, Gator Frameworks case, JBL PRC 800 series speakers, an Audio Technica wireless mic and Skull Candy headphones.
MC : What are your future plans and goals in the industry? JM : I want to do this full time until my back gives our or I’m not cool anymore. I’d love to learn how to perform on 12-inch decks. I’m also excited for more office time when my boys are in
To learn more about DJ Jess and hear some of her mixes check out these links: • Web: https://djjess412.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djJess412/ • Mixes on Mixcloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/DjJess412/ • In action on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UC9Yq7zYI3usejYac1SmTlEw/videos CTG Photography - http://ctgphotography.net/ Photography CTG FEATURE Does Today’s Music Suck?
By Steve Sharp
FEATURE Does Today’s Music Suck? PART 1: CHANGES IN THE WAYS PEOPLE CONSUME MUSIC By Steve Sharp
Warning: The following piece contains a back up again. Rock died, and like disco, playlists customized to their own tastes? lot of personal views. You may or may not was reborn again in a different form, I'm still spinning mobile DJ events, and still agree with them, and that's OK. It's meant only to subside again. In the healthiest of have the passion of the “club days” where to provoke thoughtful conversation about times, multiple genres had mass-appeal people came to DANCE and to varying how people and music intersect. No one was hits at the same time. degrees, the DJ was a tastemaker: the injured in the writing of this article. ~S.S. I started in an era where progress and guru who painstakingly curated the latest technology were almost always “good” for jams, typically ahead of anything that was business and creativity, and served to fuel happening on the radio. Weeks later, it m I “just the old guy” this thriving enterprise. And then...it wasn't. would be! Radio (the big influencer) was A now, or does music Technology, which helped make the influenced by US—the club DJs! really suck these days? golden goose, would then bring her down. My creedo was: If you hire me to spin I count the start of my career as a “Online everything” CHANGED every- for your event, I'm coming to your party. DJ as 1980, when I got $30 to play band thing, and not just the realm of pop music. Therefore, how you want it is how you'll breaks for a graduation celebration. It You could argue that Napster killed music get it, even if 100% of what I'm playing went so well that I even had members stores. Streaming services (both audio for your party is music I have no affinity of the band dancing! I was hooked, and and video) have forever changed (tradi- for. (My negative/non-commital response took this interest of mine more and more tional) radio and television. When there is rarely THAT complete.) However, when seriously. I have been a DJ ever since. were only three television networks and you come see me at a club, you're coming you could ONLY see shows to MY party. I'm going to try things you when they were broadcast may have never heard, and see what and HUGE audiences all sounds and styles are working, and which shared in watching certain aren't. (Note: An old song is not a STYLE. episodes. Today, while more Neither is a line dance.) and more people consume But, today, radio isn't what it was. Sure, more and more media, the all the frequencies still broadcast, but the big hit TV episode will never percentage of people who are musically happen like that again. active and spend little to NO time listening Similarly, big hit albums to (traditional) radio at all is high and and singles don't follow the rising. And the prevailing attitude towards same paths they once did. DJs seems to be: “If I can get this on my Michael Jackson's massive phone (which I will shove in your face, 1983 album Thriller spun off Mr. DJ), you should have it!” My (usually Truly, that was a golden age to enter a singles for almost a year, as unspoken) response is, “Is it reasonable new and dynamic scene that would open did his sister Janet's Control album from to expect that I follow the same people up lots of doors for me and many others, 1986. And EVERYONE who was going out you follow on Youtube, who SOMETIMES with opportunities in a myriad of direc- at that time knew these hits were going release songs?Is this some weird comedy tions. The music was vibrant and came from to get spun. A big, mass appeal hit from sketch or is it an actual song that you'll all over the country and the world, with all today that everyone knows, loves, and dance to? And importantly, does anyone kinds of new technology being used in will dance to? MUCH fewer and farther else here know this, or just you?” recording studios to make the sounds that between than before. Even Billboard magazine, which would get played from DJ booths that also More choices, more freedom are has traditionally been THE SOURCE for sported exciting new technology. good things, but they also mean things information about the hottest songs Music changes. Styles change. are more scattered. What IS a mainstream, and albums has adjusted and readjusted Technology changes. Went from vinyl and mass-appeal hit when everyone has its criteria over and over to attempt to CDs to computer-based. Record adapt to all the changes in how pools and day-long trips to people “consume” music. record stores, to subscrip- How has all this affected tions to weekly and monthly Steve Sharp has been entertaining Southern the music itself, leading up CD services, to downloads Californians since 1981, and is noted for his to today, and what do people (burning them to CD at first). extensive music knowledge and music video expect at an event with a DJ or Heard the last gasps of disco programming skill. He is also a primary DJ in a club with a DJ? We'll talk music, only to have it sampled product demonstrator for Hercules. about that in part 2. and reborn later. Listened as tempos went up and down and
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