A few years ago, you could entertain a party of your friends with ease. You would simply slip a CD into your boombox (or cassette, for your older folk; or a record, for you ancient rockers), crank up the volume, and let the music work its magic.
But those were simpler days before technology and hype evolved into their present forms. I've just come from a wedding reception and learned what the new norm is.
First of all, not just any person can provide the entertainment. You have to affix "DJ" to the beginning of some name that would make your mother blush. "DJ Kitty Kat" or "DJ incredibly Sexy" are popular, tamer versions.
Next, you need to buy a new performance controller. Otherwise, you can't wow the crowd with your ability to distort music that already consists of a mangled base beat and mumbled words.
Not that this mattered to most of the audience at the wedding reception. They would just as easily raved to a stutterer pounding a bass drum. Although, I did overhear the father of the bride saying, "I paid $5000 for this?"
Apparently, the only thing that separates a DJ from the rest of us is the ability to ask and receive a large fee for this back-breaking work … and the ability to face customers any time afterwards without shame.
Fortunately, our 'entertainment' hasn't evolved that far yet. We party-goers still have simpler technologies available. For mere pennies, we still have the low-tech sound-filtering capabilities of cotton balls.
2 comments:
As a professional wedding entertainer (I'm a magician, not a dj), it's a common misconception that entertainment is overpriced. The point is though that it often takes years of experience and highly specialised equipment to entertain people. Of course there are always some people who will try to pass themselves off as a professional when they are clearly not, and this is of course a waste of money.
A genuine entertainer with genuine recommendations, is worth the amount though, and often I am told that my fee is great value for money. No point in trying to do everything for free / cheaply, especially on your wedding day. I'm not a cheap magician, but that's the last thing you want at your wedding.
Hello Ed,
I didn't mean my post as a slight on the true professionals of the industry. By your comment and your web site, I have the impression that you are a consummate artist, worthy of your fee, with standards of quality well above that of "Got your nose! TA-DA! That will be $500, please."
When I visit England in the upcoming months, I would like very much to see your show and shake your hand.
Thank you for writing!
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