Serato DJ 1.9.6 is now available to download!

With this release, Serato has focused on feedback from users to deliver one of their best updates yet.

This release includes:
• Significant DVS improvements including the new Anti-Drift option to stabilize BPM, Smart Sync and improvements to needle drop sensitivity.
• Feature improvements including Favorite FX Banks, Chronological Loops, Reordering Loops and Enable/Disable Hot Cues as an option.
• Pitch Play mappings for supported hardware (requires Pitch ‘n Time DJ license).
• Official support for the Reloop RMX-90 DVS 4-channel mixer.
• Significant stability & performance improvements.
• All Serato DJ Suite free trials have been reset, so users can take another two week trial for free.

Nick Maclaren (Head of Strategy at Serato) says:

“After paying close attention to user feedback over weeks of beta testing, we are now thrilled to officially release Serato DJ 1.9.6.

Our goal for version 1.9.6 was to hone in and fine tune features that are really important to our professional DJ customers.

We’ve added Pitch Play mappings to existing supported hardware, Favorite FX Banks, new Looping options, improved the Needle Drop sensitivity, Sticker Lock, and more.

Lastly, we’ve continued to focus on stability improvements with powerful new audio and memory optimizations to make this our most stable release to date.”

With Serato DJ 1.9.6 , they’ve reset all Serato DJ Suite trial activations to date. So if you’ve already taken a two-week trial in the past, you can now try the full Serato DJ Suite again, for FREE.

This is a great time to test out Expansion Packs like Pitch ‘n Time DJ if you haven’t already.

For more information please visit these Serato blog posts below.

DVS Improvements: https://serato.com/latest/blog/20207/update-196-dvs-improvements-and-additions
Pitch Play mappings: https://serato.com/latest/blog/20208/update-196-pitch-play-mappings
Looping & Performance Enhancements: https://serato.com/latest/blog/20211/update-196-looping-and-performance-enhancements

What happened to Opening DJs?

By Tony Fernandez

Another year has passed and with the New Year is upon us it’s time to reflect. As I look back on the past year and forward into next year, I had a thought strike me: Where are the opening DJs?

Now before we get too deep into this thread, hear me out. This may seem like more of a club DJ thing, but you mobile DJs need to stick around. I read posts all the time about tandem mobile DJs, DJs-in-training, new DJs looking to get some live experience – an opening DJ slot is a great way to take things to the next level.

What exactly is an opening DJ? An opening DJ is a VERY important role in the grand scheme of how a night is going to roll out. It’s a very specialized skill.

Your job as an opening DJ is to set the table, as it were.   You’re setting the tone for the night. You’re like the first stage of a rocket heading into orbit… if you don’t do your job right, no one is going anywhere.

The internet has been a great source in reading (horror) stories about opening DJs and their folly. DJs that play inappropriate tracks, DJs that play tracks at 10:30 that should be played at 12:30. DJs that don’t know how to read a room. DJs that are not well versed in the subtlety of programming and set building.

There’s no doubt that going from gig to gig, events are different. But the role of the opening DJ stays pretty constant. This is a GREAT opportunity to learn and hone your song programming and crowd reading skills.  You can test, try out, experiment, and probe. You can build on your skill set and improve on that skill set.

Your role isn’t to supersede or usurp the DJ coming on after you. By all means, do your best, take the moment to shine, and make it your own. However, as an opener, you’re not the focus of the night. Do your job, know your role, whet your skills, and you’ll be surprised how you can succeed.

Keep on spinning.

Based out of Richmond, VA, DJ Tony Fernandez has been a DJ, Remixer, Producer, Musical Soothsayer and Audio Gear Oracle since 1980. Find him on facebook. Email djtonytf@gmail.com

Tips To Being A Traveling Destination Event DJ

By Brian Buonassissi

People ask me all the time, “How do you get into the destination event DJ business?” usually followed by “How do you make money doing so?”. Both are great questions and I’ll do my best to unpack some tips I’ve learned along the way (some of which weren’t available to me when I started).

Tip #1: NETWORK STRATEGICALLY…

It doesn’t matter what business you are in, networking is essential. But when it comes to destination work, you find that 99.9% of destination clients have destination event planners. How do you find the planners that fit your ideal clientele? Utilize social media! For events, the best platform is Instagram. Search hashtags of areas you want to target such as #hawaiiwedding or a more generic term like #destinationevent. Then without being a stalker, follow and comment on vendor posts that make sense. I’ve booked more business on Instagram this year than in any year prior (I predict it will outpace my website bookings soon). Once the event happens, utilize Instagram again to showcase your work there (with appropriate hashtags) and tag the vendors. Then blog about it (great for SEO).

Tip #2: CONTROL COSTS…

With music going digital, this has made travel events much easier. Most people don’t know this but Guitar Center rents gear and it’s affordable! I rented 2 speakers/stands, a lapel mic and cables for about $100. That’s an insane deal! I have a few different hardware controller options (different sizes/etc.) that I carry-on with me on a plane. Flights, transportation, and accommodations are typically the biggest cost you have – utilize travel websites and apps (message me for specific ones). When I wanted to expand to NYC, I would do an event and not even book a hotel room; just hang out in the City after the event and take the redeye or first early flight the next morning to save costs. Uber and AIRBNB give you many affordable options.

Tip #3: QUOTE WITH ACCURACY AND FLEXIBLITY…

I quote in 2 ways – the first is a buyout for travel (does not include performance fee). Depending on where you go, this can range anywhere from $500-5000 and I include all my travel costs and gear. The 2nd way is to line-item it. With that 2nd option, I give them the option to book transportation/hotel or include as a line item. Most of the time, they have a block on rooms with a minimum and it helps the client to have you on that block. They also may have a transportation option for their guests/vendors to get to hotel/venue. The key is to give your client options. Some love the buyout; others are numbers people and like exact breakdowns. The more flexible you can be, the more jobs you’ll book.

Tip #4: USE TRAVEL AIDS…

When you’re just starting out, as mentioned above, you want to keep costs low. However, there is value for you to using the same services. For instance, Delta is my airline. I use them for just about everything and I acquire points/mileage. Avis is my preferred car rental and so on. As you book more destination events, this tip becomes more useful.

Tip #5: DELIVER THE WOW PERFORMANCE…

I put it last but without this, none of the other stuff maters; you’ll be a “one and done” destination event DJ. One thing I always do is to infuse the performance musically with some of the cultural feel of the location. If I’m in LA, I’m playing some West Coast Hip Hop; in NOLA, I’m adding some Zydeco; in Chi-town I’m dropping some house and “Homecoming”. In Jamaica, you know I’m mixing some Bob Marley. Research the area and know what works there AND with your crowd.

 

Based out of NYC, DJ Brian B is a successful internationally traveling private event DJ/MC. He runs a multi-city mobile DJ/event business with offices in Orange County, Calif, Destin, FL and New York City. You can check him out at djbrianbofficial.com or bboyproductions.com

Pioneer Pro DJ Announces the New DDJ-SZ2

Pioneer DJ has upgraded their flagship Serato DJ controller to create the DDJ-SZ2. Use the new DDJ-SZ2 4-channel controller to get hands-on with the latest additions to Serato DJ, including key shift, key sync, pitch play and Serato Flip. The multi-colored Performance Pads give you instant feedback on pad modes and playing statuses, and thanks to the improved jog wheel latency, scratching is more responsive and precise than ever.

To help you get the most out of the controller, the DDJ-SZ2 comes bundled with the latest version of Serato DJ. The Pitch ‘n Time DJ and Serato Flip expansion packs are also included so you can use several new features including pitch play and key sync.

The DDJ-SZ2 will be available in the U.S.A. and Canada in January 2017, with a retail price of $1,999.00.

Watch the DDJ-SZ2 introduction video.

Learn more about the DDJ-SZ2 controller for Serato DJ.

FREE SERATO VIDEO EXPANSION PACK PROMOTION

Pioneer is putting a voucher for a free Serato Video expansion pack in the boxes of the first 3,000 DDJ-SZ2 controllers that they ship worldwide. This comes along with the Serato DJ, Pitch ‘n Time DJ and Serato Flip expansion packs bundled with the controller as standard, so if you’re one of the first DJs to buy the DDJ-SZ2, you’ll have full control of audio and video performances.

KEY FEATURES OF THE DDJ-SZ2

 

  1. Layout mirrors CDJ-style set-up

Mix and scratch instinctively on the controller, which looks and feels similar to a full professional CDJ + DJM set-up.

  • Big Jogs: Scratching feels natural on the big jog wheels taken from the CDJ-2000NXS2, and the illuminating On-Jog Display gives you information about the current playback status and position for more precise performances. Jog Feeling Adjust, also from the CDJ series, lets you customize the resistance and backspin time.
  • Multi-colored Performance Pads: Use the large, multi-colored tactile Performance Pads to trigger Hot Cues, samples and FX. Hit the pads harder to increase the volume of samples and watch their colors change as they indicate the selected pad mode and playing status.
  • DJM-style mixer section: Stay in control at all times thanks to the simple layout of the mixer section which mirrors the design of the DJM series.

 

  1. Dual USB port for smooth DJ changeovers

Dual USB ports lets you hookup two computers at the same time and use the top-loaded A/B switch for seamless DJ transitions.

 

  1. Native support and dedicated controls for new Serato DJ features
  • Key shift, key sync and pitch play: Use dedicated controls to trigger the new key shift and key sync functions in Serato DJ, which let you adjust the key of tracks and sync the keys of tracks during mixes. Pitch play lets you play your Hot Cues across a range of different keys and assign them to the controller’s Performance Pads.
  • Serato Flip: Create and save Hot Cue sequences to make custom edits of your tracks and use the dedicated Serato Flip controls to play them back at the touch of a button. Get even more creative by skipping or repeating track sections on the fly.

 

  1. Professional performance features and FX
  • Sound Color FX: Spice up your sets with the four popular Sound Color FX from our DJM series; Echo, Jet, Pitch and Filter. You can sync Echo with the BPM of the track that’s playing.
  • Oscillator: Add texture and tension to your tracks with the four oscillator sounds; Noise, Drop, Laser and Siren. Turn the oscillator parameter knob to create new tones.

 

  1. Magvel crossfader

The Magvel crossfader – taken from the club standard DJM-900NXS2 – is the ultimate to mix and scratch with. Accurate and smooth, it’s durable for more than 10 million movements and is liquid and dust resistant.

 

  1. High-quality sound

Hear your tracks loud and clear thanks to the audio circuit inherited from professional Pioneer DJ gear. Contact resistance is reduced by the AC inlet, and the high-performance D/A converter made by Cirrus Logic, Inc., and low jitter oscillator mean the DDJ-SZ2 reproduces clear and powerful sound that’s faithful to its source.

 

  1. Other features
  • Plug and play: Simply connect your laptop and start mixing via Serato DJ. All buttons and controls, as well as the built-in sound card, are Serato DJ-ready.
  • Aluminium-finished top panel and jog wheels: For a quality look and feel.
  • Slip Mode: Silently keeps a track playing during a loop, scratch or Hot Cue. Release the jog wheel and the track comes back at exactly the right place.
  • Needle search pad: Instantly jump to a specific part of a track with a simple touch of the pad.
  • Peak limiter: Controls clipping of the master output.
  • P-Lock Fader Cap: Locks all fader knobs to prevent dropping

 

 DDJ-SZ2 SPECIFICATIONS

 

  DDJ-SZ2
Software Serato DJ
Input ports CD/Line x 4 (RCA)
Phono x 2 (RCA)

MIC x 2

(XLR & ¼-inch TRS Jack x 1, ¼-inch TRS Jack x 1)
Output ports Master Out x 2
(RCA x 1, XLR x 1),
Booth Out x 1 (¼-inch Stereo Phone Jack)

Headphone Monitor Out x 2
(Front ¼-inch TRS Jack,

3.5 mm Stereo Mini Jack)
Other ports USB (Type B) x 2
Sampling Rate 44.1 kHz
D/A Converter 24-bit
A/D Converter 24-bit
Frequency response 20Hz ～ 20kHz (LINE)
Total Harmonic Distortion ratio 0.002% or less (USB)

0.004% or less (LINE)
S/N ratio 111 dB or above (USB)
Headroom 19 dB
Maximum dimensions

（W×H×D）

 870 x 98.4 x 419.5 mm (34.3 x 3.9 x 16.5 in)
Unit weight 10.7 kg (23.6 lbs)

 SERATO DJ SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Compatible OS
（Windows®）		 Windows® 10, 8.1, 7 (The latest service pack)
Compatible OS
（Mac）		 macOS Sierra 10.12, OS X 10.11, 10.10, 10.9 (Updated to the latest version)
CPU (32/64 bit) Intel® processer CoreTM i7, i5 or above
Memory 4GB or more of RAM

Serato Video requires a graphics card with 384MB of dedicated video memory
Display resolution Resolution of 1280 x 720 or greater

* Serato DJ is a registered trademark of Serato Audio Research Ltd.

* Windows is a registered trademark or a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

* Mac and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

* Intel and Intel Core are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.

* The names of companies, product names, and technology names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

 About Pioneer DJ

Pioneer DJ Americas, Inc. is the subsidiary of Pioneer DJ Corporation responsible for sales and marketing in North, Central, and South America. For more than 20 years, Pioneer DJ has been a market leader in the design and production of innovative DJ equipment and software. The company works closely with DJs and clubs to deliver next generation products that inspire and shape the global dance music community. Its portfolio includes brands such as Pioneer Professional Audio and Pioneer DJ Radio, rekordbox dj software, as well as social platforms KUVO and DJsounds. Pioneer DJ Corporation is a privately held company headquartered in Yokohama, Japan.

Pioneer DJ’s WeDJ for iPhone (Free For Limited Time!)

“Today, Pioneer DJ released WeDJ for iPhone, an additional version of their DJ performance app that lets you mix and add effects to the music in your iTunes library. Specially optimized for use on your iPhone, the app lets you mix anytime, anywhere.

WeDJ for iPhone has all the same features as the iPad version of the app. The colorful animated interface displays all the information and controls you need to perform seamless mixes. To easily keep track of what’s on each deck, the colors of the waveforms and jog wheels change to match the colors of album cover images. You can use the Sync button to get your tracks perfectly in time and Auto Gain to automatically set the volume to the right level, leaving you free to use the performance features including Hot Cues, loops, Pad FX and Combo FX to make your mix unique. The app’s layout is optimized for the iPhone’s display and you can connect the DDJ-WeGO4/WeGO3 controller to get tactile control over all of WeDJ’s features.

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE

WeDJ for iPhone is available in the App Store for FREE until 12:00AM PST on December 4th, 2016. From then on, the app will be available at the regular price of $0.99.

WeDJ for iPad is available in the App Store for $2.99 until 12:00AM PST on December 4th, 2016. From then on, the app will be available at the regular price of $4.99.

Watch the introduction video for WeDJ and the DDJ-WeGO4.

Learn more about the WeDJ App.

KEY FEATURES OF WeDJ for iPhone

  1. Simple user interface for easy control

It’s easy to see what’s happening and control your mix thanks to the simple interface that’s optimized for the iPhone’s screen.

 

  1. Performance features for endless creativity

Make your sets unique with WeDJ’s Hot Cues, loops and sampler. You can trigger Pad FX by pressing down on the pads, and with Combo FX you can blend two effects by tracing your finger on the x and y axes on the display.

 

  1. DDJ-WeGO4/WeGO3 support for tactile control

Both the DDJ-WeGO4 and DDJ-WeGO3 controllers make the ideal partner to WeDJ. When connected, the WeDJ display changes to a dedicated interface that’s optimized for use with the hardware. You can enjoy tactile control of WeDJ’s features by touching the DDJ’s jog wheels, faders and knobs. Detailed information, such as the FX you’ve triggered, is shown on your iPhone/iPad’s screen.

 

  1. Flexible layout

Choose the layout you like best from the three options:

  • Two jog wheels
  • Enlarged horizontal waveforms
  • Enlarged vertical waveforms

 

  1. Other features
  • Automix – Press the Automix button and WeDJ will automatically mix in the next track before the end of the track that’s playing
  • Record – Capture your performances within the WeDJ app
  • On-board Loopmasters samples

 

 

WeDJ SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

OS (iOS)                      ：iOS 8 or later

Devices

iPad                             ：9.7-inch iPad Pro, iPad mini 4, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2, iPad Air 2, iPad Air

iPhone                         ：iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 5s

Display Resolution       ：Retina

 

* iTunes, iPad and iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the US and other countries.

* App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

* iOS is a trademark containing Cisco trademark signs in the US and other countries.

* Other stated company names, product names, technology names, etc. are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.”

 

 

About Pioneer DJ

Pioneer DJ Americas, Inc. is the subsidiary of Pioneer DJ Corporation responsible for sales and marketing in North, Central, and South America. For more than 20 years, Pioneer DJ has been a market leader in the design and production of innovative DJ equipment and software. The company works closely with DJs and clubs to deliver next generation products that inspire and shape the global dance music community. Its portfolio includes brands such as Pioneer Professional Audio and Pioneer DJ Radio, rekordbox dj software, as well as social platforms KUVO and DJsounds. Pioneer DJ Corporation is a privately held company headquartered in Yokohama, Japan.

 

Website: www.pioneerdj.com

 

 

6 Things Your Bride Won’t Tell You (until it’s too late)

By Glen Ervin:

No one likes a bad review. Especially DJs. Especially on bridal sites such as WeddingWire and The Knot. Bad reviews are, after all, bad for business.

How can you make sure your reviews remain largely five stars? Let’s count the ways…

  1. Map out the major moments

Wedding party introductions, first dance, father/daughter, mother/son, bouquet toss, garter toss, last song – most bride’s are quick to let you know what songs they’d like played; few, however, consider the full impact of their choices. Does the bride want to spend a full four-minute song dancing with her new hubby or would she prefer a quick spin? How long is the groom comfortable dancing with his mom, etc.? Never miss the chance to communicate your concern for your client’s comfort prior to the event.

  1. You had one job

I once managed to screw up “Smith.” Yep. There it was on the grand entrance list the bride had given me: “Smyth.” What she failed to tell me – and I failed to ask – was that it was pronounced “Sm-eye-th.” I have since learned to write EVERY unusual name or spelling – first and last – down pho-net-tic-lee.

  1. The more you know the better the show

It’s one thing to see “Hot In Herre” on a client’s playlist and another to hear from the bride that the song “was our high-school jam and will keep my girls on the floor.” Or that anything by Stevie Wonder will be a big hit with the bride’s mom. That info, and a well-timed spin, is your ticket to greatness. Ask for the story behind the songs.

  1. Establish a do-not play zone

While most brides have no problem giving a DJ the leeway to takes requests, don’t hesitate to ask if there are any songs or genres she prefers not to hear. And be prepared to inform guests that the couple has asked that those songs not be played on “their day” – and to immediately offer said guest the chance to make another request.

  1. Pump up the volume (or not)

Check out the room’s layout in advance and place your gear accordingly, preferably square in front of the dance floor. Elevate your speakers above the heads of those sitting and avoid setting your speakers up near tables. Be willing to adjust levels, as needed. Or be prepared to hear about it.

  1. Degrees of Separation

Strained family relationships happen. And can take sudden unpleasant turns if not pro-actively addressed with your bride prior to your event. So ask if there are any divorces, separations or other family matters you need to be aware of in making your announcements.

Showing the utmost care and sensitivity for your client’s most important day is the surest way to leave a lasting positive impression.

Did I miss anything? Let me know in comments…

After being turned out to pasture following a 16-year club residency, Glen Ervin finds himself gainfully employed as Promo Only sales manager, media consultant and staff writer.

Is Facebook Live the end of the DJ Mix Tape? Part 2

By Tony Fernandez:

Let’s begin by stating that there is currently NO definitive answer on whether streaming your DJ set is considered fair use. The only way to have a clear answer to that question is to have this matter resolved in federal court; and even there, where a judge has a great deal of freedom when making a fair-use determination, the answer is likely to remain fluid.

Until then, what’s a DJ to do?

What If You Acknowledge the Source Material?

It is commonly believed that the unauthorized use of a work (or portion of it) is permitted if an acknowledgment is made. Not true. Acknowledgment of the source material may be a consideration in a fair-use determination, but it will not protect against a claim of infringement.

Does It Help to Use a Disclaimer?

A disclaimer is a statement that “disassociates” your work from the work that you have borrowed. Generally a disclaimer itself will not help; material and original works used without licensing is an infringement of copyright, ergo, not fair use.

Ultimately this means that Fair Use cannot be applied to DJ mixes.

As of this writing, Facebook Live does not have any streaming audio licenses with PROs. As DJs have discovered, Facebook, SoundCloud, etc., have programs that search uploads to determine if any music with a copyright has been uploaded. If so, the “offending” file is removed, a decision that has not been well received by the DJ community, as evidenced by these real posts from real DJs…

“We as DJs promote the music through our mixes for the artist on live mixes.”

 “….why should we be punished?”

 “DJs have been an important cog in the wheel of music since the invention of radio and then the turntables. We showcase the works of artists so that people can go and buy their music. Without us, much music would go unheard. This is about greed, nothing else. Artists should be grateful that their music is being showcased as many other outlets on the internet tend NOT to showcase some genres and acts and only focus on the famous and hyped.”

As a DJ, while I agree with most if not all of the above sentiments, it all come down to the world we now live in: SoundCloud, Facebook and the other hosting services aren’t the bad guy in this story. The Copyright Act is the law of the land. These hosting companies are limiting their liability and exposure.

The facts are, as the Copyright Act is being applied, that a DJ’s ability to stream and share Mix tapes is severely limited if he or she chooses to operate within the legal confines of the law.

So don’t hate on Facebook. Write your congressman and get the laws changed. Or develop a system where DJs and copyright holders have a vehicle where DJs can showcase their talents and the material / music being used is done in a forum and manor that’s mutually beneficial to the DJs and copyright holder(s).

It’s a brave new world out there.   At least you know why your mix is getting yanked down.

Based out of Richmond, VA, DJ Tony Fernandez has been a DJ, Remixer, Producer, Musical Soothsayer and Audio Gear Oracle since 1980. Find him on facebook. Email djtonytf@gmail.com

Is Facebook Live the end of the DJ Mix Tape? Part 1

By Tony Fernandez

Mix tapes and DJs go together like peanut butter and jelly. The mix tape is a DJ’s calling card. A DJ’s sonic resume. Personally, I come from a point in time when you actually used tape to do a mix tape. But we’ve all made mix CDs… for our girlfriends, boyfriends, travel tunes, business cards, promotional showcases — the uses are endless.

Fast forward to our current state of affairs: SoundCloud, Mixcloud, Facebook, Facebook Live are all great vehicles that allow DJs to share their talent with the world. However, there is conflict in the air. The waters are churning. There is strife between the DJ world and the digital world. The same vehicle(s) that have allowed DJs to share their vision and skills with the world are now clamping down on the sharing and showcasing of those skills.

I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV, but I did have the following facts checked by a lawyer (who is also a DJ, producer, and copyright holder), so as to simply and correctly explain why mix tapes and the streaming of those mixes are being removed.

Let’s dig in….

DJs need to realize that the music they mix, play, use, and purchase is not “your” music. It’s natural to draw the conclusion that because you have purchased a song you’re allowed to play it publicly in a DJ set. Well, according to U.S. copyright law, this is incorrect.

There are several types of rights copyright owners must obtain under the law to distribute musical works, all of which are exclusive, including:

  • Public Performance (transmitting or performing the work in public)
  • Reproduction (copying/duplicating)
  • Digital Performance (internet streaming)

With that information in hand, we can move forward and explain why DJs aren’t allowed to post, stream, or share their mixes.

When a DJ spins at a nightclub, it’s incumbent on the venue to make sure they have a license for public performance. This license is acquired from the PROs (performance rights organizations). When the venue has a public performance license, it means that DJs can play recorded music registered with the PRO.

Radio stations pretty much work the same way. The difference is the radio stations license is for broadcast. Their license authorizes the radio station to play music on public airwaves.

Streaming services do not have a clear relationship with PROs. When a DJ creates a live stream and starts broadcasting music on the internet, that DJ becomes, in effect, a radio station. As such, he or she needs to have the appropriate licenses.

No licenses, no stream.

This is, unfortunately, where we find ourselves today – at the crossroads of artistic expression and the rights of copyright holders.

It’s apparent that copyright laws are falling behind: DJ sets are not a protected form of free speech. Our sets don’t generally fall under “fair use”.

As such, copyright takedowns happen.

What can you do about it?

Stay tuned for Part 2…

Based out of Richmond, VA, DJ Tony Fernandez has been a DJ, Remixer, Producer, Musical Soothsayer and Audio Gear Oracle since 1980. Find him on facebook. Email djtonytf@gmail.com

5 Must-Have Apps That Have Made Me More Money

By Brian Buonassissi:

As a small business owner, I’m all about finding the best way to maximize my time and my revenue. Thanks to ever-evolving technology, I’ve come across a few things that have allowed me to both gain some “time back,” without having to hire someone, and make more money along the way.

In no particular order:

TINY CALENDAR

This is an app that syncs with Google Calendar. Google’s calendar app is not user-friendly so I prefer this app instead. I have all of our employees on it and we share our calendars with one another so when we need to schedule meetings, etc., we can manage it all very easily without having to e‐mail, call or text repeatedly. It also keeps me personally organized. With everything being stored online, I never have to worry about losing a paper calendar, journal, etc. I use the free version and it suits my needs perfectly. They have a pro version that you can get if you need it.

WUNDERLIST

This free app is amazing! It’s a to-do list. You can have as many to-do’s as you want and since I have 30 or so employees, I can easily assign tasks, etc. You can also use this online from a computer rather than your phone, if need be. I have multiple lists going and it is a perfect complement to Tiny Calendar.

SLACK

I wanted to find a communication tool that allowed my team and I to communicate easily without having to do so through e‐mail on everything. Enter Slack. I use the free version and it was a game changer for my business. The standalone app is fantastic but also has a desktop app for those who stare at a computer screen all day. If you are a multi‐op, this is a MUST for you and my #1 recommendation.

HOOTSUITE

Wanna be a social media ninja without having to stay online all day? This will manage all of your social media content and will allow you to pre‐schedule posts on all the major social networks. I usually schedule all of mine for a week prior. If something needs to be added last minute, I can jump in and post via the social network of choice. I use the free plan with this as well. To date, this has saved me from having to find a social media person and makes it appear as if I post regularly.

LIVECHAT

This is one the paid service I use. This is a stand‐alone app and works with just about every website type out there. It’s a sales tool and you can capture leads immediately. If you aren’t using this, you need to start. You can turn it on/off at any time. I’ve booked too many shows to count with this service.

These are my Top 5. What about you? Are you using something not on this list?

 

Based out of NYC, DJ Brian B is a successful internationally traveling private event DJ/MC. He runs a multi‐city mobile DJ/event business with offices in Orange County, Calif, Destin, FL and New York City. You can check him out at djbrianbofficial.com or bboyproductions.com

Two Ways & Two Words to be More “Able”

By Mitch Taylor:

“Are you able?” When one hears that question, they may wonder immediately if they are “able-bodied.”  Or they may think of someone asking them to do something and if they can fit it into their busy schedule or not.  Those are good thoughts, but I would encourage you to start thinking of “able” in a different context.

Personable

Are you personable?  Do your actions or words resonate with people?  How do you move people emotionally?  How can you ensure you are more personable with those you come into contact with on a daily basis?

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of how to connect with someone and be more personable.

What are the 2 most important words in connecting?  What might you say to become more personable? What words you can use to draw out what is most important to someone?

Really…and?

People love to share stories.  When you use the 2 most important words in connecting you genuinely become interested.  You want to know more.  You gain a deeper level of connection because the person speaking feels engaged and they will go on with their story in greater detail, sharing more intimate details of the situation and providing you with a greater opportunity to connect on a different subject matter or in a different way.

Memorable

Empathy equals excellence.  You create connection when you create an emotional experience for your potential client.  How do you that?  How can you ensure that you’ll stay memorable with that person?  How can you guarantee that they think about you long after you part ways?

Here’s one idea: Hand a card to your clients at end of the sales meeting. This card is good for FREE (insert low cost/high value offer here) when you use the hashtag #InsertYourCompanyHashtagHere and post about your wedding on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.  Third party advertising is huge and a great way to boost your reach in a market.

Remember: People respond best to a unique advantage.  In order to capitalize on your unique advantage you must be personable and memorable in every point of contact you may have with someone.  The better prepared you are the more effective and enjoyable the experience can be.

Mitch Taylor has worked in the Mobile Disc Jockey industry for over two decades, first cutting his teeth as an on-board club DJ for Carnival Cruise Lines. In addition to owning and operating Taylored Weddings in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, he is a sought-after speaker and Gitomer Certified Advisor whose sales training, books, coaching and workshops are in high demand all over the country.