Requests

Requests

(June 2017) This is a subject I touched on in October of last year and I wanted to revisit. It deals with requests in the modern era and some of the solutions I have found in handling them.

BEFORE THE MP3

Unlike the not so distant past, when DJs had the largest music

collections in town and were by and large viewed as the experts on how to make a party sizzle, the general public now has the ability to have musical libraries that are just as impressive thanks to iPods and MP3s, and with that expanded library often comes an expanded feeling that they should be the ones directing the way the music is programmed--overlooking the DJ's experience and treating him or her more like a human jukebox to play what's demanded without consideration of how the music flows or blends together. As our 2017 wedding season began, I started pulling together some suggestions for dealing with these types of requests and maintain control of the music. As it seems to be a frequent issue among DJs, I'd like to share my ideas with you now.

TAKING BACK CONTROL

I’m going to be talking most specifically about weddings here since this is predominantly what I do. I know that school dances are a whole different can of worms that I do not profess to be an expert in.

For weddings it starts with the art of the consultation. My routine is typically to review the contract with couples, then go over the itinerary of their reception and get those songs for their special moments. Then we talk dance music. I typically, before talking about specific songs, ask to review the different genres with the clients and ask them to let me know which ones are most likely to inspire their guests to dance. Note I did not ask them which genres they would like to hear. Like it or not, we are judged on how much fun people are having at their event. And the tell-tale sign of that is how many people are dancing. I also preface the genre list by saying “as we go through these genres you can say yes, no, maybe a few of those, or that’s okay if someone requests it,” thus planting the seed that—even though they may not be a big fan of line dances or a certain genre—they may not want to deny their guests the pleasure of hearing the song if they ask for it.

"What they like to listen to and what people will dance to is not always the same thing.”

Next we get into specific songs. As I look at the list that the couple may have e-mailed me or filled out on their virtual planner I look for any notes or any songs that would seem odd to me and ask about them. I always then ask if, on their list, there are any songs that have a special connection to any certain group, like a sorority or team song or a certain family connection, thus knowing that we have to know that those people are present and, hopefully, on the dance floor when we hit it. It has happened before that we went to a client’s list, pulled off and played “Sweet Caroline,” only to find out that the song was requested for Grandma—whose name was Caroline—and she was not in the room at the time.

Before wrapping up the conversation I ask if there are any specific artists or tracks are that are absolute DO NOT PLAY’s before I circle back and ask about requests. “Is it okay—with your permission,” I ask, “if I screen out the requests to make sure that they fall into two criteria: One, that it is within the genres that you have selected, and two, that it is danceable? Sometimes people don’t realize what they like to listen to and what people will dance to is not always the same thing.” I’ll then give them an example of a song that may be popular but not deemed a good dance song—like something from Adele. I also let them know up front that I will not be able to use any YouTube links because of legalities and I will not be allowing anyone to plug their phone into my system to play something that I may not have. Do that once and see what a Pandora’s box you have just opened. Suddenly you’ll see a half dozen guys scrolling through their phone deciding what obscure song they have that they think will woo the crowd.

By doing this I have established with the clients:

I will be playing their key requests.
I will not be playing music they definitely do not want played.
I have been given permission to take the suggestions that I deem will work, but have permission to nix the ones I think will not.

AT THE EVENT

Armed with a specific direction by the client and permission to pick and choose which requests you deem will be the best fit for their event once again puts you in control. Now on site is where you need to exercise your customer service abilities. Inviting requests is still a must, but the wording on how to do so will help determine which type of requests you will get. Instead of saying “If there is something you would like to hear tonight let me know what it is,” try “If there is something that absolutely makes you want to dance, come talk to me,” thus planting the seed that you are looking for dance music tonight. Treat those that come with a request with respect, but, if you are apprehensive about a request, let them know that your first obligation is to the couple.

“I’m working on the bride and grooms list right now, but I’ll write that down,” is something I often say to my askers.

I’ll sometimes make that list visible so they can indeed see what specific songs the client has asked for. I’ll also quite frequently, after surveying the crowd or picking up on some cues during dinner or toasts, right down some of my own ideas that may work with this crowd.

TAKING A CHANCE

Still, with all of the years of experience we may have it does not mean we know everything. Some of the quirkiest requests that I have gotten in the last year have been Boom Boom Boom  by The Venga Boys, Someday I’ll Be A Saturday Night by Bon Jovi and Jane Fonda from Mickey Avalon. They’ve all worked, but only with that specific group.

The way I see it—we are still hired for our expertise and knowing what and when to play a tune, and that will be a large determining factor in how a couples wedding day is remembered.

Until next time,

~ Michael ~

Michael J. Lenstra is celebrating over 25 years in the Mobile DJ industry, is a full-time DJ/Entertainer, and is owner of Alexxus Entertainment in Dubuque, Iowa.