The Rise Of The Touchscreen DJ

The future is here. DJing on a touchscreen surface is now a reality!


DJ Craig's Matrix Touch Screen

No longer will party goers have to squint to make out the dimly lit outline of an anonymous DJ with his head buried in a computer laptop. A new, colorful, interactive, transparent flat screen display puts the music and DJ front and center where they belong.



This eye catching screen can be viewed from either side, everyone in the room can see the DJ play, apply effects, loop and create virtual song remixes on the fly. It showcases the ART OF THE MIX and provides both audio and visual excitement.



This interactive display also acts as a high tech message board, allowing the DJ to instantly communicate with the entire crowd without interrupting the flow of the music.

With 130 buttons, knobs and sliders, the screen is as beautiful as it is functional, adding the wow factor to your event. The DJ touchscreen may just revolutionize the way DJs work from this point on.

For more information go here: touch screen dj

The Wedding DJ

DJ Your Own Wedding!

CNET's Donald Bell really breaks down how to go DJless at your own wedding in this video and corresponding article: 



http://cnettv.cnet.com/use-itunes-dj...-50119370.html

Interestingly, in the lead paragraph he says, "The DJ plays a critical and often misunderstood role in any wedding ceremony. If you can afford a professional, by no means should you use the following tutorial to skimp out. You'll save yourself loads of hassle and be able to enjoy your day with one less concern floating around in your head."

Unless your location provides it, you're still going to need a mixer, amp, speakers, mic, back up system, tripods, audio cables, extension cords, power strips and the time it takes to create your own playlists. You will also need someone to run the system.

More from the article: "There are dozens of little things that could throw a wrench in the works. Hopefully, practicing things ahead of time will iron out some of the kinks.

Here are some tips and common mistakes, though.

The microphone feedback is unmanageable. As a quick fix, turn the microphone down or switch it off. The root of this problem is usually caused by speaker placement. If the speakers are position behind the person using the microphone, the mic will pick up their projected sound, the speakers will amplify it, the mic will pick it up, the speakers will...you get the point. It's a feedback loop.

To fix the issue, make sure the speakers are facing away from the microphone. There's a tendency to place speakers back against the wall, but they really should be out in front of the microphone, projecting away from the mic and towards the audience.

The music is too quiet. In the setup I've described here there are six volume knobs, and any one of them could be turned down too low. In order, these volume controls are: the volume slider in iTunes, the master volume on your computer, the channel volume on the mixer (typically located near the bottom), the channel gain (typically located next to the audio inputs), the master volume on the mixer, and the volume control on the powered speakers.

The music is distorted. This problem is also typically associated with all of the various volume controls at play. When a volume control is turned up too loud, or there's an imbalance of loud amplification applied to a quiet signal, you can get a noisy or distorted sound.

Nothing should be set at full volume. If the volume meter on your mixer is peaking into the red, you're doing something wrong.

Here are my suggested volume settings: iTunes at 75 percent, your computer at 75 percent, channel volume at 50 percent, the channel gain at 50 percent, speaker volume at 50 percent, and then slowly turn up the mixer's master volume to the appropriate level. That conservative setting should shake off any distortion, but if it's still too quiet with the mixer's master volume at 75 percent, you can try edging up the channel volume and gain to 75 percent and turn up the volume directly on your speakers.

There's no sound at all. Three things need to be turned on: your computer, your mixer, and your powered PA speakers.

Next, run through all of the volume settings outlined above.

Finally, check the audio connections. Is the cable running from your computer connected to the audio output, or did you plug it into the audio input by accident. Is it possible that the mixer has some type of mute button or tape output button enabled? Can you hear sound when you plug headphones into the mixer? Does the microphone work? Try plugging in your iPod or smartphone--does that work? Is it possible that you have a bad cable?"

As you can see, lots of potential headaches here. Bell closes the article by reiterating that those that can afford it should hire a pro.  Without meaning to, this article really demonstrates how much work goes into DJing a wedding.


The Wedding DJ

Steve And Jane Get Lucky At Pala

When Steve walked into a small Long Beach store a few years ago, he had no idea that the love of his life would be waiting inside. He spotted Jane behind the counter, discovered she that was single and wasted no time asking her out. Their courtship culminated in a December, 2012 wedding at The Pala Resort!

At the conclusion of their ceremony, "Get Ready" by The Temptations rang out as the guests applauded the Newlyweds.

The reception room was nicely appointed complete with chocolate fountain desert table (which we pin spotted to make it stand out) and a large gobo on the wall we had custom made to our Bride and Groom's specifications.

Also, our cake pinspot prominently featured the sweet pastry, separating it from the background.

Guests partied to a variety of music including Al Green's "Let's Stay Together", LMFAO's "Sexy And I Know It" and "Satisfaction" by The Stones.

 

When the reception was over, the casino awaited for Steve and Jane to try and continue their lucky streak!

Here's to another great beginning!

The Wedding DJ

Swing's The Thing For Jillian And Stephen

These two lovebirds chose the timeless charm of The Balboa Pavilion for their October reception. The hardwood floor and open water view was perfect for their 1930s and 40s themed reception. Each guest table even had it's own famous name from the era.

I created a special playlist so that during the meal Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Benny Goodman, Glen Miller, Louis Prima, Ella Fitzgerald and others entertained, as only THEY could.

After a romantic first dance it was "boogie woogie" time! Turns out Swing wasn't the only music this couple was into. Their eclectic playlist included Goldfrapp, The Ting Tings, Foster The People and Adele. Music from The Killers, Muse, LMFAO, The Beatles and New Order also kept the dance floor hopping.

Special Wedding DJ thanks go out to Jillian And Stephen's pooch, Prezzie The Wonder Dog, for being an integral part of this celebration. And here's to another great beginning!

The Wedding DJ

Dana Point Wedding Under The Stars

Nicole and Ross chose the Laguna Cliffs Marriott for their September ceremony and reception in Dana Point. With such a great ocean view who could blame them?

This Bride and Groom's musical tastes were quite eclectic. The ceremony, including processional music, was all Beatles instrumentals. The vows concluded with Vitamin String Quartet's version of "All You Need Is Love".

Background music for the cocktail hour included Keane, Van Morrison, Broken Bells, U2, Sting and The Dirty Heads. I told you it was eclectic! Nicole and Ross had their first dance to 70's FM radio staple, "Right Down The Line" by Gerry Rafferty. Another surprise musical twist.

After a wonderful meal, the dance floor was open. Guests boogied down to a variety of songs including "Give Me Everything" by Pitbull, "Firework" by Katy Perry, "Cupid Shuffle" by Cupid and "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond. After a great party, the reception concluded with "Send Me On My Way" by Rusted Root. This was a song not many were familiar with but the crowd loved it all the same. Guests were then invited inside to the Catalina Room for the after party.

Here's to another great beginning!

For the ceremony and adjacent reception we provided a two speaker JBL set up, Pioneer MEP 7000 DJ system with Crown amplifier and Apple Macbook Pro running Serato. Ceremony officiant was provided our Shure wireless lapel mic.

Special thanks to coordinator Kerri Hatter and photographer Jack Randall.

Dana Point Wedding DJ

The Wedding DJ

A Summer Wedding At Maggiano's

Carlos and Victoria (who originally began corresponding on Match.com) chose the old school, "Rat Pack" ambiance of Maggiano's in LA for their Summer 2011 wedding.

After making an exhilarating Grand Entrance to Abba's "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do" the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed a wonderful meal. Then we got down to business.

"La Gloria Eres Tu" by Luis Miguel rang out as the couple enjoyed their first dance. Other party favorites included "Party Rock Anthem by Lmfao, "Mambo Italiano" by Latino Beats and "The Time (Dirty Bit)" by Black Eyed Peas.

By the time the night had finished, the dance floor had gotten a serious workout!

As an added touch, guests were invited to sign this magnum bottle of wine as a keepsake for the Bride and Groom in lieu of a traditional guestbook.

Special thanks to the staff at Maggiano's for being on top of every detail throughout the reception.

Here's to another great beginning!

The Wedding DJ

Amanda & Jayson's June Wedding

Amanda and Jayson held their June, 2011 ceremony and reception at an estate in the scenic hills of Riverside. With a little encouragement from The Wedding DJ, they chose some unique musical pieces, adding the final touches to their celebration.

For the ceremony processional they walked out to keyboard master Yuri Sazonoff's interpretation of "My Heart Will Go On"- a fantastic instrumental version and without the bombast of the original. The end of the ceremony recessional was another cover. The Misfit's fun punk remake of "This Magic Moment"! We provided a wireless lapel mic for the clergy so all guest could hear the vows.

First Dance- "Then" by Brad Paisley. A tearful Father/Daughter dance ("Butterfly Kisses") was followed by Mother/Son Dance to "Don't Blink" by Kenny Chesney.

The small but enthusiastic crowd kept the dance floor full all night long to party favorites such as "You're The First, The Last, My Everything"- Barry White, "The Time" (Dirty Bit)- Black Eyed Peas and "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses.

Even had a rare request for rock ballad, "Count On Me" by Jefferson Starship. Didn't have this in the library so quickly downloaded it to my phone (Thanks Amazon!) and played it shortly thereafter.

Here's to another great beginning!

The Wedding DJ

Greg & Michelle Find Love Under The Pines

Greg and Michelle chose the scenic Lantern Bay Park in Dana Point for their May ceremony and reception. They also gave The Wedding DJ some unique music choices for their nuptials.


John Williams' classical "Welcome To Jurassic Park" rang out as the Bridesmaids entered the ceremony. A special acoustic guitar version of the Bridal March was chosen for The Bride. And for the finale, Jason Mraz and Colby Caillat sang "Lucky" as Greg and Michelle made their triumphant exit!

We used a single Renkus Heinz speaker, DJ system and provided a wireless mic for the clergy so the guests could hear music and vows clearly.

For the adjacent reception, a second sound system was in place so music was already playing as guests entered. We introduced the newlyweds to Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's "Somewhere Over The Rainbow".

The Bride and Groom had their First Dance, "I'm Yours- Jason Mraz", Father/Daughter Dance, What A Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong and Mother/Son Dance, "I Will" by The Beatles.

Guests enjoyed a variety of music, mingling and a wonderful meal. After dancing and the traditional cake cutting, Michelle and Greg made their Grand Exit to the "Raiders Of The Lost Ark Theme".

Here's to another great beginning!

The Wedding DJ

Kyle And Michael's San Pedro Love Nest

These two lovebirds got hitched and invited 100 or so of their closest friends and family to join them for a reception featuring a Pacific Ocean view.



Cocktail music was a unique mix of music from artists like Michael Buble, Adelle, John Legend and Sade. After a few toasts and a wonderful, appetizer style meal, it was time to get down.


First Dance, "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele.


The enthusiastic crowd danced to everything from Van Morrison to The Black Eyed Peas to Rick Springfield. Special requests included "Faithfully"- the Glee version, "Amarillo By Morning" by country crooner George Strait and crowd pleaser "The Cha Cha Slide".


Kyle and Michael had special personalized wine glasses made as keepsakes for their guests!


Here's to another great beginning!

The Wedding DJ

Let's Talk About Uplighting!

Violet LED Uplighting

As Hollywood movie makers have known for years, lighting creates drama and visual impact. Lighting can completely change the look of a person, an object such as a centerpiece or an entire room. Uplighting for weddings has become a huge trend in the past several years.

So, what exactly is an "uplight"? It is a specialized light that is placed against a wall and pointed towards the ceiling. Several lights around a room create a unique look as the colored beams define the area and become an eye catching backdrop for any special event.


White And Blue Par 56 Cans

There are several types of uplights and it is important to know which one you need. It gets a bit complicated but I'll try to make it simple:

Par cans- or "cans" as they are called, are fixtures that use bulbs (incandescent lights). Kind of like an old school filament light bulb, only bigger and brighter. They use more power and get hotter than LED based lights.

Cans come in a variety of sizes- Par 38, Par 56 and so on. They also come in a variety of power consumptions from 125 watts to 500 watts. Colored "gels" or filters are used, sometimes in combination, to create the desired color. Important disclaimer: Any fixture near 300 watts or more will get hot enough to burn fingers.


300 Watt Par 56 Cans With Blue Gels

LED stands for "light emitting diode". Most LED lights are about the same circumference and also have a power range, generally from 10 to 50 watts each. The diodes emit a lot of light using much less power than traditional cans.

Color "mixing" may be more difficult for LEDs than for cans. Primary colors will look fine but mixed colors like Amber (red and yellow) may be splotchy or streaky. Pastel colors can be a challenge unless the lights are the newest, upgraded RGBA or single diode lights. Big advantage: LEDs stay cool, even after extended use and are safe to touch.

Both Par cans and LED uplights can vary in their "beam angle". The light beam they produce can be very tight- 10% or more of a wide flood- 30% or more. This will affect how the light looks on the wall. For example, a tighter beam will give you a more intense, deep color but a narrower beam.

Both lights have variations in their ability to "throw", that is, how far the beam will travel. If you have high ceilings or lots of ambient light in the room, you may want a more powerful uplight with a longer throw.


Matching Color Pink LEDs

Each light has it's pros and cons depending on the application but it seems LEDs are becoming more and more popular. Probably because of the safety factor and because they require much less power.

Bottom line: Before you make a decision, go see the lights you are considering with your own eyes prior to purchasing or renting them. It is the only way to truly determine how they look and if they will give you the ultimate results you want.

See More Wedding Uplighting Here

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