Disc Jockey News

Carr Hagerman kicks off Monday of the Northern Disc Jockey Conference.

Carr Hagerman is one of the nationally know speakers to be presenting at the Northern Disc Jockey and Wedding Professionals Conference at Mystic Lake Casino on October 22-24, 2006.

Carr returns to Minnesota after 3 years with an updated presentation focused on the magic of FISH!.

Carr was one of the highlights of the 2003 DJ Convention held in Minnesota, and we know he will exceed that great performance this fall.

The following is from his website. The link for more info on Carr and his video clips are at the bottom of the page..

And, one more neat thing. Carr is a Mac guy!

For more information, visit
http://www.discjockeynews.com/convention.asp
http://www.wedding-professionals.net

____________________________________________________________

There is no magic pill that will instantly improve your business, and I'm not going to lie to you that I have one; we both know that would be an empty promise. I don't pretend to have some prescription that will solve all of your woes, if I did, I'd be a billionaire. What I will do is to help you to explore ways you can cultivate a more engaging workplace and life using the simple, human wisdom of The FISH! Philosophy.

I combine personal observations with a fluent understanding of the principles of FISH!. My insights have been gleaned from years of working with organizations around the globe — companies that are building a FISH! culture of their own. I invite you to shift your perspective, perhaps challenge some of the assumptions you might hold about your workplace culture, and about the world. My early experience as a touring improvisational performer, artistic director, story collector, business entrepreneur and consultant, have taught me to stand out from behind the safety of the podium and head into the middle of the audience where I'm most comfortable, and where unexpected insights and laughter are frequently discovered.

I travel internationally and have been proud to work with hugely successful companies like American Express, Royal Bank of Scotland, Time-Warner, Guinness UDV, Wells Fargo, Unilever, Cisco and countless others, introducing them to the power of choice, personal accountability, creativity and play, and inviting them to create more effective, fulfilling and engaging workplaces.

I love the human narrative, storytelling, which frequently will lead me to stories that are often funny and touching. I want the audience to embrace the power of their own stories, and to leave with the recognition that FISH! is already alive and well in their life.

Carr's presentations are unique and fresh, and he'll leave you with the impression that you can change the world— and have some fun while you're at it!

http://www.charthouse.com/fs/fs_speakers_bios_carr.asp

Posted by John Young at 06:31 AM | Permalink

Just for a moment, think about this: Is it really the fault of those that charge the least in the market for charging so little?

In most markets, entry level events are 1. high schools, 2. bars, 3. back yard or friends parties. In the first two events, the people in charge of hiring for those events go out of their way to find the cheapest entertainment in most cases. Yes, there are some exceptions. But overall, a bar will go with the cheapest dj, and a school is not far behind.

Now, is that the fault of the dj that they can not charge more to gain the experience needed to get into this industry.

We have experienced djs complaining each day on chat-boards across the land that bottom feeders are ruing the industry.. but, I wonder if we are not blaming the victim here.

We were all at the bottom of the market at one time when we started. Well, there are a few exceptions.. but the majority of us started out working for next to nothing because of the thrill of playing music. No one really stood on the street corner when I started and condemned me for charging a low rate back then.. because everyone was paying a low rate.

But, as times changed, weddings and many functions were willing to pay a higher rate for quality entertainment. Yet, our friends in the bars and doing many school dances are making less today than we did 15 years ago. The bars and schools COULD continue to hire professionals and pay them a decent wage for the night, but they know if the look around, or encourage Fred who sits on the end of the bar to dj a night for $50 and beer, they will find cheap entertainment.

Is Fred bad for starting like that? Is Fred bad for taking the show?

Who is the bad guy when it comes to lower dollar events?

Posted by John Young at 06:16 AM | Permalink

DJA Radio released their first show today as they take to the air with their daily pod cast.

You can subscribe for free for the daily pod cast at:

http://djaradio.com

The first broadcast can be downloaded at:

http://djaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/knights_001.mp3

Posted by John Young at 11:16 PM | Permalink

Temecula, CA “Disc Jockey America Radio is on the air!” the deep radio voice rumbles in the opening of the “Worth Show” podcast.

The latest source for information and entertainment for the mobile disc jockeys launched on the Internet in the form of a regular series of 8 weekly podcasts at www.djaradio.com™. Formatted like radio shows, these podcasts discuss the issues and the lifestyle of the Mobile Disc Jockey in ways that are edgy, thought provoking and amusing.
DJA Radio™ is the latest expansion of Disc Jockey America™ (DJA) and the DJA forum founded and operated by Mark Ferrell. Since 2001, Ferrell has established himself as the creator of the “Worth Movement”, a campaign to raise awareness of the industry, and to advocate for DJs to evolve to a higher level. “I wanted to create an interactive medium that continues to improve the industry,” he said. “DJA Radio™ allows DJ’s to learn new ways to improve their business while being entertained and challenged.”
The online DJ Forums were ablaze with speculation about what was behind www.djsecrets.com. The publicity campaign sparked by DJA Radio™ generated a buzz about what could have such a big impact on the mobile DJ industry. The one page website suggested something was coming that would change everything. That “something big” turned out to be DJA Radio™ (www.djaradio.com), the first ever “Podcast Radio Station”. The station was unveiled at the Mobile Beat summer show in Hartford, Connecticut.
Some podcasts are weird and “out there,” others are more educational, and some confront the most controversial issues of the DJ industry. Without a doubt there is something in every entertaining episode to take away and improve a mobile DJ’s business.
The “Worth Show” is hosted by Mark Ferrell and available for download every Wednesday. In his first show Ferrell introduces the Podcast Radio Station and its personalities. Ferrell has assembled a group of industry leaders to host the other shows. In the “Worth Show” Ferrell plans on pushing the envelope on hot button issues that mobile Disc Jockey’s face as they work to grow their businesses.
Peter Merry’s show, “The Wedge,” is also on Wednesdays. Merry is a frequent speaker at conventions and past president of the American Disc Jockey Association. His show focuses on sales and marketing. He brings to light effective ways to market and sell DJ services that can bring results and ultimately more income.
On Thursday Bill James takes the mic with “Chat Rash”. James is the founder and President of his local chapter of the Canadian Online DJ Association and owns Absolute Entertainment in Sudbury, Canada. He interviews the buzz makers on the online forums about their opinions and motivations. “Chat Rash” is like reading those ranting threads only better as the chatters and the shakers explain their positions. James also brings counterpoint interviews into the mix to create a compelling yet balanced show.
Friday is the day of goofballs as the “Bill and Jason Show” hosted by Bill Hermann and Jason Jones hits the airwaves. Bill Hermann is the founder and past president of the Midwest Association of Professional Disc Jockeys (MAPDJ) and owner of Blue Chip Productions in Minneapolis, MN. Jason Jones is the Metro Chapter President of MAPDJ and owner of One Shoe Productions in St. Paul, MN. This radio morning show style podcast discusses Disc Jockey issues of the day with a wry sense of humor.
On Saturdays things get weird when “Being Jon Bruce” is available for download. Listening to this show is like being in Jon’s head, literally. Bruce is a forum leader at Disc Jockey America and owner of Jon Bruce entertainment in Indianapolis, IN. You’ll hear stories about his DJ business, his clients and his random epiphanies. It’s the first stream of consciousness podcast that’s actually entertaining.
Sundays get a bit more formal as you download Jim Cerone’s “The Perfect Host”. Cerone serves on the board of directors for the ADJA and owner of Jim Cerone, Inc. Professional DJ Service. Jim offers expertise and advice for creating more personal events with much greater quality. Listen carefully and you can become "The Perfect Host" too!
The ‘Knights’ all gather for Monday’s podcast of the “Knights of the Worth Table” hosted by Mark Ferrell. Five leaders of the Mobile DJ industry share their insights on issues affecting DJs in this madcap and sometimes irreverent show. The Knights are Bill Hermann, Bill James, Jim Cerone, Jon Bruce and Mark Ferrell as ‘King Cash-a-lot’.
“Deep Probe” is downloadable on Tuesdays. Bill Hermann interviews performers from all walks of life and always leads to insight will affect how you think about your performance and your business. Deep Probe is subtle and compelling.
However, Mark Ferrell adds, “This is just the beginning. We’ll be adding more shows and DJ genres as we go. I’m very excited! DJA Radio™ will be the talk of the DJ world!”

Posted by DJN Blog Admin at 04:26 PM | Permalink

BEHRINGER USA – BEHRINGER a world-leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of
professional audio and musical instrument products, announced that Adobe® Audition 2.0® has
been confirmed compatible with the B-CONTROL FADER BCF2000 motorized fader and
transport controller.

The latest version of Adobe Audition offers many new and enhanced
features, one of which is controller connectivity under Mackie Control emulation. The B-
CONTROL FADER BCF2000 can control many features in Adobe Audition, including faders,
pan knobs, solo, mute and also traditional transports controls, with easy setup and connection
via USB.
Adobe Audition 2.0 allows you to record, mix, edit, and master digital audio files with
powerful tools that bring flexibility and control to your desktop studio. Easily create music,
produce radio spots and soundtracks, or repair imperfect recordings with unmatched restoration
and analysis capabilities. Work efficiently with an all-in-one toolset inside a streamlined
interface that is smartly integrated with Adobe video applications.
Teams at BEHRINGER and Adobe have been looking towards this compatibility for over
a year and both teams are excited about the breakthrough and the enhanced user experience
that is provided combining Adobe Audition’s feature set with BEHRINGER’s control surface.

"Control surfaces are an important part of many people's home and professional studios," said
Hart Shafer, senior product manager for Adobe Audition. "We're thrilled that Behringer has
confirmed compatibility between their BCF2000 and Adobe Audition because the combination
provides our users with an extremely powerful yet cost-effective solution."

For more information on either product visit either www.behringer.com or www.adobe.com

Posted by DJN Blog Admin at 07:06 PM | Permalink

Jim Weisz of TM Century will be one of the featured speakers at the 2006 Northern Disc Jockey Conference.

Jim has spoken at a variety of conventions around the country and we are excited to have him as part of the Northern Disc Jockey Conference.

Jim will be speaking on website marketing and effective advertising of your website.

For more information, visit
http://www.discjockeynews.com/convention.asp
http://www.wedding-professionals.net

Posted by at 08:24 PM | Permalink

The ADJA is raising its rates on July 4th in an effort to better serve it's members.

This change will become effective July 4th, 2006.

The adjustment will help the association meet the rising costs of day to day operations. (The ADJA has not raised its rates for ten years.) Next, the money will be allocated for taking the next major step of raising the association’s position in the national spotlight. In doing so the ADJA will accomplish two things: 1) Bring to the catering and special events industry information that will distinguish ADJA members across the country! 2) Offer entertainment consumers valuable information that will further distinguish ADJA members.

Posted by at 08:23 PM | Permalink

The ADJA partnered with NACE for the 2006 National Conference happening July 16 - 19th 2006 in Phoenix, AZ

The 2006 NACE National Educational Conference offers a wealth of opportunities designed to meet the personal and professional development needs of those in the catering, special events and hospitality industry. Network with colleagues and learn from the hospitality industry’s best and most talented leaders.

Strengthen your position and invest in your future success with cutting edge knowledge, new trends, proven success techniques and innovative creativity. The 2006 NACE Educational Conference is sure to deliver an amazing learning experience like no other!

In the ADJA's ongoing efforts to better represent the DJ community to other event professionals that
can & do influence the entertainment potential clients might choose, the ADJA felt it important
to provide NACE members with a more accurate assessment of what we do, how we do it &
how the actions of the DJ ultimately reflect upon the venue. The ADJA started last year with providing them a seminar speaker to their conference. This year we are doing so much more!

During this conference, ADJA will be supplying DJ talent, session facilitators, and ambassadors of hospitality for our industry. ADJA is the first association to participate in the NACE Business Partner program. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase ADJA and our many talented members. This is our time to shine.

Please start by reading the thread in the members forum in this link . We need to all be
prepared to wow them & to show them quality, talented entertainment professionals when
they return. If you can make it to Phoenix, this should be a worthwhile opportunity to see
what others think of the DJ profession & to help us make a positive impact & influence on people that get the first opportunity to influence the consumer's entertainment choices.

Posted by at 08:12 PM | Permalink

More '90s Video Hits from the Pros at Promo Only!

Orlando, FL (June 16, 2006) - Promo Only, Inc., the nation's largest subscriber-based music and music video service, today announced the release of Hot Video Classics Best of 1997 Volume 2, the latest in its catalog of music video classics on DVD.

Best of 1997 Volume 2 marks the 42nd specialty DVD from Promo Only, and, like each of its predecessors, features the same high quality classic music videos that have made the Promo Only line of Hot Video Classics the industry benchmark for quality, selection and reliability.

Featuring 40 digitally enhanced music videos on one DVD, Hot Video Classics Best of 1997 Volume 2 tracklistings include such pop, dance, urban and rock favorites as: Please Don’t Go, No Mercy; Barbi Girl, Aqua; Da Dip, Freak Nasty; Around The World, Daft Punk; All For You, Sister Hazel; Color Of Love, Amber; and Hypnotize, Notorious B.I.G.

For more info: http://www.promoonly.com

Posted by at 08:10 PM | Permalink

It's the best of 80's Glam Metal from the pros at Promo Only!

Orlando, FL (June 13, 2006) - Promo Only, Inc., the nation's largest subscriber-based music and music video service, today announced the release of Hot Video Classics Best of Hair Bands, the latest in its series of music video classics on DVD.

"Hair band," a label coined by MTV to describe such '80s glam-metal acts as Mötley Crüe, Van Halen, Ratt, Dokken, and Quiet Riot, refers to a stylized look and a signature sound that is loud, aggressive and, above all, fun-loving.

"These are acts that put out a lot of great music, to be sure," said Jim Robinson, director, Promo Only. "But you could sum up our real reason for offering a Best of Hair Bands collection with two words: air guitar."

"Nothing kicks a party into high-gear like the pump your fist in the air, grab your air guitar and sing along sounds of '80s anthem rock," added Pete Werner, executive program director, Promo Only. "And you'll find the best of those party anthems on this first ever collection of hair band classics."

Featuring 40 digitally enhanced music videos on one DVD, Hot Video Classics Best of Hair Bands tracklistings include: Girls, Girls, Girls, Mötley Crüe; Jump, Van Halen; Here I Go Again, Whitesnake; Welcome To The Jungle, Guns N' Roses; Seventeen, Winger; Once Bitten Twice Shy, Great White; Up All Night, Slaughter; Cherry Pie, Warrant; and High Enough, Damn Yankees.

For more info: http://www.promoonly.com

Posted by at 08:09 PM | Permalink

The Northern Disc Jockey Conference is just about here!

http://www.wedding-professionals.net

Posted by DJN Blog Admin at 06:31 PM | Permalink