I was a dj in Venezuela 40 years ago. What you said today is what we use to do back in that time. Thanks a lot man. Now I know I still can use that experiencie I have.
Totally awesome advice - I'm a Violinist, and once I got to the venue, and I had forgotten to pack my music stand! Ugh! I got lucky - there was a store up the street and I made it just in time to play the bride down the isle. Best advice ever!
I just went to iTunes to see what that Will i Am song is about and man... I played it 4 times in a row shaking the whole apartment complex lmao my new fav song. appreciate that gem!
You are 1000 percent wright dj Cleveland. I'm DJing for almost 26 years and I'm doing exactly that you are doing. I really enjoy your podcasts, keep us informed, it's really helpful 👍
I love your videos very much -- very practical and real world. Your customers must love you and want you back again and again...Thank you for all you give...
@Cleveland Terry - a nice set of things to think about. I do (so far anyway) exclusively private events, mostly weddings. I would add this tip: ALWAYS always always Have a Backup Available! Here is what happened to me: I was doing a wedding for my sister’s best friend. Recently switched to Rekordbox DJ and had a refurb Pioneer 4 channel controller. Hit the venue, set up my nice all JBL speakers, plugged in the QSC+Crown amps, fired up some tunes to make sure the system was hummin’. I ONLY HAVE ONE CHANNEL! I was freaking out. I thought that it was due to my aging amps... Nope. It was the controller! I was pumping my iPhone into channel 3 and it was bad... didn’t realize that it was the controller. Ended up buying some expensive new stuff at a local Guitar Center because I did not diagnose the failure correctly at the venue... ALWAY HAVE A BACKUP FOR EVERYTHING!! It will save you $$$$ in the long run to load extra stuff that never comes out of the van...at least you will have it when stuff breaks (and it will...)...
I usually carry an assortment of Y cables for this reason and others. 2 speaker mono is better than 1 speaker stereo. Alot of times I just keep the amps in parallel/mono mode.
I think it’s important to point out that proper eqing is about cutting more so than boosting frequencies. Also how do you EQ if you have very limited frequency to choose from?
THANKS again for EXCELLENT helpful suggestions. I watch your channel a lot because I feel like you are speaking directly to me, keep up the good work, there are a lot of us that are learning and appreciating your channel.👍🏽🎧🎼
Good post - I do all of these - but using 1 song for sound check is always key. A buddy with band experience gave me this tip about 10 years ago and have been using Donald Fagen - Ruby Baby ever since. I always follow up with 2 additional songs once EQ'd, 1 heavy with Bass, and then one that's vocal heavy, and sometimes a third in the genre I expect to spend the most time in during the gig.
if you have a wireless mic for announcements, do a mic check in every corner of the venue as well. Great point Terry. in my contract, it says that I need 1 1/2 hrs for set up and 1 hr for break down at the end of the event. this past weekend, I did a wedding in this venue that opened their doors to the vendors 1 hr before the guest arrive. because they charge the bride & groom extra if they open the doors earlier. I showed up to the venue at 3:45pm, doors open at 4pm it took me 1/2 hr. to just bring my stuff in. idk how i did it but i was set up in 45 min. mind you, I work alone. it was 5:30pm and the rest of the vendors were still setting up.
What up Cleveland Terry!!! Great video!!! I actually do exactly what you was saying. I’m guilty of placing 4 speakers (depending on the venue) although I’m contracted for only 2 speakers. Also, love you cap!!!
@@ClevelandTerry....Thanks my Brother, I'm new to the game, I had the opportunity to do a couple of Pool parties and my nephews wedding (all from my Samsung Galaxy Tab)...one of people attending was a DJ and he said that I had skills...lol (or shall I say potential)....I guess you can say that I been bitten. I'm in the process of purchasing a Pioneer SR2 Serato Controller from a very good friend of mine. And I just Retired, so I'll have many of time to learn all that I can from you...(and others as well) Thank You again, you are awesome!!!!
Great advice! Especially about showing up a few hours early.. Here is what happen to me one time. I was doing a birthday party that was an hour away and once I got there and unloaded everything and started setting up, OMG...I noticed I didn't pack my laptop. Talk about freaking out, LoL. Luckily I still had a about two hours before the event started and had my nephew who was helping me set up, go back and get my laptop. He was able to return back with about 45 minuets to spare. My lesson learned that day, go through my checklist as I pack my equipment into my truck and now I carry two laptops with me as well cause I had a Laptop crash on me 30 minuets before I was going to start. I also might have to purchase a second controller because at another event, my right side stopped playing and you can imagine the sinking feeling I had when I transitioned over and no sound. Luckily all I had to do was shut my mixer off and back on and it started working again. I just made some stupid joke to the crowed and they laughed along with me and continued the party. You just don't know what is going to happen...be prepared.
The # 1Things to do before gig according to my company: Final Vinyl Entertainment is to do a walk through, if possible, days before the actual event to see where you'll set up at. If there's a socket near by etc. Moreover, one of the things to before a gig that I'm surprised you haven't mentioned is--- gear check before leaving home. Check your cords, and headphones etc. And always bring extra in case it's needed. Man, I should be charging you for this info. Lol. Nice vid bro. Keep it up
I appreciate all of your videos and I enjoy how you keep it transparent with everything but also very informative. You definitely have a new subscriber and I can't wait to view more of your content. Thanks again my DJ Brother!!!
Other then my love for music, another reason why I’ve decided to become a professional dj due to others flaking. Awesome videos so far. A lot of great info. Thanks for making the videos.
I been djing forever i never put my spk in front of me my spk sits a little behind me so i hear everything good!! I also have floor monitore too i want here what they hear !! My music id always concert quality!!
Great advice! I am a retired Dj, my last gig was a wedding back in 2007 and that was a “Favor” ($500). I was recently asked by a co worker who know that I Was a mobile Dj more than 20 years ago( I learned on vinyl, got my first controller in 2006) if I could Dj next year’s employee holiday party because this years Dj didn’t satisfy her and some other co workers(white) music Pallette. I am a little reluctant to do it because: 1: I’m out of practice 2: I’m out of touch with current music 3: I have only enough equipment to do a small event( two 12” satellites with stands, 1 sub, and two 8” monitors. One blinker light, laptop,controller, 12 channel mixer with phantom and two wireless mics.) 4: I don’t want to be the next Dj that they are talking about next year that sucked. The demographic age ranges from 24 to 59 yr olds. So I would have to play 80’ 90’ 2000’s & 2010 & up music and hope they are there when I play it. Should I do it or respectfully turn my co workers down?
+Thyst1 the way I see it, you have a whole year to get your music together. If it were this week I would probably tell you no, but you got plenty of time. Plus, musically, the majority of stuff they want you to play is in your wheelhouse. Just catch up on the new stuff. You got this.
I was a club/house (beat mixer) DJ back in the 80's and early 90's . I got out of the business for various reasons. I started dabbling again around 2006 with time code, etc. I thought i was washed up too. But both my kids asked if I could DJ their weddings. It was a true honor and, like Cleveland said, you just need to brush up on current tunes. You'll be fine. Go for it. I still DJ my association's networking nights to this day.
Start asking your co-workers what kind of music they want to hear... If you know what sort of stuff they like and you play it, they will probably like you... I like to find out what sort of stuff will get the crowd to trust me and then start slipping in stuff I love that they might not know. So long as the dance floor is hummin’, its all good in the ‘hood!
I got to a venue 4 hrs ahead of time that was almost 1hr. from home and set up everything was sitting on a chair just taking it all in had about 2 hrs from start time and noticed my laptop wasn't plugged in. I looked everywhere my bag, my cases, the van, 🙄 I forgot my laptop charger🤦♂️. thankfully my lovely wife wasnt more than a half hr from home she turned around and brought me the cord. so yeah, make sure you have everything a dead laptop is useless😁
Great video- how do you adjust your sound/sound check for the different acoustics after people fill up the room, especially in a venue with no acoustic dampeners like carpet, curtains, etc?
I used to run live sound for a friend, a punk promoter... he always would prod me, “add a little reverb”... get to know your music you test with and then LISTEN TO IT on the floor of your venue. If it doesn’t sound quite right, try adding/subtracting one little thing at a time. It takes time and a good ear to learn how to do this...
Maybe you can try checking your individual channel eq's. Always remember that when you increase equalization you also increase db. So if you add equalization, compansate for the added db by backing down your individual channel gains. Hope this helps.
Victor I find that some DJs don't leave the volume at the default 92db (Serato) and go above 95db! The software sends too "hot" a signal to the SX2 and clipping starts earlier.
Poor tip about using someone.else speakers. Despite there being other speakers available, it's never a professional idea to use someone else gear when u have your own. I run a DJ company too. Final Vinyl Entertainment
+Muhayyaa Sudan Hmmm. I’ve been doing this a long time and a lot of high end clients bring in their outside vendor audio and visual systems. Maybe there’s a performer that has their own rider. Just because you don’t doesn’t mean the gear they provide is not quality. When you’re doing an event for 500+ people and the client is a top tier actor sometimes you have to use what the client wants. Not to mention any events you do at performance venues. You going to bring in your system into a night club? Maybe we just deal with different clientele.
I've been DJing 23 years and this is one of the best prep videos for a proper Gig.
+Tony Tigah 🙏🏾
Everything you stated is a true story. Most are things I've just done, but never really thought about. Thanks for providing clear thought and focus.
Thx you for the information, Dj
I was a dj in Venezuela 40 years ago. What you said today is what we use to do back in that time. Thanks a lot man. Now I know I still can use that experiencie I have.
Totally awesome advice - I'm a Violinist, and once I got to the venue, and I had forgotten to pack my music stand! Ugh! I got lucky - there was a store up the street and I made it just in time to play the bride down the isle. Best advice ever!
I just went to iTunes to see what that Will i Am song is about and man... I played it 4 times in a row shaking the whole apartment complex lmao my new fav song. appreciate that gem!
Dropping Gems sir
I’m truly enjoying your content and your sincere energy. You have a new subscriber.
Much appreciated!
Make that 2 new subscibers
You are 1000 percent wright dj Cleveland. I'm DJing for almost 26 years and I'm doing exactly that you are doing. I really enjoy your podcasts, keep us informed, it's really helpful 👍
Great advice. I always visit the venue prior to the date of the event.
I love your videos very much -- very practical and real world. Your customers must love you and want you back again and again...Thank you for all you give...
Good points...it's exactly what I do with the gear I bring. Keep it in the grey area.
Very good video. Practical and real world information. All mobile dj's should take your advice.
I know this is old but there are so many jems in your videos I just had to see all or most of them... Thanks for all your informational help
Amazing tips as always Cleveland! Don't imagine how useful have been these tips! Greetings from Chile my fellow DJ!!
Good info my man! We all need reminders from time to time
Very first live gig coming up. Thank you so much 🙏🏽
Another great informative video!!! Thanks Terry!!!
@Cleveland Terry - a nice set of things to think about. I do (so far anyway) exclusively private events, mostly weddings. I would add this tip: ALWAYS always always Have a Backup Available!
Here is what happened to me: I was doing a wedding for my sister’s best friend. Recently switched to Rekordbox DJ and had a refurb Pioneer 4 channel controller. Hit the venue, set up my nice all JBL speakers, plugged in the QSC+Crown amps, fired up some tunes to make sure the system was hummin’. I ONLY HAVE ONE CHANNEL! I was freaking out. I thought that it was due to my aging amps... Nope. It was the controller! I was pumping my iPhone into channel 3 and it was bad... didn’t realize that it was the controller. Ended up buying some expensive new stuff at a local Guitar Center because I did not diagnose the failure correctly at the venue... ALWAY HAVE A BACKUP FOR EVERYTHING!!
It will save you $$$$ in the long run to load extra stuff that never comes out of the van...at least you will have it when stuff breaks (and it will...)...
I usually carry an assortment of Y cables for this reason and others. 2 speaker mono is better than 1 speaker stereo. Alot of times I just keep the amps in parallel/mono mode.
Excellent advise for people looking to get into DJ'n
Good advice...thank you...2021... May 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
Great content as always big Cleveland and you on the west coast the best coast baby lol . Much love
this is so true. Even back in the day something always was wrong or unforseen.
This is a good tip,I am begging dj , thanks for your time and help
I think it’s important to point out that proper eqing is about cutting more so than boosting frequencies. Also how do you EQ if you have very limited frequency to choose from?
My Man Advices Well Taken I’m going Through All Your Videos To Catch Up On Advice Tips & Tricks!💯
Thanks for the information. Great video.
THANKS again for EXCELLENT helpful suggestions. I watch your channel a lot because I feel like you are speaking directly to me, keep up the good work, there are a lot of us that are learning and appreciating your channel.👍🏽🎧🎼
Jazzi Bruce 🙏🏾
I'm one of them Bruce..... Thanks for the comments.
Great advice bro !!! I’ve been giging with my Band for 13 years and yes a lot of things you said really work
I really like how humble you are and cover every angle
+Junk_ _Robbaz thank you.
Big up from Cameroon love your contents 🇨🇲🇨🇲
Valet at the hotels too ! It took me an hr to get my car back at the end of the gig
Good post - I do all of these - but using 1 song for sound check is always key. A buddy with band experience gave me this tip about 10 years ago and have been using Donald Fagen - Ruby Baby ever since. I always follow up with 2 additional songs once EQ'd, 1 heavy with Bass, and then one that's vocal heavy, and sometimes a third in the genre I expect to spend the most time in during the gig.
Ruby Baby is a classic. Love Donald Fagen.
Amazing!! Thank you 😊
if you have a wireless mic for announcements, do a mic check in every corner of the venue as well. Great point Terry. in my contract, it says that I need 1 1/2 hrs for set up and 1 hr for break down at the end of the event. this past weekend, I did a wedding in this venue that opened their doors to the vendors 1 hr before the guest arrive. because they charge the bride & groom extra if they open the doors earlier. I showed up to the venue at 3:45pm, doors open at 4pm it took me 1/2 hr. to just bring my stuff in. idk how i did it but i was set up in 45 min. mind you, I work alone. it was 5:30pm and the rest of the vendors were still setting up.
What up Cleveland Terry!!! Great video!!! I actually do exactly what you was saying. I’m guilty of placing 4 speakers (depending on the venue) although I’m contracted for only 2 speakers. Also, love you cap!!!
Very good advice etc!
New subscriber.....excellent advice. Way to go...."Team Terry"
+Dennis Radford 🙏🏾 welcome.
@@ClevelandTerry....Thanks my Brother, I'm new to the game, I had the opportunity to do a couple of Pool parties and my nephews wedding (all from my Samsung Galaxy Tab)...one of people attending was a DJ and he said that I had skills...lol (or shall I say potential)....I guess you can say that I been bitten. I'm in the process of purchasing a Pioneer SR2 Serato Controller from a very good friend of mine. And I just Retired, so I'll have many of time to learn all that I can from you...(and others as well) Thank You again, you are awesome!!!!
Great advice! Especially about showing up a few hours early.. Here is what happen to me one time. I was doing a birthday party that was an hour away and once I got there and unloaded everything and started setting up, OMG...I noticed I didn't pack my laptop. Talk about freaking out, LoL. Luckily I still had a about two hours before the event started and had my nephew who was helping me set up, go back and get my laptop. He was able to return back with about 45 minuets to spare. My lesson learned that day, go through my checklist as I pack my equipment into my truck and now I carry two laptops with me as well cause I had a Laptop crash on me 30 minuets before I was going to start. I also might have to purchase a second controller because at another event, my right side stopped playing and you can imagine the sinking feeling I had when I transitioned over and no sound. Luckily all I had to do was shut my mixer off and back on and it started working again. I just made some stupid joke to the crowed and they laughed along with me and continued the party. You just don't know what is going to happen...be prepared.
This why my controller plays cds too lap tops will fail i use my lap top my 2 cds drawer and my phone im highly successful!!
The # 1Things to do before gig according to my company: Final Vinyl Entertainment is to do a walk through, if possible, days before the actual event to see where you'll set up at. If there's a socket near by etc. Moreover, one of the things to before a gig that I'm surprised you haven't mentioned is--- gear check before leaving home. Check your cords, and headphones etc. And always bring extra in case it's needed. Man, I should be charging you for this info. Lol. Nice vid bro. Keep it up
+Muhayyaa Sudan its only 5 things. I have another video that breaks it down further for the newbies. I go up to 10 things. 😀
This is very good. This would have been helpful when I did my first wedding at a hotel. Going up and down the elevator, which was extremely slow.
Thank you so much.
Great tips, I also ask the promoter to give me a little tour of the venue ahead of time, so on gig day I'm already familiar with the space.
Good stuff! Thanks for the wisdom!
Hey Cleveland Terry, love your videos. Thank you for the advice, I miss radio shack. 😪😂🤣
Good stuff homie. Thankz
I appreciate all of your videos and I enjoy how you keep it transparent with everything but also very informative. You definitely have a new subscriber and I can't wait to view more of your content. Thanks again my DJ Brother!!!
Thank you bro great advice!!
Solid advice.
Love your videos and all that you do for the community. I myself do everything you just mentioned. Lol
Awesome content keep it coming.
Love your advices ❤
Other then my love for music, another reason why I’ve decided to become a professional dj due to others flaking.
Awesome videos so far. A lot of great info. Thanks for making the videos.
Thank you.
Thanks for the tips. you got a new sub. loved doing since I was 10-11 years old. trying to get back into it as a mobile dj. I appreciate the info.
a good track called this is a test which might be good for sound checks
Thank you for sharing you're so passionate I love it.
🙏🏾 thank you.
I'm a very new Dj in the making and I really like your content. That's a skill within itself. I also followed you on IG so I'm all in.
Much appreciated and welcome!
Awesome!
I been djing forever i never put my spk in front of me my spk sits a little behind me so i hear everything good!! I also have floor monitore too i want here what they hear !! My music id always concert quality!!
Great timeless content. New DJ here. Where can I get a contract that I can edit for the occasion?
:( RIP radio shack. I loved your cables lol
Yes they was the best lol
Csn you make an updated video
Already subscribed & defo thumbs up from 1 professional to another
THE JAZZY JEF peter Piper routine for me.
Good videos Terry thank you! 👍👍
Great advice! I am a retired Dj, my last gig was a wedding back in 2007 and that was a “Favor” ($500). I was recently asked by a co worker who know that I Was a mobile Dj more than 20 years ago( I learned on vinyl, got my first controller in 2006) if I could Dj next year’s employee holiday party because this years Dj didn’t satisfy her and some other co workers(white) music Pallette. I am a little reluctant to do it because:
1: I’m out of practice
2: I’m out of touch with current music
3: I have only enough equipment to do a small event( two 12” satellites with stands, 1 sub, and two 8” monitors. One blinker light, laptop,controller, 12 channel mixer with phantom and two wireless mics.)
4: I don’t want to be the next Dj that they are talking about next year that sucked.
The demographic age ranges from 24 to 59 yr olds. So I would have to play 80’ 90’ 2000’s & 2010 & up music and hope they are there when I play it. Should I do it or respectfully turn my co workers down?
+Thyst1 the way I see it, you have a whole year to get your music together. If it were this week I would probably tell you no, but you got plenty of time. Plus, musically, the majority of stuff they want you to play is in your wheelhouse. Just catch up on the new stuff. You got this.
I was a club/house (beat mixer) DJ back in the 80's and early 90's . I got out of the business for various reasons. I started dabbling again around 2006 with time code, etc. I thought i was washed up too. But both my kids asked if I could DJ their weddings. It was a true honor and, like Cleveland said, you just need to brush up on current tunes. You'll be fine. Go for it. I still DJ my association's networking nights to this day.
Start asking your co-workers what kind of music they want to hear... If you know what sort of stuff they like and you play it, they will probably like you... I like to find out what sort of stuff will get the crowd to trust me and then start slipping in stuff I love that they might not know. So long as the dance floor is hummin’, its all good in the ‘hood!
@@ClevelandTerry I AGREE...AS WELL..GREAT WORDS..AND INCURAGEMSNT
Get an initial playlist and build from there. It's like riding a bike for you.
I got to a venue 4 hrs ahead of time that was almost 1hr. from home and set up everything was sitting on a chair just taking it all in had about 2 hrs from start time and noticed my laptop wasn't plugged in. I looked everywhere my bag, my cases, the van, 🙄 I forgot my laptop charger🤦♂️. thankfully my lovely wife wasnt more than a half hr from home she turned around and brought me the cord. so yeah, make sure you have everything a dead laptop is useless😁
+DJ ScottyMaxx agreed!
Be prepared real review ✊ bro..
Do a video about Party Planners, you probably have some stories!
big up to Radio Shack!!!
dropping knowledge. thanks
you rock man thanks
This was helpful
Good video. I sub'd. Thanks for the knowledge.
Wow! Great advice!
+Akinkunmi Cook thank you
I’m truly enjoying your content You have a new subscriber.
great advice
Yes I am a DJ at home
Always great stuff
Solid advice man! New Sub here :)
Awesome vid
Great video- how do you adjust your sound/sound check for the different acoustics after people fill up the room, especially in a venue with no acoustic dampeners like carpet, curtains, etc?
I used to run live sound for a friend, a punk promoter... he always would prod me, “add a little reverb”... get to know your music you test with and then LISTEN TO IT on the floor of your venue. If it doesn’t sound quite right, try adding/subtracting one little thing at a time. It takes time and a good ear to learn how to do this...
Thanks bruh!
Great advice!
I just started djing at weddings. Do you have or can send me a sample of a good contract ? Thanks Jesse
Rip RadioShack, such a great store.
What do you use to EQ your system?
Great Information - Subbed
good info bro
❤️The Hat!!!
How do you E.Q a room? Anyone?
Good good good
Radio Shack! OG!
My contract says in providing sound system for x amount of people
That's incredibly specific. :-)
Can I use a MacBook Air with either Virtual DJ or rekordbox with 8 gigs of RAM
Yes you can. My son uses the 2nd gen air with Serato and that is a resource hog.
Yeah we "Grey Beards" still say Radio Shack! LOL!
NEW SUB AND NEW DJ
Just wondering, how do you get around your sx2 clipping so easily on the individual channel gains ?
Maybe you can try checking your individual channel eq's. Always remember that when you increase equalization you also increase db. So if you add equalization, compansate for the added db by backing down your individual channel gains. Hope this helps.
I turn the software gain down in the individual tracks. It remembers where you put it so you can “set it and forget it”.
Victor I find that some DJs don't leave the volume at the default 92db (Serato) and go above 95db! The software sends too "hot" a signal to the SX2 and clipping starts earlier.
I do parties o ly no family or social shit
Poor tip about using someone.else speakers. Despite there being other speakers available, it's never a professional idea to use someone else gear when u have your own. I run a DJ company too. Final Vinyl Entertainment
+Muhayyaa Sudan Hmmm. I’ve been doing this a long time and a lot of high end clients bring in their outside vendor audio and visual systems. Maybe there’s a performer that has their own rider. Just because you don’t doesn’t mean the gear they provide is not quality. When you’re doing an event for 500+ people and the client is a top tier actor sometimes you have to use what the client wants. Not to mention any events you do at performance venues. You going to bring in your system into a night club? Maybe we just deal with different clientele.