DJ Reliability

It amazes me how many calls we take on a weekly basis from people who've been let down by their DJ. Some people call when they arrive at the venue to discover the DJ is not going to appear. They are then left in a blind panic trying to find entertainment for their party.

We took a call last night from a client who had a slightly more considerate DJ, he let them down a week in advance. The reason / excuse he gave the client... His lights aren't working.

This was a new one, I think he perhaps meant, the lights are on but nobody's home!

If this was a genuine reason, it really emphasises the fact that DJ's should ALWAYS have backup gear.

The harsh reality is, however, he probably got offered a gig that is going to earn him more money. This type of person tarnishes the reputation of the whole mobile disco industry.

Fortunately, we're not all like this, there's some of us that still believe in giving fantastic customer service and being 100% reliable.

Choosing the right DJ / Disco

With disco equipment varying greatly in quality & price, the DJing profession is more accessible than ever. With this, there is a multitude of DJ’s within the marketplace, which brings a huge amount of choice for clients. Therefore, what should you look for when making your decision?

This first question that we’re often asked when someone is making an enquiry is, ‘How much do you charge…’

Of course, this is a valid question as the vast majority of clients have a budget for their entertainment. However, there are many more factor to consider other than price; a bigger factor is value for money.

Many DJs price they’re jobs very cheaply and their service reflects this. They may have a poor sound system, a cheap lightshow, have very little musical knowledge & have bad microphone skills.

In many cases, the more expensive DJs in the marketplace also offer a service that reflects the level of service you can expect from them, they are legally run and professional companies with a fantastic lightshow, crystal clear sound system and excellent microphone skills. They will also have an extensive musical knowledge, with the ability to read a crowd and play the most appropriate for them.

So, when considering a DJ for your night, the main question is – how much value do you place on having the best party possible?

The Surfin Bird

Every so often you get caught offguard with a request. Sometimes it's a song that you've never heard of, one that you can't possibly play as it's too heavy, has swearing in it, too slow, etc, etc.

However, this Saturday I was caught off guard in a good way with a request at a wedding I was doing in Motherwell. For the first time I was asked to play The Surfin' Bird by The Trashmen. For all the Family guy fans out there, you'll be very familiar with this song!

It just so happens that this song has been stuck in my head for months now, it has that effect on you. I was however unsure of how people would react to it. Afterall, not everyone might have seen this piece of vintage '60's cheese on Family Guy.

Never the less, I plucked up the courage and play it. Much to my delight, the dancefloor was filled with people doing the Peter Griffin dance!

If you haven't seen it, treat yourself and click on the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WNrx2jq184

Oran Mor

I've played many venues throughout Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Lothian. From parties, to weddings and every type of occasion inbetween.

The type of venue I play in varies from gig to gig, from a plush house in Glasgow's South Side, extravogant ballrooms in posh hotels, to local Social clubs. Each venue has it's charms and challenges, but what is the best venue out there?

Personally, the winner every time, has to be Glasgow Oarn Mor.

Firstly, the accoustic within the building are outstanding. This is obviously of paramount importance for a Mobile DJ.

However, no matter how many times I play there, I am always in awe at the beauty of the building itself. A converted church, set within Glasgow's Byres Road, with orginal pagan stained glass and, as well as retaining many of the original features of the church, offering a contemporary setting in which to hold events.

What is perhaps most fitting, is the meaning of Òran Mór, meaning the 'great melody of life' or 'big song'.

Mood Lighting Picture

Modern Day Classics!

There's so many old classics that are played at Discos week in and week out. Bay City Rollers, Queen, Elvis, Roy Orbiston, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones...

The list goes on and on.

But what modern day songs will we still be playing in years to come? Will Lady Gaga still make the crowd go... Well gaga!?

Will we still have a feeling with the Black Eye Peas 20 years from now?

These are two artists / bands that seems to have tapped into what captures an audience, they've both churned out hit after hit over the past couple of years.

David Guetta also sees to have accomplished this, helped by his strategic parnerships with some of pops most popular artists.

Another honourable mention goes to the Scissor Sisters, I Don't Feel Like Dancing. For me, this song encapsulates what a Disco should be about - FUN!

Click the link below to enjoy a modern day disco classic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9d7FcHMNC8&feature=related

This Weeks UK top 10

1. Yolanda Be Cool Vs D Cup - We No Speak Americano
2. Eminem Ft Rihanna - Love The Way You
3. Bob Ft Hayley Williams - Airplanes
4. Katy Perry Ft Snoop Dogg - California Gurls
5. Eliza Doolittle - Pack Up
6. Mark Ronson & The Business Int - Bang Bang Bang
7. Professor Green Ft Lily Allen - Just Be Good To Green
8. Enrique Iglesias Ft Pitbull - I Like It
9. Jls - The Club Is
10. 3oh3 Ft Kesha - My First Kiss

Song of the moment

Well, it seems that the song that's getting all the kids bopping at parties just now is We Speak no Americano.

It's a great wee tune that has a really catchy 1950's swing groove, which is great for young and old alike.

The song is by Australian duo Yolanda Be Cool and producer DCUP. It was released on the independent Australian label Sweat It Out on 27 February 2010. The song samples the 1956 song "Tu vuò fà l'americano" by Renato Carosone and written by Carosone and Nicola Salerno. "We No Speak Americano" has become an international hit, reaching the top of the charts in Denmark, Hungary, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom. It peaked inside the top ten of the charts in countries such as Australia, Belgium (Flanders), Israel, Spain and Norway.

Question to Ask When Booking a Disco

Of course, we always hope that you'd decide to book with http://www.discotherapy.com/ if you don't though, here's some useful questions you should always ask when booking a Disco:

• Do you have Public Liability Insurance (PLI)?


• Is you equipment PAT tested?


• Do you carry back-up equipment?


• Do you accept requests?


• Can you provide references?

The type of DJ you require is entirely up to you, but they should always be reliable. If a DJ does not have PLI or their equipment is not PAT tested, there's a good chance that the venue may not allow them to perform.

Back-up equipment is also a must. No matter how new or reliable equipment is, it can always fail, make sure the DJ has a back-up.

We pride ourselves on being a professional and reliable company, with fantastic equipment and a great nights entertainment!

First Dance!

Your first dance song should be an extremely personal an emotional choice, but if you're in need of a little inspiration, here's 2009's top 10 first dance songs.

Aerosmith still sit at the top of the top 10 first dance songs with their modern day classic - 'I Don't wanna miss a thing'. Taking second place was another ageing rocker, Bryan Adams, with the Robin Hood track 'Everything I do, I do it for you'. Bryan's obviously still 'doing it' for you!

Top 10 Wedding Songs

Is your favourite here? The final Top 10 went like this:
Aerosmith - Don't Wanna Miss A Thing
Bryan Adams - Everything I Do (I Do It For You)
Lonestar - Amazed
Shania Twain - You're Still The One
Shania Twain - From This Moment
Van Morrison - Have I Told You Lately
James Blunt - You're Beautiful
Savage Garden - Truly Madly Deeply
Robbie Williams - Angels
Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You

Is old-fashioned best when it comes to your first dance song? Only three of the top 10 wedding songs date from the past few years: James Blunt's 'You're Beautiful', Robbie's 'Angels' and Savage Garden's 'Truly, Madly, Deeply'.

Unusual Choices

Looking for something a little less predictable? Our complete Popular Wedding Songs list contains a wide range of songs with something to suit every taste. Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and Elton John bring classic romance to the list, with tunes that were simply made to be popular wedding songs.

But there are also plenty of unusual choices for your first dance song. Cool couples are choosing Snow Patrol (Chasing Cars), Jack Johnson (Better Together), or David Gray (Sail Away). And there's the mother's choice – Ronan Keating, Westlife or Robbie have plenty of tracks simply made to be first dance songs.

Father / Daughter Wedding Songs

Traditionally, the bride and groom will be alone on the dancefloor for the first dance song. Sometimes the bride's father will cut in and dance with the bride halfway through, but sometimes the second dance is reserved for the bride and her father. Brides who have more than one father figure may wish to dance with both during the song. If the father of the bride wants to choose a song, you might want to direct him to this page!

Bette Midler - Wind Beneath My Wings
Bob Carlisle - Butterfly Kisses
Charlie Rich - The Most Beautiful Girl
Luther Vandross - Dance With My Father
Nat 'King' Cole - Unforgettable
Paul Simon - Father and Daughter
Temptations - My Girl

Mother / Son Wedding Songs

Shortly after the bride and her father take to the floor, they are traditionally followed by the groom and his mother. Finally, the newlyweds dance with their in-laws, and bridesmaids and ushers join the dancing.

Boyz II Men - A Song For Mama
Boyzone - No Matter What
Commodores - Three Times a Lady
Deniece Williams - Let's Hear It For The Boy
Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight
Queen - You're My Best Friend
Robbie Williams - She's The One
First Dance Tips

http://www.discotherapy.com/

Wedding DJ

It's amazing the endless amount of planning that goes into your big day. The Dress, Cake, Flowers, Location - everything has to be perfect on the day. Yet, even after all this planning, many couples leave the Disco till the last moment or book the cheapest one they can find, regardless of quality, equipment or attitude. They then wonder why, after the excitement of the day, the ceremony and beauty, their guests leave feeling that they haven't had the best possible time. With Disco Therapy, we guarantee that we will do all we can to help your reception go as successfully as possible! We provide a professional & reliable Wedding Disco.

The main aim for us is to ensure that the spotlight is always on you at your wedding. And no, we don’t mean we’ll be shining lights on you all the time!

DJing at your wedding is not just another job. Each wedding is unique and a very personal, loving and emotional day, which Disco Therapy feel privileged to be a part of. We always provide a completely tailored service for your big day, meeting you beforehand to ensure your needs are fully understood and exceeded.

There are many add-ons we can offer, from mood lighting, to custom made highlight videos of the special couple during their time together.

It really is amazing how many Scottish artists and bands that have fantastic party music. The list includes:

• Paolo Nutini
• Deacon Blue
• AC/DC
• Bay City Rollers
• The Fratellies
• Marmalade
• Danny Wilson
• Orange Juice
• The Eurhythmics
• The slightly cheesy Kelly Marie

All of these fabulous can be heard at hundreds of discos every week throughout the UK.
Then, of course, you have the two best ones, the anthemic 500 Miles by The Proclaimers and the one that gives everyone an excuse to go mental! Loch Lomond by Runrig.
Scotland really is a country that has rich musical roots, which makes my life as a DJ a wee bit more easy!

www.discotherapy.com

I won! American Audio VMS4

Got great news yesterday, I won a swanky new Mixer from the good people at Phase 1 DJ Shop!

Check them out http://www.djanddiscostuff.com/ There's great guys there, really friendly and always have fantastic deals, they keep Disco Therapy up to date with the latest and best gear available.

The Mixer I won was an American Audio VMS4 (Velocity MIDI station). This all-in-one unit has all the features found on top-of-the-line professional mixer as well, such as: Balanced XLR outputs, Gain, Treble, Mid and Bass for each Midilog™ channel, crossfader assign and curve, and 2 Microphone Inputs with Treble, Mid and Bass control.

This will help take the Disco Therapy sound to another level!

Slash Plays Edinburgh

There's always a sense of anticipation when a gig you've been looking forward to arrives, but this was gonna be a big one - Slash was playing Scotland's capital! Tickets were sold out in minutes and I had one.

The Picture House in Edinburgh is a converted cinema/night club which, to be fair, isn't huge but acoustically is ideal for music and tonight was no exception. When the lights dimmed the noise level rose and before we knew it the top hat could be seen through the mist. Slash's guitar sound was crystal clear and the tightness of the band was astounding. He's pulled a master stroke by bringing Myles Kennedy on the road... the man's voice is unbelievable.

It was incredible to hear Myles Kennedy apologizing for feeling a little off color as his vocals were outstanding. None more so than when he performed "Starlight". The man has a range you would not believe.

The highlight of the night was just around the corner though when the opening chords of "Sweet Child O' Mine" began.

They played a energising 2 hour set, and there was only gonna be one ending here and "Paradise City" just topped the cake... what a night!

The tickets for the Dare to Care charity Halloween party will be going on sale soon.

This is an absolutely fantastic charity, supporting underprivelaged children within North and south Lanarkshire, giving them a Christmas they'll never forget.

Please take time out to read the letter in this post. It tells you about the brilliant work this amazing charity does.

The man behind this is one of a kind and has a heart of gold.

Hey Macarena! - Teach yourself the Macarena!

Disco Therapy - Sound System

We're very proud of the sound system we use at Disco Therapy, it's a McGregor Mytek 212. Not only does this system sound stunning, it also looks the part too!

This is an £1800 system, which delivers 2000 watts of crisp sound and can handle venues up to the size of the Glasgow Hilton or Motherwell Civic Centre!

The Mytek 212 is used in our premium setup, we love using it at weddings, where sound and asthetics are equally as important.