Have you ever been to an event, party, or wedding that seemed ideal in every way?  Chances are there was live musical entertainment at that occasion.  Whether it was a solo pianist, chamber orchestra or a party band, the energy and emotion generated by the musicians always touches individuals.  Good planning and carefully placed decorations contribute to the success of any event, but live music can make the difference between a good experience and that of a memorable one!

Why then do individuals frequently choose to hire a D.J. (disc jockey) or other form of pre-recorded music?  The reason is typically found in two hiring misconceptions. 

1.      D.J.’s are cheaper than musicians.

2.      D.J.’s can play all kinds of music.    

Let’s examine each misconception.  First, are D.J.’s truly less expensive than live musicians?   In the past several years, D.J.’s fees have steadily increased while live performance music has held steady, and in some instances gone down.  The fee for a good quality D.J. can range from $500 to over $1,500 depending on the sound system, lighting system, and entertainment gimmicks.   A D.J. set-up is usually made up of one person and perhaps a helper unless you get into the more elaborate D.J. services that offer professional light shows and stage dancers.  In the case of the latter, fees can approach or exceed the cost of hiring a big band.  Therefore, on a per individual basis, D.J. fees exceed that of musicians.

These days, D.J.’s generally download their music from the internet.  That means their library consists of mp3 files.  MP3 is a compression standard used to transfer audio files over the internet or group into a device with memory limitations.  During playback, the system decompresses the audio file.  This decompression can loose some of the audio quality of the original file.  In the end, DJ entertainment simply does not carry the overall entertainment value of a live musical performance. 

One professional musician explains the entertainment value of live music this way:

 “. . . At any special event, inevitably, your guests will be comprised of a mixed crowd varying in, among other things, age, ethnicity, background as well as their desire to be reserved or outgoing. For some guests the music will spawn activity and they will spend the majority of their time on the dance floor. For others, who might have less of a desire to dance, live music provides an equally enjoyable concert or lounge-type atmosphere. The bottom line is that live entertainment is both a participatory activity and a spectator sport all rolled into one.

This is the unequalled entertainment value of live music. It is clearly demonstrated by the millions of people who attend concerts, symphonies, outdoor festivals, jazz clubs, night clubs to hear live entertainers perform each year. There is an inherent power and energy in live entertainment that captivates and appeals to the audience. “

The second misconception is that D.J.’s can play all kinds of music.  On the surface, that point seems logically true.  They just need to carry a big variety of music – right?  Let’s analyze a typical four hour function.  During that time, the maximum amount of music that can be played will be 50 – 65 songs.  Most of those songs are going to be established hits that may range in styles from pop, to country, to big band swing, to hip-hop, etc.  A good D.J. will focus on the style or genre of music that is generating the most interest on the dance floor.  Hence, the majority of repertoire played will be one to two styles.  Also, because of technological differences and improvements, music recorded in the 50’s will sound different in audio playback than music recorded yesterday.  There will be noticeable differences when a D.J. does a big mix of genres and time period favorites.  So, the reality is that you are getting the D.J.’s preferences, subject to his collective inventory, with a slight mix of other styles or novelty tunes.  D.J.’s may have an edge over live musicians on quantity, but not necessarily on variety! 

To summarize, we all have CDs and recorded music at home.  Do you really want to pay someone to play many of those same CDs you have at home?  Remember, live music creates excitement.  People like to feel the energy of the performers.

Live music makes every occasion special, whether it’s a 50’s doo-wop band, tribute band, or a variety dance band, live musicians and performance can set the mood and the feel for any event.  Lastly, a good band will usually carry a variety of CDs that can be played during breaks, thus giving the guests non-stop entertainment and personalized service.  

Mike “Style” Murillo                                                                                                                              JUMPSTART, the Band – Excellence In Musical Entertainment