DJNTV • Disc Jockey News TV

07/16/2025

Can a cover truly be better than the original? And where do all those iconic samples come from? 🎶 Dive into the debate with us as we explore the most impactful remakes and the fascinating techniques of music sampling!

In this dynamic conversation, we highlight:

Surprising transformations: "Blue Suede Shoes," "If You Could Read My Mind," "Woodstock," and many more.

The magic of creative reinterpretation that makes a cover stand out.

Decoding famous (and obscure) samples: Uncover the hidden layers in hits from Beyoncé to Kanye West.

The controversy and creativity of sampling: Is it always a good thing?

Rare finds and musical connections you never knew existed!

Get ready to hear some amazing music and challenge your perceptions of originality! Which cover do you think reigns supreme?



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07/15/2025

Are you a mobile DJ looking to streamline your setup, protect your gear, and work smarter, not harder? This video is packed with insider tips and essential hacks from seasoned DJs to revolutionize your workflow!

We cover everything you need to know, including:

The BEST cart for mobile DJs (and how to upgrade it!).

Smart gear organization: labeling, cases, and keeping cables tidy.

Choosing the right sound system size for any audience.

Securing your stands and managing cables like a pro.

Lightweight, battery-powered speaker setups for ultimate portability.

Optimizing your vehicle for transport and always having a backup plan.

Plus, a clever gaffer tape trick and an elegant cable runner solution!

Transform your mobile DJ business with these practical, real-world strategies!



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http://www.djeventplanner.com
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07/14/2025

Are you a DJ or entrepreneur frustrated by a lack of progress?

You want to see change, but it's just not happening. In this raw talk, Bill from Creative License reveals the HARSH TRUTH about why your business might be stuck.

He shares a real coaching experience and challenges YOU to:

Identify the exact changes you want in your business.

Pinpoint the specific actions or habits you need to change to get there.

Understand the critical role of motivation in driving real progress.

Stop wishing for change and start creating it! If you're ready to transform your DJ career or business, this video is a wake-up call you can't miss.



Bill Hermann Playlist: https://djntv.com/category/bill-hermann-creative-license

https://www.entertainment-experience.com/

MCs:g Everyone? | Creative License with Bill Hermann #441

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07/14/2025

Every DJ faces it: the dreaded gig cancellation!

This week, we're diving deep into our 4th of July weekend cancellation nightmares and revealing crucial strategies to protect your livelihood.

Join us as we discuss:

The real cost of last-minute cancellations and how it impacts DJs.

Why contracts are CRITICAL (and when verbal agreements fail).

Dealing with unexpected venue closures and communication breakdowns.

Mastering set extensions – when to say yes and how to get paid for it!

Negotiating your worth: Why your rate is for the night, not the hour, and how to get your cut of bar sales.

Pro tips for avoiding underpayment and verifying sales.

Don't let cancellations or unfair pay ruin your DJ career. Learn from our mistakes and take control of your gigs!



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07/09/2025

Remember when MTV actually played music videos? 📼 Join us on a trip down memory lane as we revisit the most iconic and unforgettable music videos that shaped generations! From groundbreaking visuals to cultural phenomena, we're sharing our personal favorites and the stories behind them.

In this nostalgic discussion, we dive into:

Michael Jackson's "Thriller": The cinematic masterpiece that changed everything.

A-Ha's "Take On Me": The animation that mesmerized millions.

Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer": A stop-motion marvel.

ZZ Top's Legendary Trilogy: Cars, girls, and fuzzy guitars!

Robert Palmer's "Addicted to Love": The enduring classic.
..and many more from artists like Duran Duran, Guns N' Roses, Art of Noise, Tom Petty, Eddie Money, and Kylie Minogue!

What were YOUR must-watch videos? Share your favorites in the comments!


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06/30/2025

Bill Hermann Playlist: https://djntv.com/category/bill-hermann-creative-license

https://www.entertainment-experience.com/

Stop Making Clients Ask the Right Questions – Be the DJ Who Shows You're a Pro! | Creative License with Bill Hermann #439

Bill Hermann from Creative License emphasizes the importance of educating clients on how to hire professional DJs, a topic that has been ongoing for over 20 to 30 years within the industry. Historically, national DJ associations developed a list of essential questions clients should ask when interviewing DJs, such as whether they have backup equipment, insurance, continuing education, and protocols if they cannot perform. While these guidelines helped elevate many non-professional DJs to more professional standards, Bill argues that relying on clients to ask these questions is a sign that DJs are not presenting themselves effectively. He stresses that these basic professional standards—insurance, backup plans, professionalism—should be considered the “lowest bar” and expected without needing to be explicitly mentioned.

Bill suggests that the real differentiation comes from how DJs interact with clients—by listening more than talking, showing genuine interest, and creating a connection that goes beyond just answering standard questions. Instead of trying to convince clients through rehearsed answers or sales tactics, DJs should focus on authentic engagement, as clients naturally respond to sincerity and uniqueness. Ultimately, Bill believes that every DJ is unique, and embracing that individuality while genuinely caring about the client’s needs will set professionals apart in a crowded market. He encourages DJs to shift their mindset from trying to “sell” themselves to building meaningful relationships and letting their true personality shine through.

Highlights
🎧 The conversation about teaching clients how to hire professional DJs has been ongoing for over 20-30 years.
📋 Industry associations created a standard questionnaire to help clients identify professional DJs.
🛡️ Basic professional standards like insurance, backup equipment, and punctuality should be expected without needing to be asked.
🗣️ DJs often talk too much; listening more than talking is a key way to stand out.
❤️ Genuine interest in clients creates stronger connections and builds trust naturally.
🌟 Every DJ is unique; embracing individuality is crucial to differentiate in a crowded market.
💡 Shifting from selling to relationship-building results in better client engagement and success

Sponsors:
http://www.djeventplanner.com
http://www.electrovoice.com
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06/30/2025

This episode of "KJs Helping KJs" kicks off with DJ Eric, Matthew Shun, and K Dog with DJK Productions introducing their special guest, James Taylor (not the famous singer, but a frequent karaoke singer at Matthew's shows). They immediately dive into a fun segment where DJ Eric and K Dog try to guess what kind of songs James, with his deep voice, performs. Their initial guesses span from Commodores to Marvin Gaye and even Disturbed's "Sound of Silence," but they're mostly off the mark!

The hosts then transition into discussing essential gear for KJs and DJs. They emphasize the importance of having backup equipment, especially microphones and laptops, sharing anecdotes about past technical failures that led to show cancellations or near-disasters. Matthew recounts a recent experience where his laptop froze an hour before a show, highlighting the critical need for redundancies. Kevin elaborates on his extensive backup system, including external hard drives for music and multiple laptops, mixers, and cables for every event. They also briefly touch on the pros and cons of different mixer types, specifically contrasting analog mixers with digital touch-screen models like the QSC TouchMix. The conversation continuously circles back to preparedness, underscoring that a smooth show often depends on anticipating and mitigating potential equipment malfunctions.

Sponsors:
http://www.djeventplanner.com
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06/26/2025

Navigating the Karaoke Chaos: The KJ’s Balancing Act https://djntv.com/navigating-the-karaoke-chaos-the-kjs-balancing-act This “KJ Edition” episode dives into the intricate challenge for Karaoke Jockeys (KJs): effectively managing diverse audience expectations during a karaoke night. Gabby Davis sparks the debate by questioning if KJs are responsible for entertaining non-singing patrons who might be bored by slower songs, or if the audience should simply understand they’re at a karaoke event. Matthew Shun, K Dog (Kevin), and DJ Eric universally agree that the KJ is the “pilot” of the night’s “vibe,” emphasizing the critical need to strike a balance between catering to eager singers and engaging the rest of the crowd. They share strategies like interspersing upbeat dance tracks between slower karaoke performances and maintaining fair song rotations, all while navigating the delicate line of keeping everyone entertained without alienating any specific group. Ultimately, the hosts conclude there’s no single “right” way to run a karaoke night, underscoring that adaptability and a keen read of the live audience are paramount for a successful and engaging event.

Sponsors:
http://www.djeventplanner.com (http://www.djeventplanner.com)
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http://www.proxdirect.com (http://www.proxdirect.com)
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Disc Jockey News

06/25/2025

In this episode of "Tuesday Night Music Show," DJs Brian S. Redd, Jay Brannan, Brian K., and DJ Tom delve into a fascinating question: which musical artists inspire them on a personal level, and how much of a performer's public persona is genuine?

The conversation kicks off with Brian S. Redd asking if there's any artist they can truly relate to, beyond their musical output. Jay initially brings up an unnamed artist he once admired for their decision-making but has since been disillusioned. He then pivots to Joe Perry of Aerosmith, noting Perry's long-standing marriage and apparent dedication as a father as relatable qualities, despite his past struggles. Jay also touches on the common sentiment that one "should never meet their heroes," as the reality of an artist often differs from the projected image, sometimes revealing that for many, music is simply a job.

Brian S. Redd shares his admiration for Paul McCartney, perceiving him as a "genuinely good man" who has remained gracious and humble despite his immense fame. He recounts a story of McCartney intentionally getting arrested in Japan to escape the pressures of touring with Wings, showcasing a pragmatic side to his personality.

The group expands on the idea of authenticity, distinguishing between artists who separate their stage persona from their private lives (like Alice Cooper, who views his "Alice" character as theater) and those whose public and private selves seem more intertwined. They lament the decline of the "rock star" archetype, suggesting that the decadent lifestyle once associated with rock has largely shifted to hip-hop, though even there, much of the image can be a façade.

Jay recounts a personal anecdote about meeting Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead, describing him as surprisingly polite, cordial, and genuinely kind, reinforcing the idea that some artists are truly good people beyond their wild stage presence. The episode concludes with the consensus that the most admirable artists are those who, regardless of their public image, exhibit genuine kindness and respect. They also praise the "it factor" of truly great performers who can captivate an audience in any setting, from a massive arena to a small club.

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06/24/2025

This episode of "Hanging Out on Monday Nights" features DJs discussing a common challenge: maintaining guest engagement when attractive outdoor spaces pull people away from the main dance floor at weddings or anniversary parties. The conversation, spurred by Brian's idea, quickly centers on the concept of offering satellite sound zones as an additional service.

Jay, drawing on his extensive experience, strongly advocates for this, recalling how his old mixer's "zone output" allowed him to play different music in a separate area (like a bar or lounge) while still being able to make announcements through a microphone to that specific zone, drawing guests back to the main event. He even recounts using an iPod Nano and a basic speaker to create a chill reggae vibe on a balcony overlooking a Padres game, proving that even simple setups can enhance the guest experience.

The discussion explores practicalities, from readily available, affordable column array speakers with built-in MP3 players and Bluetooth (like the Sound Town model discussed) to repurposing existing battery-powered speakers. The hosts highlight the potential for significant upcharges for this service, ranging from $175 to $500, making it a lucrative addition for DJs. They also brainstorm creative applications, such as using the satellite zone to play a client's "listening" music that isn't suitable for dancing, or providing a themed playlist for a particular area. The consensus is clear: offering distinct soundscapes in different areas not only solves the problem of guests congregating elsewhere but also significantly enhances the overall event experience, providing both value to the client and increased profit for the DJ.

Sponsors:
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06/23/2025

Navigating the Unpredictable: Challenges for Wedding DJs https://djntv.com/navigating-the-unpredictable-challenges-for-wedding-djs This episode of Hanging on a Monday, hosted by Jay, Buddy, John C., DJ Tom, and Kevin, dives into the unforeseen challenges wedding DJs face during events – situations beyond their control. Jay kicks off the discussion with a recent wedding at San Diego’s Ultimate Skybox, where a Padres game happening right behind the venue diverted half the guests’ attention. This highlights a key aspect of DJ expertise: understanding that while you can’t control external distractions, you can control your attitude and commitment to providing the best possible service.

The conversation quickly moves to the often-overlooked logistical nightmares of wedding venues, particularly concerning elevators and load-in/load-out procedures. Jay recounts a harrowing experience with a challenging elevator system, while other DJs share tales of freight elevators with operators, narrow kitchen corridors, and lengthy hauls through service areas. The consensus is that nicer venues often present the most difficult access for vendors, leading to unexpected costs (like paying for extended elevator operation) and significant physical exertion for DJs and their teams.

Beyond venue logistics, the DJs discuss unique challenges such as accommodating music in unfamiliar languages, as Buddy experienced with a multicultural wedding. They emphasize the importance of proactive communication with clients, asking detailed questions, and even preparing backup equipment for unexpected emergencies like power outages or equipment failures. Kevin shares a story of a system breakdown during a remote ceremony, showcasing the necessity of being prepared for anything to ensure a seamless experience for the couple, even when faced with medical emergencies or intoxicated guests.

Sponsors:
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http://www.electrovoice.com (http://www.electrovoice.com)
http://www.madebydjs.com (http://www.madebydjs.com)
http://www.proxdirect.com (http://www.proxdirect.com)
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Disc Jockey News

06/23/2025

Beyond the Image: The Evolution of Music and DJ Performance https://djntv.com/beyond-the-image-the-evolution-of-music-and-dj-performance This episode of the Tuesday Night Music Show, featuring Brian, John, Damon, and Jay, dives into a lively discussion about the evolution of music, the role of image, and the art of DJ performance. The conversation kicks off with a provocative observation: many iconic bands from the 60s and 70s were, by conventional standards, “ugly.” This pre-MTV era prioritized content over appearance, focusing solely on the music, unlike the visual-driven landscape that emerged with bands like Duran Duran. The hosts highlight examples from Led Zeppelin to Black Sabbath, arguing that audiences cared more about the artistic output than the band members’ looks, a stark contrast to the image-conscious 80s.

The discussion then shifts to modern DJ trends, particularly focusing on performances at DJ conferences and expos. The panel critiques the rise of “wordplay” and highly produced, pre-recorded sets, arguing that many DJs are performing for their peers to impress rather than genuinely reading the crowd and providing what the audience wants. Jay emphatically states that DJs are the “worst audience” to play for due to their critical nature. This leads to a broader point about authenticity and artistry in DJing; while emulating heroes is part of artistic development, merely copying trends without developing a unique style or connecting with the audience can lead to self-indulgent performances.

The hosts delve into the nuances of DJing for different audiences, contrasting the performative nature of conference sets with the crowd-reading demands of a typical bar or club gig. Damon shares his philosophy of prioritizing audience “feeling” and attention spans, often opting for quick mixes with “bangers” in his live streams, but extending songs when the audience is deeply “vibing” with a track. The conversation underscores that true DJ skill lies not just in technical prowess or clever wordplay, but in the ability to deliver music that resonates with the room, fostering a shared experience rather than merely showcasing personal preferences or pre-programmed routines. The episode wraps up by emphasizing that while DJs play other people’s music, their artistry comes from their unique selections and their ability to connect with an audience.

Sponsors:
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http://www.proxdirect.com (http://www.proxdirect.com)
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Disc Jockey News