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Mobile Disc Jockeys are an extension of the original Radio Disc Jockeys. Unlike their Radio counterparts, the industry is primarily seen as a part-time or second career.However, for some very talented and business savvy individuals it has become a full-time career and passion. WHAT DO MOBILE DISC JOCKEYS DO? Simply put, they travel or tour with mobile sound systems and play from an extensive collection of pre-recorded music for a targeted audience. This music could be on many different formats such as Compact Disc, Cassette, Vinyl Records, or played from a Computer . The audiences they play for may be at one of many private functions such as wedding receptions, bar and bat mitzvah receptions, school dances, etc. You will also see Mobile Disc Jockeys perform in public in bars / taverns, nightclubs, or even block parties. The definition and responsibilities of a mobile disc jockey have changed since Bob Casey's first two-turntable system for continuous playback was utilized for sock-hops in 1955. Bands had long dominated the wedding entertainment industry, but with the advent of the less expensive Mobile DJ, their market share dwindled. In the early years, the image of the mobile DJ industry was that of a last resort choice for Entertainment with only themselves to blame. Chief complaints about Mobile Disc Jockeys included those who were late, did not show at all, played the music too loud, didn't play the music requested, were only there for the party, or had sub-standard equipment. Many companies during this era were what would be called "fly-by-night". They were in business one day, and out of it the next. A few companies of this era did establish themselves as competent businesses and thrived (some even still exist today). Then, during the Disco era of the 1970s, demand for Mobile Djs (called Mobile Discos in the UK) soared. The music scene had changed and the classic rock bands could not or would not adjust to the change. Top Disc Jockeys in this era would have hundreds of vinyl records and/or cassette tapes to play from. The equipment used in this era was enormous and usually required roadies (similar to those who work for bands) to set up. Because of the demand for mobile disc jockeys, many people from all facets of life jumped in hoping to make a few extra dollars on the weekends. These "Weekend Warriors", as they are called by many, helped enhance the negative stereotype of the mobile Disc Jockey. Many of the same complaints from the earlier era continued. A good mobile disc jockey should be able to play a clients specific requests by incorporating them into a repertoire of party favorites. This is called "reading" the crowd. Professionals are taught to read the crowd by playing sets of music and reading the crowds response,then reformatting the event music accordingly.Complaints arise when a mobile DJ can only play one genre of music with no room for deviation. MOBILE DJ ASSOCIATIONS ARE FORMED Some tried to improve this image by forming professional associations. The Canadian Disc Jockey Association (CDJA) was one of the original associations formed in 1976 as a not-for-profit Trade association for Disc Jockeys across Canada . It was joined by a much broader online association called the Canadian Online Disc Jockey Association (CODJA), founded by Glenn Miller and Dennis Hampson . United States Disc Jockeys were reluctant to form anything similar until 1992 when the American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA) was incorporated. The original Board of Directors were Bruce Keslar, Maureen Keslar, John Roberts, and Lori Jesse. In 1996, after being removed from the ADJA Board from a financial dispute, Keslar then went on to form the for-profit National Association Of Mobile Entertainers (NAME), based in the Philadelphia area. Both associations thrive today with an estimated 5,000 members combined as of November 2005. TECHNOLOGY, INFORMATION HELPS MAKE MOBILE DJING MORE PROFESSIONAL As the late 1980s tunred into the 1990s, new technologies emerged. Compact Disc collections were becoming the standard to play music from. Many equipment manufacturers realized the potential market that existed for Mobile DJ s and raced to make equipment that was smaller, easier to use, and of better quality. The introduction of dedicated Mobile Disc Jockey Trade publications such as DJ Times magazine, followed by Mobile Beat Magazine were founded in this era as well. These publications helped to spread the word about the emerging technologies and would publish informational articles that were helpful to the Mobile Disc Jockey . This is also the era when Mobile Disc Jockey s became the top Entertainment choice for most private parties including wedding receptions. COMPUTERS AND THE INFORMATION AGE: IT'S IMPACT ON THE MOBILE DJ In the mid 1990s, computers and the internet had a profound impact on the Mobile DJ Industry. Professor Jam, a Tampa Bay, Florida Disc Jockey already known in the industry for having performed for many celebrities and television networks, became one of the first Disc Jockey s in the United States to regularly use computer technology to play music at his shows and the first professional endorsed computer disc jockey internationally. Glenn Miller, a well-know Mobile DJ in Ontario, Canada (who also co-founded the CODJA) became the First Licensed MP3 DJ under new music licensing agreement that was introduced to Canada in 2000 by the AVLA. He is also regarded as the father of online networking for Mobile Disc Jockeys. It was Miller who started the first Bulletin Board System for Mobile DJs from all over North America (and eventually the world) to network and share ideas with one another. See a 1998 version of that board here: [http://web.archive.org/web/19980125231124/www.glenn-miller.com/wwwboard/wwwboard.html Forum] 21ST CENTURY CHALLENGES In the 21st Century, the role of the Mobile Disc Jockey has expanded. While there are still many so-called "human jukeboxes", many others have assumed more reponsibilities to ensure an event's success. These responsibilities include emceeing, event coordination, lighting director, or sound engineer.It is important to note that with their professional training and years of experience the mobile DJ is still an important part of any party or event where a crowded dancefloor is desired. The information is available at a Mobile Disc Jockeys fingertips than ever before. Along with all of the Mobile DJ Forums , there are yearly conventions, regional conferences, and many local seminars for Mobile Disc Jockeys to attend. |
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