Thoughts
The Great Debate: Media
With the 2012 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show this weekend, I'm reminded many times of the endless debate that the technological progress in DJ equipment has brought. If any of you have been following the advancements over the years, you'll of course notice how much the laptop has become a mandatory part of most DJ setups, and even analog media (vinyl records and CDs) being pushed out for digital media (MP3, Flac, WAV, etc.). On top of that, midi controls have now become even more widespread and it's pretty clear they will push CD players and vinyl turntables out.
Probably from the birth of the CDJ, I've been hearing this debate to death. Even more now with the advent of digital technology and software-based DJing. I can't go one week without seeing a Facebook posting, YouTube video, or blog entry from someone lamenting on how DJing has taken a nosedive because of the decay of analog vinyl or the onslaught of software and midi.
How To Promote Events & Throw Your Own Parties: Part 6
It's the day after. Your event went off well, you had a packed venue, the music was phenomenal, photos were taken, new fans were made, and you made a good impression.
Whether or not you have another event coming soon, don't lose your momentum! Too many in the past have simply fallen lazy at this moment and thus lost key opportunities to build upon their success.
Enough with the attacks on "sexy" Halloween
Lately, I'm seeing many blogs and news sites coming out with their "great Halloween costume" ideas like one would see every year. What I notice now is how many are tossing in some kind of pot shot at any women who basically wear a "sexy ______" (insert name of character) outfit. I see the comments usually saying things like "grow up", "show some class", and even one who went out saying how much it demeans women in general.
Are you kidding? While I will write entries attacking when people live irresponsible and careless lives, I also live in the real world. I'm not speaking as some guy desiring to see scantily-clad women, but more just as a voice of reason stating that all the complaining in this matter won't change anything.
How To Promote Events & Throw Your Own Parties: Part 5
The big night has arrived. You're at the venue with decoration and sound check completed. Your opening DJ is ready to go, the bar staff are all set, and one of your crew is at the front door with the completed guest list. Think you can just kick back and wait for your set? Think again.
One of the biggest mistakes amateur promoters make (especially ones who are also DJs) is they do not take an active role in the evening outside of their DJ set. They'll hang with friends, get drunk, play their set, and then wonder later why they don't see repeat turnout from patrons.
How To Promote Events & Throw Your Own Parties: Part 4
The day of your event is approaching, and it's time to get ready for it all. You've got the venue, figured out the budget, planned the evening, selected and booked the entertainment; you're set...almost.
Planning is only part of the job. You still have to promote the event, then do all the prep work on the day of the event, and then of course run the event too. We'll get into running the event next week, but today we're going to go into the hard work of promotion and night-of preparation.
RIP: Steve Jobs
I will admit that I was shocked when I heard Steve Jobs had died last night. I was sitting on a train, with people looking at me strangely when I openly said "Oh my God!" It was only a month and a half ago when Jobs handed the torch to COO Tim Cook. At the time we all speculated on Apple's future, but assume Jobs would be around for 20-30 more years before passing. This was a big surprise to many.
I guess Steve's ailments were worse than we were led to believe. For those who might now know, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2004, and went on a long struggle with it, while at the same time still trying to run Apple. He finally stepped down as CEO in late August of this year.
