Are you considering a DJ?

When selecting musical entertainment for weddings, corporate parties, and similar events, you should do what makes you the most comfortable. It is your decision and your money. But arm yourself with the facts:

No DJ playing mass-produced recorded music can match
the warmth, energy, personality, and sophistication
of a live performance.
Why settle for less when you can have the real thing?
Here are some of the key questions we hear from our clients on this issue. Perhaps we can clear up a few misconceptions.


Doesn't a live band cost more than a DJ?

Sometimes. But remember the old saying "You get what you pay for", and think about the value received. To put it simply, live musicians work harder for you.

Some DJs will tell you that bands charge more because they have more people to pay. This completely misses the point. You're not paying for "bodies". You're paying for real talent and skill, developed through many years of musical training, rehearsal and experience.

This is one of the most important days of your life.
Don't sacrifice class for cash.

Besides, the myth that DJ entertainment is always less expensive than live entertainment just doesn't hold true anymore. Some DJs' rates these days are much higher than you might think ... shockingly higher. Remember, they don't actually produce the music. They play recordings of others, pretty much like you do at home or on your personal music system. This requires no talent or skill.

Look at the big picture: Bands are MUCH cheaper than most of the other services you are paying for, such as the banquet room, food, flowers, and so forth.

But what's the most important factor in the success of your event?
Most everyone agrees, IT'S THE MUSIC!

Your guests will eat three more meals the next day, and in 6 months they won’t have a clue what you fed them. What they (and you) WILL remember is whether or not they had a great time partying to the music and participating in the celebration!

So as you're spending tens of thousands of dollars, the average cost of a wedding these days, does it really make sense to risk your special day by scrimping a few bucks on the entertainment? Put your money where it will do the most good.

Take Two offers exceptional value for your musical entertainment dollar. We function like a full band with all the trimmings, yet we cost a lot less.


Aren't live bands too loud?

Here is where "Take Two" really shines. We provide unmatched control with self-contained music production. The sound is always perfectly mixed, no matter where you sit. No volume problems, no uneven balance, no ear-splitting guitar (unless you want one, of course!), and no struggle to hear the singers over the instruments, even on high-energy material.

The real key, though, is a presentation that is sensitive to the age, taste and mood of the audience. Even a DJ can easily be too loud, and in our experience, they often are.


Will I have to pay extra for equipment like sound systems and lights?

Some DJs make a big fuss, and charge extra, for services that have always been "business as usual" for real musicians. The truth is, any quality live act will automatically include full professional stage lighting and effects (if desired). And professional musical instrument sound systems are of the highest quality and reliability, far beyond what most DJs use. They have to be.


I want someone to take charge of the event and be an "emcee"

DJs didn't invent this either. As part of their performance, real musicians have always functioned as Master of Ceremonies, if desired. In fact, they generally do a better job because they are more accustomed to being in the spotlight. They orchestrate (pardon the pun) the flow of events in a smooth and appropriate manner, working with you every step of the way to see that your wishes are carried out. Want proof? Listen to what our past clients have to say.


Or, the opposite .....
I DON'T want someone to do a bunch of talking .... just play the music !
This is a new one on us. Some couples these days seem to regard TALKING as "cheesy".

Normally when you hire entertainment (band or DJ) for an event like a wedding reception, they are expected to direct the flow of events, encourage guests to dance, introduce people for toasts, call attention to the cake-cutting, garter-tossing, and other events. Their job is to establish a rapport with your guests and create a fun, party atmosphere.

How do they accomplish all this? By TALKING. This is a skill, and it's a big part of what you pay them for.

But we think the clients (you) are always right. If the atmosphere you honestly want is just recorded music in the background with no talking at all, there's no reason to pay anyone, because no talent or skill is required. Save your money. Rent or borrow a sound system, load your favorite tunes into an iPod and hit the "play" button.


Don't DJs offer a wider variety of music?

Experienced musicians will be able to play virtually all types of music. DJs may tell you about the thousands of titles in their library, but in a typical 3-hour event, there is only time for about 30 to 40 songs. So quantity is not near as important as skill and experience in choosing the right tunes.

"Take Two" offers just about any sort of music, from classical wedding ceremony selections, to a quiet backdrop of jazz and pop standards during the cocktail hour, to high-energy rock and dance tunes. So there will be something for all your guests. Take a look at the diversity in our song list.

Plus, Take Two has a little "secret" that makes us unique: if someone wants a particular song that is not in our repertoire, we are willing to play the "real" CD instead. In effect, we become a DJ for that moment. So all bases are covered, and you have the best of both worlds!


Bands cannot take requests, right?

Not true. Experienced musicians make it their business to be familiar with many tunes and styles so they can handle just about any request that might be thrown their way. "Take Two's" unique self-contained structure makes it easy to be flexible; no need for a hasty "group huddle" when someone shouts up a request. Interacting with the audience, playing requests on the spur of the moment, adjusting to the crowd's changing mood, even in the middle of a party .... that is what we do.


I want songs to sound the way I'm used to hearing them, by the original artists. Don't bands do their own interpretations?

No. Good "cover bands" imitate the original recordings quite well. That's the whole point of a cover band. But don't take our word for it, listen to our sound clips.

And if we honestly can't do a particular song justice for some reason, then (as mentioned above) we are perfectly willing to "play DJ" for you.


Bands require more space to set up, right?

"Take Two" takes up no more room than a DJ.


With a band, won't I have to feed more people? And don't they bring "groupies?"

"Take Two" NEVER expects to be invited for dinner or alcoholic beverages. And we NEVER bring guests to private events.


Bands take breaks and DJs don't, right?

Any quality live band will read the flow of the event and structure their schedule accordingly. That means, among other things, not taking a break when the party is at a peak energy level. And even if there is a short pause, recorded music is played. So you are right back to what you would get with a DJ.

"Take Two" is uniquely flexible in this regard. Our breaks are very minimal, and we have been known to play three or more hours straight when appropriate. It's just another way we "go the extra mile", doing everything in our power to make your event a success! Ask our past clients.

________________________________________________________

...... Disclaimer ...... Disclaimer ...... Disclaimer ......
Yes, we know these statements do not apply to all DJs.

The problem is, the term "DJ" now has many different meanings. There are at least three groups that could legitimately be called "performers", that do actually have talent, and do offer value in the right situation:

One is "voice talent", such as the on-air personalities of your local radio or TV stations. These are polished talk professionals who can carry an audience presentation and make it lively and interesting simply by the force of their personality.

Another group is club DJs who actually create their own music, such as rap or techno mixes, using samples or turntable scratching.

And then there are many non-musical entertainers for hire who do a great job at parties, such as dancers, magicians, game hosts for kids, etc.

The point is, today's typical mobile DJ is none of these things.

What do you get when you hire today's typical mobile DJ for your wedding, party or corporate event? Someone who plays recordings of others, pretty much like you do at home or on your personal music system. They purchase some equipment, then buy or borrow CDs, or they hit the internet and download songs for free.

So ..... what exactly are you paying them for?
________________________________________________________


Go first class .... choose live music
(even if it's not us ! )

Comparing a real band to a DJ is like comparing fresh food to frozen or canned.
(Imagine if your caterer brought out frozen dinners!)
Don't take our word for it! Read what others have to say on this issue:

Oracle
Bill Sargent
Mixed Company
Java

Back To "Take Two" Home Page