One of the fun things a professional DJ gets the opportunity to play with is finding a way to meet the needs of people from often three different generations all at the same time. Recently, I had observed a professional DJ deal with this exact situation and was startled by his lack of sensitivity to the guest at this wedding. It was disappointing to witness. He was approached by an older gentleman who was expressing his frustration with the professional DJ not playing any older or slow music for him and his friends/family to dance. The professional DJ promptly told him that the Bride asked for new and fast music and that was it. No; “I’ll get to it soon” or “As soon as the dance floor clears” or even, “I am sorry Sir”. The man walked away grumbling about how he was treated. I did not blame him. I too would have been angry if I was him.
Meeting the needs of diverse audiences while at an event or club is essential to creating a fun and memorable gig. Sometimes it is as easy as playing an Elvis Presley or Frank Sinatra song. Others it is Brice Springsteen or AC/DC. And even sometimes it means playing Lady GaGa or Beyonce or Pitbull to make sure everybody is having fun. At the end of the day, isn’t that what the professional DJ is there to do?
Why do some professional DJs fight and resist requests so fiercely?