Bands and DJs in Stafford

Andy's Vintage Disco provides an experienced DJ with vintage sounds up to today who can also present a themed party night for your event, putting together a disco party to take you back to the golden age of disco. Read about the background story and some really useful advice to take into account when looking to book a DJ for your event.

What do you need to know from an organiser in order to provide a comprehensive quote?

I would need the date and location, together with start and finish times, and a time when I can have access to set up.

I always offer clients the chance to send a playlist in advance of songs they would like included or indeed avoided, and I advise that I encourage requests on the night itself.

I advise clients that I can offer an MC role if required, which is included in the overall quote.and not charged additionally.

What advice would you give to a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

I would advise the customer not simply to look for the lowest quote, in discos, 'cheaper' is usually not 'better' - you do get what you pay for.

Look for a DJ who specialises in the entertainment you want, and don't be afraid to ask for a discussion about your specific requirements in advance.
Check if your venue requires proof of liability insurance and PAT testing for equipment, and if the DJ needs to send that to the venue in advance, or provide it on the night - if your DJ doesn't have the appropriate PAT test certificate, and insurance, then avoid them, they are amateurs and may not be able to work on the night.

Please tell us a little bit about how and why you started the business.

I started life as a night club DJ in three major nightclub venues in Stoke-on-Trent, and I have over forty years of experience as a DJ and radio presenter.
I have always been passionate about music and I have never lost the thrill of seeing people dancing and having a good time.
The golden rule for a DJ is to play what your audience wants, which can often be miles away from what you like, or what you would like your audience to like! If you are a heavy metal fan at home, and your audience wants Latin American dance tunes, then that is what you play - the audience is in charge, always.
Plenty of people think being a party DJ is easy. I'm not saying it's brain surgery, but it's not as easy as it looks to someone who doesn't do it, and sees the DJ working making it look like anyone can do it. It's a skill, and you have to learn your craft and always be completely professional, even when you are packing up after six hours of work, and a drunken idiot is demanding one more tune for him and his mates. Be nice, be calm, you can shout at the radio on the drive home!

Please tell us about a booking you've had through Add to Event, how did it go? Would you recommend us to others?

My first gig with Add to Event was a Northern Soul and Motown night for a retirement party.

I love Motown and Northern Soul, it is a specialist area, and you have to know your stuff because Northern fans know theirs, they know the classics and expect to hear them.

I live about two miles from the site of the legendary Golden Torch soul venue, and I know my Northern Soul and Motown very well and love doing this type of night.

The whole evening was a massive success, and the guest of honour gave me an additional tip as a thank you at the end of the night. Hopefully, I will be asked back!