Both DJs and live bands/musicians provide great entertainment and fun for you and your guests, so why not have both? That’s the best of both worlds! I’ve worked extensively with live bands in both nightclubs and weddings by complementing their sets and not “stealing their thunder”. There’s a way to do this in such a way as to maximize the entertainment excitement and minimize any issues. First, it’s important that band leader/members and DJ in Miami have a good rapport and collective entertainment package mentality. It’s important to put any ego or friction that may exist between musicians and DJs aside and embrace a “WE” viewpoint as far as the entertainment goes. WE want to make your wedding or event fun and memorable. If the band/musician is hired for a certain segment like ceremony or cocktail hour, then much of the following does not apply as it’s clear who is playing when vs the following which applies to the RECEPTION when there will be BOTH a band/musician and DJ.
It should be clear in advance who is going to be the Master of Ceremonies “M.C.”, the DJ or a band member. This ensures a smooth handling of your formalities,
Next, It definitely helps to have a tentative entertainment schedule of when band will play from/to and when DJ will play. I say “tentative” because often these set times are not exact for various reasons. It could be that band is really rockin their set and just goes longer or vice versa that DJ is rockin. It could be that one of the band members isn’t back from their break on time. Either way, it comes down to flexibility, being “in the moment”, and a good rapport & COMMUNICATION between band leader and DJ. It SHOULD be clear though when the last song before changing to band or DJ is occurring.
A SET LIST from the band is really important. DJ should avoid playing any songs the band will be playing unless you the client request that DJ play the version from the original artist too. It’s best for DJ to COMPLEMENT the band by playing genres or songs that are appropriate for your guest mix but band doesn’t play. It also helps DJ to “setup” the band’s opening song for each set so as to keep the energy flow consistent, and DJ should also transition out of band’s set smoothly. Sometimes however, it’s ok to not have the musical transitions between band and DJ be of the same genre or tempo. This is where flexibility, being “in the moment”, creativity, and pleasing you and your guests take precedence.
Got a band and need an experienced DJ to play on their breaks? Let’s chat! Text/Call me at 786-325-7696 or email djajfalcon@gmail.com
