Events Episodes

This is another useful episode (IMHO) about dealing with DJ frustrations at events. I share two of them that seem to rattle a bunch of DJs (myself included) - placement in the room and sound ordinances. What happens if you find yourself in one of these situations at an event? How do you do your best to avoid these issues ahead of the event? We discuss those things on this episode.

From time to time this year, I will be sharing tools on this podcast that I use which I think can help you as a DJ. In this episode, I sit down with VIBO's founder, Michael Mahler. Vibo is an event planning music app that I've been using ever since it launched in the US back in 2017. For those not familiar with the app, Michael will talk us through some of the highlights of the product. We'll discuss some of the things on the horizon for the app and then also he drops a golden nugget in sharing one of the things he wishes he could go back and tell his younger entrepreneurial self. Lastly, he'll share where you can find him and demo the product for yourself in 2023.

This is a listener requested topic - whether it's a planner or a DJ or a venue representative, each (in a lot of cases) feels like they should control the timeline. How do you handle a situation where there is dissension amongst the client and vendor team on this issue? In this episode, I give you the answer within the first 60 seconds then dive into the nuances (of which there are many). I think you can set yourself up to shine but most of the work has to be done on the front end to succeed.

Ever dealt with a parent of the bride or groom who is almost sabotaging the wedding by being on a power trip? How do you balance your allegiance to the person signing the contract with the person(s) who could be paying for the wedding? In this episode, I give you my take on how I would handle something of this nature.

In this episode, I share why I think a negative can actually be a positive. We start out saying "no" as a child but at some point, we're told we should always say "yes". As entrepreneurs, I believe we need to get back to our child-like roots.

I've heard a lot of DJ podcasts recently reference the benefit of short formality song edits and NY/NJ Mini Dance Sets. I want to give the other side of that argument. Simply put, I'm not a fan of either. I think both hurt the reception more than they help. In this episode, I give you my take on both and leave you with some food for thought. View the songs discussed on our Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3B062ZZKgEoFrhM28KYuM5?si=b99e46a023b7436b DJs: Interested in Heavy Hits Music Pool? Go to https://heavyhits.com/For my podcast listeners only, enter promo code: BRIANB - it gets you a 30 day trial for $5. Try it now. Have a topic you want covered? Drop me a DM at @thetraveldjblend. Has this podcast helped you? Share your thoughts by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast App.

Another story from the gig log. I share the story (a first for me as a DJ as it pertains to this particular issue) but the greater point of the episode is to ponder when is enough enough as far as the private event DJ always being looked to save the day when there's an emergency? Where's the line? What has happened to competent professionals? I hope this is not the post COVID norm but maybe it is. Anyway, here's a call to the greater private event DJ community - the more we enable others by bailing out folks when it's not our responsibility, the more this is going to reflect poorly on us and the more often it will happen. The real loser in all this is the client; and that's the real tragedy here. DJs: Interested in Heavy Hits Music Pool? Go to heavyhits.comFor my podcast listeners only, enter promo code: BRIANB - it gets you a 30 day trial for $5. Try it now. Have a topic you want covered? Drop me a DM at @thetraveldjblend. Has this podcast helped you? Share your thoughts by leaving…

I worked an ungodly amount of events this past Fall. With that, comes a ton of stories. In this episode, I share 3 of them - the faulty power box, lost luggage, and one about a broken elevator. These are just the tip of the iceberg of things I've experienced over the last few months. More stories to come. But with each one, there's an opportunity to learn from them and not only get perspective, but get better at my craft. DJs: Interested in Heavy Hits Music Pool? Go to heavyhits.com For my podcast listeners only, enter promo code: BRIANB - it gets you a 30 day trial for $5. Try it now. Have a topic you want covered? Drop me a DM at @thetraveldjblend. Has this podcast helped you? Share your thoughts by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast App.

I used to think that event attire didn't REALLY matter as an entertainer at private event functions. If the skills were on point, fashion was just an after thought. Maybe I was right when I first started. However, these days it's just as important as your DJ Set-Up. In this episode, I talk with my good friend and colleague, Rob Ferre from Life of The Party out of Salt Lake City, Utah. We talk through our two different approaches as well as give some Tips and Hacks as it pertains to DJ fashion. DJs: Interested in Heavy Hits Music Pool? Go to heavyhits.com For my podcast listeners only, enter promo code: BRIANB - it gets you a 30 day trial for $5. Try it now. Have a topic you want covered? Drop me a DM at @thetraveldjblend. Has this podcast helped you? Share your thoughts by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast App.

In this episode, I share a few stories from some of my latest events - DJ'ing with (almost ) no pants, some epic toasts and a revelation about getting older. DJs: Interested in Heavy Hits Music Pool? Go to heavyhits.com For my podcast listeners only, enter promo code: BRIANB - it gets you a 30 day trial for $5. Try it now. Have a topic you want covered? Drop me a DM at @thetraveldjblend. Has this podcast helped you? Share your thoughts by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast App.

Now that the world is starting to reset and events are coming back across the country, I thought I'd jump into some topics that are performance related. Grand Exits have always been the bane of my existence as a wedding DJ. I get the reason why they happen (photo/video op) but talk about an anti-climatic ending. Over the years, there's been a rise in "fake" grand exits which happen typically in the middle of the last dance set. Hate those too. However, I've put a twist on them and now I LOVE fake grand exits. I pitch them in lieu of the real thing. Everyone wins. I'm I share with you my fake grand exit method. Have a topic you want covered? Drop me a DM at @thetraveldjblend. Has this podcast helped you? Share your thoughts by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast App. DJs: Interested in Heavy Hits Music Pool? Go to heavyhits.com For my podcast listeners only, enter promo code: BRIANB - it gets you a 30 day trial for $5. Try it now.

Most private event DJs can admit to having had a Karen at one of their events at one point or another in their career. But have you ever dealt with multiple Karen's at the same event? I can now check that box. In this episode, I share how I navigated that scenario and give a few tips that could help you should you run into a similar situation. Have a topic you want covered? Drop me a DM at @thetraveldjblend. Has this podcast helped you? Share your thoughts by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast App. DJs: Interested in Heavy Hits Music Pool? Go to heavyhits.com For my podcast listeners only, enter promo code: BRIANB - it gets you a 30 day trial for $5. Try it now.

Episode 100 is here! I decided to take a break from all things serious and add a bit of levity on here - in a year (2020) that could definitely use some. I called on some my insanely talented friends and colleagues to open the vault on event stories that are funny and at times, shocking. My thanks to Bob Conti, Andrea Eppolito, Emily Clark, Lindsey and Cherish Conklin, Graeme Cowgill, Hugh Howser, Amy Shey Jacobs and Mike Walter. Have a topic you want covered? Drop me a DM at @thetraveldjblend. Has this podcast helped you? Share your thoughts by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast App. DJs: Interested in Heavy Hits Music Pool? Go to heavyhits.com For my podcast listeners only, enter promo code: BRIANB - it gets you a 30 day trial for $5. Try it now.

In this episode, I am joined by DJs Drew Pierce and Romin Zandi and we talk through how to navigate a COVID outbreak at an event. Pretty crazy story. Some good takeaways that could help if you run into a situation like this. Have a topic you want covered? Drop me a DM at @thetraveldjblend. Has this podcast helped you? Share your thoughts by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast App. DJs: Interested in Heavy Hits Music Pool? Go to heavyhits.com For my podcast listeners only, enter promo code: BRIANB - it gets you a 30 day trial for $5. Try it now.

In this episode, I talk through 4 ways to handle securing gear on destination events. I suspect DJs are going to get a lot more client requests for potentially doing a destination event while states and countries stagger their re-openings due to COVID. Knowing how to price this out and where to get gear is crucial to the equation. Have a topic you want covered? Drop me a DM at @thetraveldjblend. Has this podcast helped you? Share your thoughts by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast App. DJs: Interested in Heavy Hits Music Pool? Go to heavyhits.com For my podcast listeners only, enter promo code: BRIANB - it gets you a 30 day trial for $5. Try it now.

In this episode, I break down how I have my Serato crates organized. Everyone does it differently but this is what works for me. This is definitely a "must listen" for the working mobile DJ., especially one who does a ton of different event types. Have a topic you want covered? Drop me a DM at @thetraveldjblend. Has this podcast helped you? Share your thoughts by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast App. DJs: Interested in Heavy Hits Music Pool? Go to heavyhits.com For my podcast listeners only, enter promo code: BRIANB - it gets you a 30 day trial for $5. Try it now.

This month for our travel tips episode, I interview Rob Ferre from Life Of The Party out of Salt Lake City, Utah. He gives us his top 3 essentials to bring on travel events during COVID. Have a topic you want covered? Drop me a DM at @thetraveldjblend. Has this podcast helped you? Share your thoughts by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast App. DJs: Interested in Heavy Hits Music Pool? Go to heavyhits.com For my podcast listeners only, enter promo code: BRIANB - it gets you a 30 day trial for $5. Try it now.

I jump back into the physical events pool this weekend - over 4.5 months since my last physical event. A lot of has changed; especially as it pertains to event prep. It has added more cost and time to ensure I am protected both physically and financially. In this episode, I talk through some of the strategic changes I've had to make (spoiler: it's not just hand sanitizer and a mask). Have a topic you want covered? Drop me a DM at @thetraveldjblend. Has this podcast helped you? Share your thoughts by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast App. DJs: Interested in Heavy Hits Music Pool? Go to heavyhits.com For my podcast listeners only, enter promo code: BRIANB - it gets you a 30 day trial for $5. Try it now.

In the last few weeks, I've had a major life shift with a new baby (first time parent here). I give a little update to that in this episode. Then I turn to what the entire world is grappling with - COVID. However, I want to address 2 things that don't seem to be getting a lot (if any) talk - that is hedging long and playing to your strengths. Have a topic you want covered? Drop me a DM at @thetraveldjblend. Has this podcast helped you? Share your thoughts by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast App. DJs: Interested in Heavy Hits Music Pool? Go to heavyhits.com For my podcast listeners only, enter promo code: BRIANB - it gets you a 30 day trial for $5. Try it now.

In this episode, I talk about one of my weekly processes that I think has helped me a ton and set me apart from the DJ pack - "Thank You Notes Thursday". I'd love to see our entire DJ industry embrace this. So you have my permission to steal, modify, etc. I also talk about impending DJ Dad life and this weekend's upcoming wedding. Like what you hear? Leave a review on the Apple Podcast App. Want a topic covered? DM me at @thetraveldjblend on Instagram.

In this episode, I talk through the changing landscape of holiday parties. I believe there is a shift from the cheese, games, and such and more of an emphasis on the music. What does that mean for you? How do you plan on adapting? Enjoying this podcast? Leave me a review on iTunes or drop me a line on Instagram at @thetraveldjblend

In this episode, we have a "grab bag" of topics that I cover: UDG Backpack Review, Ape Labs Maxis Review, Routines, School Dances, Tiesto/Bieber Weddings, Dealing With Humidity. Want me to cover a topic? DM me on Instagram at @thertraveldjblend. Enjoying this podcast? Drop a review on iTunes. UDG Backpack: https://www.udggear.com/udg-creator-wheeled-laptop-backpack-21-version-3-black-edition Ape Labs Maxis: https://www.apelabsusa.com/product/ape-labs-apelight-maxi/ DJ Coleman Instagram: https://www.apelabsusa.com/product/ape-labs-apelight-maxi/

In this episode, Digital Dave shares a wedding war story. Usually one of the issues Dave brings up could happen at one wedding but ALL of these at ONE wedding? Buckle your seat belt for this one. We give some takeaways from this wedding. Enjoy! Liking this podcast? Leave a review on iTunes. Want a topic covered? Drop me a DM on Instagram at @thetraveldjblend. Follow "Digital Dave" Lander at @djdigitaldave1

It's the beginning of corporate conference season for me where I play a ton of weekday events that require me to play music for speakers as they walk up to give their talks. How do I go about picking this music? What's my process? Does it really matter? Want to hear some tracks I'm using? Find out answers to them all in this episode. Enjoying this podcast? Leave a review on iTunes. Want a topic covered. DM on Instagram at @thetraveldjblend.