Yahoo! We’ve been booked. A new event organizer has entrusted us with the music for his milonga. What now? Make a playlist right away? Definitely not. First, we need to gather some information; without it, we can’t get started.
So what should we ask the organizer now?
1. Location and time of the gig. Parking and unloading facilities.
Sure, we already know most of that, since the initial conversation gave us some information. However, what’s often forgotten here is when we can arrive to set up. For a small milonga, that’s usually an hour beforehand. It’s also important to arrange parking and unloading. It’s no fun lugging a truckload of equipment 800 meters by yourself…
For larger events, possibly including the DJ’s speakers, more preparation time may be necessary. For example, setup in the morning (2 hours) and soundcheck in the afternoon (30 minutes). This could be followed by a 2-hour tango lesson before the milonga.
The most important information, however, is the expected duration of the milonga and whether there is any flexibility (e.g., ending between 12:30 and 1:00 AM). If it starts at 8:00 PM, that would mean an event lasting 4.5 hours, with room for extension.
2. Table, equipment and connections.
Is there a sound system with speakers at the venue (will there be an instruction session?) and how (what type of connector) can the DJ’s equipment be connected? How far is it from the DJ’s table to the sound system, and can a cable be run between them? Are there enough power outlets (at least 2-3) available at the DJ’s table? Is the DJ’s table large enough to set up the equipment (at least 1.60 x 0.80 m)?
Are loudspeakers needed? If so, how many and where should they be set up? The venue should be inspected beforehand if necessary. Is a microphone needed (for announcements by the organizer)?
Are there any volume restrictions? Should the volume be professionally measured and possibly limited with a limiter? These questions rarely arise, but it can certainly happen that neighbors feel disturbed by the event. Suitable equipment for controlling the volume can be helpful in such cases.
3. Type of milonga, audience
During the preliminary discussions, you will likely have learned what kind of milonga it is. Is it a traditional milonga with exclusively traditional EDO music, or how far does the spectrum extend towards more modern milonga formats (e.g., neolonga)?
The organizer may also provide information about the audience and the dance style. Some communities have strict guidelines (e.g., exclusively Baile de Salon), while others allow occasional tandas of more movement-intensive styles (Pugliese, Neo-Tango). Beyond the organizer’s specifications, however, DJs should ideally get a feel for the event by attending it, perhaps the week before.
Experiments are always tricky and should perhaps be avoided. Personally, I’ve had a room rock with a tanda salsa, and elsewhere the same thing has raised eyebrows…
4. Special requests
Special requests are often made here. These might include a birthday celebration (have the requested birthday tango ready), a silent milonga (no special preparations needed apart from a lower sound level), a mixed event with a live band (arrangements with the band regarding the songs played and performance times), or show performances (have the show music ready and agree on the performance time). Raffles are popular and notorious among DJs (discuss the schedule in detail with the organizer). The DJ’s flexibility is always required here. Sometimes music requests are also incorporated, for example, a Christmas tanda, or, as happened to me once, a tanda tangos with a moon theme because it was a full moon (no problem…). A particular highlight was a neolonga as a post-event special at an international festival from 2 to 4 a.m.
5. Technical Information
Before the gig, a fee should be negotiated and, depending on the scope of the event, possibly also contractually agreed upon. Furthermore, it should be clarified whether the event has been registered with the music rights organization (GEMA, etc.) and whether any necessary insurance (accident insurance, etc.) and licenses (alcohol sales) are in place. In their own interest, the DJ should consider advising inexperienced event organizers on these matters.
I’m reminded of the saying: You only learn to DJ by doing it.
Greetings,
-Richard (DJ Ricardo)