Licensing. It's probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you're looking for DJ entertainment. In fact, not surprisingly, most DJs don't know about music licensing, either. However, there are several licenses DJs must have in order to operate their enterprises legally and ethically.
In point form they are:
#1. Municipal Business License
#2. National Music Licensing
#3. SOCAN Licensing
It's hard to comprehend why any Bride and Groom, community league, school or corporation would even consider doing business with a company that cannot even provide basic business licensing. #1 Municipal Business Licensing, at its most basic level, is a commitment that a business intends to operate within the boundaries of ethical business practice. That's not to say they will not screw you, but it is just ONE of a dozen things a business can show that they are honest and trustworthy.
Edmonton Wedding DJ Edmonton DJ City Pro Entertainment has been registered as a business in Alberta and has a business license to operate in the City Of Edmonton.
Now, there ARE some municipalities, most often small towns and such, that do not require licensing. At least ask for their proof of provincial registration or GST number- something that also proves that might be taking doing business with you seriously.
DJs in Canada are extremely lucky. In the 70's, as mobile discos were becoming more popular and so was technology to duplicate music, DJs recognized a need to legitimize what record executives feared: Music Piracy. Working together, the record industry and DJs formulated a working agreement based on agreements already used for commercial duplication, but customized it based on the needs of DJs. #2. National Music Licensing is administered by the A.V.L.A. (Audio and Video Licensing Agency). The license not only allows DJs to create music programs that better suit their style and audience, but now they can also reduce the amount of music carried while also providing an opportunity to create a backup library.
In Canada ANY DJ that uses duplicated music (CD-R's, Digital Devises, Computers etc) needs to have an A.V.L.A. license. Music purchased from download sites like iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon or Napster are not licensed for Commercial use- which is what all DJ work is considered. Music from these sites, and the music purchased at stores is considered "for the private and personal use only". That music also does not cover public performance.
The A.V.L.A. License your DJ would have allows them to duplicate music onto CD-R or Computer and perform those pieces publicly. The cost of AVLA licenses in Canada ranges from $150 to $380 depending on where they are purchased. The AVLA license must be renewed every year starting in January and expiring in December. AVLA Licenses can be ordered from AAME or CAPE .
Edmonton Wedding DJ Edmonton DJ City Pro Entertainment has been licensed by the AVLA for over 10 years. EACH of our systems has a music license. To see if your DJ is licensed please visit THIS page.
#3 SOCAN Licensing is quite different from the AVLA. In fact, DJs aren't responsible for it at all! I listed it here to dispel the myth or untruths that many people have regarding SOCAN fees charged to them when they buy concert tickets or rent a banquet room. (For a list of tariffs please visit HERE)
SOCAN stands for: The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada. Their job is to protect, preserve the works of performing rights of music creators. PART of their job is collecting royalties on behalf of their members. This also includes collecting fees from venues where music is performed.
Some venues may elect to charge you this fee as a line item on your invoice. Some choose to include the fees in the rental rate. Again, these fees are collected for the PERFORMANCE of music (even the elevator music, music on-hold and Muzak playing in the hallways and bathrooms all incur SOCAN fees).
Edmonton Wedding DJ Edmonton DJ City Pro Entertainment has been an avid supporter of artists and their works.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
WEDDING DJ EDMONTON DJ ADVISE
Back in 1984 when we started playing music for events there weren't a whole lot of choices for entertainment. DJs were still considered second class citizens compared to live bands. Part of the reason was there wasn't a lot of DJ equipment for us to buy. So we ended up buying the same gear most bands used; it was big, heavy and very expensive.
Today anyone few a few extra dollars can buy an inexpensive DJ rig and start putting cash in their pockets playing at your wedding or company party. If they don't have your kind of music they'll just download it off the internet.
I guess that is where the influx of "bedroom" and Hobby DJs has come from. The combination of cheap, easily accessable DJ gear and "free" music means even the awkward neighbor kid can be a DJ, too. I mean, who's to say he can't?
Everyday we get inquiries from folks looking for Edmonton DJs and they all just want to know the bottom line: HOW MUCH? And that's a GREAT question. Really! But before we can just throw a number out we, as professionals, need to ask our customers alot of questions. Can you imagine having a wedding today the way bands and DJs operated in the 70's and 80's?! No consultations, no choices, the band or DJ TELLING you what your first song is and the rash of "no show" performers meant you may or may not have a dance that night. NEVER AGAIN!
The Edmonton DJ Professionals at City Pro Entertainment have built a stellar reputation for outstanding results. Great customer service, pre-event consultations and on-the-dancefloor fun have been our specialty for over 25-years. We could not have enjoyed this success without first carefully disecting the "typical" reception dance and what made some dances ho-hum, and what made the others SPECTACULAR!
We found that our results improved dramatically when we were able to involve our clients more in the music/reception planning. The more information we were able to aquire on our clients the more personal we could make the evening. Ho-hum turned to HOLY COW!
Here are a couple of tips when hiring an Edmonton DJ:
1. Set A Budget. An average DJ in Edmonton will be priced between $700-$1000, but don't be surprized to hear prices as low as $250 or as high as $3000 or more. Experience, level of gear used, package selected, location and duration are all factors that contribute to an entertainer's price.
2. Do your Research. Ask your friends and family, co-workers and look to local or national DJ associations for recommendations, too. Ask questions and look for the answers you want to hear and make notes on possible candidates. We recommend calling at least 10 companies. Out of those make a shortlist of 3 companies.
3. Meet your top 3 picks in person. So much can be accomplished when you meet one-on-one: You can find out payment options, check out their gear, have them speak to you (do you want a DJ that will stammer and stutter when under pressure?), leave a deposit and find out if your candidate is a good personal match.
4. Ask to see credentials. Since it's so easy for any "Joe" to just go out and buy gear, download illegal music and claim to be a "DeeJay". Check to make sure that they are a licensed DJ with insurance and ask to see their AVLA license, too (Check HERE, too). Many Associations require DJs to have both Licensing and Insurance.
5. Demand a Contract. You can imagine that after 25-years in business we've heard a lot of party horror stories. Being the music type business, we tend to hear those the most. Many local DJs have come and gone, and a few have been down right deceivious. Some have simply gone out of business without contacting anyone to advise them of the problem. We, often on very short notice, end up covering for these companies. Some were booked without a service contract. The client often paid the DJs IN FULL. Needless to say those clients we not very happy they had to learn a lesson in that manner.
I hope some of this information allows you to better choose a DJ that best suits your needs and not what someone tells you you need.
Today anyone few a few extra dollars can buy an inexpensive DJ rig and start putting cash in their pockets playing at your wedding or company party. If they don't have your kind of music they'll just download it off the internet.
I guess that is where the influx of "bedroom" and Hobby DJs has come from. The combination of cheap, easily accessable DJ gear and "free" music means even the awkward neighbor kid can be a DJ, too. I mean, who's to say he can't?
Everyday we get inquiries from folks looking for Edmonton DJs and they all just want to know the bottom line: HOW MUCH? And that's a GREAT question. Really! But before we can just throw a number out we, as professionals, need to ask our customers alot of questions. Can you imagine having a wedding today the way bands and DJs operated in the 70's and 80's?! No consultations, no choices, the band or DJ TELLING you what your first song is and the rash of "no show" performers meant you may or may not have a dance that night. NEVER AGAIN!
The Edmonton DJ Professionals at City Pro Entertainment have built a stellar reputation for outstanding results. Great customer service, pre-event consultations and on-the-dancefloor fun have been our specialty for over 25-years. We could not have enjoyed this success without first carefully disecting the "typical" reception dance and what made some dances ho-hum, and what made the others SPECTACULAR!
We found that our results improved dramatically when we were able to involve our clients more in the music/reception planning. The more information we were able to aquire on our clients the more personal we could make the evening. Ho-hum turned to HOLY COW!
Here are a couple of tips when hiring an Edmonton DJ:
1. Set A Budget. An average DJ in Edmonton will be priced between $700-$1000, but don't be surprized to hear prices as low as $250 or as high as $3000 or more. Experience, level of gear used, package selected, location and duration are all factors that contribute to an entertainer's price.
2. Do your Research. Ask your friends and family, co-workers and look to local or national DJ associations for recommendations, too. Ask questions and look for the answers you want to hear and make notes on possible candidates. We recommend calling at least 10 companies. Out of those make a shortlist of 3 companies.
3. Meet your top 3 picks in person. So much can be accomplished when you meet one-on-one: You can find out payment options, check out their gear, have them speak to you (do you want a DJ that will stammer and stutter when under pressure?), leave a deposit and find out if your candidate is a good personal match.
4. Ask to see credentials. Since it's so easy for any "Joe" to just go out and buy gear, download illegal music and claim to be a "DeeJay". Check to make sure that they are a licensed DJ with insurance and ask to see their AVLA license, too (Check HERE, too). Many Associations require DJs to have both Licensing and Insurance.
5. Demand a Contract. You can imagine that after 25-years in business we've heard a lot of party horror stories. Being the music type business, we tend to hear those the most. Many local DJs have come and gone, and a few have been down right deceivious. Some have simply gone out of business without contacting anyone to advise them of the problem. We, often on very short notice, end up covering for these companies. Some were booked without a service contract. The client often paid the DJs IN FULL. Needless to say those clients we not very happy they had to learn a lesson in that manner.
I hope some of this information allows you to better choose a DJ that best suits your needs and not what someone tells you you need.
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