Have iPods Made DJs Obsolete?

There is a lot of talk lately about iPods replacing DJs. A recent article by Steve Rothkin below gives his reasons why he believes that the DJ cannot be replaced by an iPod. Let us know what you think.

Have iPods Made DJs Obsolete?

By Steve Rothkin

iPods have made it easy for anyone to take a diverse library of thousands of songs and carry them anywhere. People are already hooking their iPods up to stereos to provide their own music for their parties. Some wedding magazines and web sites even suggest this as away to hold down the cost of a wedding.

Underlying this movement is the assumption that anyone can throw together a playlist of their favorite, chosen songs, press play, and voila-instant party. If only it were really that simple!

As experienced professional DJs, we do a lot more than just push play on a pre-determined playlist. As experienced public speakers we use our vocal talents to introduce VIPs (e.g. the wedding party), grab the audience's attention for special events (e.g. cake cutting), motivate guests to dance and/or participate in other pre-planned activities, announce the arrival of dinner, and so on.

As experienced planners/coordinators, we work with party hosts to create a timeline and natural flow for an event. We tailor events to the personalities of the hosts and guests. We work with other event staff to keep the event flowing, and adjust the plan when needed.

As experienced music programmers, we choose music to start a party, take guest requests, and adjust the music selections based on the audience's reaction. We sequence music to build energy, and to create a mood. We light up people's faces when they hear that favorite song from years ago.

As experienced sound technicians, we setup and adjust equipment to create the best possible sound in the event's room/location. When Murphy's law kicks in we quickly diagnose and correct problems, and have backup equipment immediately available in case it's needed.

As experienced diplomats, we gracefully handle the occasional intoxicated guest who doesn't agree with the host's music choices.

iPods can't perform any of these functions! So I'm sure you'll agree DJs are still very useful and relevant, and will not become obsolete any time soon.

About The Author: Steve Rothkin Dancemasters Disc Jockey Entertainers has been a professional Disc Jockey and Master of Ceremonies since 1987