2008: Year in Review

It has been a very busy year for us here at AMP Indiana. To wrap up the year, here is a list of our best and worst of 2008:

Hottest Songs
“All Summer Long” – Kid rock
“Low” – Flo Rida

Biggest Dancefloor Fizzlers
“Closer” – Ne-Yo
“Right Now (Na Na Na)” – Akon
Anything by Madonna

Played and Made Popular…Before the Radio Played It
“Break the Ice” – Britney Spears
“I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz (1st dance request, was on the radio a month later)
“In the Ayer” – Flo Rida

Songs We Dusted Off (These returned to popularity this year.)
“Get Low” – Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz
“Your Song” – Elton John
“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” – Aerosmith
“Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” – Michael Jackson

Literally Dusted Off (vinyl)
“Dr. Feelgood” – Motley Crue
“Hotel California” – The Eagles

Songs that Faded the Most in Popularity
“Old Time Rock and Roll” – Bob Seger
“Wonderful Tonight” – Eric Clapton
“Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” – Elvis Presley (Really, just about anything by Elvis is fading to the point where only serious Elvis fans are requesting his music.)

Most Out-of-the-Blue Requests (that we were able to fill)
“Spanish Caravan” and “Waiting for the Sun” – The Doors
“Enter Sandman” – Metallica
“Always Look on the Bright Side” from the movie, The Life of Brian
“The Candy Man” – from the movie, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
“The Man Song” – from the movie, Orgasmo
“The Time Warp” – from The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Most Different Introductions (These popped out the most this year.)
Cab Calloway from Blues Brothers impression
"White Wedding" - Billy Idol with the bells from AC/DC's "Hells Bells" as the attention-getter
“Rollin’” – Big & Rich
“The Muppet Show Theme” with “20th Century Fox Theme” as the attention-getter

We wish you a safe and happy New Year!

Whole Lotta Shaking Goin' On!

You may have heard on the news that, among other tremors, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck southern Illinois. We could feel this rude awakening here in Lafayette, Indiana. This was my first experience with an earthquake, and it is one that I would never like to repeat. The mechanical shaking, the rattling of items on shelves, the total lack of control I had over the situation…not fun. Fortunately, there was no damage here, and the DJ equipment is just fine. My thoughts go out to all those who live closer to the epicenter and endured damage and/or injuries.

"Paradise by the Dashboard Light"

This fun eight-and-a-half minute set from the first Bat Out of Hell album has been requested at some recent weddings that we DJ'd, and by folks who know the entire set by heart. This is one song they'll sing at the top of their lungs! I did not realize its popularity before, but I am pleasantly surprised because it is a fun song.

AMP Indiana Going Digital? Sort of....

I have always believed that a good DJ should earn their keep by using such media as CDs and vinyl records, cueing up songs individually, doing all the mixing work themselves, without the aid of a laptop. In fact, I am still against the usage of a laptop and computer software to make pre-fabricated playlists where each song is automatically crossfaded into the other. The only appeal of a computer to me is the storage size, because I could have my entire music collection with me, and I would have far fewer CDs to take with me.

That said, my trusty tech guy and DJ/MC, Jon, has shown me some new technology that would remedy the song storage issue, BUT still allow us to think about what we are playing before we play it, AND still have the capability to use CDs. (Note: I'm leaving vinyl out of this post, because we will still bring it when requested. Don't worry vinyl people!!)

If I'm understanding this correctly from Jon, this new technology is a deck that allows me to plug in at least 2 hard drives via a USB port. The interface is similar to a CD player: 2 sides, each assigned to a channel; but instead of navigating a CD, I'd be navigating through files on the hard drive. This way, we can have all of our songs with us, at all times, and be able to access them easier.

As a DJ who has always used vinyl and especially compact discs, I am a bit nervous and will need to be weaned off, slowly. HOWEVER, we will never completely stop using CDs. All important songs (e.g. Intro Song, First Dance) will still be brought on CD and played on our CD player, which will remain in our rack setup. I will also keep key lifesaver songs and compilations with me on CD. And of course, for those events that require vinyl, we've got you covered.

Wedding Season Official for AMP Indiana

Well, wedding season officially started for AMP Indiana last Saturday. Our congratulations goes out to Javier and Colleen. Best wishes!

This was also our first time out with our new rack system. We have compressed everything into one rack set on top of the table. Previously, we had our amps under the table and were running wires. Now, we have a much cleaner looking setup. The only downside is that it is quite heavy, but between Jon and myself - and the help of a brand new cart - we can manage it.

We still need the 2-table setup for the CDs, but we are looking at (shock!) alternative methods of song storage. And no, WE WILL NEVER BE A LAPTOP DJ. However, there are other methods of media storage on the market for mobile DJs, and we are considering them. That way, we can definitely have our entire collection of music with us, while taking up less space at venues. More on this idea as it develops....

Website Facelift

AMPIndiana.com will be getting a face-lift this year. On top of a new look, we will be adding functionality that includes a discussion forum, a full-out picture gallery, and a music database of sorts. More information, including launch date, is coming soon....

Bubbles Are Here!

This year, we have had many requests for bubbles to be used at events, so we decided to purchase a brand new bubble machine. It arrived today and I am told that it will shoot bubbles out 5-6 feet before they are carried about the room by the various air currents that are present.

To answer a common question, the fluid used for these bubbles is designed to not stain clothing (e.g. wedding gowns).

This should be a real treat for folks of all ages!

July 12, 2008

Call this a Public Service Announcement of sorts....

One of the things I learned from last weekend's bridal show is that July 12, 2008 is a VERY popular wedding date. If you are planning a wedding - or any other large event, for that matter - book as soon as you can.

And yes, we are booked for that day.

But as of now, we do have other openings in July.

Thanks for Visiting Us!

Thank you to all those who visited us at the 2008 Midwest Rentals Bridal Affair. The response has been positively overwhelming! We had folks sign on the spot and we have meetings booked over the next couple of weeks.

From a networking aspect, Jon and I got to meet some of the other DJs in town, as well as caterers, photographers, videographers, dress makers, and even a man who runs a dove-release business. Yes, now available in Lafayette is a service that offers you the opportunity to release real doves and make your wedding day really take flight. The doves were really friendly, even after a long day in a cage!

Very soon, I will be adding a page to the website that features some information about the various services offered at the Show. For now, I say good night!

Come See Us at the Bridal Affair!

We've booked a booth at the Midwest Rentals Bridal Affair, to be held this weekend, January 12th & 13th, at the University Plaza Hotel (formerly University Inn) in West Lafayette.

We'll be there to answer any questions you have about our DJ services and to book events. There will be many other vendors there, so if you are planning a wedding in the Lafayette area, this is the place to be this weekend. See you there!