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.