Actively DJing…NOT Streaming

With access to Spotify, Sirius XM, Pandora, Tidal, and Apple Music, it must be really easy to DJ, right?  With some of these apps, a playlist is generated for you- couldn’t you just bring your computer, plug into a sound system, and go?  NOPE!  Because, that wouldn’t be legal.

In the US,  DJs are required to purchase the singles, albums, tracks, etcetera, that they plan to modify and/or utilize in their mixes.  A DJ can’t use these streaming services for a client’s event because the use of service states that the service is for private, non-commercial use. For example, it is stated in Spotify’s End User Agreement:

“The Spotify Service and the Content are the property of Spotify or Spotify’s licensors. We grant you limited, non-exclusive, revocable permission to make use of the Spotify Service, and limited, non-exclusive, revocable permission to make personal, non-commercial use of the content (collectively, “Access”). This Access shall remain in effect until and unless terminated by you or Spotify. You promise and agree that you are using the Spotify Service and Content for your own personal, non-commercial use and that you will not redistribute or transfer the Spotify Service or the Content.” (https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/end-user-agreement/#s5)

At A Ran Music Service, we are a licensed and insured company with an A+ rating from The Better Business Bureau.  We legally purchase each and every song in our music library.  Moreover, we personalize the event WAYYYY more than just streaming a suggested songlist from an app. 😊

Our music library is comprised primarily of compilations that our DJs created.  When deciding which song will be played next, we consider factors such as guests’ reaction to the song that’s currently playing, rhythm, the client’s musical preferences, and genre.  We don’t rely on a computer created, pre-determined playlist.  In other words, each song is hand-selected, keeping our client’s personal tastes and requests at the forefront of our minds.

You will never hear us play the exact same list at every event, because no two clients are exactly the same.  It’s important to personalize the musical selections to create an event that is unique and memorable to the host and his or her guests- from the moment that guests arrive through to the last song of the evening.  The result of doing so is all 5-star reviews with glowing testimonials from our past clients, such as this one from Anna:

“Absolutely PERFECT! A Ran Music Service made my wedding service, cocktail reception, and dance exactly what I was envisioning – and on short notice! Niki provided a guide for me to fill out ahead of time with cues for music, speaking roles, ambiance desired during different parts of the day, etc. It made planning the ceremony a breeze! The day of, the crew was dressed professionally and were 100% prepared for all of their music cues. I was able to choose from a HUGE, but not overwhelming, library of songs and had a few added for when our guests were being seated and during the reception. At the dance, which was at a different location from the ceremony, they were able to read the mood of the crowd perfectly and chose songs that kept the dance floor filled the entire night!! At the end of the evening, they gave me a CD with all of the songs I had requested for special moments during the day. It was a wonderful token from them and I love listening to our wedding songs in my car! I HIGHLY recommend A Ran Music Service. They are skilled, professional, fun, have affordable pricing, and are easy to work with. Thank you for helping make my wedding perfect!!”

Or this one from Missy:

“As most couples probably say, music and dancing was a very important part of our day. We wanted our guests to hear songs that brought back memories of years passed mixed in with fun songs from today. Niki and Ran took this as a challenge to put together a wonderful mix of songs for the dinner and the reception. We had folks dancing through every song with smiles ear to ear. Such a fun night!”

One of our favorite memories was servicing a event where an elderly gentleman approached us with a very unique request. There was a special song that he wanted played for his wife, as it was the anniversary of their first date and he wanted to surprise her. The gentleman struggled to remember the title of the song or artist.  What he did remember was a few of the lyrics.

From the lyrics, we were able to identify the song.  We pulled it up on a mobile device and asked him to listen and verify if it was indeed the correct song.  As he held it to his ear, tears began to fill his eyes.  We located and cued the song as he took his wife’s hand and led her to the dance floor.  It was such a beautiful, memorable moment for those two and for the family and friends that knew their story.

A DJ cannot be replaced with an app.  Not only is it not legal, but it takes the personalization out of the experience.  An app can’t think on the fly and adjust accordingly.  An app can’t make announcements, assist with speeches, or take requests.  When you want a personalized approach to your unique event, choose A Ran Music Service.

 

For more on the subject of legal music streaming,  we recommend visiting the following websites:

https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/end-user-agreement/#s5

https://www.digitaldjtips.com/2015/12/is-it-legal-to-dj-from-spotify/

https://cloudcovermusic.com/blog/licensing-questions-legal-business-music/#legal-9

https://djmusicgeek.com/do-djs-pay-for-their-music/

 

Image Credit: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/music-multimedia-sound-entertainment-concept-520914415