Scottish DJ Group Celebrates First Anniversary
The Scottish AMPdj East Coast group celebrated their first birthday in February 2018 with a really well-attended meeting. Once again held in Pinkertons Function Suite in Glenrothes, as usual, the meeting was open to all types of DJs at all levels.
The night began with our usual round of introductions where many new members were warmly welcomed by everyone. Our music quiz then created quite a buzz, with the OAP's team claiming the victory.
Our evening then continued with a brief summary of what AMPdj is and how it can help and benefit its members. This was given by Hugh McGuinness who was one of the founder members of the West Coast group some 7 or 8 years ago. We then had a short review of the recent Scottish DJ Show which was presented in video format, for those who couldn’t make it along to the event.
We then had professional wedding photographer Helen Jones from ‘I Do Weddings’ give the group a short presentation that included tips on taking photos at functions, what type of cameras to use, what settings to use, how best to take photos and the type of photos that would be useful for members to take for promotional purposes.
Apex Acoustics from Dundee were there to present some of the various speaker systems that they have to offer mobile DJs, bringing along three different systems from their KV Audio EX line-up. First up was the smallest system, EX26, which comprised of two eight inch speakers and a dispersion horn. What a sound these created! Also on show were the EX10 and the EX12, which coupled up with one of the EX2.2 bass bins certainly got everyone’s attention.
Paul Colin represented Promo Only and informed the group as to the benefits of joining this monthly subscription source for new music. It was then time for the buffet, which was provided by our venue Pinkertons Function Suite & Bar and we would like to thank the owner Claire and her staff for their support in helping us to keep the meetings going.
Jim Henderson who runs Wedding DJ Edinburgh, provided the rig for our rig demo and gave us an insight into how he runs things and the equipment that he uses. Jim was attending his first meeting and he found it very informative and friendly.
Paul Colin then took the mic and shared with the group one of his icebreakers that he uses at children's parties and school proms. This involved a snowball fight! You will have to ask Paul about if you want any more information, however it proved to be very funny and made a lot of members think again about how to ‘entertain’ an audience as well as playing music.
The last item on the agenda was our raffle, which is sponsored by Glasgow Sound Centre. Prizes included 2 x Equinox LED Pulse Tubes, a twin radio mic system, a pair of Numark headphones, a Novopro UV wash bar, a hamper and a couple of other small prizes. Andrew Norton from Edinburgh is the only DJ I know who is building up his mobile rig purely by winning raffle prizes at meetings, having won at least one prize at every meeting he has attended! After the raffle there was time for some networking before clearing up and heading for home.
Our next meeting will once again be held in Pinkertons Function Suite and will be held on Wednesday the 4th of April. We have already secured some great raffle prizes, including a pair of Alto Speakers, and Glasgow Sound Centre will be in attendance with a selection of goodies and another speaker comparison sound off. Hopefully one of the lighting reps will be coming along as well and we will be having a LIVE mixing demo from a young DJ called Alan Nicol who came 4th in the mixing competition held at BPM in October 2017.
All DJs of any level are welcome to come along and join us. So whether you are a full-time, part-time, professional or semi-professional DJ, mixing DJ, mobile DJ or club DJ, wedding DJ or bedroom DJ, you will find yourself made very welcome.
Written By
Andrew Wylie
Scottish AMPDJ East Coast Organiser