Should I hire a DJ that also plays the sax?
The DJ/Sax combo has become an incredibly popular entertainment option in recent years. And if you’ve been to an event that had this option booked, you’d know why. Your party favourites blended with the smooth sound of a sax, what’s not to love! If you haven’t yet seen a DJ/Sax in action, here are some common questions that I get asked.
This image showcases Melbourne based DJ, Tim, performing the sax on the dance floor. Image captured by Dan Brannan.
1. What is a DJ/Sax combo? Is it 1 or 2 people?
It can be either! Some performers can master both the decks and the sax, giving them the ability to choose when to play the perfect song to rip out a shredding solo. It can also be a 2-person combo, with many DJ-only performers now offering a stand-alone sax player as an add-on.
Sydney DJ Sax specialist, Callum performing with me at a wedding event at The Espy.
2. How does your performance work when you are DJing and also playing sax?
Great question. I weave the sax in and out of my set at strategic points to create that extra energy on the dance floor. The first step is to pick the right song to play too, and I have curated a list of songs I like to use which allows the sax to shine. Once I transition from one song into the next, I head to the dance floor with my sax (equipped with a wireless mic) and engage with the crowd by throwing down some funky horn lines, joining the guests for a quick boogie and ripping a solo. I then head back to the decks ready to transition smoothly into the next song. The types of music I’ll play sax to range from 70s and 80s classics, through to house and dance hits.
3. Should I just book a DJ and add a sax player?
Of course there is always this option. However there are a few factors to consider before doing this.
Firstly, you’re paying for 2 people. A DJ only option who offers a separate sax player as an add-on typically charges (in Melbourne) an extra $800-$900 for a 2 hour set – and this is on top of the DJ’s booking fee.
Secondly, how often does the DJ work with the sax player? Do they have a good vibe and understand each other? When a person is hired to only play the saxophone, they also feel like they should play over every song. This can result in continuously improvising (or ‘noodling’) throughout the night which can lead to the dreaded overplaying sax player. When this occurs, it may detract from the songs and annoy the guests after a while. Short, sharp bursts of a sax are key to delivering a high energy feature on the dance floor that nobody gets tired of. Therefore, when I perform I play the sax strategically throughout the night, at the right time, to really get that dance floor humming.
This image showcases Melbourne based DJ, Tim, leaving his decks to immerse the saxophone on the dance floor amongst the guests at Melbourne wedding venue, Inglewood Estate. Image captured by Jess Mitchell from Fern & Stone Photography.
4. What are other benefits of having a DJ/Sax performer?
It can be a fun thing to keep secret from the guests – they’re dancing and having the time of their life, and just when they think it can’t get any better then BANG, the DJ whips out a sax and throws down Careless Whisper! Now that is one way to create a fun, memorable dance floor for you and your guests.
5. Final thoughts
Hiring a DJ/Sax is the perfect compromise between a DJ only and live band. The DJ can play whatever song you want in its original form, while also adding a live instrument element to bring the house down. Amazing and fun entertainment will be what your guests will remember long after the night is over.
Tim the DJ
Website: www.timthedj.com.au
Instagram: www.instagram.com/timthedjsax/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/timthedjsax
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtrAETETwadr0WyjEQp1cuA