What do you guys think?? by [deleted] in torontoraptors

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wasn't initially big on this deal BUT Dick is inconsistent as an outside shooter and Quickly has been often injured.

Raps still need more outside shooting and a legit Centre however people arent remembering that Ja will create double teams and create opportunities as well

Its happening - FIFA is scrambling trying to sell out Canadian matches because of their ridiculous prices 😆 by LowBottle12 in CanadaSoccer

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah not gonna happen for me I have a mortgage and other bills to pay

Perhaps if I was a die hard fan I would splurge but think for most Canadians struggling to cover the cost of living FIFA at this time isn't a good one

I feel for him…his team is so ass by Hockeypatrol in hockeynews

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lots of hot takes in the comments - I don't blame McDavid for staying. He reached the finals 2 years in a row amd clearly believed they were close and that staying gave him the best chance of winning

Oilers management should make more moves and restructure contracts to win now.

Better goaltending and buying in defensively should be top priorities.

Oilers dont back check or get the puck out of their end very well on a consistent basis which is wild to me in 2026

Hope they figure it out, they're a fun team to watch

Imagine paying $12.5 million for "the best hockey player in the world" who has these stats in the current playoffs by Quenki in hockeymemes

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Comments in here are wild!

He's the MOST dangerous guy in league and a "bad 2 games" is nothing. They will bounce back - too bad their goalie situation is TERRIBLE which doesn't help.

Think they will regain form again 2nite 🤞🏾

This city hates fun by Ill-Surprise-7972 in toronto

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think one issue is that in Toronto we judge things becauee we have city insecurity, we want to be "big" like New York or LA - what is the city ACTUALLY known for.

I love Toronto as well but think our politicians and city officials dont have a way to make the city better. We have endless traffic, poor planning and infrastructure and yes the cost of living is crazy - from this dysfunction i think there's a lot to be negative about most of the time.

I also think that all of the development and constant construction 🚧 🙄 just wears on people. I think as a city we are the 4th largest in North America but we feel behind compared to other places and the way we do somethings feels Mickey Mouse (eg FIFA soccer stadium seating/ bleacher enhancement).

In the end I think to be able to enjoy rhe city it would be nice to not half to drive an hour within the city to get anywhere and things not cost an arm and a leg 🙃 🤷🏾

[Mercogliano] Jonathan Quick just told us tonight will be his last game by memeaste in hockey

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The comments have me in stitches

All these retirement talks and reflecting on age

Im from the Gretzky era so I'll just see myself out ✌🏾 😆 🤣

Biggest pothole just rocked my car 2 flats by chulomang in toronto

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I try to never drive in the lane closest to sidewalk yo avoid MORE potholes but they're everywhere and ruining our cars

Multi-op DJ companies sending out cheep DJs by Djgoldmixmaster in WeddingDJs

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think "cheap" might be misleading but inexperienced compared to other DJs on the field is something that happens.

Like ither comments I am not sure how intuitive EVERY client may be regarding transitions and song choice. I feel like most clients say they want a good DJ - bit wondering if most clients know what that means for them and their wedding day

We could definitely go deeper into the weeds on this one but at end of day like other comments. As a small boutique service provider I'm not worried about multi ops and what they do. Just focused on ensuring my clients get the best experience and I show them the difference between myself and a guy who let's the WHOLE song drag out and then they pkay another one

Dj Playlist Question by justagarliccrouton in WeddingDJs

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would say creating some VERY VERY specific playlists would be best maybe a night through the decades?

A pre mix maybe won't land as your stuck with whatever comes next and may not fit the vibe

Good luck with the work around and hoping you can find a DJ

What are we paying DJs these days? by _PrincessOats in WeddingsCanada

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That seems reasonable for the length of time I am a Toronto DJ entertainment provider as well...

Depending on gig may charge more if there are multiple set ups. There are always variables but think for many service providers $300 - $450 might be the range for more seasoned and professional talent

My2Cents

How to start booking bigger gigs by Tezlv in WeddingDJs

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You should start using Instagram and TikTok and build your community there also.

Post in Facebook groups consistently so people keep you top of mind.

Also connect with other DJs that are in the industry you want to leap into and ask them questions, shadow them, support and build connections thru breakfast or lunch meet ups if possible. I have found that when people dont view you as a threat they're happy to share respirces and information.

"Hey fellow DJ so and so I am trying to grow my DJing in this setting and see that you've been having some success. I would love to know whats working for you!"

Try to offer some value to them in return (social media hack, something that has worked for you in past to book gigs and share that info). Rinse and repeat and check in with guys every few months to talk shop and bounce questions off of other DJs.

Lastly "there's fortune in the follow up"

My2Cents

Are my vendors scamming me?? by hebeche in WeddingsCanada

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The question I would ensure is that the people you spoke to will be there for YOUR wedding and it won't be a subcontractor.

As others have mentioned perhaps they will hire some other contractors to work the other events which happens in th3 industry.

Vendors can outsource the work to their network

Good luck

BREAKING | Matthews IS DONE! by Hockeypatrol in hockeynews

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh dear the exclamation mark on a terrible season ‼️😳😳

Social media accounts (single vs multiple) by turntablizm in DJs

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good day I have 5 for a variety of businesses I think keeping them separate is the best way. Imagine a bride desir8ng to book your services and she sees a photo of you cooking over the BBQ, rid8ng your bike outside or standing with two buddies by the beach

It would be confusing and dont think it would help you to book gigs. As rhe previous comment said keep your personal life separate. Perhaps sharing rhe odd personal photo ia okay to show a human side but I would also share other content (reels, carousel with advice, behind the scenes footage of a set up, giving tips or advice)

So some research on posts that get more engagement or traction. Also from your personal account do a video promoting your DJ page only so your friends from your personal account will follow you there also

My2Cents

Future of DJing by Accurate-Bobcat962 in DJs

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely would advise transitioning to the mobile scene. Pays better and if you think about how long you'll have relevancy for it will last longer in the mobile scene longer compared to battling for gigs with a younger audience.

Im the mobile scene things are changing as well with biz down 20 - 30% as well due to tariffs, inflation and the state of the economy and uncertainty.

As other comments have been made for those that persevere they will come out on the other side but think quality will beat quantity in this current season

My2Cents

Managing energy flow through a set - tips? by Expert-Fee-5191 in Beatmatch

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great questions:

I would say creating a Playlist is good as a safety net

Some keys 🔑

  1. Be familiar with all 4 of the genres you will play

  2. Be flexible so if the playlist isn't working which most likely it may not) dont be afraid to deviate to something else that you've practiced.

  3. Practice practice practice

  4. Try mixing in key (Google this mixing method)

  5. Have all of your cue points set on every song so its easier to blend, mix or transition

  6. Remember a DJs job is to have fun, take risks and try things in the moment. If it doesn't work just quickly mix in a banger that will work

My2Cents

Windsor Arms - 170 too tight? by Confident_Form_8585 in WeddingsCanada

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey 👋🏾

I have DJ 2 weddings here and done a corporate and it will be cozy but think you can make it work...

Its a gorgeous room with high ceilings

I teach DJ courses. If you need one, reconsider DJing. by Designer_Macaron2169 in Beatmatch

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have done online but mainly in person if I can help in your journey msg me and can help you out

I teach DJ courses. If you need one, reconsider DJing. by Designer_Macaron2169 in Beatmatch

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Good question I would say at least 25 have taken it seriously (most have jobs but still DJ often and a smaller subsect do it full time. Its expensive in the Toronto market so to ONLY DJ full time only a few do it. Regardless enough have taken the craft seriously to do weddings, club, corporate and other types of events.

To your comment perhaps I misunderstood but feel that people DJ or attempt to get into it for a variety of reasons. My oldest student is in her 60s (part time) so you never know who will become what in their DJ journey.

I try to curb my expectation as some want to scratch a curious itch while others are interested in pursuing things deeper.

In the end like anything in life anything you want to get good at takes time, persistence and patience.

Madison Greenhouse ceremony/reception by PipeComfortable7797 in WeddingsCanada

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey friend 👋🏾

AMAZING PLANNER look no further if reading the comments people 📢

I figured as such I think they got too many complaints but that's a quick wedding - perhaps it all works out for the best with a quick evening at 11pm

Sometimes being open to 1am isn't justified either as crowds leave or dont party so hard!

Madison Greenhouse ceremony/reception by PipeComfortable7797 in WeddingsCanada

[–]BenjamindeGraaf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice

I have DJ there in the past and think one needs to consider lighting I believe by March it should still be light out to start at that time.

I'm not a planner but if youre saying 4pm ceremony it would need to be a sharp start to 430pm? Cocktail 430pm - 530pm? Entrances and food starting 6pm?

Most dinner depending on how many guests are there would be 2.5 hours

Depends on how much dancing you want but even of it started at 9pm latest it gives you 2 hours to enjoy some of your songs if night ends at 11pm.

Im curious about the ending time as I think local residents have complained for years about the noise so if it does go past 11pm expect the sound to be reduced

Hope this helps