Here are some questions Jon Paul & Phat Aahs often get asked. Click on the question to go to the answer (or just scroll down!)
More FAQs will be added as they arise.
If you have another question – CONTACT US.
Q: “Phat Aahs” - what's with the name?!
A: Either you can say it as it sounds and use your imagination, or accept this definition:
Phat : ( Af-Amer. slang) : excellent, cool, entertaining; (of music) rich in texture, prominent sound, i.e. “a phat bass.”
Aahs : ( Onomatopoeic ): a sound commonly used in vocal harmony
Hint: We know which one we prefer!
(and which one we told our mums)
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Q: So: are you any good?
A: Er… YES.
But then we would say that. Check out our REVIEWS for some evidence.
Q: Are you available on the date of my event?
A: Check out the dates we're already booked on our UPCOMING EVENTS page.
Q: What are your prices like?
A: Think Goldilocks: not too big, not too little, but juuuuust right. We've considered everything to pass on good value to our customers. We offer significant discounts for Registered Charity events. CONTACT US for a quotation.
Q: Do you have disco lighting and effects?
A: Yes. A standard lightshow is included in all Discos, and can be added to Karaoke shows for a nominal fee. You can upgrade to a full intelligent light show – or remove lighting for a discount. Sometimes a small amount or smoke/haze is used (depending on the venue) which makes the lights look even better and kids (especially the Big Kids!) love our bubble machine! We only use strobe lighting by special request due to health and safety reasons (e.g. strobes can trigger epileptic episodes.)
Q: Can we come an see/hear you live?
A: In many instances this is not possible as many gigs are private weddings or events.
However, I do also appear in shows or venues open to the public - be that tickets or otherwise. See our UPCOMING EVENTS page for public events near you.
Q: What kind of music can the Vocalist sing?
A: Jon Paul sings a range of styles from jazz/easy listening and Rat Pack right through to smoochie ballads or soulful rock. See our SERVICES page for some of the artists he covers, or our EXAMPLE SETS page for an idea of some of the kinds of songs.
Q: How long does the Vocalist sing for?
A: Jon Paul performs for a standard 90 minutes, usually as two sets of 45 minutes.
However, this can be adjusted to suit you – for example three 30 minute slots, 30 minutes then 60 minutes later.
Jon Paul usually take a break of 20-30 minutes (or longer to suit your catering) between sets. Background or disco music plays in the break.
Q: Will the vocalist sing a specific song for me?
A: Provided (a) enough notice to learn a song is given, (b) it is in his range and (c) it is available as a quality backing track, this may be possible.
Please CONTACT US for more information.
Q: Many DJs have their music on computer – why don't you?
A: There are several reasons for this that we could go on for hours about.
It boils down to this:
to stay legal and have the excellent sound quality plus the 1000 th of a second queuing you get with a professional-standard CD player, and for technology which isn't going to crash and leave you in silence, we'd need to invest in an expensive laptop, expensive mixing software, expensive digital DJ license, to pay nearly a pound per legally downloaded track, pay for extra insurance and more…… These expenses all get passed on to you, the customer.
Q: How many songs have you got?
A: Over 4500 Karaoke tracks and … er… we've never counted all the music tracks. Let's just say there's enough to cover almost every style, taste and era from the 1940s on.
Consider this: DJs who boast they bring ten squillion tracks to each gig are still only likely to play 60-70 of the most popular songs in an evening, but pass the costs on of all those additional tracks to you. We don't.
Q: Do you mix like in the nightclubs?
A: Phat Aah's shows tend to play a bit of every style, meaning that beat-match mixing like you hear in clubs is not always possible. However, we usually fade from one track to another, so the music always flows smoothly even between styles.
Q: I've just downloaded a GREAT new track: can I plug in my i-pod? AND I do a bit of singing and mixing myself – can I have a go?
A: Sorry but no. The equipment is set up for the optimal balance for our CD desks, plus for insurance reasons this is not possible. The DJ/Host can make any announcements over the mic for you.
We allow use of mics for non-offensive speeches, particularly for weddings, by arrangement. And if you really want to croon that badly, add the Karaoke option.
Q: Can you play my disks?
A: For Karaoke, if you have a compatible disk in good condition, this may be possible.
Likewise CDRs of your own music - provided they are good quality recordings in good condition and appropriate – can be played by the DJ.
But this rather defeats the object of hiring a professional, doesn't it? If you require specific songs, ask ahead of time and we can usually provide these.
Q: Do you accept requests on the night? Can we give you a play-list?
A: Requests on the night – of course, although it impossible to guarantee every song in the world is going to be available. Alternatives and similar songs are always played if the specific song is not available.
We do not normally recommend very strict set lists as this limits responding to the audience on the night, however we will do our best to accommodate the kind of music you like – although if we have to buy lots and lots of tracks to cover very specific songs, this can incur a surcharge.
Remember there is normally only time to pay 60-70 songs in a night. Let us know ahead of time if there are certain special songs you want to hear, such as a first/last dance, team song, etc. and we promise to try and find it.
Q: How will you dress on the night?
A: This depends on the event and venue and can be agreed with you. Usually, this is smart-casual, but a lounge-suit/tux can be worn for more formal occasions.
Q: Do you have Public Liability Insurance (PLI)?
A: Yes – insured up to £1million. A copy of the certificate is available on request.
Consider this: Many venues will now not accept entertainment providers if they are not PLI insured.
Q: Is your equipment Portable Appliance Tested (PAT) and certified?
A: Yes - all equipment is checked on an annual basis to ensure it is safe and complies with the relevant legislation. A copy of our certificate is available on request or independently verifiable by our certified PAT Tester.
Consider this: Many venues will now not accept entertainment providers if they are not PAT certified.
Q: How long does you take to set up/breakdown?
A: For a full disco & lightshow, set up can take about 90 minutes. We need at least two 240v A/C power sockets. Breakdown takes about 45-60 minutes.
Set up/breakdown times are less for smaller shows - you will be advised when you book.
Q: Must I pay a deposit? Will I get a contract?
A: A deposit secures your date(s) and no other customers are booked on this date – hence deposits are non-refundable. Once you confirm your date, the details are “pencilled in” and held for 7 days until your deposit (usually £50-75) arrives.
The balance is payable 28 working days before the event, unless alternative arrangements have been agreed. As time allows, each booking gets a bespoke booking form confirming your requirements & a copy of our terms and conditions. To see our general terms and conditions please click here.
Q: Will you play too loud or too quiet?
A: If you want the music quieter/louder, just ask the DJ/host. We are always sympathetic to the event and point in the evening. We have quieter/background music for during food/conversation.
Music being "too quiet” is not usually a problem for venues up to 250-300 people. Additional equipment can be hired in for larger events for an additional fee.
Remember: setting the music volume too low can make the mix sound bad or be too quiet for people at the back of the room - especially when a vocalist is performing. So if you have older guests who might find volume an issue, consider sitting them further back from the DJ/Vocalist in your seating plan.
Q: What areas do you cover?
A: We are based in Newport , South Wales and will travel within an hour at no extra charge. However, for distances well outside of this there is a nominal fee.
Q: Do you do kids' parties?
A: Sadly, we do not cater for parties specifically for under-16s, although we will accommodate a section of ‘music for children' into weddings etc – for example party dances (e.g. Cha-Cha Slide, Crazy Frog) and fun pop/chart music.
Q: Will you hire out your equipment for us to use?
A: Sorry, no. Phat Aah's staff must remain with equipment. If you require a PA system for speeches and/or your own background music during an event, without hiring a full entertainment package, this can be arranged at a reduced rate and will include a sound engineer. Please CONTACT US for more information.
More FAQs will be added as they arise.
If you have another question – CONTACT US.