I’ve been in the music industry for over 35 years and have experienced failure, success, and everything in between, including unwelcome competition.

The 1980s saw a flood of DJs needing to scratch their record player‘s itch and spin over from dance clubs into more of the wedding scene than ever before. Because of this, bands lost gigs that paid pretty well compared to the local club scene. Decades later, for those planning weddings, having a DJ vs. a live band is definitely a decision at the top of the list.

Now, Freelance Writers are the live band and ChatGPT is the DJ.

Everywhere I read, Freelance Writers are freaking out about not being needed any longer because AI can do what they do. The thing is, it can, and it can’t.

I’m biased. I prefer live music. The funny thing is, one of my best friends is a DJ and a pretty good one at that. He actually (gulp) was the DJ at my wedding. He was also my best man, so I had a little control over the music selection as he sat next to me.

Still, a polished wedding band is hard to beat. The trouble is, they’re hard to find and if you are able to get them, they’re usually expensive.

Oooh, this is sounding more and more like a good Freelance Writer who knows what they’re worth! I like it.

Yes, it’s true, some people will hire their friend’s garage band to play at the reception and the performance can be…lackluster, at best. Maybe they got them cheap, maybe someone owed someone a favor, or maybe all of the DJs were booked. Who knows?

But, if that’s the case, why not just plug in some speakers and create a playlist? Well, here’s some more DJ-ChatGPT-Freelance comparative talk for you-

It wasn’t hard to find some content on a wedding DJ site showing exactly what I mean…

Can you DIY your own wedding DJ set?

“Most people think that they don’t need to hire a DJ to play at their wedding receptions and that they can do just as good a job just using their iPods or laptops. However, DJs are not simply glorified music players. They actually do a lot more than that.”

Let’s change just a few words…

Can you DIY your own ChatGPT content?

“Most people think that they don’t need to hire a Freelance Writer to generate their AI content and that they can do just as good a job just using their iPhones or laptops. However, Freelance Writers are not simply glorified AI content generators. They actually do a lot more than that.”

Or, can you even imagine, this one? (oh the nerve)…

Can’t I just use ChatGPT to create all of my content?

“Most people think that they don’t need to hire a Freelance Writer to write their content and that they can do just as good a job just using ChatGPT. However, Freelance Writers are not simply content generators. They actually do a lot more than that.”

Just like DJs, ChatGPT isn’t going anywhere, and neither are live bands or Freelance Writers. Keep in mind, the availability of talent is never the complete deciding factor on who gets hired.

• Some clients have a tight budget and can’t afford a good Freelance Writer or seasoned wedding band.
• Others can afford whatever they want and still choose the DJ or have ChatGPT whip up their next blog post or article and leave it at that.
• Those that like a human touch find a way to incorporate both- they have a DJ at the reception and a fun, local live band to wrap things up.

There’s room for everybody at the party.

You do you. Just be sure to let everyone know you’re doing it. Realize that no matter how good of a Freelance Writer or live band you are, nothing can overcome a tight budget or bad taste in music.

The all-to-familiar DJ at the wedding reception- where else can you go from Sweet Home Alabama’ing it right into Earth, Wind & Fire’s 1978 hit “September?” I have to admit, I like that second one, and now I’ll be hearing it in my head for the rest of the day…

…two..three…Do you remember?