Tips for booking a DJ
When you hire a DJ for your event, whatever it is, please bear these points in mind. The differance between a good DJ and a great DJ can be very small.
Party music DJs cost a little bit more because they have to be knowledgeable about many different types of music and deal with astronomical costs of buying many more CDs/Downloads plus time learning/listening more than someone specialising in just one type.
Make sure the DJ has the right equipment for your event. If you have any guests that are sensitive to flashing lights, make sure the DJ knows this beforehand. Ask the venue if they allow smoke/fog machines. Some hotels use beam technology smoke detectors and these can be triggered by smoke machines.
Make sure that the DJ has the ability to properly mix and blend songs together and will continuously deliver good sound.
In the case of MP3s/music files (computer/laptop systems) ask if there is some type of emergency back-up music playing capability in case of hard drive going bad or a corrupted program.
Vinyl record users require a rock solid floor /stage and might be limited to the amount of music brought to your event.
DJs using CDs should be using anti-skip CD players (when performing, 3 CD players should be available in case one quits working).
After signing a contract, do you want an additional meeting (or meetings) in person before your event to go over details? Not all DJs can do this - especially part-time DJs who make their living from a different line of work.
Does the place of your event (the venue) require the DJ to have liability insurance? It is necessary to hire a DJ service with liability insurance.
DJ start and stop times - BE SPECIFIC - and here's why: though some DJ services charge a flat rate (a set price regardless of the amount of time), some charge by the hour, many charge by the half hour after a basic time (usually about 4 hours).
State for how long you need the DJ service by total hours AND start & finish times to avoid any misunderstanding.
Do you want your DJ to take requests? No requests? Any specific music that you don't want played? Any specific music that has to be there? If it's important enough, get it in writing.
Do you want the DJ to play your requests WHEN you want them played regardless of the effect on the dance floor or will dancing and the mood be most important? If it makes a difference, get it in writing.
At your event, who does the DJ answer to? Too many people attempt to tell the DJ what and when things are to be played. Be clear about this before the event.
Visit my website for more information.
Party music DJs cost a little bit more because they have to be knowledgeable about many different types of music and deal with astronomical costs of buying many more CDs/Downloads plus time learning/listening more than someone specialising in just one type.
Make sure the DJ has the right equipment for your event. If you have any guests that are sensitive to flashing lights, make sure the DJ knows this beforehand. Ask the venue if they allow smoke/fog machines. Some hotels use beam technology smoke detectors and these can be triggered by smoke machines.
Make sure that the DJ has the ability to properly mix and blend songs together and will continuously deliver good sound.
In the case of MP3s/music files (computer/laptop systems) ask if there is some type of emergency back-up music playing capability in case of hard drive going bad or a corrupted program.
Vinyl record users require a rock solid floor /stage and might be limited to the amount of music brought to your event.
DJs using CDs should be using anti-skip CD players (when performing, 3 CD players should be available in case one quits working).
After signing a contract, do you want an additional meeting (or meetings) in person before your event to go over details? Not all DJs can do this - especially part-time DJs who make their living from a different line of work.
Does the place of your event (the venue) require the DJ to have liability insurance? It is necessary to hire a DJ service with liability insurance.
DJ start and stop times - BE SPECIFIC - and here's why: though some DJ services charge a flat rate (a set price regardless of the amount of time), some charge by the hour, many charge by the half hour after a basic time (usually about 4 hours).
State for how long you need the DJ service by total hours AND start & finish times to avoid any misunderstanding.
Do you want your DJ to take requests? No requests? Any specific music that you don't want played? Any specific music that has to be there? If it's important enough, get it in writing.
Do you want the DJ to play your requests WHEN you want them played regardless of the effect on the dance floor or will dancing and the mood be most important? If it makes a difference, get it in writing.
At your event, who does the DJ answer to? Too many people attempt to tell the DJ what and when things are to be played. Be clear about this before the event.
Visit my website for more information.
posted by DJ Paulie at
2/04/2010 10:46:00 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home