How to Hire a Great DJ
It’s good to be educated on a topic if you’re going
to make informed choices. At Best Music Services, Durham
Region, we’d
like to make some suggestions about what a good,
professional DJ service does and doesn’t do. Wondering
what to look for in a DJ?
Find out:
1. Music Selection
– A good service maintains current music by subscribing
to DJ
music services and keeps a good selection of
past music by experiencing what
works with a variety
of age groups. A professional really listens to what you
want
to hear and what you don't want to hear. Best
Music Services has more than 90%
of the music
requested. zOur djs use ERG Nu Music Traxx and Xentendamix.
2. Sound Systems
– Poor sound systems can offset the fact that the DJ and
the music
selection is good. Make sure equipment the
DJ uses is current and a recognizable
name for DJ
work. Make sure the system has sufficient power for your
event. Best
Music Services uses Mackie® and EV
speaker systems.
3. Music Media
– Most of today’s DJs use a digital system. Some use a
laptop,
while others use dedicated devices for
digital media. Best Music Services uses
Numark D2
Director, Numark iDJ2 and/or DENON MC6000 with Virtual
DJ
software.
4. Backup
– Problems can occur with any electronic device, as well
as the human
device.
Make sure your prospective DJ
company has backup equipment available
and a backup
DJ on call in case something happens. Think of your
event with no
music. Ensure that there will be
someone answering the phone on the night of
your
event. Best Music Service has been in business for more
than 30 years and
has never had a no-show or
non-recoverable equipment failure.
5. Personable DJ
– When meeting with your DJ company, look for one that
takes
your personal interests to heart. Avoid
egocentric DJs or anyone insensitive to
your needs. A
professional DJ is working for you and strives to align
with your
vision of how you want your event to
happen. Best Music Services DJs are hired
based on
personality -- they are the type of people you instantly
feel comfortable
with. They really listen to you.
6. References
– Any DJ who does regular events should have recent
appraisals of
their performance. Question any
comments on the appraisal that are of a negative
nature. Don’t be afraid to contact references if even
just to verify that the
appraisal is a reliable one.
Best Music Services provides testimonials on our
website and you are welcome to request contact info for
any of them.
7. Agreements
– Make sure you get an agreement containing all the
specifics about
your event, including rates. Too many
DJ companies just book events by word of
mouth and
then show no commitment to your event. Verify that all
information is
correct on your agreement, and review
the fine print.
8. Planning
– Some events, such as weddings, require a number of
steps to be put in
place for the evening to flow the
way you imagine. Your selected DJ company
should
provide you with a planning tool. Schedule a meeting
with the DJ who will
be at your event and go over the
tool. Best Music Services use planning forms
as well
as a face to face meeting with your DJ to discuss your
event.
9. Hidden Extras
– Be wary of DJ companies who charge extra for things
like
wireless microphones or MC services. All costs
should be outlined in your
agreement.
10. Extras
– If you are looking for extras such as lighting,
bubbles, smoke, karaoke,
etc.; make sure the costs
are outlined clearly. Also, for extras like bubbles and
smoke, make sure your venue allows these effects. Don’t
assume that your DJ
company can provide the effects
you want -- ask. Also make sure that you are not
paying for effects -- such as lighting -- that you do
not want.
11. Provided DJs
– Make sure you investigate all your options when it
comes to
selecting a DJ for your event. Prior to
using the DJ the hall provides, research the
service
that will be provided, as well as alternatives. Most DJs
included in the
venue’s package are there because
they pay a commission to the venue, not
necessarily
because they offer the best service.
12. Affiliations
and Insurance – We are members of the Canadian
Professional Disc Jockey
Association and are fully
insured.
13. Comfort Zone
– Finally, when it comes to hiring a DJ company: if all
of the
above considerations seem good, go with what
feels right to you.
