Hiring a DJ (Disc Jockey) for an event sounds like it should be a simple process when in fact it's the opposite. I've seen many parties where people were not happy because their DJ was horrible. What we need to ask ourselves is, what we should look for when hiring a DJ?
The answers I will provide you below are important to know yet at the same time can be difficult to find out. Here we go:
-Years of experience as a DJ. This pretty much speaks for itself.
-Genre of music played. This is important because there are a wide variety of genres out there. You should already have some ideas as to what genre of music you want played at your event. Having researched what should be played at an event like yours will help you determine if they are experienced in music selection based on their answers. Keep in mind it still does not say much because they must also know how to feel a crowd, test a crowd, and satisfy the crowd. This is not necessarily easy because not everybody at your event will like the same types of music. This is where skills and crowd reading comes into play.
-Find out if they have a specific order in which they play their music genres. There are many things that will help a DJ to determine when certain genres sould be played . The age differences at your event, the type of event your having, point and time at which meals are served, and a few other things which can only be figured out as the event is taking place
-Type of events they cater to, or have catered. Ask how many times they've catered to your specific type of event. You will most likely not get a specific number but having an idea will help you to know what you're dealing with.
-Ask about pricing, hidden fees, tips and more. This would also involve feeding their staff if that is included. You should first start out by doing your research prior to asking. I highly recommend calling a few other companies or using the budget calculator on this site. It will be very helpful. Keep in mind that pricing is not 100% accurate in determining if your DJ is good. There are cheap DJ's or DJ companies that will do 3x better of a job than an expensive one. Same goes for the other way too. The reality is this, it all comes down to one thing, which is experience. A video demo, past clients testimonials, visiting an event or showcase in which they're performing in are all ways of finding out how good they are.
-Last thing to keep in mind are those individuals assisting them. I'm referring to their M.C (Master of Ceremony), Party Motivators, or any additions to your event that requires more of their staff's presence. Don't always assume that you're going to get exactly what was seen in their video, of anything that provides you with a visual of what is to be expected. You may get a different DJ or M.C who is representing the company you're using. That in itself can make or break your event because no two DJ's are exactly alike, same goes for the Master of Ceremony (M.C). This doesn't mean that you need to be worried because most of these professional entertainment companies do their research prior to hiring any staff members. After all, if a D.J or M.C messes up, it 's the company that ends up getting a bad reputation. With this having been said, one would like to assume that a company is extremely cautious and selective in their hiring process.
-Last thing that I want to recommend is actually a task for you. Normally speaking, some people have more energy in the morning and some at night. Your entertainment provider may have had another event prior to yours. The D.J probably had a hot date the night before and decided to stay out late. The party motivators were probably having a blast the night before at a nightclub, a friend's party, or working another gig. These are very important issues that we don't think about, but they can greatly affect the outcome of your event. It's extremely hard to control these situations but you need to keep in mind that this is your event. Know that yes, this may have taken place with these individuals working your party and you most likely will not know this. I've always been a strictler on using the power of motivation and the power of words. Prior to your event, you should approach the individuals providing you with the service. Motivate them, thank them for being there and let them know you're excited to have them because you know they're going to do a great job.
If you're saying to yourself right now that it's not your job to do this because they should already know this, well then you're right. At the same your could be cutting yourself short. I've worked many parties before, either as a DJ, an M.C, a party motivator(dancer), or the person in charge of a staff handling a specific event. I've been that motivator to myself and or my staff. I must tell you though that there is nothing more motivational or energy giving than having the host or hostess approach me or my staff to let us know that they know we are going to rock their party, and their happy to have us. You may ask yourself why this is important and this is what I have to say. Remember when you were a student in school and your teacher told you that he/she liked your work. Well, what was your reaction? I'm sure you were happy but most of all you wanted to continue on pleasing that teacher with your work. Same goes here! The power of positive words and motivation can do wonders for those who are providing the service, and all it takes is just a second of your time. Remember that this is your event, you've worked hard in putting it together, so do yourself a favor and take that last step.
Good luck with your event and have a ball.
James G.
