When many people approach us for DJ services, their main interest is someone who will play their music correctly. While this is a good thing, does it mean that it’s the only thing that you should pay attention to when finding a DJ for your event?
Yes, your DJ should be genuinely thrilled to discuss your music preferences and dislikes, and they should express a desire to play your favorite songs, but that’s not all you should look at. Here are other things you should pay attention to:
Bulletproof contract
A contract shouldn’t simply include the hours that the DJ will be playing in your venue and the amount of money you will pay them. It should be more detailed than this.
When we write contracts for our clients, we usually include vital clauses such as what will happen when the DJ gets sick or their car breaks down. In all cases, we have a backup ready at all times, so our clients don’t have to worry about finding a new DJ.
When you are reading the contract, pay attention to such clauses that will ensure that you are sorted at all times. The contract should also include a guarantee of a backup mixer or controller on site in the event of an accident.
Crowd control ability
The role of the DJ isn’t just to play music; they need to know how to control the crowd and transition guests from one part of the event to the next. You can tell how gifted your DJ is by watching their sets or interviewing them.
As you talk to the DJ, listen to how they transition from 70 BPM (cocktails/dinner) to 128 BPM (peak dance). We have noticed that if the DJ hits too early, the crowd is usually burned out by 9:00 PM, and you don’t want this.
You want a DJ who can read the room and slowly transition the crowd. At the same time, you need to work with a DJ who is experienced in handling the song requests from drunk guests. A professional DJ should have a buffer strategy to handle such situations.
If you ask your DJ how they handle drunk requests and they say they simply play the music to clear the floor, chances are they will ruin the event’s vibe and might fail to play all the agreed-upon songs. Remember that you are the one paying the DJ, and they should play your songs, not what others want.
Professional-grade gear
You are putting on a professional event, so the DJ should use professional gear to deliver the sound and appeal it deserves. As a rule of thumb, the DJ should use professional-grade brands such as Shure, Pioneer, RCF, and QSC.
If your event would be better served with lapel microphones (rather than handhelds on stands), ensure the DJ includes them in his package. If wireless handheld microphones are important (as opposed to cable or fixed-location microphones), the DJ should provide them.
If you don’t want to hear music from a distance, make sure you hire a DJ with at least two different sound systems.
Are you having your event in a room with high ceilings and glass walls? You need a DJ who uses delay towers or has specialized EQ to prevent echoes.
Ability to use the microphone
Most people have the impression that a DJ is a DJ, but this isn’t the case. There is a huge difference between a club DJ who never even touches the microphone and an event DJ who has to be a pro at it.
Your DJ comes in handy for setting the tone, using the microphone to guide your visitors through the event. If they are chaotic and ambiguous, your guests may be unsure what to do next. If they ramble, use trite one-liners, or tell dumb jokes, things can become awkward. And you don’t want this.
Look for a DJ who exudes confidence. Someone who can deliver clear and precise announcements. Someone who understands how to give clear directions. Bonus points if they fit your preferred style (e.g., casual, formal, energetic, relaxing, etc.).
Support system
One of the things we talked about above is the DJ’s ability to ensure the event goes on even if they get sick or one of their systems fails.
A true professional will have a support network to rely on, as well as backup equipment/plans in place in case of technical failure.
From our experience, you should note that if you book a DJ at a lower-than-average rate (for your venue’s region), and that DJ becomes ill or injured, they will have a more difficult time finding someone experienced to cover for them. This means you won’t save much money by hiring a DJ who is too cheap.
At the same time, if you hire a DJ firm that offers a newbie at a reduced rate, make sure to inquire about their policies if that individual is unable to DJ your event. For example, if they are unable to transition smoothly through the different parts of the event.
A good rule of thumb is to discuss this before you hire a wedding DJ. You should ask about the backup DJ and even get to listen to how they play the music. This way, you are sure that even if the main DJ has hiccups, the replacement will be just as good.
Parting shot
As you have seen, there is more to hiring a DJ than meets the eye. You shouldn’t hire them simply because they can play your music. You need to ensure that they are all around. As mentioned, they need professional-grade gear. The DJ also needs to be good on the microphone so they can properly direct people.
As mentioned, DJs are different. Don’t hire a club DJ as a Wedding DJ services Maryland provider. They won’t be a good fit.
