What A DJ Expects From You
There are a few things the DJ expects, this blog will briefly outline a few
Mutual respect
Your song list as soon as possible
That you and your guests enjoy your music selections
Your dress code
Number of guests and the size of the room
Getting paid the agreed amount at the agreed time
Mutual respect
A Professional DJ should know what they are doing when it comes to music selections. Try to listen to their suggestions. Ask the DJ if there are any songs that will complement your list. Mutual respect goes a long way when building relationships. DJ’s love music and want people to dance and have a good time.They want your night to be memorable for all the right reasons.The DJ is not paid to be abused by drunken guests or patrons.
Your song list as soon as possible
So you have decided to:
Get Engaged
Married
Celebrate a Birthday
Have a reunion
Sports Presentation
Think about it what sort of event is it? Consider what songs do you want to hear while you're eating and mingling with your friends. What types of music are going to get your dance floor moving. If you have no idea, never fear, that’s what I am here for, I can help you put together an amazing list that you and your people won’t forget anytime soon.
If you are struggling ask family and friends, what are their favourite songs, if you like them add them to your list. If you don’t like a particular song make a note of that also.
The DJ still needs to know if you can’t stand that band or song because it has bad memories attached to it. You want everyone to have a good time and tell you they love the music. It's a great feeling when your guests tell you they love your music. Music makes or breaks a party and plays a vital role in the success of the event.
Your dress code
It’s important to let the DJ know about the attire. If it’s a theme party. I personally want to dress with the theme. If it is black tie, Formal, Corporate, Smart Casual, House party or family BBQ. I want to fit in too. There is nothing worse than turning up to an event and wearing the wrong dress code.
Number of guests and the size of the room
The number of guests is very important as well as the size of the room. This lets the DJ know what size speakers they will need to bring. A professional DJ wants to provide you with the best sound possible without causing permanent hearing damage to you and your guests. Nor do they want to blow their speakers due to overriding their expensive music system.
It has become a new trend for some people to think...
"I am having a party, I will just use my spotify list or my own Cd's and my home stereo system"
Only to find a drunken friend thought the music was not loud enough turned it up to maximum and blew the speakers and the amp or people have used their cd's for drink coasters and dropped and scratched those very expensive limited editions of Beatles Stereo Box Set or Herbert von Karajan Box Set.
A brand new sound system and replacing those rare collectors cds will end up costing far more than hiring a DJ for the night for that special that occasion. It may also save a friendship or two.
Getting paid the agreed amount at the agreed time:
A professional DJ should be paid on or at the agreed time.
As I explained in my last blog. “What to expect from your DJ”
The DJ may have may have slaved over your unique list for hours, checking every song is there, that is the right mix by the right singer. This takes time sometimes if the list is comprehensive and if it’s very eclectic it can take hours and cost a bit of money. If the DJ does not have a lot of music in the certain genre. Take the music genre Screamo for example. The following bands are classed as Screamo:
A Day to Remember
Bring me the Horizon
Asking Alexandria
Just to name a few, this takes a bit of research all this takes time.You want your DJ to be concentrating on your music mix and list not worrying if they are going to be paid or not. They have put in a lot of effort behind the scenes ensuring that your event is a success. It’s only fair that they are paid at the beginning of the gig when everyone is sober. If you want the DJ to do overtime, have the money ready. It can become awkward for everybody to make the DJ ask more than once for payment.
Next Blog: The Breakdown what happens behind the scenes as a professional DJ actually does and what you are paying for.