18 Questions to Ask
a Supafly Disc Jockey
1. Is the DJ
available?
Begin your conversation by indicating the date, time, and location
of your event.
2. Will the disc jockey you
speak to be the one who performs at your event?
Be aware that some DJ
companies act as booking agencies that assign many DJ's to
functions they
book. To avoid any last minute surprises, make sure that you have spoken
with the person or are aware who will be performing at your function before
you book the event. Don't let
your event be a training session for someone
with little or no experience.
3. Is the disc jockey willing
to meet with you for an interview before you hire them?
It is important that
the DJ you choose be a serious professional who is willing to dedicate
time
and effort to your event. This commitment should start before any agreements
are
made, and a dedicated professional should be happy to meet with you to
answer any
questions.
4. Can the disc jockey supply
you with references from previous clients and
properties at which they have
worked?
A recommendation from another person is a great way to find out if a
DJ is right for your
function. When you ask for references make sure you get
previous clients and properties at
which the DJ has performed.
Click Here for our testimonials
5. What kind of experience
does the disc jockey have and does he/she have it in the
event type you are
booking?
Many events follow a specific format. It is essential that the DJ be
familiar and experienced
with the format of your event. Choosing a DJ with
adequate experience will help to assure
that your event runs smoothly. An
experienced DJ will be able to handle unforeseen
circumstances and work in
coordination with the photographer, caterer, and other services.
6. Will the DJ use
professional equipment?
Make sure that the DJ uses only professional audio
equipment. Pro audio equipment is
made to handle the demanding conditions
that are required of a mobile sound system. A
system comprised of only pro
equipment is far less likely to fail and will look and sound better
than a
home built system.
7. How does the equipment
look? What is the expertise of the DJ using it? Can they
supply pictures of
their equipment?
Yes, the equipment does make a difference. All DJs should be
able to supply you with recent
pictures of their equipment. This does not
mean that you have to be an expert as well, but it
would not hurt to peruse
some of the professional DJ equipment manufacturers to get some
information
to be armed with when you talk to your DJ. Also, remember, more than likely
you
will be spending good money on decorations for your event; the DJ's
equipment should not
spoil that. Also, it should not be consumer grade
equipment. Remember, Uncle Jack's stereo
might sound great in Uncle Jack's
basement, but, it may be barely heard when put into a
banquet hall of 300 or
more people.
8. Will the DJ be involved
with the planning of your event?
A DJ should do far more than just play
music. They should become involved with the
planning of the event. The DJ
should be available to you prior to your function to discuss
music selections
and coordinate the event. By combining your suggestions with
their
professional input, an itinerary should be prepared before the
function. This will allow the DJ
to focus on the itinerary of your function
while you sit back and enjoy it.
9. Will the DJ host the event
and interact with your guests?
The DJ should do more then just play music and
should be prepared to handle any
announcements and special events throughout
your event. There are many options for
specialty games and crowd
participation dances which can enhance any event. Whether you
prefer wild or
mild, you should be able to decide exactly how interactive the
entertainment
will be before the event takes place.
10. Will your disc jockey be
suitably dressed for the occasion?
It is important that your DJ looks the
part by dressing in formal of semiformal attire
(dependant on event type). Be
sure to specify the type of apparel that your DJ should use.
11. Is your disc jockey
willing to discuss musical selections ahead of time, and are
they willing to
play requests, particularly if they are suitable for dancing?
It is important
for your DJ to know exactly what type of musical preferences
and
entertainment needs you have for your event. They should be willing to
listen to your ideas
and suggestions. They should make themselves available
prior to your event to discuss
selections. They should be earnest in
accepting the songs you have chosen to be played as
well as those you have
chosen not to be played. Special requests should never be a problem
and your
DJ should be willing to play them where they are appropriate.
12. Will your disc jockey
arrive on time?
Punctuality is a necessity, and as professionals they should
be aware of their responsibilities
to their clients. Normal time spent
setting up and removing equipment is not a part of the
entertainment
fee.
13. Can your disc jockey
provide a written contract?
It is extremely important to have your booking
confirmed in writing. All terms of the
agreement should be in writing to
avoid any complications at a later date.
14. Will you play my
CDs?
Honestly, there is not guarantee that your CD is in playable condition.
If it skips, who gets
blamed? Instead, talk to your DJ about the songs that
you want; many times if your DJ does
not have a particular song he/she will
get it if is available.
15. Is there backup equipment
on hand?
Murphy's Law is always present, so it is important to know whether
your DJ has extra
components, or hopefully another entire sound system
available to them. Any number of
circumstances may arise between the time you
book your Disc Jockey and the date of your
event. Booking a reliable Disc
Jockey is a very important decision for the success of your
event.
16. Is there a backup plan
available incase the original DJ runs into an Act of God?
All DJs should have
someone available incase they run into an accident, flat tire or any
other
complication to your event. They should have someone to cover them until they
can
arrive at your event.
17. Is the DJ insured with
Liability Insurance?
All DJs should have Liability Insurance available if
requested. Many venues require
Liability Insurance from all vendors including
your Disc Jockey. Liability is important
also in case if any guests trip over
a wire or if speakers or any other equipment fall on a
guest.
18. Ask for a Demo DVD or
pictures from your DJ!
DJs should have available DVD or picture promos of
them at a recent event. Since many times, it is
not possible for you to see
the DJ while they are performing at a private event, they
should submit to
you a DVD or have pictures available of a recent event they have performed
at.