This is a quick guide for the party organizer of your next event or function.
There are many lists and articles out there both in print and on the internet depicting what you, as a potential customer should be on the look out for when hiring a Disc Jockey for your next function.
This article is different in that it gives equal share of responsibility in hosting/ organizing a joyfully memorable event to both the Disc Jockey of your choice and you as the client.
A Professional Disc Jockey is like any other service person that you interact with in day-to-day life. Treat a professional service person well, communicate your expectations & requirements to them effectively and they will go out of their way to make certain that you and your guests receive great service, its as simple as that.
The worst Disc Jockey is a person who DOES NOT meet your expectations!
A young lady at a party I played at recently asked me (via proxy) if I had a certain song, which I apologetically replied that I didnt have it at the time.The response by the young lady was, Well, He shouldnt be a DJ then. Obviously her expectation or pre-conceived notion did not fit in with reality!
Your expectations are not the issue, communicating them effectively is!
Below is a brief but straightforward list designed to assist you, your event organizer and your DJ in making your next event an event to remember.
1.Never be afraid to ask for something. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
Regardless of the stories and the hype, Disc Jockeys are not mind readers. All you need to do is ask and if it can be provided it will be provided.
2.Write down a list of 10 things that you expect from your DJ.
For example, be specific about the details of your function, do you want people to dance or is the party more of a cocktail chatting session? Do you want the DJ to be the Life of the Party and engage the group via the microphone or hang back and provide a backdrop? Do you want a MEGA DOOF sound system? Perhaps you like the DJ to be dressed in Formal wear or in Leopard skin print hot pants?
Either way, close your eyes for a minute or two and envisage what the night is going to look like, write it down and email that list to your DJ.
3.Prepare your DJ.
It is not possible to carry every song ever invented, nor is it always viable to just download the song there and then. There may be songs or genres that you absolutely must have or conversely must not be played.
Provide your DJ with a musical playlist, or ask for a playlist that you can fill out and return.