There are many questions surrounding the search for a DJ: What to look out for and what to expect
How do you find the right DJ? When should you start looking for a DJ? What needs to be considered in this context? Here, I have compiled the 10 most frequently asked questions about the search for a DJ!
1. When should you start looking for a DJ?
In my opinion, the event location, catering, and DJ contribute the most to the success of a party or event. They should therefore be booked as soon as possible. In particular, the location and DJ are only available once per date, which is why I now require a longer lead time. Many Saturdays are booked up two years in advance, whereas during the week, it is much more relaxed regarding appointments. As a general rule, don't hesitate to search for a DJ, but book an event DJ as soon as the event date is known.
2. Booking a DJ online or only after a meeting?
A detailed introductory meeting is always the best basis for a successful collaboration because an event DJ must cover precisely what you are looking for. I believe filling out music questionnaires is no substitute for getting to know someone in person. Therefore, it is natural for me to meet my clients in person or have a Skype conversation as an alternative. In such a conversation, the expectations for the party evening can be set out very well, and an event DJ - equipped with all the important information - can prepare for the event in the best possible way.
3. How do you know if a DJ is a good DJ?
It is always beneficial to examine the DJ's reference list closely. A DJ who has already performed for many large companies and can provide detailed references from clients usually knows how to deal with the requirements of business events. If the portfolio offers a "good mix" of corporate events, Christmas parties, and club experience, the DJ will be experienced in dealing with a mixed audience. He knows how to handle the demands of different party crowds and can read the audience well and react accordingly.
4. Should you have heard a DJ live beforehand?
Experiencing an event DJ live at work is usually impossible due to closed events. However, it should always be possible for the DJ to provide you with playlists from similar events (e.g., Christmas parties, company parties, and product launch events). Such "real-life" playlists are a good way of telling whether the DJ knows their craft. Many DJs also include mixes or recordings of DJ sets that they have played in a specific context on their websites.
5. What is the average cost of a good DJ?
You should always check what is included in the DJ price package: As a rule, a personal preliminary talk, the playing time, including travel, set-up, disassembly and departure, and technical equipment should be included. Furthermore, references, club experience, etc., should be taken into account and the importance of music and a good atmosphere at the planned party should be considered. Be sure to watch out for hidden costs and ask for assurances that no additional costs can arise in addition to the estimated costs.
6. What should be considered when choosing an event location and DJ?
It is always a good idea to talk to the DJ you are enquiring about or have already booked regarding the event location: Are there any known restrictions or other suggestions regarding the location? It is particularly important to clarify the issue of volume control with the event location - ideally before booking the location. I have written a blog article with further tips on volume controls. After all, it would be more than a shame if an exuberant party were to be restricted for the guests due to volume regulations.
7. What's the best way to deal with music requests from party guests?
In principle, music requests from guests are welcome during the party and give the guests the feeling that it is "their" party. However, it is a good idea for the organiser to let an event DJ know in advance if there are any songs or genres they would prefer to hear less of at the party. If a guest requests something accordingly, the DJ can exclude specific songs according to the organiser's wishes. In principle, music requests should not get out of hand because the most crucial task of the DJ - especially with such a strongly mixed audience as at company events and the like - is to organise the evening in such a way that as many guests as possible feel addressed by the music. As music requests at parties are a much sought-after topic, I have also written a blog post with 7 tips on music requests at parties.
8. What's the best way to round off a party?
It is always important to inform an event DJ about the booked end of the event in advance. The DJ should reduce the intensity of the music at least 20 minutes before the planned end of the party. Conversely, if they turn up the heat in the last quarter of an hour and then end abruptly, the guests are often surprised and disappointed by the event's end. That's why it's always good to slowly reduce the vibes so that everyone can get in the mood for the end of the party.
9. A playlist instead of a DJ - does that work?
A professional DJ is always worth their money because they can react to the audience through their experience. They read the mood of the guests and look at the composition of the party crowd. Depending on which songs work well on the dance floor, they can adapt the other songs accordingly. It is simply impossible to control this via a pre-programmed playlist, so the playlist and the audience usually don't align with each other, leading to boredom and an early end to the party evening. On the other hand, an event DJ ensures that everyone has a great time on the dancefloor and that the party, event, and organiser are remembered fondly.
10. Which is better? A band or a DJ? Or a DJ plus a live band?
Combining a DJ with a live band is always great, as the interplay between the two offers a fantastic change of pace for the guests. However, a band alone can never replace a DJ, as a band is always limited to a particular musical genre and only performs for a relatively short time per gig. An event DJ, however, who feels at home in many different genres can offer various music styles to cater to all guests musically and will stay at the turntables until the end of the party.