Choosing your DJ
by Kevin Colangelo Premiere Disc Jockeys

Having been a Professional Disc Jockey for the past 26 years worldwide I have compiled this article as a guide when selecting a great Disc Jockey - you may find my article controversial and off the beaten track but if you really understand what I say, you will see the difference and make the right choice.

There are plenty of Disc Jockeys in the USA - that's a fact.

A lot of Disc Jockeys copy each other and say the same old things instead of looking further than someone else's website or brochure. Have you seen DJ websites - I know they all look similar and say the same things- why...because they have copied each other.

Look for a DJ Service that stands out from the rest - don't consider price at all at this stage.

Once you have selected say 3 DJ services that you like, contact them via email and telephone and whoever responds first - this is essential - that DJ Service goes to the top of your list.

Next once you have either arranged a telephone call to discuss your event - listen to what they say - a lot of people say - let the client speak and tell you what they want and their idea's - wrong - if you tell them a lot about what your event is at first they will simply use their 'sales pitch' around what you have told them - only tell them it's say a Wedding Reception and the date and times and then ask them to describe their service and what they offer. Therefore if you hear something you don't like - for example - "we offer a package with a free party pack and also we dress up in a chicken costume and hand out chicken masks to your guests" - this tells you something important - what they think is important.

A great DJ Service will talk to you about the person who is available for your event and their experience and how to make your event flow correctly.
Mentioning what lights they have or a gold plated microphone or a free party kit is not an incentive for you to book or does it make the DJ better than he is.
Concentrate on the person - after all he or she is the one you are booking and not the equipment or free giveaways.

If their patter is short and they mention price straight away - give them a minus mark - if they cannot be bothered to explain at length about their service and mention a price straight away they are not really interested in your event but more interested in the money they can make.

Listen for how they present certain things at a wedding for example - do they come out onto the dance floor and present the bouquet and garter or go to the cake and invite guests over etc.

Many DJ's use laptops as their source of music - beware - this is not really built for DJ use, and really is a unreliable source to use - some DJ's will download MP3 songs for free from certain websites - illegal - and the quality is very poor.
My advice - go with a DJ that uses CD's.

You don't need to ask what equipment they use - you will find that most DJ's use good equipment.

If you hear a loud television in the background when calling a DJ - pass on him/her - trust me on this one.

Questions you should ask:

Are you a member of any professional DJ Association? - If they are it's a plus for you.

Do you ask for tips or gratuity? - If they do - pass them quickly - tips or gratuity for DJ's is ridiculous - they get paid enough - did you ever see anyone tip a band or harpist?

DJ's do receive tips - I have! - But to mention it is not professional in my view - you should feel comfortable that you are not required to tip.
A thank you and handshake is worth more than $20.

Get references from the DJ - actual phone numbers of clients that have used the DJ you are booking - if they will not supply them - no excuse and pass on the DJ.

References from caterers or hotels/venues are ok…but they did not book the DJ and you really need to go to the source - the person who booked.

NEVER EVER be invited to another clients wedding reception or ask to see a DJ 'in action' - if a DJ Service offers this - pass - because this is most unprofessional and tells you absolutely nothing and wastes your time.

And don't ask to see a "DJ in action"..There is no such thing - go see a band at a bar or hotel at a public event - yes - can they play and sing?...yes or no…bands are not the same as a DJ.

The best DJ will offer you either an office meeting or a home visit to bring video and demonstrate their idea's to you - the best DJ Service will offer you these meetings when it's convenient to you - I offer a 10am to midnight appointment flexibility.

Be to the point and if you want to supply a list of songs to the DJ - he should say "no problem" - he will gel you list with the songs he will play on the day of the event.

Don't EVER expect any DJ Service to play a list in the order you have chosen or supplied - that's impossible.

Make sure your DJ has Liability Insurance cover - some don't and that's ok but if they do it's a safer bet - always get a photo copy from them and never take their word for it that they have Insurance - get a copy.

Book the DJ who strikes you as 'on your level' and then consider price - remember it IS true that the DJ is the most important factor at your event - make sure you book a good one.

Price is one thing - quality another.

Afford the DJ you can and NEVER EVER book the cheapest UNLESS you are receiving a discount or there is a valid reason that they are the lowest price.

Get the feeling in your stomach for the DJ you like and go with him.

Kevin Colangelo Premiere Disc Jockeys