There are a variety of people and companies that provide mobile disc jockey services in this area. It can be very tempting to select the DJ who has the cheapest price. However, you should know that all disc-jockey's are not created equal. Listed below are a few things you should consider prior to hiring your disc-jockey.
1. Experience
The first thing to consider is experience. More specifically, experience in the type of event you are planning. For instance, if you are planning a wedding you would not want to select a DJ who mainly plays music for school dances. A lot of younger DJ's start out doing school dances, and then venture into the wedding arena totally unprepared. In this example, the DJ will most likely not have the variety of music that is necessary to perform at weddings, nor will this DJ have the experience at professionally MCing a wedding. In contrast, if you are planning a school Prom, you will want to know if the DJ has all of the latest Rap/Hip Hop and Alternative rock music as well as a larger sound system and light show required for such events. Make sure that your DJ has is capable of performing for the type of event you are planning.
2. Training
What kind of training has the disc-jockey received? Did the DJ just start their own business and learn by trial and error, or have they completed a formal training program that provides the information and skills necessary to provide outstanding performances. T. J. ’s Sound currently employs two outstanding DJs that have been with the company for a total of 14 years. Both Greg Credeur and Todd Landry have what is takes to accommodate even the toughest audiences. We feel confident that "All" of our DJs years of experience proves to be one of the finest services offered in the South.
3. Music Library - See Our Music List
This category is a distinguishing factor that drastically varies with people who provide this service. Quite simply, anyone can claim that they have a variety of music that includes oldies, country and Top 40. The question is, are they really equipped to play the music that you want, and can they play most of the requests that they receive from your guests? How many selections does the DJ have?? This may seem to be a surprise to you, but if your DJ says they have 300 to 400 CD's, they are under-equipped, and will most likely not be able to play a substantial number of requests they receive. This driving factor is a major reason that some DJ's in the area charge $200.00 to $250. for their services. The budget DJ simply has not invested the amount of money necessary to provide you with a first class selection of music. If you are planning a wedding or other event where you expect a variety of ages and music tastes, it is important for you to select a DJ who has invested in a music library that allows him or her to play most of the requests received from your guests. At T. J. ’s Sound and Video, we carry a music library that is second to none (now with over 2,500 Compact Discs). As a matter of fact, we play an average of 95% of the requests we receive, without any special preparation.
4. Equipment
Providing professional disc jockey services takes a toll on consumer grade equipment purchased at retail stores like Radio Shack or Circuit City. This is why your disc-jockey should have high quality, industrial equipment, that is designed for on the road use. Each of our 2 sound systems have been designed to provide clear, distortion-free sound with products from Mackie, Crown, American DJ, and Numark. While it is highly unlikely that your disc jockey will experience any equipment problems, you will have the peace of mind knowing that back-up equipment is readily available and only a phone call away.
5. Personality/Interaction
It is important for you to select a DJ who will provide the style and personality that you prefer. Do you want an energetic and fun DJ, or do you prefer that the disc-jockey provide a more low key approach? These are questions you should ask yourself, and the disc jockey, and make sure that you can match your needs and tastes to the ability and style of the disc jockey. T. J. ’s Sound and Video is capable of providing any style that you prefer.
6. Contracts
The importance of getting a written contract from your disc jockey cannot be overemphasized. We have heard of numerous horror stories of DJ's who canceled a booking at the last minute. In at least 90% of the cases we have seen where a DJ canceled at the last minute, one or both of the following factors were involved:
1. The DJ was a "friend" of the family.
2. There was no written contract.
The above statistics provides you with a lot of "food for thought". You may have a very capable friend who has offered to provide you disc jockey services at a discounted rate. The question you should ask is, do you want to take a chance on the DJ not showing up for your event, or canceling at the last minute? We think that it is imperative that you have a written contract with your entertainment
7. References: See
A Few Of Our References
If you have never seen the disc jockey you are considering for your event, you should ask for references from both previous clients and from area banquet facilities. We think that the references from the banquet facilities are your best bet, since the banquet manager has probably seen the DJ in question on numerous occasions, and can give you a better idea on the ability of a DJ. and their dependability.
Le Triomphe, The Ballroom, The City Club at River Ranch, River Oaks, and Vermillionville are just a few of the facilities that will vouch for our expertise.
8. Appearance/Dress
Unfortunately, this is an issue that must be examined prior to hiring your disc jockey. It is still the norm to hear of a disc jockey who wore jeans and a T-shirt to a wedding or other similar event. We think that it is important to provide a professional approach in everything we do. We will always wear professional attire. Never Jeans. We will typically wear a nice coat with slacks. We don’t always wear a tie, however if requested we will have no problems complying.
As you can see, there are many factors that go into choosing your disc-jockey.
We welcome any questions or concerns you may have about your entertainment
needs. We hope that you take serious consideration when choosing your DJ.
