Don’t Panic!

Panicking can be one of the worst things you can do right now. People who are panicked will rush to find someone and their state of mind can lead them to make a rash decision. It could be choosing a low-end DJ that could make the night less-than-desired, or you could choose a DJ that quotes you a very high price being so close to your event.

Now if you followed my checklist from a previous post, then you hopefully have talked to a couple of DJs while going through the interview process. Contact them to see if the date is free. If they are all unavailable, I still recommend going through the standard process so you can be meticulous in our search.

Ask The Former DJ For Advice

While some people will not think of this because of the gravity of the situation, a lot of times a reputable DJ will already have an extensive network of DJ’s you can consult with. While you may be upset at the situation I highly advice approaching this as dispassionately as possible. Your previous DJ might be able to set you up with a suitable replacement, transfer the knowledge of the event to that DJ, and you are set to go!

Talk To Event Planners

You may not have hired an event planner, but if you are in a real bind they can be a very useful asset. Planners typically will have connections to a number of entertainment services and can recommend a DJ for you. Yes this will likely not come free, but it could make the difference between scrambling to finding a DJ versus having someone’s extensive network at your disposal.

Have A Backup Of Your Plan

Hopefully the DJ you were previously dealing with has taken notes about your needs and can transfer those notes to you in case of an emergency. As a best practice you should keep some notes for yourself. Colors, playlists, all are very important and if you happen to rush because the deadline is tight, critical things can be missed.

You Signed A Contract, Right?

So when you chose your DJ you signed a contract right? A contract is a piece of mind for both the DJ and their clients in case of such an emergency. Make sure you are aware of your legal standing if an issue of money or materials comes into question.

The R&B Junkie – Vol. #2 by Pariscreative on Mixcloud

Your favorite classic and new R&B hit’s mixed up. Featuring songs from SWV, Janet Jackson, Ne-Yo, Lauryn Hill, and others. Enjoy the set.

Classic Riffs – Vol. #1 by Pariscreative on Mixcloud

So I had a challenge to make a Rock mix, and this is the fruits of my labor. Chuck Berry, Led Zeppelin, Areosmith grace the liner notes.

The Quiet Storm Vol. 4 by Pariscreative on Mixcloud

The Quiet Storm Release #4 features some of the sexiest tunes to listen to. Dance For You, So Anxious, My Body, Sex Therapy; this mixtape exudes sensuality with the quiet storm groove. Light a candle, draw a warm bath, and relax to the Quiet Storm.

Step 1 – Research

You should never just resort to hiring the first DJ you see, nor should you simply default on hiring a fiend of a friend. If you take some sensible steps, you can immediately filter out a lot of DJ’s that do not meet your criteria. This includes:

• Google for DJ’s local to your region
• Go to the big DJ website listing places like WeDJ and Gigmasters
• Don’t forget local resources. For instance here in the Hudson Valley we have HVMusic.
• Examine their Google, WeDJ, and other references

Step 2 – Interview the DJ

A common misstep about searching for a DJ Entertainment service is simply calling up and asking what is their price and then the conversation is over. You should engage the DJ to try to determine if their personality is right for you. Are you looking for a high energy DJ hype up the crowd or someone more laid back and let the music do the talking? How long have they been DJing? What will the DJ do if a piece of equipment fails? Do they have advice to give you? Think of this part of the process as the interview process, and your goal is to come out more informed than you started.

What kind of questions should you ask? Here is a short list to consider:

• Are you available on my date?
• Are you the DJ for my event?
• What audio options and equipment do you have?
• What lighting options do you have?
• What levels of backup do you offer in case of unforeseen issues?
• What is your rate given what you now know?
• How much is the deposit?
• Are there other fees (travel, tear down, etc)?

If a DJ at any time is trying to rush you off the phone, or quotes a fee without asking any real questions, then likely this DJ is not who you will want to deal with. Imagine how they will perform if the know little about your personality and what you want.

Step 3 – Protect Yourself

If a DJ does not offer up a contract, walk away. Seriously, because this DJ is simply not a professional DJ. A contract is there not only to protect your interests but to protect the DJ’s as well. I am surprised by the number of people I have talked to that did not get a contract with the DJ. What if they double book? What if they simply do not show up?

Step 4 – Trust Your Instincts

After doing your due diligence, it’s time to decide. In the end the most simple advice I can give you is to trust your instincts. Go into the process informed, and come out of it knowing that you can trust your DJ to provide quality entertainment for your event.

Step 5 – The Deep Dive

A professional DJ will soon start asking some very detailed questions about your event. Everything from the type of music to the colors you would like to see. Many people can get impatient with this, but it really speaks to the attention to detail that the DJ is trying to achieve. One thing to remember is to not be afraid to ask questions yourself. You should come out of your meetings with your DJ with the feeling that they have their end under control, that they know your expectations, and that any question you have has been met to your satisfaction.