Audience interaction is great… but there’s always someone who just doesn’t understand the art of making requests. JUST FOR FUN...we posted HOW NOT TO MAKE A MUSIC REQUEST AT A PARTY......
1. Play some real music.
2. Play something that somebody actually wants to hear.
3. Play something faster, more upbeat.
4. Play something "we" can dance to.
5. Play something with a beat.
6. Don’t play any crap, rap, no chicken dance...just something fun.
7. Shut this off! (so what if the dancefloor is full).
8. Nobody likes this so play anything but this!
9. I need a song, but I don’t know what it’s called.
10. Throw on some Zeppelin, it’ll get the place rockin’. (During Dinner?)
11. Thanks, now play the whole CD.
12. So it skips, play it anyway!
13. Play it! Or I’ll knock you into next week!
14. Don’t play it, ‘cause my friend is here and she’ll cry.
15. It’s the only song my boyfriend knows how to dance to.
16. Play it and I’ll love you forever.
17. There’s fifty bucks in it for you (yea… right).
18. Next, next, next, next. Play it next. It’s gotta be next!
19. Don’t play it next, wait ‘till I come back.
20. You didn’t just play it! I’ve been here all night and I haven’t heard it.
21. Play it again, no one will notice.
22. Don’t play that, everybody’s sick of it.
23. Nobody cares what you play, they just wanna drink.
24. Everybody’ll dance. Everybody wants to hear it.
25. Play it next ‘cause we’re gonna leave right away.
26. Play it now or we’ll leave.
27. It’s a request… you have to play it.
28. Play it or I’ll have you fired.
29. Hey, remember who’s paying you!
30. We can’t hear it in the back; turn it up.
31. It’s too loud up front, turn it down.
32. What songs you got?
33. I think it’s the third or fourth song… just play the whole CD.
34. You know the song… it goes “Da Dun Da Da De Da…”
35. There’s some guy singing and a guitar.
36. You’re the DJ, you should know it.
37. What do you mean you don’t have it; sure you have it.
38. I held the tape recorder real close to the TV, it should sound fine.
39. You’ve got time for one more.
40. Just one more and then we’ll leave. Really we will.
How To Choose and Get The DJ You Want -
*See also above Questions for a DJ and our answers
To get the DJ you want, there are topics to discuss and questions to ask
(The cost of hiring a DJ also depends on the answers to these topics & questions)
1) Make a list of exactly what you want the DJ to do. Want the DJ to make announcements or maybe play the role of an emcee/master of ceremonies? (that's someone that guides, orchestrates and sometimes interacts with guests at a function). Just play music and nothing else? Do you want someone to be sophisticated? Interactive? Possibly give dance lessons, etc.?
TIP >>> Most DJs cannot handle all these different facets so you need to choose one that is capable of honoring your wishes. Some DJs prefer to be dance instructors, singers or karaoke hosts more than a DJ. Some won't be an Emcee/MC. Some don't talk, others won't shut up. But some will be perfect for your event.
2) KNOW THE MUSIC THAT YOU WANT PLAYED. This is obviously very important. Make sure the DJ will have the music you want at your event. Do you want a variety of music or perhaps just Club, Top-40, Oldies, Hip Hop, Country ...? Try to find a DJ that specializes in the music you want.
TIP >>> Variety music DJs are the most expensive because they have to be knowledgeable about many different types of music and deal with the astronomical cost of buying many more CDs and downloads than someone specializing in just one type. Not too many DJs will have a printed list of the music they own especially if their music collection is huge and constantly updated. However, many do list what they have in their websites and music databases. In any case, you need assurance that what you want will actually be at your event.
TIP #2 >>> Just because DJs have the music, it doesn't mean they will bring it to your event. Ask how much music they take with them to events like yours. If it's not much, beware. Some events might require just a small amount of music, some require a very large amount. If something is important enough, demand it be there. Example: out of the approx 4,000 CDs I own, usually over 1,000 are taken to the average event [some require only 100 CDs and others require over 3,000]. Those using MP3 style have no excuse for not having a lot of music with them.
3) Do you want a DJ with a set music program or be flexible? Take requests or not? Play your requests on demand or when they feel it can be fit in without altering the dance floor or mood? As always, this is completely up to you. I can't stress this strongly enough - get the DJ that will do it your way. Another article under "How Much Music Do I Need to Select?" illustrates this point.
4) Make sure the DJ has the right equipment for your event. Be sure to state the approximate amount of people that will be attending (some DJs don't have equipment to handle large events). State whether event is indoors or outdoors or both. Will equipment have to be moved from one place to another during event? If some specific equipment will be required such as a wireless microphone, tape or CD players, make sure the DJ service has this since not all do. Lights, fog, bubbles, novelties like inflatable instruments or theme? Want them or don't want them - tell the DJ before getting a price.
5) Ask how much experience they have working events similar to yours. If it doesn't make a difference, that's OK. But if something absolutely has to go right it would be to your advantage to have someone with experience who can deal with unexpected last second changes, twists, curves and turns that always seem to come up. A good DJ can help smooth over potential rough moments.
6) Match the DJ to place of event. If a DJ is using turntables (playing records/vinyl) or not using anti-skip cd players, the area used by the DJ must have a rock solid foundation or music will skip or stop. If there is a stage, it too has to be solid.
7) Due to direct sunlight on equipment (a bad situation) or threat of rain, not all DJs will work outdoors using their own equipment.
8) Computer [MP3/Music Files] versus CD, Vinyl and other formats. Which is best?
Can't say. Honest! All formats can do a great job and have their advantages & disadvantages. Just insist the music you want is brought to your event, that the DJ has the ability to properly segue (blend songs together) and will continuously deliver good sound (especially with MP3s). In the case of MP3s/music files (computer/laptop systems) ask if there is some type of emergency back-up music playing capability in case of the hard drive going bad or a corrupted program (not a music file - but the program that controls the music files). Vinyl record users require a rock solid floor/stage and might be limited to the amount of music brought to your event. DJs using CDs should be using anti-skip cd players (when performing, three cd players should be available in case one quits working).
9) After signing a contract, do you want an additional meeting (or meetings) in person before your event to go over details? Not all DJs can do this - especially part-time DJs who make their living from a different line of work.
Regarding Formal Events and Weddings: specific questions to ask DJs
1) Do they know how to work with photographers, videographers and related personnel? Don't take this for granted. It's imperative everybody coordinate their actions so that important moments are handled, photographed and videographed correctly.
2) Will they set-up their equipment before your guests arrive?
3) If you don't have an event coordinator (someone to oversee formalities and other details), is the DJ ready to guide you through this? The good DJs can.
4) Do they own or rent formal attire? If they rent, will you get charged extra?
