Six Things to Look for When Hiring a DJ

The best parties often have some of the best music, whether it’s playing automatically in the background via a music player or being tailor fitted to the events of the night by a seasoned DJ. Music just has a way of connecting people to memories in a way that’s different from how, say, good food can remind someone of a particularly enjoyable event at a certain restaurant. Hence, when planning for an amazing party, the music-planning part is just as important. This is where hiring a DJ can be quite helpful—and daunting.

Here are six things to look for when hiring a DJ for a special event.

1. Value
Price is often the first thing people consider when looking to hire a DJ. After all, the party itself already entails expenses, and good DJs aren’t valued cheap. It’s important to do some research before deciding to straight-out hire the one whose rates are within the approximated budget. Ultimately, the importance of the event should be taken into consideration, which might just make the higher price tag for a more experienced DJ worth it.

2. Experience
DJs with years of experience may charge more for the job, but they come with a learned concept of timelines that’s vital in any party. They would also have gained industry knowledge, including the ability to choose music that’s more fitting for the guests attending the party. Additionally, experienced DJs already tend to have formed relationships with other professionals in the events industry, such as the photographers and venue managers, which makes for a smoother run during the party.

3. Equipment

The type of equipment a professional needs varies from location to location and from event to event. You will need all of the basics and continually upgrade them throughout your career. If necessary, look into DJ Equipment Finance to help afford all of the items that you’ll need.

4. Music Library and Licensing
Music preference is, of course, a personal taste, and not all DJs have an extensive collection of songs at their disposal. But a well-prepared DJ would not only have a good selection of music in their library; all these songs would also have the proper license. Not everyone who hires a DJ is completely certain about the types of songs to be played during the event, however. For this reason, it’s important to hire someone who can offer suggestions and is also responsive and direct regarding the music needs of the party and its guests.

5. Customer Service
Before deciding on the DJ to hire, observe their communication skills and willingness to hear suggestions. As much as possible, try to meet with prospective DJs in advance to get a feel of how their personalities match with the event that they are being hired for. DJs who are passionate about their jobs and love what they do are usually the best ones to hire for a party. Not only will they be good at providing the music needed; they will also be receptive to the vibe of the party and bring an enthusiasm to their sets that can amp up the guests’ overall enjoyment. A good DJ will have the people skills to understand specific needs and accommodate them to suit the occasion.

6. References and Reviews
Most DJs nowadays have an online presence, which makes it easier to find reviews for their performances. Take particular note of any negative reviews on professionalism. Endorsements from family and friends usually have the biggest impact on the decision to hire a specific DJ, but try to still ask for references for past events they’ve played for.

Hiring a DJ for an event can be expensive, and sometimes, people may settle for the first affordable disk jockey that they can find. The downside to doing so is the possibility of paying for the services of someone who can actually bring more harm than good to the party. Avoid this by checking out online reviews and references and asking about music selection. Music can make the difference between a good event and an awesome one for the books, and an amazing DJ can help turn a party into something truly memorable.