10 Tips For Hiring A DJ

First of all, thanks for taking the time to fill out our information form and read our brochure. We realize when it comes to booking your DJ, you have many choices and options. We believe that there are 10 things you must look for when hiring your DJ. So when you make those calls and fill out those forms, make sure the DJ you choose can confidently answer all your questions and fits the mold for your perfect wedding entertainer. !!

1. Prompt Return Of Your Phone Calls!Does the DJ you’re thinking of hiring respond to you in a timely manner? We believe that calls and emails should be responded to within 24 hours. The only exception is the weekend, when most DJs are performing. But we try to respond to all inquires first thing on Monday morning.!!

2. Willingness To Meet With You!Your DJ should provide you the option to meet in person and discuss the details of your event. At minimum, you should have a conference call or Skype session. You will learn a lot about your DJ, his mannerisms, and personality by actually meeting in person.!!

3. Do You Like The Person That Shows Up?!Have you ever had to do business or hang out with someone you just don’t like? It’s very important that you get along and actually like your DJ. And not all DJ personalities are alike. Make sure you are choosing the person you feel is RIGHT to run the party and entertain the guests at your wedding. !!

�110 TIPS FOR HIRING A DJ- CUTMASTER MUSIC

Phone 505.269-5585!www.cutmastermusic.com!chris@cutmastermusic.com!

12432 Chelwood Trail NE!Albuquerque NM, 87112

4. The DJ Should Have A Large,Varied Music Library!Believe it or not, DJs do not own all the music in the world. And professional DJs will not run your event from YouTube. It’s important to make sure your DJ has a large enough selection of music to fit the needs of your event. Different regions and cultures require different songs. And weddings typically require a wide range of music selection. Make sure your DJ can play to the needs of your party.!!

5. Your DJ Should Use Professional Grade Gear!Although you might not know what ‘professional’ gear is, or even looks like, your DJ should be able to tell you about his gear and how it will help him make your event successful. If your DJ just starts rattling off brands and names, but can’t explain how this makes your event better than the next DJ, then throw up a red flag. For Cutmaster Music, our gear is used as a tool to enhance the experience for you and your guests. Terms you might listen for: Pro audio, active speakers, intelligent lighting, uplighting, wireless microphone, DJ controller (such as Pioneer), Serato, Traktor, or Virtual DJ (software used to play music). !!

6. Your DJ Should Provide Planning!After signing the contract, your DJ should be an integral part of the planning process for your reception. A professional DJ is ALWAYS willing to discuss your event at any time prior to the event happening. They should always be flexible as well to accommodate changes and help troubleshoot and problem solve. We give our clients an event planner packet AND include the ability to plan online as well as create playlists. Your DJ should always have your vision in mind and contribute to the plan as needed in order to make your event a success. !!

7. Who Will Be Your Actual DJ?!Is the person you talked to, really the person that will be DJing your event? This is one of THE MOST common complaints in our industry, that the person you met with was not the DJ that showed up for your reception. And often times, you are not made aware of this. Before signing any contract, you need to know up front who your DJ will be and that they are fully capable of executing the gameplan you have in mind for your event. !!!!

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�210 TIPS FOR HIRING A DJ- CUTMASTER MUSIC

8. Your DJ Should Provide Referrals or Reviews!Any professional DJ will have a source for you to back up all their claims of greatness. The easiest way is to check Google for reviews, their facebook page, or many wedding vendors are reviewed online at places such as WWW.WEDDINGWIRE.COM. You might ask your venue coordinator as well, since the chances are good they have seen your DJ perform at some point. If your DJ has no reviews, can’t be found online, and has no form of reference, then throw the red flag up and question whether this is really the right DJ for you.!!

9. Your DJ Should Be Able To DJ!This might seem obvious, but the reality is that with technology, everyone “thinks” they are a DJ. If they show up with either a laptop, or just an iPod and two speakers, the fact of the matter is that they probably don’t know how to indeed DJ and rock a party. You might either ask for a sample of their mixing abilities and what strategies they use to read the crowd and determine music programming. After all, this is a party and we are supposed to create a fun atmosphere with dancing. So, the question is… can your DJ read your crowd and get them on the dance floor?!!

10. Your DJ Should Always Listen!We took an actual survey a few years back for a blog post on our website, and asked past Brides this exact question: “What is it that makes for a great wedding DJ?” I think one of the replies hits it on the head, that “it’s important for your DJ to be prepared and genuinely invest in giving you the kind of reception YOU want…” A professional DJ will probably have years of experience, hundreds of events under their belt, and lots of insight into what makes an event successful. But at the end of the day, all receptions are unique and there is no magic formula. The combination of your thoughts, with your DJ’s ideas of execution, will create that perfect event you have always dreamed of.!

�310 TIPS FOR HIRING A DJ- CUTMASTER MUSIC

�410 TIPS FOR HIRING A DJ- CUTMASTER MUSIC