E.N.R.G Productions

Tips On Choosing The Right DJ
    We are aware that not all DJ's are made for every event. Below the ADJA has compiled a few questions to ask when looking for a DJ and also some helpful tips that will help find the right DJ for your event. Below the questions are the answers that you would get should you contact us.
    Some questions that you are going to want to ask a DJ are:

1. Do you use professional equipment?
    This might sound like something that is normal and that every DJ has, however there are many people out there that are working from home stereo speakers, portable CD players and other home stereo components that you can find at the local Future Shop or Best Buy.     Answer! For example we use equipment from American DJ, Yorkville, Tascam, Yamaha and Pioneer. Don't be afraid to ask a DJ what equipment they use.

2. Do you use a contract?
    This is a must in our business. People think that a handshake will seal the deal. There have been reported cases of DJ's who take a deposit or the whole amount from customers without a contract and then have left them without their money or the service. A contract is a must as it not only protects the DJ but it also protects you from this happening. Make sure you read the contract from top to bottom. If there is something that worries you in the contract then let them know what worries you about it.
    Answer! We always use contracts for all of our shows. Even our close friends and family sign contracts. This secures that date for us to perform and also protects the other party from us booking another party and leaving them with nothing.

3. Do you have backup equipment?
    Most DJ's never think of this at all. Having a backup is something that will help incase something breaks down you are not left without a DJ for the night that you have paid for. A backup may not be the best equipment around but if it will not stop the party for the whole night.
    Answer! We do carry backup components that will allow us to get the party back up and running when something happens. We like to make sure that everything is working before we get to the location. This will ensure that everything is in working order and the backups are not required but still on hand.

4. Do you belong to a trade organization or group?
    This is not a mandatory thing. It is however nice should something happen you know that the DJ has a network of people that he can call should he be in the hospital or busy on that date and can refer you to someone who could handle your event. Some of the groups out there are the DJIN (Disc Jockey Information Network), CODJA (Canadian Online Disc Jockey Association), USODJA (United States Online Disc Jockey Association), ADJA (American Disc Jockey Association) and the CDJA (Canadian Disc Jockey Association). These groups not only allow a DJ to network but also allow them find reputable DJ's in the area when needed.
    Answer! We belong to the CODJA, DJIN, and the USODJA. We are Canadian but working a long side our American brothers has allowed us to broaden our skills and refine our services.

5. When will you be setting up?
    Most DJ services are booked from 5pm to 1am or 9pm to 1pm. These times changes bases on many factors but the setup time should not. If the DJ wants to setup at 8:30pm for a 9pm start you might want to advise about another time. The main reason for this is that during your toasts or dinner there will be someone banging around trying to setup his equipment while your trying to have a nice evening.
    Answer! We always setup before the event starts. If we do not play till 9pm but guests are there at 4pm then we are there during the early afternoon when the other vendors such as your decorator are working. This allows us to setup, test everything and make sure that we have everything in place so that when your guests arrive we are setup and not causing a scene. This also allows the decorator to finish as sometimes they like to decorate around us.

6. How will you be dressed?
    Sounds like something that you should not have to ask but you do. Many brides have commented that their DJ's are not dressed for the occasion. A tux might not be in order but a shirt and tie would be appropriate for the event. If you do not ask then you might be surprise at what the DJ is wearing when you show up.
    Answer! We always wear a collared shirt and tie with kaki or black pants. This make us fit in with the quests and not take away from you. If you wish for us to wear a tux then we can accommodate this at an extra cost. During our setup period we will wear t-shirts and shorts (if it is warm outside) or a shirt and jeans. This allows us not to get our dress cloths dirty while setting up our equipment.

    Below you will find just some things to keep in mind when hiring a DJ for your event. These are things that you might not think of when looking for the right DJ.
1. Are you comfortable with the DJ?
2. Does the DJ have the skills you require for your night?
3. Did the DJ get enough details for your night?
4. Did he ask the order of events for the night during your meeting?
5. Will the DJ play your requests?
6. Will the DJ play your guests requests?
7. Is the person you met going to be the person at your event or is it someone else?

    The above questions are things that can help you pick the right DJ. The questions might not be all of your factors in picking a DJ but they will help you pick the right DJ. If you are not comfortable with something either let them know or find someone who you are comfortable with. Many people will pick based on costs and sometimes that is not the best idea.