Q. Why should
I hire you and not someone else?
A. Passion. That's the difference.
I have the passion. Passion is the driving force in any chosen arena of
endeavor in which one strives for excellence. Ours is a partnership. Other
than you, no one cares more about the success of your affair than me.
Q. Will I meet with you
before my scheduled event?
A Yes! I will make it a
point to meet with you well in advance.
Q Will you be the disc
jockey that day or will it be some one else?
A. It will always be me.
When you hire me, that's who you get. There are no surprises.
Q When you give me a price
quote, are there any hidden charges?
A Your first quote is THE
last! There are NO hidden charges or tacked on fees. No surprises!
Q. How much music do you
bring?
A. Between 10,000 and 12,000
song titles.
Q. What happens if my
event runs longer than expected?
A. You may choose to have
me stay. The rate per hour will be stipulated in the contract so you know
exactly what to expect. No surprises!
Q. Can you provide advice as to how I should
structure my wedding reception?
A Sure! If there is anything I have learned,
it is that someone has to keep the ball rolling. Because there is so much
going on, I recommend that a person be selected in advance. Brides and
grooms should concentrate on celebrating!
Q. Are you familiar with
the pitfalls which may make my event less than successful?
A. You bet! Each event has
its own personality. I have a pretty good idea as to what works, and what
doesn't.
Q. Are you available for
advice even though I didn't book you in the first place?
A. Sure! I welcome all inquiries
from clients and other professionals as well.
Q. Do you share client
names with anyone else or related services?
A. Never. You will NEVER
be marketed as a result of my association with you. That would be a breach
of trust and confidentiality
Q. How many hours should
I book you for?
A. My standard measurement
of time is four (4) hours. Though it is not etched in stone, you can use
it as a benchmark as to how long you will need the hall. If in doubt,
we can talk about it.
Q. When should I book
your services?
A When you are ready! Sooner
is always better.
Q. Do you take emergency
bookings?
A. Yes!
Q. I have special circumstances
regarding my event. Is that a problem?
A. No. Just let me know
in advance, if possible.
Q. Do you take requests?
A. Yes. If I know in advance,
that's good. I can take them on the spot too. Please keep in mind that
a song request should flow with the music being played and the mood that's
been established. For example, Led Zeppelin's Stairway To Heaven is a
great song to hear on your radio, but would really clear the floor quickly
if played right after the Jock Jam Medley. Smooth segues are important!
Q. What kind of music
do you play?
A. Big band, standards,
oldies, country, new wave, rock, pop, dance, hip-hop...you name it. My
music is about great times for everyone!
Q. If for some unforeseen
reason you could not be present at my affair, what would happen?
A. I have, over time, established
relationships with those in the business whom I would hire if I were hosting
an event. Though the likelihood of my not being available is remote, coverage
would be arranged at the contracted rate.
Q What if I don't want
a particular song played, is that a problem?
A. No. Simply let me know
in advance.
Q. Is there anything I
need to supply you at the hall?
A. An electrical outlet.
Q. When should I pay you?
A. I normally request a
small deposit to hold your date. Payment in full can be made prior to,
during or after your event.
Q. How should I pay you?
A. In check, cash or money
order.
Q. Some of the new songs
today have objectionable lyrics. Do you play them?
A. No. I try to obtain the
"clean" copies if possible. If I can't, I don't get them at
all.
Q. Do you have any pet
peeves in your line of work?
A. Not many! Though there
are a few. Guests who insist on rummaging through my music. Another is
someone who insists on programming by requesting music, which clearly
no one else will enjoy or relate to. My music is about good times and
has a positive feel about it. Lastly, individuals who don't understand
that each event has its own pace. You can't force people to have a good
time unless they are ready. That takes timing and the right mix of music.
That's why you have me.
Q. What about your equipment?
A. My equipment consists
of all professional, name brand components. Each piece is aesthetically
pleasing to the eye, road worthy and well maintained. My equipment is
updated from time to time, regardless of condition. This ensures reliability
when I need it most - at your event!
Q. I need to change the
hours of my affair, and I have already signed the contract. Is that a
problem?
A. No. As long as the time
stipulated in the contract is the same. Remember, yours is the only job
I have for the day.
Q. I need to talk with
you about new ideas or changes. How quickly do you respond?
A. Usually within 24 hours
or less. I am available via email or telephone.
Q. How do you feel about
customer service?
A. This is a business about
customer service! Little else counts! Of course, you have to be good at
what you do too. There are seemly thousands of disc jockeys and disc jockey
services out there. Relationships are built one client at a time. When
you contract with me, you are guaranteed personal, professional customer
service because you are dealing directly with the top person in my business
- me.
Q. I need to make several
other last minute changes concerning my affair or reception. Is that a
problem?
A. Never. Just let me know
what you want.
Q. Are you by yourself
when you perform?
A. Most of the time, yes.
I will, from time to time, have someone with me to assist.
Q. Will you coordinate with
the photographer and the other professionals I have hired at my reception?
A. If you would like, sure.
Remember, whomever you have, it is best to make sure that person is willing
to take on the responsibility and is up to the task. Clients should have
fun!
Q. I have been at affairs
where the disc jockey played the music too loud and people were complaining.
What are your thoughts?
A. I agree! I am very sensitive
to this situation. My rule of thumb is that if I can't hear people talking
during dinner, the music is too loud. Additionally, I would be mindful
not to locate tables too close to the entertainment. Lastly, speaker mounts
work wonders in channeling music over people's heads, not in their faces.
Q. I have been visiting
many websites offering disc jockey services. Why do the prices vary?
A. Good question. Much depends
on their overhead, areas of expertise, profit margin expectations, labor
costs, and client niches they wish to cultivate. There are those who will
only perform at the most upscale locales. Some services are strictly wedding
oriented. Others specialize in large arena settings. Others still will
target volume bookings for a given night. They are not all the same. Know
your needs first, and shop around!
Q. What about references?
A. I have recently added
a Contact Page to my website where clients are free to express themselves
regarding my work product. They do so of their own volition, and I am
very grateful for their kind comments! Additional references may be supplied
on request. To protect my clients' privacy, they have agreed in advance
to contact you. I don't furnish lists.
Q. I'm not sure that I
really need a disc jockey. Can you objectively advise as to what I should
do?
A. Sure can! There are those
affairs where you would be better off with just a boom box and a stack
of CDs! Disc jockeys are not cheap, and sometimes a particular social
setting simply doesn't warrant the hiring of one. Let's talk about it!
Q. Which is better, a
band or a disc jockey?
A. A tough one! There are
great bands and fabulous disc jockeys. Conversely, there are crummy bands
and even worse disc jockeys! If the Rolling Stones, REM, Third Eye Blind,
or Pink can't make it to your party, I would go with a great disc jockey!
Q. Do you take breaks?
A. No.
Q. When do you arrive at
your jobs?
A. Generally one hour to
an hour and a half prior to start time. I like to become familiar with
the hall. Additionally, I will interact with your other hired professionals
to ensure that we are all on the same page - namely your complete satisfaction.
Q. Do you have an actual
contract that I sign?
A. Yes. It is less than
a page long, and is easy to understand. Remember, my line of work is entertainment,
not litigation!
Q. Is my deposit refundable?
A. If you break the contract,
no. If I break the contract, yes.
Q. May I recommend you
to others?
A. It would be the greatest
compliment!
Q. The hall that I am
looking at keeps pushing the house disc jockey. I want to pick my own.
What should I do?
A. Remind the hall owner
that you live in America, and that America is about freedom of choice!
It's your money, and there are plenty of establishments in need of your
business. Be firm. Some places may try to throw in the house DJ as part
of a "package," to sweeten the deal. Keep in mind that he hall
and the house DJ have a prearranged understanding. Packages are only a
good deal if the sum of all of the parts is to your liking - and your
budget. Besides, insist on the Music Man!
Q. Are you affiliated
with any disc jockey service or company?
A. No. I respect what they
do, but I prefer to be on my own.
Q. Should I have any additional
questions, how do I contact you?
A. You can reach me via
telephone or e-mail. Contact me anytime!
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