DJ Canada Blog

Some clients have related a rumour to me that Beyond Sound is packing up and heading back to Toronto in the near future. I just want to inform everyone in Vancouver that the rumour is FALSE. Starting in the summer of 2010 Ryan and Jordan will be sending more time in Toronto than Vancouver but we guarantee that we will be up and running for many years to come. We have invested a lot of time putting together the most talented team of DJ’s and Interactive MC’s on the West Coast and will continue to be the #1 choice for entertainment in Vancouver.  We are all looking forward to an exciting future in Vancouver, as we truly feel as a leader in the DJ industry we have influenced the way events in Vancouver can be taken to the next level.

Let us know when it’s time to dance!

It’s very easy to get lost in model numbers and other forms of audiophile-geek speak.  There are a couple of factors involved in figuring out what kind of audio and lighting setup you will need.  The number of guests and the size of the room will be important when deciding what kind of system will be required for the event.

Most Mobile DJs companies should know the popular event rooms around your town (major hotels, banquet halls and clubs) and have a recommendation for a setup that will work for your event.

Here is a quick breakdown of some of the equipment you may find in typical DJ packages.

Speakers

Two-way and three-way and more way.  All that way stuff really is saying is that there are two or more speakers in each speaker cabinet.  Almost all home stereos have a tweeter and woofer in each speaker (two-way).

Subwoofer

A subwoofer is for cranking out a lot of very low bass.  These are better suited to larger rooms/parties and are really great for dance music and hip-hop.

Turntables/CDs/Computer

It started with turntables almost 100 years ago and now music can be played countless different ways on an amazing number of devices.  Turntables are still used today with regular vinyl records.  Additionally turntables can be hooked up to a laptop and be used to control the music on the laptop.  This is becoming more and more popular everyday.

Using laptops is a brilliant way to play a show for a DJ.  They can usually assure you that they have their entire music catalog with them and finding music is easier and quicker which leaves the DJ with more time to read the crowd and play a great gig.

Most Mobile DJs still use CDs right now but this is changing quickly as I said above.  DJs who use CDs, use them in the same fashion as turntables but, with CDs.

Microphones

Wireless or wired?  Microphone quality for an event is not of huge importance.  They are not very expensive - a nice corded DJ mic would run around $100.  Cordless mics cost more and may be necessary if you are planning on having speeches or interactivity with the crowd.

Lights

The right lighting is an essential part of any event.  For most smaller weddings and events you can usually get away with a just a simple light or two.  If you feel that may disappoint try and have an idea of what kind of lighting you might want.  Strobe?  Laser?  Smoke or Haze?  These are just the tip of the lighing iceberg!

Remember though, that a good DJ is a good DJ.  There is no special light that will make a poor DJ great.

In Part 1 you learned some important broad tips to help prepare yourself for hiring a DJ for your event.  In part 2 we will discuss picking the right DJ for musical taste.

Before contacting a potential DJ you will want to know the styles of music you will want to hear at your event.  Obviously, this is very important and most DJs will be very happy to go on at length about their favorite genres.  Top-40, Oldies, Top-40, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Country… are all popular genres.  A Hip-Hop DJ might not be the best choice if you are hopping for a lot of line dancing.  The more expensive DJs usually have a strong knowledge and collection of a wide variety of music spanning many musical styles.  Some of the more advanced DJ companies now feature an online list of their catalog/library.

When you speak with your potential DJ ask them if they take requests in advance and at the show.  Explain the nature of the event and ask for examples of what they would play at such an event.  Do your requests match any of of his/her choices?  Are they similar?  Be sure that they will play what you are hoping to hear as it can make or break your event.

I got married two years ago. Like any wedding, it was a blessed event…but one thing was wrong: the song the DJ decided to play when we walked out to the reception.  Alas, after careful consideration,  I now realize that that one musical hiccup to my otherwise perfect day was MY FAULT!  To avoid this same plight, I urge you to read my cautionary tale…..

It was over. All the months of planning and nerves - over. The vows we wrote ourselves were divine, and everyone was giddy about the fact that I had decided to have champagne and strawberries for the taking upon arrival at the ceremony (hey - why not!).

But I had forgotten one thing.

The entire wedding party was lined up to make their grand entrance into the reception (After all, I had let all of my bridesmaids choose their own outfits/dresses - and they were ready to show them off!). It was then that I heard those fateful notes.  Now, I won’t get into what song was played at that moment - that’s not the point.  Suffice it to say it wasn’t a song I enjoyed.  So there I was , the dress could finally be seen, and my least favourite song was saluting our entrance.

So ladies, when you’re meeting with the DJ for your wedding - make sure to pick the song YOU want to walk out to!

Until next week-

Robin

If you are reading this article it is likely that you are looking to hire a DJ for your wedding, corporate event or another type of function.

There are several different types of DJs for hire - club DJs, radio DJs, raves, mobile DJs etc.  This article will cover all of the steps involved in hiring a mobile DJ for your event.

First Things First

Do not assume the DJ already knows everything they need to know for your event.  The more information your give your DJ the better equipped they will be to make your event a success.

When you hire the services of a DJ. they work for you which makes you their boss.  It is up to the client to make sure that everything required for their event (attire, music selections, equipment etc.).

Finding the Right DJ

Before you start your search you will need to determine what kind of DJ you are looking for. Are you just looking for someone to play music or do you want them to interact with the crowd?  Are you going to want a DJ that is also an MC to get the crowd going or can teach the crowd some dance moves?

Most DJs have one or several of these skills but, it is important to have a good idea of want you are expecting from your DJ before picking up the phone.

Next, make a list of some of your favorite bands, singers or songs.  Have an idea of what you envision your event will sound like.  Jazz during dinner and a mix of classic rock and techo or classical during dinner and dance music after?

These are all factors to consider before you start your search.

That ends part 1 of How to Hire a DJ.

Too see part 2 click here!