What is the main job of the D.J.?

To read the room, pick up on energy cues, and if one genre is working to keep playing it. It’s knowing when to go high and low and when to increase the tempo and energy. When people make requests, I know a vibe needs to shift or something hasn’t been played enough. All of this has to be done while accounting for different ages and cultural and ethnic demographics on the floor without losing members of the crowd.

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What is your fee?

$1,000 per hour, minimum of three hours of playtime. I don’t charge for set up or breakdown, which can take an additional three hours. Gear can cost an additional $1,000 or more, and includes a basic sound system, two speakers, two turntables, a wireless mic, a mixer, and an assistant.

How many songs will you play throughout the night?

About 200. During the dancing hours I’m mixing one song per minute.

What should couples ask a D.J.?

Do you M.C.? Some D.J.'s don’t feel comfortable on the mic. Can you play genres that speak to me? If a D.J. can only play Top 40 they may not be for you. Do you have video content on your website I can watch? Do you have playlists from past weddings, and examples of how you transition, like going from dinner to dancing, that you can send me? You can ask them to make you a custom playlist, too. They should be willing to meet you in person before you hire them. If the gig is local they should be open to bringing their own sound system and open to traveling for work.