What music genres are in your collection?
50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, Acoustic, Big Band, Classic Rock, Classical, Country, Dance, Folk, Funk, Gospel, Hip Hop, Jazz, Motown, Oldies, Orchestra, Pop, Punk Rock, R&B, Rock, Soul, Strings, Swing, World
Do you have liability insurance?
Yes
Describe your DJ style:
Professional, Classy, but fun too! I've worked a lot of events since 1989, most of these years as full time. I will perform it as you wish -that's your choice.
What is your usual attire?
A Tuxedo. But I will gladly wear what is asked of me if there is a theme. I was asked to dress as a Court Jester for a Medival wedding this past Summer. I rented a beautiful costume and even wore the make up!
If you do not have one of the songs pre-requested by the client, do you require that they provide it?
No, It?s a DJ?s job to supply the music ?kind of goes with the title. Don?t hire anyone who requires you to supply the music. If there is something that is unavailable, and you own it, I would of course welcome the help. I own all my music. Since I digitized my CD library, I started buying music from Apple?s i-Tunes, but I still like to hit the record store now & then. Most everything is available.
How many other DJs do you work with?
Just myself most of the time (unless I need a roady due to an injury). Believe me, One DJ is a good thing. I recently lost a job to someone who told a Bride that he would bring assistants. That may be a plus for the DJ, but not for the wedding. It does not look good to have DJs-in-training hanging out at a wedding. If a job requires 2 sound systems I show up early enough to provide that. My sound is not something I like to delegate. With myself, you have one person in charge of the music, announcements, sound, and timelines. I'm sure most event facilities prefer this approach as well.
What is the minimum amount of time you will DJ for?
No minimum. I ask a fee based on the date and play up to five hours. Additional hours are available at an overtime rate we agree on.
Is the client able to meet the DJ before booking?
Yes, and then again before the wedding date to go over music and announcements.
Do you specialize in any ethnic or international events?
I have worked for many different ethninticities. I enjoy them as that?s how I add to my music library. I receive most of my knowledge form people planning the events but I enjoy studying up also. I?m most familiar with Jewish, Italian, and Spanish families. This past Summer I provided sound and music for a two hour Hindu ceremony and reception that followed. It was beautiful!
Do you bring your own equipment?
Yes. As a sound tech my sound gear is very important to me. My back up gear is just as good as my primary gear. Another big ?question to ask the DJ? is ?do you carry back up gear??. Yes I do and did so before others used it as a selling point. I?ve seen what others use for gear, and they better have back up gear.
What (if any) special equipment, such as disco balls or lighting, is offered with your service?
Yes, when requested. I usually ask one fee and then set up what is required. No additional fees unless I need to rent special equipment (projectors & screens), and then I usually provide it for only my cost.
How much time do you usually need to set up? Do you require that the site or client provide a table for you to set up on?
I like to have access to a location 90 minutes prior to start time. 2 hours & 15 minutes if two sound set ups are required. Most venues provide a table but I?m prepared to set up my own when needed. If the venue provides a table I prefer only one.
Do you have any extra space requirements?
No, I?m flexible and do what is required.
Do you usually emcee the event or talk between songs?
Yes, and yes ?as needed. Not too much ?DJ chatter?.
What is your policy on taking breaks? If you require a meal break, do you require that the client provide your meal?
I love a good meal, but I prefer not to leave my station to eat. I will if required to or if I?m given a ?vendor meal?. Some venues have a policy of serving only vendor meals (which means a sandwich bag lunch). That?s fine, but it looks terrible to eat a sandwich or anything other than a guest meal in front of guests.
Will you arrange for recorded music to play during your breaks?
Yes.
What is your backup plan in case you become unavailable on the day of the event?
I'm friends with most Maine DJs. I'm friends with the DJs in the 2 DJ organizations, I'm friends with DJs who choose not to be in those organizations (most of whom have many years more experience than organization DJs, and I am co-founder of another company, BestMaineDjs. I come from the old-school musicians' slogan, "The show must go on at any cost". New Djs aren't familiar with that term and use their organization as a selling point. If I were to be in an accident or life threatening condition, your chances are extremely good that you would be covered. My contract protects you as well.
What is your overtime rate?
Between $75 and $125, it depends on the date.
Do you charge for travel expenses? If yes, how much do you charge?
I consider an 90 min. drive from Portland local (no additional fee) for prime time dates. I consider a 45 min. drive of Portland local for discounted dates. Travel exceeding 90 minutes of Portland on prime dates I ask $200/hour (round trip?pro rated). Travel past 45 min. of Portland on discounted dates is $100/hour. If the event is more than a two hour drive for me and ends after 11pm I may ask for a room. Call me. These are subject to change and/or negotiable.