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Endorsements
Frequently Asked Questions for DJ
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:
Laid-back and non-obtrusive, classy but fun. I am there to ensure everything goes the way YOU want, and that all of your guests have a great time at your event. I am NOT there to make unnecessary announcements, drag your guests on the dance floor, or resort to "cheesy" songs, props, or games. Again, I think I am a classy, but fun DJ/MC.
Is there a limit to the amount of music that can be requested?
Generally, I do not limit the number of requests a couple can make, but I do advise if there are too many songs on their list I can not guarantee they will all get played. While I definately want to get to all of your "must-play" songs, I ask my clients for some flexibility in playing other songs from your general request list, or songs that I know will go over well with your crowd based on your taste in music and my experience in playing it for hundreds of couples. I will also make suggestions prior to the event of songs to consider for all age ranges to ensure everyone hears something they like.
What is your usual attire?
A 3-piece, black tuxedo, with full-backed black or silver vest is standard. If you prefer, I can wear a dark suit or business casual outfit to match the feel of your event. Unless you specify otherwise, I will always wear a tuxedo.
If you do not have one of the songs pre-requested by the client, do you require that they provide it?
No, if commercially available, I obtain all music. If the song is not commercially available, I will ask the couple to provide a CD or MP3 copy if they have one, but only after I have exhausted all other possibilities. My new Verizon Wireless controller also allows me to instantly download a request that you or your guests may make on the day of your wedding if I don't already have it among my 100,000+ songs.
How many other DJs do you work with?
When you book Jason Walsh Entertainment, you work with me (Jason Walsh) from start to finish.
What is the minimum amount of time you will DJ for?
Monday-Thursday there is a 3-hour minimum. Friday-Sunday there is a 4-hour minimum. There is no maximum amount of time, and you can add time to your contract on the day of your event. I have booked 5-hour events that turned into 8 or 9-hour parties because the clients were having such a good time.
Is the client able to meet the DJ before booking?
Of course, I too would never want to book a couple I could not meet. Not every DJ is right for every couple and not every couple is right for every DJ. You should "click" with your DJ at your initial meeting/interview, this is someone you are trusting with more than 50% of your wedding day. If you have a bad DJ, your guests will leave. If you have a great DJ, your guests will dance all night and talk about your wedding for years to come.
Do you specialize in any ethnic or international events?
I don't claim to specialize in any ethnic event, but have done more than 50 Jewish weddings (and probably more than 150 Bar/Bat Mitzvahs). I have incorporated Polish, Irish, Indian, Italian, German, Hispanic, Latin, and Filipino music and customs at past weddings and ceremonies.
Can the client submit a do-not-play list?
Of course, it is YOUR wedding! I prefer when couples set their "musical boundaries" so I know what they like/dislike. The "must play" and "do not play" lists are part of the individual online planner that all clients receive upon signing a contract with Jason Walsh Entertainment.
Do you bring your own equipment?
Yes. I own all of my professional DJ equipment. My main speakers and sub-woofers are replaced after every 60-70 events to ensure they sound perfect. Although I have a radio-studio quality MP3 controller system, I still prefer the sound and reliability of compact discs, so I use CDs for the majority of the event, including any special dances (first dance, father/daughter, etc.). I also have professional back-up equipment on-site at your event just in case a piece of equipment should fail.
What (if any) special equipment, such as disco balls or lighting, is offered with your service?
At every event, I provide the necessary number of speakers (including sub-woofers) needed for your venue. For an additional fee, I provide ceremony or cocktail DJ systems so you can have music and/or wireless microphones in different areas of the venue. Although I would only recommend them in certain situations, I can provide state-of-the-art intelligent nightclub lights, fog, and bubbles - again, there is an additional fee for that service.
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?
Typically an hour to set up and 40-50 minutes are needed to clean up. I do not charge for this time. I do require one 8-foot table or two 6-foot tables. Tables must be sturdy and covered or skirted to the ground. This is a typical request of your caterer.
Do you have any extra space requirements?
I can operate in a fairly modest area and can work with you if space is tight. My only request for room setup is to be placed in a direct line-of-sight to your dance floor. This will allow me to avoid having to aim a speaker directly at your guests so the music reaches the dance floor. Placing guests between your DJ and the dance floor will frustrate the guests in front of the speakers because they will think the sound is too loud, and your guests on the other side of the room will think the sound is too soft because it is getting absorbed by or bouncing off of your other guests.
Do you have a sign or banner that you use at events?
No. Never. In my opinion advertising at a wedding reception is tacky. If someone is interested in my services, they can come up to meet me and I will gladly hand them a business card, but I won't turn your wedding day into an marketing campaign for my company.
Do you usually emcee the event or talk between songs?
I will MC your event by making all necessary announcements (introductions, announcement of special dances/events, and anything you would like me to relay to your guests). I don't make unneccesary or "cheesy" announcements after every song. Talking on the microphone is kept to an absolute minimum.
How would you motivate the crowd if no one is dancing?
A dead dance floor is a DJ's worst nightmare, but sometimes it occurs for reasons beyond our control and it can't be instantly fixed. If a song "bombs" I will usually move quickly to fade it out and mix in another song. If people are distracted by the scenic views or other interesting activity going on at your wedding, I will have to judge whether or not it is worth playing your "must play" songs at that moment, or just holding them in reserve until your guests return to the dance floor. I have learned from countless events that no matter what songs I am playing, I will usually lose the "battle" to an ice-cream sundae bar. In a few rare situations, I will have a wedding where neither the bride or groom's family are into dancing, in this situation I may candidly interact with some of the guests to ask their favorite songs to make sure people are enjoying the music. I will never force people to dance (i.e. drag them on the dance floor or embarrass them until they get out of their seats), that is tacky and unprofessional. My best advice to brides and grooms in this situation is to make sure they are on the dance floor dancing; this will motivate guests that typically don't dance to join them (usually I'll switch to a slower song to guage the crowd's comfort level).
What is your policy on taking breaks? If you require a meal break, do you require that the client provide your meal?
I do not take breaks... If a meal or sandwich is provided, it is deeply appreciated, but I do not make it a requirement of my contract. I will usually eat at my DJ table or in another room with vendors if I am within an ear-shot of the ballroom, but I will always ensure the music continues. My main concern is always the entertainment, not my meal.
Will you arrange for recorded music to play during your breaks?
See above.
What is your backup plan in case you become unavailable on the day of the event?
I have never missed an event, nor have I ever been late to an event (knock on wood). However, in an emergency, as the current President of the Baltimore Area DJ Association, my clients can rest assured knowing that I have over 30 deejays backing me up in a professional fraternity that looks out for its members. If I should ever become unable to perform at an event, a qualified back-up DJ from the association is only a phone call away. I have personally helped fellow DJs when they experienced emergencies or serious illness and know I could count on my "brothers" in an emergency situation.
Do you book yourself for more than one event in a day?
No. I limit myself to one event per day and no more than 2-3 events per month to ensure I can give my clients 110% of my effort and energy. This also allows clients to change their event time(s) if an issue occurs with their wedding venue(s).
What is your overtime rate?
Generally, one additional hour of music is $150-$200 depending on your location.
Do you charge for travel expenses? If yes, how much do you charge?
Travel within 80 miles round-trip of Towson, MD is free. A fee of $100/per hour or $3/mile (whichever is less) is charged after the first 80 round-trip miles. I will quote you an exact travel fee before you sign your contract. There is a minimum $75 travel fee for events East of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Regardless of distance, I leave an extra 60 minutes for Bay Bridge traffic in the Summer.
What is the required deposit to secure your services?
50% at the time of contract signing to secure your date. 50% balance on or by your wedding day.
Tips and Advice
Relax. Don't worry. Don't micro-manage. |
5.0/5.0
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