The Ultimate Guide To HIring A DJ!

The Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland region is a hotbed for gatherings that make use of DJ’s—from corporate galas to weddings to private house parties. That’s because people realize that no matter what the occasion is, music makes the event.

There’s no way around it—even if all the other details are pulled off to perfection, music that bothers or bores the crowd will ruin any festive mood. On the flip side, if the music is the right fit, if it gets people feeling good—tapping their feet, snapping their fingers and up out of their chairs dancing—chances are the guests will go home happy.

It’s crucial to hire a DJ who can supply a spot-on mix of music, without any technical glitches, while bringing truly personalized entertainment to the party. When looking for the right DJ for an event, the following factors should be considered:

• Reliability—DJ’s should have a demonstrated history of dependability. After all, if the DJ is late setting up or isn't even there when the event starts, all the good planning in the world goes down the drain.

• Versatility—DJ’s need to be skilled at working the type of event being planned. They also need to be extremely familiar with the type of music the client wants played. Companies like Disc Jockeys On Call (DJOC), which have a large team of DJ’s with expertise in all types of events and music, can ensure the right DJ for the job.

• Talent—DJ’s must have extensive knowledge of music and a natural sense of how to use it. They have to be able to read a crowd and the atmosphere of an event and adjust what they play accordingly. They must be engaging and personable. The bottom line is that they must be able to entertain.

• Professionalism—DJ’s should be consummate professionals in how they conduct themselves. They should exude competence, confidence, and a commitment to please clients and their guests. Seek out DJ’s in the D.C./Northern Virginia/Maryland region who are part of an established professional agency that also is a management company, such as DJOC.

• Experience—Music is not the part of an event to take a chance on with fly-by-night operators. An established DJ agency affords the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the music is being handled by proven DJ’s with seasoned musical judgment.

• Understanding—DJ’s should insist on getting to know the musical tastes of the client and the expected crowd—before the event! They should take the time to understand the event schedule and what music will be needed when. They should figure out exactly what “good” looks like for the client, and that’s what they should deliver.

DEVELOP A MUSIC PROFILE

Since 2001, DJOC has been providing DJ services for events in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville, Columbia, Potomac Eastern Shore and other Maryland markets. DJOC takes understanding the client seriously, and our “music profiles” are at the heart of our concept. Much like developing a psychological profile, we work with our clients to develop their music profile and select the right DJ for them. Clients are never shuffled off to a DJ with no opportunity to consult with us about what they desire. We never make assumptions.

Whether our client is an event planner, a D.C. area destination management company, a bride, a school official, a club owner, or an individual throwing a party, DJOC makes sure to know what music genre or genres they like and the makeup of their expected guests. We break down the evening’s schedule and learn what they want and when. We are obsessive about understanding what will dazzle our clients, and the more we know about a client and the crowd, the better the show.

Therefore, we provide in-person and/or phone consultations with clients (sometimes multiple consultations depending on the selected package) to determine their "entertainment identity” so we can establish their music profile and select the best entertainment for their event. We have the musical knowledge and selection to develop programs that will please the most mixed of crowds at any type of event, regardless of their musical taste, or even their nationality. We specialize in using “bridges in music genres” to help clients select music that will please everyone.

COVER ALL THE BASES

DJOC’s prices range from $495 to $4,995, depending on the scope of what the client wants. Regardless of the event, our DJ will arrive two hours before it starts to set up. We understand that reliability is absolutely essential. Planning an event can be highly stressful—our job is to take away that stress, not to add to it.

As we consult with clients, we prepare a “gig sheet,” which includes the music selection, information about what type of event it is, special equipment requests, and other requests. If DJ microphone work is involved, we make sure to have the correct name pronunciation. It’s our commitment to getting details like that right that distinguishes us as professionals.

As part of our process, the DJ for each event contacts the client to go over expectations and cover any last-minute details or requests. We want our clients’ events to succeed as much as they do.

SEEK OUT THE BEST

When selecting a DJ, it pays to do research and ask if a particular DJ company unquestionably provides all of the things you should require. All DJ’s in the D.C./Northern Virginia/Maryland market are not created equal. There are many DJ’s in D.C. and the surrounding areas who are talented and have strong knowledge of music but aren’t dedicated to working with clients to give them precisely what they want.

DJOC never makes that mistake. We know people don’t respond to music they don’t like. Our goal is to make people dance and for them to leave the event with smiles on their faces. We are in the business of good times, and we develop and execute a plan to ensure that’s exactly what our clients and their guests have.

No one should expect anything less when selecting a DJ.

DJ Profiles Each Week Starting September 6th!

Talent Profiles Each Week!

Washington DC has some of the most talented and unique musicians on the planet. These musicians approach their passion with an attitude that pushes them to perfection and beyond. They understand their goal, their audience and are determined to entertain them. Many times this is done for hours on end and without a single break or a stop in energy. The excitement that is generated from their detailed precision and execution of tracks at 110, 115, 125 and sometimes 130 beats per minute (BPM) or greater makes them the center of attention. Yes, they are the center of attention, even if they are usually just heard and not scene. You have males and females who go beyond just their physical look and imposing presence, but they also know that if they do not do a good job, then you are not going to request to hear them again, and again.

My purpose of this blog is to get you to take notice and understand how they think, why they love what they do and for you to see the actual value in what they do. There are countless, and I do mean countless, of people who think that these musicians can be replaced by simply loading up all of your favorite music cuts on an mp3 player or iPod and hit shuffle. Hmmph, if it was that easy then Las Vegas would have iPod docks in all their clubs and Steve Jobs would be the number one artists in the world! We are talking about people with an incredible ear for knowing what is good, no, let me scratch that, what is funky, and I mean James Brown, Parliament, Rolling Stones, Dennis Ferrer, Dr. Dre funky, to the masses! They know, from the electricity in the air what is going to make a group of 1,000 drop and do the “Cupid Shuffle” or throw their hands “left, right, left, right” as well as “jump and wave” to “Follow the Leader”. They will get an entire crowd to say yeah in unison at the hottest clubs in Washington DC, Baltimore and Northern Virginia. Why? Because they, and by now you should know I mean Disc Jockeys, are musicians.

I had a bandleader say to me once, at a networking event for non-profits, that being a DJ is easy. I nearly punched him the mouth Mike Tyson style. Although I play the saxophone, never would I dismiss someone and their profession. Who is this guy? Not anyone that we wish to acknowledge here at DJ Washington DC or at Disc Jockeys On Call. You can also be sure that they will not be a featured talent in the upcoming months. THEIR IGNORANCE IS WHY ENTERTAINERS GET DEGRADED TIME IN AND OUT! This is done by various people and institutions in the area that want the most out of their investments but are constantly squeezing the creative juices out of DJ’s. You can’t put professionals with amateurs and now, your entertainment has become your weakest link. That is an absolute fact that you can take to the bank.

Now, let’s move past the venting segment of this post and get on to the primary purpose. I want each and every one of you to begin following our blog because beginning each and every Monday, starting September 5^th of this year, we will feature a DJ talent who works and resides in the Washington DC area. We will interview them and have them to provide a true and unique perspective on what they do, their approach to different types of events and why you should consider their services. Yes, this is a very exciting time at DJOC and we are looking forward to your being a part of this incredible experience. Who will be the first DJ profiled? Check us out on September 5^th to find out!

Washingtonian Magazine Asks DJ Couch: "What Would You Play At Your Wedding"

Questions ask by Kim Foster of Washingtonian Magazine

If it Were up to me and I had clients that had a wide range of music tastes and appreciated various genres and subgenres of music, my approach to creating their music profile would have to be very complimentary. After several music consultations I would put in place a set of songs that are unique to them and are great identifiers as to who they are as not only a couple, but as aficionados of great music. Let’s say that we have established all of that and we have a couple that loves the sounds of such artists as Diana Krall, Nat King Cole, Michael Jackson, Van Morrison, Lady Gaga, Eminem, etc. In other words, if it is good, they want it and with that being said, please note the following:

Bridal Party Entrance

Now That We Found Love by Heavy D & The Boyz

I would go with the instrumental version because it is easy to identify and it has so much energy. It is also a song that is loved by young and old and all in between; it says, we are here to party and you can stop us

Couple's Entrance

September by Earth, Wind & Fire

The beginning of this song has a great place where you can segue from the bridal party to bride and groom. While you are asking everyone to stand and get ready, the song is building up in the background and when I finally announce the bride and groom, the horns compliment the moment perfectly!

First Dance

Let’s Fall In Love by Diana Krall or More by Nat King Cole

I selected these two because when I present these options to clients they go back and forth. These are two great songs that many have never considered because they are unaware of their presence. The lyrics in both songs are simply beautiful

Father/Daughter Dance

I Do Love You by GQ

This should always be a song that Dad sings to his daughter. It is a song that I sing now to my daughter and she just smiles when I sing I sing it to her. So, when that day comes, I know what I am going to dance to with my baby girl.

Mother/Son Dance

Pride & Joy by Marvin Gaye

Once again, this is a song that my mom and my grandmother use to sing to me. It is a song that is upbeat and is universally recognized. It is also defines a mother’s love for her son as well as a father’s love for his son. It also is not used as much as I believe it should. Hopefully, you will think about using this for your wedding as I am sure that everyone, including yourself, will remember your special day.

Cake Cutting Song

Mr. Magic by Grover Washington, Jr.

This is a funky jazz cut that is smooth and identifiable by both young and old. It has a way of segueing from heavy dancing to the bride and groom cutting the cake while still creating the ambiance that they desire and keeping the energy upbeat, hip and cool to finish the evening strong on the dance floor, as the couple desires.

Song to Play During Dinner

Fever by Peggy Lee

Classic! This allows everyone to eat, mingle and chat, but it also, when played after the first course, allows those who want to dance, to get up and enjoy the dance floor as if they were on the set of movie starring Gene Kelley. It is an absolute must play with a client that enjoys all styles and forms of music.

Song to Get Everyone on the Dance Floor

Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry

It just works! The guitar riff, the bass line and the pure funky/disco sound is so identifiable that it makes you proceed to the dance floor without hesitation. Once again, a song that is enjoyed by all, and I do mean all!

Slow Song

You Send Me by Sam Cooke

A great song that says all that one needs to tell the person they love. It is pure poetry and the music compliments the lyrics so well that 100 years from now when people read this, they will think that it was wrote recently. This song is timeless.

Last Dance

Ever Lasting Love by Natalie Cole

I love this song so much because it says it all, it comes in smooth and you feel the energy from not only the lyrics, but also from the piano. It says to everyone in attendance that the couple is going to have exactly what the title states. You just can’t wrong with this one and you are sure to have everyone leaving the reception thanking you for choosing such great entertainment.