FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What style of DJ are you?
I'm an "open format" DJ, meaning, I play every genre of music. My DJ gear includes both digital and vinyl options. However large or small your event is I can accommodate you!
Q: What types of events and venues have you deejayed at?
Some of the different types of events and venues I have deejayed at include weddings, birthday parties (all different ages), anniversaries, cocktail parties, luaus, store openings, galas, youth events, concerts, festivals, block parties, senior dances, restaurants, fundraisers, bars, corporate events, election night gatherings and hot rod meets, among others.
Q: What differentiates you from other DJs that I'm considering?
Firstly, I have been a professional musician with years of experience performing at various events and concerts throughout Wisconsin and the States. Having written songs, produced and recorded with various bands over the years I have an extensive knowledge of music that many DJs may not possess.
I have also deejayed since I was a teenager and have provided music for countless events and weddings over many years. My confidence and professional demeanor is a direct result of that experience.
In addition, I have performed over 1200 wedding ceremonies as an officiant, so I'm very familiar with the logistics and demands of weddings.
Lastly, I am a professional (I hold a doctorate degree), organized, personable, well-dressed and a good speaker. You have my promise that your event will be hassle free and fun!
Q: Do you contract with other DJ companies?
Yes. While I am independent, I do work with a couple larger DJ companies in Southeastern Wisconsin that farm out their weddings and event work. Our gear, event formats and techniques are essentially the same across the board, so this is a very common practice in our industry.
Q: How long will you hold our date for us?
As this industry is very competitive and there are a limited number of weekends available, I do operate on a first come, first serve basis. Accordingly, I will normally hold a date for three days after our initial contact.
Q: How do you pick the music to play?
Every event is different. Accordingly, my playlist is based on the demographic and theme of your event. I will always discuss the music options with you beforehand so that we're on the same page and you know what to expect. I also make an effort to cover all age groups so that everyone at your event, whether 8 or 80, will hear music that they enjoy. A list of artists and songs that you would like to be played (or not played) is always appreciated. For weddings I will provide you with a planning guide. Any special requests (i.e. tributes, dance routines, live music/vocal performances that require a microphone, etc.) must be provided to me in advance of the event.
Q: Do you have the very latest hits?
Yes, I usually have the very latest hits across every genre, especially considering the recent addition of streaming. However, be sure to include any "must play" songs in the planner prior to your wedding, whenever possible. It's better than relying on Wi-Fi at the last minute, and gives me time to familiarize myself with the song. I like to prepare all of the requested tracks for mixing beforehand so that I can dive right into the music.
Q: Do you play music with explicit content/lyrics?
My default playlist is clean, without explicit lyrics. A few songs may have mild profanity or N words, so just let me know what your tolerance level is. 100% clean is not a problem. If your party is entirely private, and you would like an explicit version of a particular song, that is not a problem as long as there is reliable Wi-Fi. I'm sorry, but I cannot play explicit content at public locations.
Q: Will you play all requests from the guests, assuming I've chosen an "open format"?
It depends. I will use my best judgement to keep your party moving along. If a request just isn't the right song or vibe for the moment, or can't be mixed in without creating a musical train-wreck, I won't play it. I normally place a clipboard and pen nearby and ask that guests write their requests down for me (usually limited to 2 song requests per guest). Unless there are special instructions, I would ask that guests not walk behind my DJ stand to make a verbal request.
Q: What type of equipment do you use/include?
I use a laptop running Serato Pro DJ software, QSC speakers and EV subwoofers to match the size of your event, mixer, controller, wireless handheld mics, TIDAL streaming (with available Wi-Fi), wash/effects lighting for myself and the dance floor, etc. Uplighting is available as well. My set up also includes a facade (either black or white) in front of my DJ stand. For outdoor events I sometimes utilize a canopy tent or umbrella for shade/rain.
Q: What kind of backup do you utilize in case there's a technical problem?
Technical problems are sometimes inevitable. It's just a part of living in a digital world. To minimize problems, I bring redundant equipment along with me (second controller, laptop, mics) and also use a laptop with the operating system and music stored on a solid-state drive with no moving parts. Of course, the laptop battery protects things on the software end against power failures. It can't, however, stop the speakers from turning off if power goes out or fails at the venue. I use multiple power strips with surge protection. I have critical music (first dances, etc.) and a good selection of dance music stored on at least one other device, and usually two (my iPad and an additional external drive). I have streaming capability as well, as long as your venue has Wi-Fi. Absent an earthquake or an asteroid impact, I will do absolutely everything to keep the party going!
Q: Do you have a DJ playlist that I can take a look at?
With streaming this becomes less of a concern. If you have reliable Wi-Fi, I can play most anything. Even without Wi-Fi, I have thousands of songs, including your must-plays, stored on my computer.
Q: What will you wear to my wedding or event?
For weddings I usually wear black pants, a black dress shirt, black vest and a tie (to match your color theme). If you prefer a less formal look, that's not a problem. For birthday parties and anniversaries I usually wear a black polo shirt with black pants. I will also dress the part for themed events (i.e. Halloween). Note that when I arrive at an event I'm usually wearing jeans and a t-shirt for set up which entails a lot of physical activity. Obviously l will freshen up and change into different clothing for the event.
Q: Do you include lighting?
Yes. I use a light bar (some light gets projected onto the dance floor as well) and/or a wash light (behind me). I also offer uplighting to make the room look a little nicer around the edges.
Q: Are you insured?
Yes. I have 1 million in liability insurance.
Q: How would you describe your style of deejaying?
I come from an old school background spinning vinyl records. In fact, I was a radio jock on WYRE, a college station back in the 80's. There is a certain beauty and art to old school deejaying that many people appreciate and enjoy. I bring that passion to my work even when I'm doing digital.
Q: Do you also spin vinyl records?
Yes! For vinyl I utilize Serato DVS (digital vinyl system) software with my turntables which provides me with unlimited song selection. As such, I can play everything from Elvis through today's chart music and everything in between! Request lines are always open! I also spin vintage vinyl when appropriate.
Q: How does your pricing work?
As every event is different my fee is based on a per job basis. This includes the type of event, duration, venue, number of guests, my travel time as well as the date selected. Let me know what you're looking for and I can provide you with a quote.
Q: How much time do you need to set up?
A minimum of one hour is required. Preferably two. However, I will usually arrive earlier to give myself enough time to load-in and familiarize myself with the venue. Clear access to a door and/or path where I can back up my vehicle to load-in and out my equipment is appreciated.
Q: How large of an area do you need?
Usually a 10'x8' flat area is sufficient for my set up. However, I can go smaller depending on the location. I will also need unobstructed access to an electrical outlet. I use my own DJ table.
Q: Do you work with the couple when planning music for a reception and can we meet with you?
Absolutely! You will be provided with a planning guide which will assist in preparing an itinerary for both the ceremony and reception including your selection of songs, dances, speeches and special elements that you can choose from. I will work with you to make sure that the evening runs smoothly. It's your special day, so let's make it magical! If you'd also like to have a face to face meeting I'm available for video conferencing through Zoom or Google Chat.
Q: Do you also officiate wedding ceremonies?
Yes! I have performed over 1200 weddings since 1992. I am also available (or my associate) to officiate your ceremony and can offer you a package for both services. Please contact me for a quote.
Q: Do you talk during the event and is there also a microphone available if we need to make an announcement?
If requested, I do provide commentary and/or make announcements during my set. I also provide a wireless microphone in the event that you or a guest would like to speak. I also provide emcee services at weddings.
Q: Do you provide karaoke?
As long as I have reliable Wi-Fi access I can provide karaoke with a wireless mic. Guests will need to use their own smart phone for lyrics.
Q: Do you provide a photo booth?
No, but I do have access to a photo booth through a third party, if needed. The fee and service would be handled through that party.
Q: Do you DJ at people's homes?
Unless I know the host, for my own personal safety and that of my assistant, I do not DJ at private residences. Sorry.
Q: How do you mix the music?
Mixing is a pretty basic skill, but how a DJ does it says a lot about his or her style. I mix music for the purpose of creating high-quality seamless transitions between songs and maintaining the energy and momentum on the dance floor. Mixing is something I do on the spot, based on the tempo and “feel” of songs and the reaction of the crowd.
Q: Do you use a contract? Do you require a deposit?
Yes. I use a standard DJ contract. Deposits are usually 25-30% of my quote and are nonrefundable. In the event that I have an emergency or a scheduling conflict I will refund your deposit in full. I accept deposits via PayPal, CashApp, Venmo or check.
Q: Do you require a meal?
A complimentary meal and beverage for both myself and assistant is always appreciated.
Q: Is the gratuity included with the price?
No. However, while not required, gratuities are always appreciated and a way of letting me know that I did a good job.
Q: Any other advice for us?
Weddings are serious affairs. But, more importantly, they are also meant to be fun! Don't overthink it. The people you hire to help with your wedding (i.e. officiant, DJ, photographer, caterer, florist, etc.) are all professionals who are well versed in what they do - including myself. Have fun and enjoy the evening. You're in good hands. I promise.
