Chances are this is your first time hiring a Disc Jockey Service. Many people are tempted to ask "What is your price?" for their first question when interviewing a prospective DJ, but this is not the best way to start your interview. Price is important but should not be the determining factor. Selecting your DJ should be done as carefully and with as much forethought as choosing your caterer or picking a venue for your event. You want to get all of the information you can, then use it to determine which candidate offers the most for your money. On thing to bear in mind is that, as a general rule, "cheaper" seldom equates to 'better."

Where one potential DJ may charge less because they lack experience or are not as well equipped, another may charge substantially more because their service has a great reputation and may have many bookings. They may also have an exceptional sound and light show and many years of experience. Remember the Law Of Supply And Demand. There is a reason some services can get a higher price, they are usually worth it. Shop around and look for the best over-all package that fits both your requirements and your budget.

We've put together this list of questions to help you interview prospective DJ services, along with our own answers to give you a starting point and a basis for comparison. We hope you find it helpful in selecting the DJ that's right for you - and we hope you'll select Available Sound.

1.   Do you use professional pro audio gear?

There are many names in professional audio: Alesis, Audio Technica, Crest, Crown, Denon, DOD, JVC, Mackie, Numark, Peavey, Pioneer, QSC, Shure and more... Some even make consumer components as well. The preferred professional choices vary from DJ to DJ, but you can usually recognize them easily on sight - the audio hardware is designed to mount in racks and cases and the speakers are usually black wood (often carpeted) with reinforced corners or a black/gray composite material with heavy metal grilles over the speaker elements. If the DJ tells you name brands that you can buy at the local electronic store (Best Buy, Circuit City etc.) and/or refuses to show you pictures of his equipment, the chances are good that they are not using pro audio gear. Home stereo equipment is simply not made to hold up to the rigorous demands of professional touring and performance.

Available Sound has Pioneer mixer and CD players, speakers by Mackie and sound reinforcement technology by Alesis, DOD, BBE with power conditioning by Furman. You are welcome to take a closer look at our Equipment.

2.   Do you provide back up equipment AND music in case of an emergency?

Chances are nothing will happen at your event, but if it does, your DJ needs to be prepared to trouble-shoot the problem and either fix it or work around it, preferably with little or no interruption. They should have back-up equipment (CD player, amplifier, mixer, speakers) on location and be prepared to switch over to it on short notice to keep the party moving. They should also have extra cables, fuses, basic tools, etc. to make any necessary field repairs. Another all-to-common problem is a busy DJ, often with his back to his gear, having discs stolen from his music collection (sometimes even the whole thing!). You should make sure that your DJ has backup music available.

The Equipment that Available Sound uses has been chosen specifically for its durability and versatility. There is virtually no theft or failure that could entirely shut down an Event we are hosting! We feature an entirely computerized music library (no discs to lose) with a second computer on-hand. A large selections of CDs insures that, in the improbable event both computers fail, your event will still have music throughout. And each of our Mackie speakers has its own amplifier built-in so if one fails the others continue on unaffected.

3.    How many years of experience do you have?

This is a commonly asked question, though not exactly an accurate one. The question should really be, "How many events have you performed at?" A seasoned DJ will have performed hundreds of events, some even have club experience. You may want to treat yourself to a real pro!

Robert Gerhart (your Host and DJ at Available Sound) has been in the entertainment industry for many years. He comes with a strong technological and performance background that includes movie theater technician, technical writer, sound engineer, theater stage manager, theater lighting engineer and, of course, Disc Jockey at several nightclubs. He has been a part time DJ for almost ten years now, professionally entering the mobile field in early 2000. You are welcome to follow this link and learn more About Us!

4A.   May we review your references?

A good DJ service keeps current references. The list that they provide you should have at least ten or more names and be relatively current. Ideally it will have recommendations not only from clients, but from several of the venues the DJ has performed at or a number of the service providers (photographers, caterers, etc.) they've worked with. The old saying is true: you can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep! This is a good indicator of the quality you can expect.

Available Sound maintains a growing list of References that you are more than welcome to view at your convenience. In the column to the left of every page on our website you'll see links not only to this part of our site, but to a listing of many of the Venues we have performed at and Clients we have entertained.

4B.    Did you ever get a bad evaluation and if so may I see it?

This could be really scary. Of course, services only want their best to show, but there are times in which things go awry that may be beyond the DJs control. It is doubtful that you will ever see a bad review in a DJ's portfolio, though you may have heard something (or even been present when something happened). The bottom line is this. What happened, what was the result, and what steps were put in place to reduce the chance of that happing in the future.

Have we ever had problems at an Event? Oh, yes - most definitely. From dealing with rude, drunken guests to power failures to equipment malfunctions and then some. Will you see anything in our References or Portfolio about these events? No - pretty much because when things go really wrong people don't tend to write letters - you just never hear from them again. We are fortunate that these events have been very few and far between. For the most part our clients are understanding and even helpful when possible, as are most of the venues we have performed at, and we have since taken steps (like bringing redundant backup equipment and hiring security when necessary) to make sure things don't happen to ruin your Event.

5.   How will you be dressed?

Most DJ's wear tuxedos to formal events and some sort of "professional" attire to others unless directed otherwise. Some services may tell you that they do not want to be the center of attention so they wear something else like a suit, shirt and tie, etc. Remember, your DJ will be in front of you and your guests all night - his appearance should be professional and in sync with your event's theme.

Your Available Sound DJ, Robert, will be more than happy to host your formal event or wedding reception in a tuxedo (his own black one or a rental that you provide to match your wedding party). Alternately, you can request him to dress in "professional black" (black shoes, pants and shirt) or any one of several themed outfits including Goth, Hawaiian, hippie, 80's rocker or country.

6.   How early will you be Set-Up?

Most DJ services like to have the opportunity to finish their setup and do a sound/light check before any guests arrive. This usually takes about one hour for an average size system, though may take two or more hours for a larger set up. Depending on your event location relative to the equipment unloading or parking area, they may require extra people for security and additional time to get to the set up room. Make sure this is considered when booking the DJ - the last thing you want is a DJ/crew hauling equipment through your receiving line, dining or guest areas.

Available Sound's policy is to arrive a minimum of two hours before showtime for most normal setups. Certain locations will require a little more time to unload, transfer and set up equipment, some a bit less. We prefer to err on the side of caution and will arrive early whenever possible. Large installations may require up to a full day's work prior to showtime so please make sure that you are aware of what is involved when you are booking your venue.
One other important note: due to the heavy nature of our equipment and the often-bulky cases necessary for safe transportation, we are NOT able to negotiate staircases. All setup areas must be accessible via ramps or elevators (we use hand trucks and dollies to move our gear).

7.   Ask if they allow requests from you and your guests?

Consider the policy of requests. Nightclubs and many large events/venues don't accept requests or do so on a limited basis, but smaller events give a good DJ the opportunity to take requests form your guests and work them into their routine. It should be understood, though, that not every request received will necessarily be played. An excellent DJ blends requests with songs similar in theme and beat. Changing this suddenly - going from a fast, pumping dance song to a slow love song, for instance, is jarring and tends to empty a dance floor quickly. The art of a DJ is timing, and this takes experience. Forcing a DJ to ignore his instincts by making them play every request, or demanding that particular (or unusual) requests be played immediately, will quickly result in an uneven and markedly less fun party.

Available Sound will be more than happy to entertain your requests and, if you permit it, those of your guests. You will be provided with a Request Sheet as part of your contract package and are encouraged to list your favorite artists, songs and music genres. We will also be more than happy to assist you with selecting the right music for your Event and can even arrange to meet with you so you can audition selections in advance.
We also provide an Online Request Form that can be used to suppliment the one sent with your contract. You are welcome to direct your guests to it (some of our clients even give the link and Event Number out with their invitations!) and allow them to put requests in early. Please be sure to enter your Event Number in the space provided so we know what booking they go with.
At your Event, we will provide your guests with pads and pens and encourage them to write down their requests (at larger events this will usually be on a small table somewhat removed from the DJ's stage to prevent him from being overwhelmed). When possible we will also assist guests with making selections through our musical knowledge and by scanning our Music Library of available songs.

8.   What type of music is available?

It is not the number of CDs, tapes, albums or songs that a DJ carries but the actual content and quality of the media that really counts.
While albums are considered "old school" and many DJ's still carry them, CD's are the norm for most event performers today (albums still reign in the nightclub scene, however). If your perspective DJ indicates that they use tapes, you might want to continue your search - magnetic media is subject to many problems and is considered a poor format for professionals today.
Ask your perspective DJ how many hit songs they carry and what type of music they have (some services specialize in particular genres and will tend to have little outside of their speciality). Ask them they are current with the newest hits and how they acquire them. A good DJ service will carry a wide variety of music and will have as many as 10,000 titles or more, often including some unique mixes and remixes. They will use professional DJ services like RPM, Promo Only and Hot Hits that are available only to professional DJs. These services provide the latest hits played on the radio stations and in nightclubs with new additions released monthly. If your perspective DJ says something like, 'we get music from the Internet', then they are not really a professional operation and could be in violation of the copyright laws - potentially putting your function at risk.

Available Sound's Music Library was initially created from Robert's personal collection (close to two thousand discs) and from a large number of discs purchased both locally and from distributors like Promo Only and Ultimix. Though we use the Internet to locate and download songs or discs, they are legitimate copies made available for public download/sale by the artists or record labels that represent them. The majority of our music comes from DJ subscription services - the same companies that provide music to radio stations.
Our Music Library spans a variety of genres and themes from Big Band and Swing through current Club, Dance and Techno. One thing that it does NOT include is music identified with the "Parental Advisory: Explicit Lyrics" label. Unfortunately, this includes much of the current Rap and Hip-Hop music that is currently popular.

We strive to provide a complete and current library, and do locate the "clean" versions of many songs, but please be aware that some requests may be unavailable (as in we do not have them - they are physically not in our collection and we have no plans to add them) due to their content.

9.   What is your policy on food and alcohol?

Remember your DJ is a hired service not a guest. Alcohol is for your guests. If the DJ tells you he or she needs a couple of drinks to loosen up, it is our opinion that they are not very professional. The last thing you need is a drunk DJ up in front of your guests (or your family and friends at your wedding reception!). At most events it is common to provide food for the professional services (DJ, photographer, videographer, etc.), especially if they run several hours or more. If you are not going to feed the DJ or other services you should let them know ahead of time so they can make other arrangements.

Your Host, Robert, will work with your catering/food service to help get your guests seated and/or up to the buffet in a timely, efficient manner. At some point during the food service he will probably pick up a small plate of food (usually bread, cheese and salad since he is a vegetarian). While it is customary for service providers to wait until all guests have been served, we have found it beneficial to dine earlier, with the guests, as this allows us to finish eating before it is time to begin the evening's festivities. For Events where it is not possible for us to eat with your guests (or timing doesn't allow), we always pack granola and energy bars to help keep us going through our performance.
Our policy on alcohol is fairly firm - as a rule we do not drink on the job (Robert will make arrangements with the caterer/food service for iced tea or ice water to be provided or bring his own). Exceptions will be made for such things as champagne toasts (it looks rather odd for someone "in the spotlight" not to have a glass...) or the like. Rest assured that your Host will never be intoxicated at your event!

10.   What is your policy on (smoke) breaks?

Again, your DJ is a hired service - he is there to entertain you and your guests. If the DJ tells you he or she needs to take breaks during the course of the evening or can't go the evening without stopping or "slipping out" for a cigarette then you should probably consider looking elsewhere. You are not hiring a DJ to take breaks or smoke cigarettes.

Robert does not smoke and has little need for breaks. He will remain with you and your guests throughout the evening (aside from possible uses of the restroom). At no point during your Event will you be left without music or your guests un-hosted.

11.   Do I need a light show and what will it do for me?  Why a light show?

Through our experience we have found that a good light show will help keep the crowd on the dance floor longer because they are having more fun. There are two things you want your light show to do: make the dance floor warm and inviting and turn it into a fantasyland of dazzling action, sweeping movement and intense color.
Most people are shy, especially in front of friends and family (who are often weilding cameras and aren't nearly as shy because they're hiding behind them!) - good lighting and effects can help to excite people and encourage them to come out and dance, setting the mood and making the evening more memorable.
You should make sure your DJ is bringing bright, reliable prrofessional lighting and that he knows how to set it up and use it safely. It should be specifically designed for performance work and not found at the local hardware store or novelty shop. Most lighting will have names like American DJ, Chauvet and MBT with high-end, club-level lights being produced by Martin, Coemar and High-End. Additional specialty lighting will include black lights, lasers and strobes.
Effects that go with lighting (especially in larger lighting rigs) will include bubbles, haze and smoke. Some events might also include confetti, foam or (seasonally) snow. The DJ should be aware of what can be used where, how to handle the various liquids and materials used in these effects (including clean-up!) and what venues will allow them to be used. A mistake with a smoke machine, for instance, could result in a fire alarm being set off - possibly with a substantial fine attached to it for a false alarm.

Available Sound delivers one of the finest light shows for a mobile service in this part of Florida. We feature Martin lighting exclusively, with both reactive (sound-activated lights that move and change to the music) and intelligent (computer-controlled effects like you find in large nightclubs) lighting fixtures. Good lighting is complimeted by good Effects - we use Jem (a Martin subdivision) smoke and haze machines and run only pharmaceutical-grade solutions through them to minimize (usually totally eliminate) any adverse effects/reactions your guests might have. Bubbles are a fixture in all of our lighting packages, and are delivered by up to three high-capacity Antari bubble machines. Seasonal snow is also available, powered by two Antari snow machines. We also bring several 12" and 18" industrial fans with us - both to help move our atmospheric effects around and to keep our guests cool.
We will work with your venue to make sure that any lighting and effects you choose will work safely and properly, and that the venue permits their use on-site. In the event there is a problem, you will know about it several days in advance so that an alternate arrangements can be made. At your discretion we will also provide warning signs outside of the venue alerting guests to the presence of potentially adverse effects (usually the smoke, haze, lasers and strobes) that might affect those with medical conditions.