FAQ's - Hiring the right DJ

Halifax party DJ: Finding the perfect disc jockey for your event.

Whether you are organizing a wedding, corporate event or office party, booking a DJ should not be complicated. True North DJ Services prides itself with comprehensive packages that take the guess work out of finding the right fit for your event.

Inevitably, however,there are questions that you may have...We are here to make it easy, user friendly and above all enjoyable to book your music & DJ for your event.

Below are some of the more common questions we get asked...along with some pretty straight forward, common sense based answers!

We hope this helps. If you have any other questions, we gladly welcome them. Contact us today.

When you plan a party of any sort, your objective is to ensure that your guests have a good time, period. Your choice of entertainment, particularly if you are considering a DJ, is crucial to that end. Who you choose for your wedding reception or special event will have a lasting effect, perhaps more than food or location. The DJ you choose is a direct reflection on you. Here are some important points to remember when you interview a DJ company.

Initial contact: What to expect

• Prompt return of your phone calls or Emails. You should expect to get a call back or an Email back within 24 hours. Many DJs are out working and may not be able to return your call within an hour or two.
• Willingness to meet with you and present his/her service.
• Your DJ should be more than willing to meet in person to go over the details of your specific event.

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Pricing:

Price is one thing - quality is another and you do get what you pay for. Good music isn’t cheap and cheap music isn’t good. A professional DJ can vary from $450 to $1500 in most Canadian cities. Operating a professional DJ business requires licenses for the business, licenses for the music library, professional equipment, marketing, maintenance and a variety of other operating costs.  

Prices below $450 should be scrutinized to ensure quality of service, equipment, and track record. Their prices may reflect their approach to their operation. They may not be a professional DJ and may lack experience, and most likely don’t have a licensed music library, includes downloads & burned music. In short, book the DJ you can afford but beware booking the cheapest DJ. Trust your gut feeling for the DJ you like and go with them. Remember, with hiring a professional, comes peace of mind.

Who will be your DJ?

This is the most common question the DJ industry today. Some DJ companies have many DJs while others are "one man shows". Be sure to ask who will be your DJ. Chances are you will be meeting with the owner of the company. It is his (or her) job to make sure that their company image is reflected in their DJs. If you like what the owner presents, chances are you will enjoy the product at your event. Choosing the person who "feels" right is the most important factor in picking the right entertainer for your party or reception.

Is the person knowledgeable about your type of event?

There are all kinds of DJs. Club, wedding, Rave…the list is endless! Can the DJ you interview handle your type of event? Ask the DJ how many events of your type they have done and in what area they specialize.

What sort of documents should you expect?

In a good interview, the DJ should offer a running order or planner. This planner should impress you enough to the point where you begin to understand that the DJ you are hiring is a professional, and is capable of handling your event. A copy of the CONTRACT as well as an INVOICE should be put together once the details of your event have been finalized. A DJ should also be able to provide a list of references.

Will the DJ offer to meet with you after signing the contract to plan your event?

A second meeting may not be needed, however, a professional DJ is ALWAYS willing to discuss your event at any time before the event starts and should display the flexibility to accommodate changes and help you solve problems. Meeting your DJ to plan your event is of paramount importance to a successful event such as a wedding reception.

Does the DJ have a music list that shows you what sort of music he or she has available?

For peace of mind, you - the client, need to be assured that the DJ you hire not only has a sizeable collection, but has a variety of music, especially for wedding receptions, where a variety of styles of music and guests will be in the same room together. Your DJ should have a library for you and your guests reference and requests.

How many songs do you have and what variety will be played?

The easy answer is more than we will ever need and whatever you would like!

Our library grows weekly and currently holds more than 10000 titles. Keep in mind - more music does not mean a better DJ...It is not the number of songs you have, but how you piece them together to rock a party that counts! If you were to break it down, an average song lasts 4 minutes...That gives the DJ between 15 & 20 songs per hour, multiplied by the length of your party, you can see that song selection and NOT song quantity is the key.

We are a full service DJ company that can cater to any occasion. Our music library consists of a wide variety to satisfy many different tastes of music. 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, rock, country, hip hop, today's latest hits and anything in between.

Hiring A DJ - Points to Consider

Your DJ should display many of the following skills and attributes before and at your event:

• No hesitation to speak on the microphone or make announcements

• Organize music and event running order

• Sound technician

• Light technician

• Ability to read a crowd and pick the right music

• Flexibility to adapt to sudden changes

• Follow the plan that you and he/she have worked out using the planner

• Seamless continuous music at all times unless otherwise specified

• Extensive library of music

• Professional grade of equipment

• Audience motivator

• Ability to co-exist and coordinate with other professionals at your event

Contact True North DJs.

The above are standard procedures to us, we have made them the foundation of our business. Clients can be assured that they will receive the utmost attention and care on and before their special day.