How do you avoid common pitfalls and risks when booking live music or DJ services?

I've DJed many corporate events over the years and the one thing to note is that your company has the widest range of musical tastes than any other event. Your DJ should be well versed in a variety of styles. You will also want to find someone who understands the nuances of sound reinforcement and not just someone who knows how to press play. I've Emceed a few on the spur of the moment because the speaker didn't show.

As a DJ who's played in multiple corporate and private events, it's important for organizers to find someone who one, has a wide library of genres and, two, knows how to read the room. It's also important for you to give a good background of what your event is and the overall vibe to give them an idea of what music would suit your event best. A DJ's role is to curate music and encourage their audience to take action (whether it's dancing or going around to meet people and make conversation), so it's best to give them the information they need to do what they do best.

When booking live music or DJ services, it is important to have an idea about what you want to achieve with the music experience. However you don't need to feel pressure to be exact or overly directive if you are not sure. Working with a music experience agency can help you design a music experience that takes into consideration your event objectives, atmosphere, budget, and guests. A reputable music company can help you tailor the music to the needs of your event, and find the best artist or music option for the desired outcome. This way, you can be sure to create a unique and impactful experience that suits your event and your guests - while letting the music agency do all the work sourcing and designing for you. ??

Knowing the audience is very important. Even more important, is for the event organizer to know the audience and purpose of the event. DJs and musical talent are just one element of an event. They are not the center piece, therefore, the organizer(s) should have a clear idea of how they want the event to unfold effectively using a DJ’s service. If they are unclear, then they should consult with experienced DJs that have played across a wide range of events. However, both the organizer(s) and DJ should be totally involved with the music. It shouldn’t be solely on the DJ that has no connection to the people attending the event. DJs are not magical music mind readers. And DJs can’t make people dance if they don’t know how to dance.

Judging by the lack of response, researching will yield minimal results. Corporate events are rarely criticized for poor sound quality which falls on the corporation and their party planning when hiring the “sound professionals” 1. events are rarely calibrated properly for sound. 2. People are there for each other and not the sound. 3. They view the event as an extension of those paying their salary. Usually when we see reviews about a DJ or company, it is written by the talent and not clients. It’s unreliable. Instead, find the reviews and go listen. Also, know what you actually want and communicate that to the DJ or music talent. Finally, make sure they understand sound design and are aware of it. Many musicians are not aware.

I would suggest one thing to remember, providing sound is more than just showing up and turning the volume to loud enough or maximum loud. If done properly, the agency will have clauses in the contract that protect themselves and their equipment from the inebriated or boisterous employees that have little concern for the expensive gear. This should tell you how serious/experienced they are and how many events they have played. Knowing these points and a few others, as well as exactly what the event needs on behalf of the corporation can help to negotiate a fair contract. -Sound Advice From A DJ

All the points mentioned are very important. If the music talent shows up solo or without a sound person, then they have no idea what the room sounds like and if the music is too low or too loud. As the organizer/planner, you will have to continuously provide this feedback or keep in mind when you are hiring, the music talent should have such a person on staff with them. It truly helps when the sound is omnipresent while simultaneously nonintrusive if it is not a dance party. -Sound Advice From A DJ

If you're an organization needing live music or entertainment for an event, one of your first decisions needs to be your level of involvement in the process from start to finish. If you dont have the time or the expertise to do it in-house, you can hire a consultant to handle some or all of the details.