How a DJ can make or break your event
It is the job of a DJ to effectively create a positive event environment through music and energy. Clients should leave the party feeling they had one of the happiest moment of their life, and guests should be able to take part in that experience. DJs are there to help make memories and fulfill clients’ needs any way they can.
Parties should evolve as the night progresses and it is the responsibility of the DJ to ensure the client and their guests are comfortable and happy! The DJ should always strive to be professional by arriving on-time, dressing appropriately and utilizing top-notch/clean equipment. A DJ should be there for guidance and support, making sure the party is a night to remember. It is important for the client to pick the right DJ that compliment their needs, because sometimes, even the best DJs can MAKE or BREAK your event.
MUSIC TRANSITION
MAKE
Having the right music with a seamless flow allows for all guests to carry on with dancing, talking, laughing and enjoying the party without any disruptions. Guests should not have to wait for the next song to play and have their rhythm interrupted. A DJ should come prepared knowing about the type of event and already have a good idea of the type of music that will get the client and their guests moving.
BREAK
Any pauses in the music could act like a hiccup for the flow of a smooth event, allowing other other distractions to disrupt and potentially clear the dance-floor. A good DJ should always attempt to accommodate as many people as possible on the dance floor, despite age, gender or musical tastes. If the pattern is broken by pauses in between songs or having the wrong music can lead to less of a pleasurable experience and ruin the event.
DJ INTERACTION
MAKE
Sometimes, however, a pause is necessary (for whatever reason) and this is why a DJ should be comfortable interacting with any crowd, be ready for announcements, or help motivate guests to dance. Either way, at a certain point during the evening, there should be some sort of interaction between the DJ and the guests. This requires a certain finesse that goes beyond being "a people person."
BREAK
Crowd interaction, from "Is the music too loud?" to "When I say 'Hey' you say 'Ho'..." is typical during an event. Unfortunately, some DJs can take it too far and demand (versus coerce) the guests to the dance-floor and perhaps pepper in "You're now listening to the sounds of DJ Overboard..." during any lull in a song.
ATMOSPHERE
MAKE
Interacting with the guests is much more than making announcements into a microphone. Lighting should be part of every DJs toolkit and knowing the difference between different lighting effects, is just an important as knowing when/how to use them. Effective lighting enhances the mood and helps guide the client and their guests through each part of the event.
BREAK
Not all DJs know how to properly use lighting. Sometimes, none or all types of lights are necessary, and other times, specific lighting works better. For instance, during a first dance, rather than bright flashing colored lights, it is more appropriate for points of light to appear on the dance-floor to make it look like a disco ball. Using lighting the wrong way can be detrimental to keeping the flow of an event going smoothly.
When looking for a DJ, be sure to ask how they can MAKE or BREAK your event.
Look at my FAQ page for questions and ideas.