WEDDINGS / BODAS

The art of finding the right specialty D.J.

Many articles have been written about how to find a disc jockey or master of ceremonies, however not many write about specialty dj’s.

A specialty dj is someone who dedicates his time and energy to learn a niche in the wedding industry, because let’s face it, not all dj’s were created alike.

Among the lists of special moments in a person’s life there is the wedding, of course. Not only is it special, but in most cases very expensive. If you paint your house a different color, and you don’t like it, you can always repaint it, but if something goes wrong on your wedding day, you can’t recreate or relive the moment. DJ’s are often times under rated, and under estimated, for some reason the photography takes more priority to many, but what if the music was not good? Or the disc jockey that was hired to entertain didn’t have the right music? Bad news all around and people will remember it. Consider making a list of priorities and place the sound in your very own list, (in other words, don't rely on other people's experience), when it comes to the music.

You can find any DJ any day of the week, but in a calendar year there are only 52 weekends, and good entertainers are booked months in advance, so once a couple have made up their minds, it is advisable to find and book the dj right away.

Of course it is not easy, it’s like trying to find a needle in a hay stack, if there isn’t one recommended, by word of mouth, the phone book is the next step, providing you didn’t find one here. Do not dismay, there is always one available for you.

Furthermore, technology today has made it possible for anyone to be a music player, with music on the internet, MP3 players and easy-to-use equipment it has become less difficult to play amplified music. However, a wedding is not something you want to leave up to a rookie (I am sorry for those starting out) there are way too many details, that could possibly go wrong, and it is best to be in the hands of a seasoned professional.

When I look back at my own career when I started doing social events, back in 1985, I used to charge $200 per event, armed with two turntables, a mixer and a microphone I offered outstanding performances but my clients were mainly concerned in the cost of the music, they didn’t mind paying $800. For the cake, and $2,000. For the photographer.

Truthfully the key to whole thing is, finding someone who has the type of personality you want, because once again, not all are alike, there are cheesy performers, solemn, serious, jokers, and the list goes on. If when you meet with the person the chemistry hasn’t click on the first twenty minutes, forget it, it will not happen.

Don’t be shy to ask a million questions, and to be specific in telling him or her particular expectations. Tell him or her you want, and how you envision your event to be. Simply because there is more to be a Disc Jockey than just press “play”.

Don’t judge the book by its cover, and don’t gauge dj by how much they charge, because rates vary from state to state. Again, ask the dj this question before you say anything: What’s your specialty?

Congratulations on your engagement and I wish you the very best.

Regards,

Rig Galvez
www.latinmusicdj.com

DJ Rig has been performing at a variety of events since 1985, and specializes in multicultural weddings, fully bilingual (English / Spanish) and one of the most professional performers in the San Francisco Bay Area.

http://www.latinmusicdj.com
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