How to Find a Party Deejay Who Fits Your Music Style

Your deejay doesn't necessarily have to come with turntables, records and huge speakers, but you don't want an amateur deejay who carries around a weak boombox with a CD collection either. An emcee moves the crowd, but if you're at all familiar with hip-hop, you know that a lyricist can only do so much if not for his side partner, the notorious deejay. What would Run DMC be without Jam Master Jay or Fresh Prince without Jazzy Jeff? Whether you're performing onstage or need a deejay for a birthday party or wedding, it takes a lot more than just picking someone from the crowd.

Step One: Go to a party where your deejay dominates music for the night. A great CD collection doesn't necessarily mean this person is right for the job. Make sure you watch how this deejay does business and how the crowd reacts to this deejay.

Step Two: Verify that your deejay plays the type of music you want to hear. Some deejays will play whatever music is desired at that particular party. Don't assume that since the deejay didn't play songs you wanted to hear that that deejay doesn't have them. It could be that the hosts didn't want that type of music at their party. Ask your deejay for a music guide or check out the deejay's ignored collection.

Step Three: Create a written contract with your deejay detailing anything dealing with money: 1) what time to arrive, 2) what time to leave, 3) who sets up for the party, 4) what happens if the weather is bad, 5) cancellation fees, 6) what guests the deejay will bring with him or her (if any), 7) what additional supplies the deejay will need and what you should provide, 8) what you will not be responsible for paying for. No matter how friendly you and the deejay are, verbal communication does not translate when it comes to paper money. If your deejay wants paper money, then the agreement should be written down on paper, too, so there is no room for a miscommunication. Always have a paper trail.

Step Four: Have your money upfront. Deejays carry around tons of equipment, travel to your event and try to keep the crowd entertained as much as possible. They act as your back-up hosts so they deserve to be paid on time. Do not wait until the party night to start collecting money and short your deejay. Some deejays will ask for their money beforehand to make sure the host doesn't let them entertain all night and then come up with excuses why the host can't pay.

Step Five: Make sure your guests are respectful to the deejay. If your deejay agreed to take special requests, make sure your deejay honors that. But don't let your guests harass the deejay all night asking him or her to play songs. Let the deejay do the deejay's job and your guests be guests.

Step Six: If there's going to be a spoken word or live performance during your party, give your deejay the background music beforehand. Do not get mad at your deejay for not knowing what music you want to hear during an impromptu performance. Work with the deejay to find something that can suit you both if you waited until the last minute.