A few FAQ's for ya:
HOW EARLY DO SHOULD I BOOK A DJ?
I recommend booking your DJ as early as possible, no, a few years in advance isn't too early! But if something goes wrong, plans change.. or you just didn't get around to it for whatever reason, I only need ONE days notice.
HOW EARLY DO YOU NEED ACCESS TO THE VENUE?
I need access to the venue about an hour and a half to two hours before the event begins.
CAN MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAKE SPEECHES?
Yes! I will have a Wireless Mic available for speeches from your family and friends. If you would like to make a speech as well, it is also available to you!
HOW SOON DO I NEED TO GET MY SONG REQUEST LIST TO YOU?
I prefer to receive your welcome packet back AT LEAST one week before the event. If we are doing a short notice event you will need to send your welcome packet back 48 hours before the event. If you are looking for special music/songs for a particular part of your event, please get those to us at least 48 hours before the event. If you are booking extremely early, we may not send your welcome packet out until a month or so before your event. This is because your music preferences could change between when you plan ahead and pick your songs and the actual event.
HOW OFTEN CAN I ADD TO THE SONG REQUEST LIST?
Request lists are not to be used as a "Play all of these songs at my party" list. The song requests are more for me to get a feel of the type of music that you love.. and that you hate. I will take one list of up to 15 songs from you. More songs can be requested by you, your friends and your family during your party. I honestly have a LOT of music. There won't be many songs that you can throw at me that I won't have. I update often. With this day and age and the internet connections available, if you do send me a curveball, I’ll do my best to obtain the song for you!
ANOTHER DJ OFFERED TO DO MY PARTY FOR $200 FOR 5 HOURS CAN YOU MATCH THAT?
Many of the DJ's that are just starting out, or desperate, will undercut experienced DJ's just so they can get where we are. That is great for them but where does it leave YOU? Silent time while the DJ fumbles for the next song, little to no experience vamping a crowd or running the show and an all around disaster of your event! I have LITERALLY had people call me after their party to apologize for not using me and telling me horror stories about their event!
If you can't afford my rates... let's talk! We are always willing to wheel and deal!!!
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTDOOR PARTIES:
Electrical outlets within 50 feet of DJ's location
Ability to put equipment under a covering to cover the equipment in case of pop up storms.
WHAT IF THE WEATHER TAKES A TURN FOR THE WORST DURING MY EVENT?
This is a question we get a LOT regarding outdoor events.We travel with tarps to throw over the equipment in the event of bad weather. We ask that some guests help grab the tarps and hold them over the equipment to protect it if the need arises. If you have a tent available to put the equipment under, that's even better! Big Mike's truly tries to flow with whatever life throws at us and keep right on running! We do suggest having an alternate site in mind for rain/snow/excessive wind possibilities.
DO WE FEED THE DJ?
Yes please! Big Mike also likes a piece of cake if you can spare one. He isn't called "Big MIke" for nothing!
DO WE TIP THE DJ?
A tip is customary. If Big Mike's DJ Productions did a great job, please remember to tip your DJ at the end of the event! Throughout the event if you hear that song that makes you jump up and scream "OMG THAT'S MY SONG" and run to the dance floor, please remember your DJ. If you make a song request, please remember your DJ. (This applies for anywhere this is a live DJ!)
ADJA (American Disc Jockey Association) recommended list of DJ Questions:
SOME THINGS TO ASK YOUR DJ....(courtesy of ADJA)
*Have you committed yourself to follow the ADJA Code of Professional Conduct?
>Any responsible business owner will be committed to living by the ADJA code of Professional Conduct.This is just one of the commitments that legitimate entertainment companies will make to you.
A. Yes, Big Mike's HAS committed to the ADJA Code of Professional Conduct
*Will you be willing to play requests and discuss music ahead of time?
>A versatile Disc Jockey is willing to listen to your suggestions, give you feedback and play from your desired song list. A professional Disc Jockey will also accept the fact you may not want certain songs played. A professional Disc Jockey cannot know everything about your musical preferences and entertainment needs without communication.
A Yes, please refer to FAQs
*Do you use Professional Equipment?
>Ask whether your prospective Disc Jockey works with professional audio equipment. If you are not sure, ask for their equipment list and check with a local music dealer or the A.D.J.A. to verify they are using professional-grade sound gear.
A. I use equipment such as Peavey, American Disc Jockey, etc.. all professional grade equipment.Some of our brands are Traktor, ADJ, Avery and more
*Do you provide backup equipment at my event?
>Although equipment failure is rare, do you really want your special occasion ruined because your Disc Jockey did not come prepared? It is also important to know if your Disc Jockey has a back-up plan in case of illness or an accident. Members of the A.D.J.A. have many resources available to them in case of an emergency.
A. Not only does ALL of my equipment have a back up for a back up, but if anything happens that I cannot be at your event I have several professional DJ associates that are able to fill in at a moments notice. This is a service that we provide, privately, to each other as friends and professionals to make sure that you, the client, never misses out.
*Does the Disc Jockey know the proper etiquette for your type of party?
>A professional Disc Jockey will assist you with the planning of your special day. Most professional entertainers will coordinate, emcee and provide the music that you desire. Ask if they have experience with your type of event.
A. I can assist in your itinerary both in development and follow through, emceeing, and music of course. We also have services such as "Day of" Services. You set up with us who is supposed to do what, where and in what order and we make sure it happens!
*How much time do you allow for set-up?
>Most Disc Jockey's arrive at least one hour prior to the start time you've given them. Your entertainer should ideally be setup and in-place before your first guest walks through the door.
A I need between an hour and an hour and a half to set up. I arrive at your venue and set up early and I'm ready to go well before the event is scheduled to start.
*Do you provide a written contract?
>It is extremely important to have your booking confirmed in writing. Ask for a written agreement, especially if you are paying an initial retainer. The standard initial payment for entertainment services is 50%. If you are expecting a specific entertainer, make sure you get it in writing as well.
A. I always provide and sign a contract with my clients using echosign. The quickest and easiest way to get a legal, electronic signature. Once we have both signed the contract, echosign sends us both a PDF copy to keep in your email, download or print. You also get receipts for any payments that you make. This is for your protection and mine! My contract is thorough and protects you and me. It is much more than "Event location, date, time, price".
*Will you be suitably dressed for our occasion?
>Specify the type of apparel that your Disc Jockey is expected to wear for your occasion. Formal attire or coat & tie are the most popular forms of attire. If you are having a "themed" event, make sure your entertainer is informed.
A. This is a part of our contract. We always ask what the attire will be. In the contract you will be asked for the event colors and preferred attire of your DJ.
*Do you belong to a professional organization or trade group?
>Although belonging to an organization or trade group does not guarantee the talent or professionalism of a disc jockey, it may indicate the companies willingness to network, learn and grow. Disc jockeys can learn through local chapter meetings, national DJ conventions and seminars geared toward the entertainment professional.
A. I am a member of the American Disc Jockeys Association.
HOW EARLY DO SHOULD I BOOK A DJ?
I recommend booking your DJ as early as possible, no, a few years in advance isn't too early! But if something goes wrong, plans change.. or you just didn't get around to it for whatever reason, I only need ONE days notice.
HOW EARLY DO YOU NEED ACCESS TO THE VENUE?
I need access to the venue about an hour and a half to two hours before the event begins.
CAN MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAKE SPEECHES?
Yes! I will have a Wireless Mic available for speeches from your family and friends. If you would like to make a speech as well, it is also available to you!
HOW SOON DO I NEED TO GET MY SONG REQUEST LIST TO YOU?
I prefer to receive your welcome packet back AT LEAST one week before the event. If we are doing a short notice event you will need to send your welcome packet back 48 hours before the event. If you are looking for special music/songs for a particular part of your event, please get those to us at least 48 hours before the event. If you are booking extremely early, we may not send your welcome packet out until a month or so before your event. This is because your music preferences could change between when you plan ahead and pick your songs and the actual event.
HOW OFTEN CAN I ADD TO THE SONG REQUEST LIST?
Request lists are not to be used as a "Play all of these songs at my party" list. The song requests are more for me to get a feel of the type of music that you love.. and that you hate. I will take one list of up to 15 songs from you. More songs can be requested by you, your friends and your family during your party. I honestly have a LOT of music. There won't be many songs that you can throw at me that I won't have. I update often. With this day and age and the internet connections available, if you do send me a curveball, I’ll do my best to obtain the song for you!
ANOTHER DJ OFFERED TO DO MY PARTY FOR $200 FOR 5 HOURS CAN YOU MATCH THAT?
Many of the DJ's that are just starting out, or desperate, will undercut experienced DJ's just so they can get where we are. That is great for them but where does it leave YOU? Silent time while the DJ fumbles for the next song, little to no experience vamping a crowd or running the show and an all around disaster of your event! I have LITERALLY had people call me after their party to apologize for not using me and telling me horror stories about their event!
If you can't afford my rates... let's talk! We are always willing to wheel and deal!!!
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTDOOR PARTIES:
Electrical outlets within 50 feet of DJ's location
Ability to put equipment under a covering to cover the equipment in case of pop up storms.
WHAT IF THE WEATHER TAKES A TURN FOR THE WORST DURING MY EVENT?
This is a question we get a LOT regarding outdoor events.We travel with tarps to throw over the equipment in the event of bad weather. We ask that some guests help grab the tarps and hold them over the equipment to protect it if the need arises. If you have a tent available to put the equipment under, that's even better! Big Mike's truly tries to flow with whatever life throws at us and keep right on running! We do suggest having an alternate site in mind for rain/snow/excessive wind possibilities.
DO WE FEED THE DJ?
Yes please! Big Mike also likes a piece of cake if you can spare one. He isn't called "Big MIke" for nothing!
DO WE TIP THE DJ?
A tip is customary. If Big Mike's DJ Productions did a great job, please remember to tip your DJ at the end of the event! Throughout the event if you hear that song that makes you jump up and scream "OMG THAT'S MY SONG" and run to the dance floor, please remember your DJ. If you make a song request, please remember your DJ. (This applies for anywhere this is a live DJ!)
ADJA (American Disc Jockey Association) recommended list of DJ Questions:
SOME THINGS TO ASK YOUR DJ....(courtesy of ADJA)
*Have you committed yourself to follow the ADJA Code of Professional Conduct?
>Any responsible business owner will be committed to living by the ADJA code of Professional Conduct.This is just one of the commitments that legitimate entertainment companies will make to you.
A. Yes, Big Mike's HAS committed to the ADJA Code of Professional Conduct
*Will you be willing to play requests and discuss music ahead of time?
>A versatile Disc Jockey is willing to listen to your suggestions, give you feedback and play from your desired song list. A professional Disc Jockey will also accept the fact you may not want certain songs played. A professional Disc Jockey cannot know everything about your musical preferences and entertainment needs without communication.
A Yes, please refer to FAQs
*Do you use Professional Equipment?
>Ask whether your prospective Disc Jockey works with professional audio equipment. If you are not sure, ask for their equipment list and check with a local music dealer or the A.D.J.A. to verify they are using professional-grade sound gear.
A. I use equipment such as Peavey, American Disc Jockey, etc.. all professional grade equipment.Some of our brands are Traktor, ADJ, Avery and more
*Do you provide backup equipment at my event?
>Although equipment failure is rare, do you really want your special occasion ruined because your Disc Jockey did not come prepared? It is also important to know if your Disc Jockey has a back-up plan in case of illness or an accident. Members of the A.D.J.A. have many resources available to them in case of an emergency.
A. Not only does ALL of my equipment have a back up for a back up, but if anything happens that I cannot be at your event I have several professional DJ associates that are able to fill in at a moments notice. This is a service that we provide, privately, to each other as friends and professionals to make sure that you, the client, never misses out.
*Does the Disc Jockey know the proper etiquette for your type of party?
>A professional Disc Jockey will assist you with the planning of your special day. Most professional entertainers will coordinate, emcee and provide the music that you desire. Ask if they have experience with your type of event.
A. I can assist in your itinerary both in development and follow through, emceeing, and music of course. We also have services such as "Day of" Services. You set up with us who is supposed to do what, where and in what order and we make sure it happens!
*How much time do you allow for set-up?
>Most Disc Jockey's arrive at least one hour prior to the start time you've given them. Your entertainer should ideally be setup and in-place before your first guest walks through the door.
A I need between an hour and an hour and a half to set up. I arrive at your venue and set up early and I'm ready to go well before the event is scheduled to start.
*Do you provide a written contract?
>It is extremely important to have your booking confirmed in writing. Ask for a written agreement, especially if you are paying an initial retainer. The standard initial payment for entertainment services is 50%. If you are expecting a specific entertainer, make sure you get it in writing as well.
A. I always provide and sign a contract with my clients using echosign. The quickest and easiest way to get a legal, electronic signature. Once we have both signed the contract, echosign sends us both a PDF copy to keep in your email, download or print. You also get receipts for any payments that you make. This is for your protection and mine! My contract is thorough and protects you and me. It is much more than "Event location, date, time, price".
*Will you be suitably dressed for our occasion?
>Specify the type of apparel that your Disc Jockey is expected to wear for your occasion. Formal attire or coat & tie are the most popular forms of attire. If you are having a "themed" event, make sure your entertainer is informed.
A. This is a part of our contract. We always ask what the attire will be. In the contract you will be asked for the event colors and preferred attire of your DJ.
*Do you belong to a professional organization or trade group?
>Although belonging to an organization or trade group does not guarantee the talent or professionalism of a disc jockey, it may indicate the companies willingness to network, learn and grow. Disc jockeys can learn through local chapter meetings, national DJ conventions and seminars geared toward the entertainment professional.
A. I am a member of the American Disc Jockeys Association.