A buddy of mine and I were asked to DJ a graduation party next weekend. I have a big music collection and access to the necessary equipment, but no real experience at this sort of thing.
First, how much should we charge? We are working all day, during a cocktail/ luncheon type event for the adults and all night (or until 2 or 3 am) for a dance party for the kids. We are planning on brining one turntable, my three input mixer, two cd players, and a pair of headphones, but we have to rent large outdoor speakers, an amp and a microphone, all of which should run us around $150. Is $600 a reasonable price to ask? (btw, out client is not exactly strapped for cash)
My second question is, other than simply playing the music we will be responsible for livening up the crowd and generally entertaining. What kind of things should a DJ say and do? Is it enough simply to say, “Everybody get out on the floor and dance!” Is it appropriate to say, “Hey, everyone check out Grandma in the corner shakin’ what her mama gave her!” Any industry tips and tricks you could offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.
I think your price is fair.
Depending on how you list your expenses: rental for your equipment and records/CDs and other costs like transportation are not considered net profits (salaries). If you’re still making $15-20/hr. each that’s not bad for a private party for acquaintances, unless the party is in Ibiza at a hot club in which case you should begin negotiating at $7 000/hr and airfare/hotel/$500 per diem for you and your retinue of 5 assistants/security personnel.
Kinda tough to cost out but if you’re both happy with the money it sounds like a good deal all around.
As for tips, situations vary greatly. Here’s a few, take 'em or leave 'em:
Party-goers may make announcements over the P.A. at your discretion but the microphone should never leave your hand. Beware uncle Stan, he likes to grab the mike and tell off-colour jokes after a few gin tonics.
You want to discourage requests without seeming to. You’re too busy and are not a jukebox but an artist with a meticulously planned set. (DJs have the biggest egos in the world, hands down. See “Ibiza” above.) Get a clipboard and have people write down requests rather than just shoot off a list of songs that you won’t remember two minutes after they walk away. These handwritten lists make great souvenirs for any DJ, and are often hilarious stoner reading material after the party. Remember the DJ half-promise re: requests: “I’ll try to get that on for you!” (broad smile)
There’s a moment in every party where everyone senses that the time to dance has come, but nobody wants to be the first. Watch for it and grab someone and dance if you have to, if this moment drags on too long people will unfairly blame you and bombard you with even more ever-dreaded requests.
Have fun, be cool, don’t sweat the small stuff and take time to scope out the ladies. Anywhere there’s music DJ=alpha male. If you’re female, this doesn’t apply, I’m not sure why this is, but that’s another thread.