How To Hire A DJ

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.

Music Source is one of only two DJ’s in the Greater Springfield Area that cares enough about their clients to be an active member of the Downstate Illinois Chapter of the American Disc Jockey Association, with a commitment to the Code of Professional Conduct.  Buying a membership but never attending a meeting, seminar or national conference is like trying to buy credibility.  Music Source wants to earn it and therefore is an active member and held accountable to that code by the ADJA and it’s members.  Music Source is one of only two DJ’s in the Greater Springfield Area that is member of Springfield Local Favorites.  Music Source is the only DJ service in Central Illinois that is ‘accredited’ by the Better Business Bureau.

A DJ saying him or herself that they are good can be expected. But what do their past clients say? Don’t hire a DJ until you have read at least three well written reviews that provides some details as to why they are good. If the DJ doesn’t have good reviews maybe there’s a reason for that.  Remember that ultimately you are hiring the DJ, not the DJ service, so the review should be of the specific DJ who would work your event.

Music Source has LOTS of reviews that can be found not only on Google, Facebook and Wedding Wire but on the Music Source website by actual clients whose names are clearly listed and whose contact information can be provided to confirm. Read our reviews by clients that can be found on our website located on our Client Review Page – Click Here.

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 DJ, make sure you get it in writing as well.  Failure to provide that specific DJ is a breach of the contract.  Also be certain that the DJ cannot cancel on you just because they came across a better paying event on your date.

Music Source has a contract for each type of event, which can include additional services. Or additional services may be addressed by an addendum to the original contract if added at a later date. It also states that the DJ shall be the owner: Jonathan Michael Roth. As we never send somebody else or some other service entirely. Music Source will never cancel out on you so they can go do another event at a higher payday. Deposit is 1/3 of the original contract amount, including any additional services and/or equipment.

You are interviewing the DJ as much if not more so then the company.  A multi-op service will employ more than one DJ and therefore have more than one event scheduled the same day as yours.  Make sure you are meeting with the DJ that is actually going to work your event, prior to hiring them.  Many multi-ops will take your money and then subcontract your event out to another service entirely.  Who are you going to complain to afterwards, if the DJ they send screws up your event?  Make sure you get the DJ that you actually hired, and if a single op, that your event is the only one booked that day.  Don’t fall for the classic bait and switch, get it in writing at the time of booking!  The contract should state specifically who the DJ is and that the DJ company cannot cancel your agreement without your consent.

Music Source is not a multi-op. When you hire Music Source you will always get the owner/DJ/MC Jonathan Michael Roth. And your event will be the one and only event that Music Source will work that day. Should we receive an inquiry for a date we are already booked, we will help you find another DJ who is a member of the ADJA.

Most radio station DJ services are like any other multi operation DJ service where you typically won’t know who you’re really getting.  Meet with the DJ who will actually work your event, read his reviews, look at his pictures and videos, and ask him the hard questions and then decide.  Don’t let the fact that they’re a “radio DJ” make you think that they are the best possible DJ for your mobile dance event.

 J.R. has never been a radio DJ and would probably just be an average ‘on air’ DJ as he thrives off of the interaction with the guests and the excitement of a live crowd.  When on the air, Radio DJ’s are told when to play music and what music to play within their format.  Plus there’s much more focus on talk.  Radio stations are notoriously bad with music flow as they are not looking for a dance response as it’s radio.  Radio is a business, and they play music so that you will listen to their advertising.  As with any profession there are those that are good, those that are average and those that are bad.  This is true with Mobile DJ’s and Radio DJ’s alike.  There can be bad Mobile DJ’s at mobile events, just as there can be good Radio DJ’s at mobile events.  Think about events that you have been to where a DJ was present.  What did you like?  What did you not like?  Ultimately, it’s your decision who you hire so meet with any prospective DJ you are considering hiring and decide for yourself.

Knowing what you’re getting is important. If there are no pictures or videos on the DJ’s website and/or Facebook business page, there might be a good reason for that. Don’t get short changed as the DJ should take pride in his work and if he or she doesn’t, then why should you hire them?  If you are considering a multi-op DJ service, be sure to see the set up of the DJ that will ultimately be working your event.

Music Source has LOTS of pictures and videos of us in action at venues all over Central IL. We let you choose which physical set up you want at your event and will make recommends to best suit your venue. We’ve got the equipment to get it done since we know that one size does not fit all. Plus we realize that being an MC is also critically important to the success of your event and we’re not ashamed of our performances. See and hear more at: https://www.facebook.com/MusicSourceProDJ/

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. Remember that professional gear does not guarantee an entertainer’s talent or service level, but is simply a tool for building an exceptional event.  Plus if you are hiring a DJ service that employs numerous DJ’s – Don’t assume they all have the exact same equipment as they probably do not.

Music Source – No home stereo look or sound and no beat up worn out equipment. Looks is as important and the sound and clarity. Check out the professional grade equipment on our website located on our Packages & Extras Page. Check out other services provided for an additional fee, go to: DJ MC Packages & Extras

Equipment failure does happen and do you really want your special occasion ruined because your Disc Jockey did not come prepared?  Back up equipment does no good at home, it needs to be with the DJ at your event!  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.  You may also reach our Hotline number to get a Disc Jockey when you have an emergency.  The toll-free number is 888-723-5776.

Booking a reliable Disc Jockey is a very important decision for the success of your party.  Selecting a Disc Jockey who is an active member of the American Disc Jockey Association will provide you with the confidence that you have selected a trained professional. A.D.J.A. members are more likely to be involved with other Disc Jockey’s who can help them out with an unexpected situation.

Music Source brings to every event back up mixers, microphones, music controllers, hard drives, speakers, cables, power adapters, etc., etc.  Music Source has never failed to complete an event.

As with most professions continuing education and advanced training is important.  Experience in and of itself is not a criteria.  Being an active member of a DJ association, attending meetings, training, conferences and hands on workshops. . . this is how one improves what they do and how they do it.   

J.R. has been an active member of the American Disc Jockey Association for many years.  He attends national conferences and wants to get better.  Success is a journey, not a destination.  He works with other DJ’s to help their performance as well as help his own.

As with any profession, a Disc Jockey should be professionally trained and continue to network with other DJ’s, attend seminars and strive to get better.  While every DJ had to be new at some point, you really don’t want them making mistakes at your expense.  Hiring a seasoned veteran who’s dedicated to the profession is always your best choice.

Music Source began operation in 1982 by the founder Allen Stare.  Jonathan Michael Roth (J.R.) who is the current owner/DJ/MC began working for Music Source in 1993, and liked it so much he actually bought the company from Allen in 2005.  Music Source works approximately 50 events per year, predominately wedding receptions but is well versed in all types of events. Music Source is an active member of the American Disc Jockey Association and Springfield Local Favorites. Music Source is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Responsible business owners carry liability insurance to protect their businesses and the consumer.  Most venues require liability insurance by any vendor working on their premises.  Ask your venue about their rules and ask any DJ you are talking to if they are insured.  Disc Jockey’s receive a Certificate of Liability that can be used as proof.  This is not a rider on some homeowners policy that only covers the equipment while in the home.  This is liability insurance of $1,000,000 or more, in the name of the business, designed to protect YOU if a guest gets injured.

Music Source has liability insurance in the name of Music Source through RV Nuccio, the national provider that the ADJA makes available to it’s members. The Certificate of Liability Insurance is available to be emailed to you upon request in a PDF format. Additional parties like your venue or you can be added for a single or multi day event at no charge. Plus a Certificate of Liability can then be printed showing the additional insured parties.

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.

Music Source prefers to play by request the entire night. Yours and that of your guests, grouped together by genre for good music flow.  If you have a Do Not Play List, that’s okay!  If you’re tired of hearing it, J.R. is probably tired of playing it.

Sobriety is a necessity to perform the job and the party never stops until it’s over.  DJ’s are ‘NOT’ a guest and you don’t drink on your job or you wouldn’t have a job.  Music Source doesn’t either nor take smoke breaks. If your DJ is more concerned about smoking and drinking then he should go do that and allow a professional to MC & DJ your event.

Music Source doesn’t drink nor take smoke breaks. If your DJ is more concerned about drinking and smoking instead of working your event, then he/she should go do that somewhere else and allow a true professional to do the job.

Punctuality is a necessity.  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.

Music Source generally arrives at your event 1.5 – 3 hours prior to our scheduled start time. While it may only take us an hour or so to set-up, we would rather be sitting around waiting for the event to officially begin, rather than running around at the last minute, trying to get everything done.  Ideally we are 100% set up, changed into the proper attire, with background music of your choice playing when your first guest walks in the door.

A professional Disc Jockey/Master of Ceremonies 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.  Ask if they have a Reception Planner for Weddings.

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.

Music Source employees never want to be over dressed or under dressed for the type of event you are having.  Ideally we want to be dressed like some of your better guests.  But rarely ever in a tux at a wedding, as we feel that should be reserved for the wedding party.

Although belonging to an organization or trade group does not guarantee the talent or professionalism of a disc jockey, it may indicate the company’s willingness to network, learn and grow.  Disc jockeys can learn through local chapter meetings, national DJ conventions and seminars geared toward the entertainment professional.  They can also be held accountable for their actions or inactions to those professional organizations after the event.  In this day and age where your auto mechanic is certified, your hair stylist is licensed, and your financial & insurance professional must complete continuing education every year, why shouldn’t your DJ be held to the same standards?

Music Source is an active member of the Downstate Chapter of the American Disc Jockey Association as well as an active member of Springfield Local Favorites.  Music Source is held accountable by the ADJA & SLF.  Being a member in name only and not being active is of no use.  We don’t want to buy credibility, we want to earn it.  Music Source is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating and zero complaints.

Your DJ should only use music acquired legally through legitimate channels.  Not only is this the law, it also assures that your DJ is using only the highest quality music source for superior sound.

Music Source receives their new music from Top Hits USA and has since the beginning of 1996. Downloaded weekly each song is edited for radio friendly play at the highest MP3 quality bit rate of 320kbps.

Depending upon the type of event you are having, it may be to your benefit to hire a DJ that has an assistant that works along side him/her at your event.  This is particularly true with wedding receptions where there are a great many activities.   This way your DJ can focus on the wedding party and the formalities, while the assistant can attend to the minor details and focus operating the light show for example. This can make for a very smooth evening so you can enjoy your event too.

Music Source works every event with one or two assistants, unless it’s a very simple sound support only type of event. One of the jobs of the assistant is to run the light show so the DJ can focus on more important things. Plus the light show is changing and insync with the music.

Wedding receptions can be smooth and flowing to rough and choppy, depending upon how well prepared your DJ/MC is for your event.  Preplanning for you as well as your DJ/MC is essential for a smooth and elegant event.

Music Source will provide every bride & groom upon booking our exclusive four page Music Source Wedding Reception Planner, and two page Information & Song Request Sheet. The planner will guide a bride and groom through the entire wedding reception with tips and suggestions along the way.  Here they select songs for all the formalities as well as style of background music during the cocktail and dinner hour.

The information sheet provides valuable information to us about the bride and groom so we can get to know them a little better, and be able to share that information with your guests who may not know both of you.  The song request sheet gives us an idea of your musical taste or dis-taste (Do Not Play List), and acts as our go to list as well.

We don’t expect you to program the music for the entire night, but we have found it very useful to customize the dance portion of the evening around songs you actually like to dance to. These items are mailed back to us one month in advance. That gives Music Source a chance to go over it, write down any questions we have, find any special music we don’t already own and then, schedule a meeting with the two of you to go over it in detail. As we want everything to run nice and smooth that night as we are not just your DJ, but also your MC and On-Site day of coordinator of all of your formalities with all the other vendors working your reception.