Hiring a DJ isn’t about finding someone who’s “good enough”—it’s about finding someone excellent. In Part One of this series, I break down the qualities that separate an average DJ from a truly exceptional one, why technical skill alone isn’t enough, and how an excellent DJ manages energy, emotions, and behind-the-scenes chaos to keep your wedding unforgettable.
January 19, 2025
If you are planning an important event and considering hiring an event DJ, you’ll want to find someone who’s not just good, but EXCELLENT. Never settle for "good." Especially for your wedding. On what is the most important day of your life, you want to hire the very best DJ within your budget. An excellent DJ is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding. Great songs and transitions play a huge role in making parties, wedding receptions, and corporate events a lot of fun.
What makes an excellent DJ is not just playing the right songs at the right time, however. Funny as it sounds, you don't hire a DJ for the music. Any teenager with a Spotify account and a bluetooth speaker can play your music. It won't sound very good, and the transitions will be jarring (they may even kill your dancefloor), but it can be done. You hire a DJ for what happens behind the scenes. Brides never want to hear this, but something always goes wrong at a wedding. When things go sideways, an excellent DJ will do everything possible to make sure you never know that it did. An excellent DJ is competent and enjoyable; he or she reads the room and makes the party inclusive and immersive for all guests. But, more than that, an excellent DJ is an extraordinary emcee. He or she sets the tone for the entire reception, from start to finish, creating a profound and memorable experience for everyone.
In today's blog entry (the first in a series), I want to discuss the qualities that make an excellent DJ and share tips on how to find him or her for your party. I never want couples to settle for "good."
When it comes to the world of DJing, the line between a good DJ and an excellent DJ can be subtle but significant. This distinction lies in several key factors differentiating merely competent performances from truly memorable ones. These factors include technical skills, music selection, stage presence and interaction, adaptability, emotional impact, knowing your audience intimately, and knowing how to make a crowd happy. Being an excellent DJ is more than just playing enjoyable songs.
Being an excellent DJ requires a blend of skills, knowledge, and a passion for music that sets them apart from the rest. Whether you’re a radio DJ, a a club DJ, or a mobile event DJ, certain qualities and capabilities are essential to make a mark in the industry.
One of the key aspects that makes an excellent DJ is his or her ability to mix tracks seamlessly. An excellent DJ is proficient with DJ software and a DJ mixer, enabling him or her to create smooth transitions between songs, keeping the energy alive on the dance floor. This skill is critical in various settings, from an online radio show to a high-energy club scene to a celebratory wedding dance floor..
Knowing what makes an excellent DJ will ensure you have hired someone professionally capable of handling your event. And when you’ve selected the perfect DJ for your event, everyone will have an amazing time.
To summarize, there are many factors that make a DJ truly amazing – here are my top six most important qualities you’ll find in excellent DJs:
They will have the technical skills, personality, and adaptability to perform at the highest quality;
They will be relevant—always up to date and knowledgable about the latest songs and trends;
They will bring the best equipment for your venue's size and acoustics and for the number of guests in attendance;
They will be at all times professional, flexible, and cheerful, always approachable and courteous no matter the situation;
They will accommodate requests in a way that makes sense, never impeding the momentum of the dance floor; and most importantly,
They will always have a plan B.
If a DJ has all of the qualifications in this entry, then he or she is a good fit for any event. While a wedding DJ might differ somewhat from a party DJ, the core aspects have to be there.
Before hiring a DJ for your event, always check to see if they have experience in the specific event you’re looking for; check their social media, live videos, and other testimonials of their performance.
Look for the next entry in this series coming soon!
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