Question 1

What is your experience? How many events have you done?

Accepted Answer

I have been hired to DJ hundreds of events over the span of my career. Usually I will get booked for 1-to-3 weddings per weekend from May to October, and during the rest of the year I’ll do a handful of corporate functions, school dances, private parties, proms and other special events each month. On top of these “regular” gigs, I have DJ’d in many other contexts as well: Briefly in a couple nightclubs and bars, intergenerational family dances, kids parties, fundraisers, ethnic events (East Indian, Sri Lankan, Greek, Polynesian, Turkish, Romanian, Persian)… you name it!

Question 2

What is your pricing?

Accepted Answer

The minimum pricing is listed for each service under the "Services" tab on the website menu, and you can find some averages below. Expect to pay a premium to hire me. You'll be glad you did!

My prices are a reflection of my experience, expertise, equipment, flexibility, and the high quality production-level service I provide.

I do not sell myself by painting an inflationary picture of my business, but instead, strive to show you exactly who I am and what I can do, supported by a large variety of real life examples such as photos, videos, and live DJ mix demonstrations.

Things that can influence the cost include the date of your event, location / venue, number of hours, guest count, equipment needs, etc.. In some cases the cost is significantly higher than the listed averages—occasionally into the five-figure range.

When clients book me, they are booking me because I fit a specific vision for their event, and they are willing and able to pay what it takes to fulfil that vision.
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I am self-employed and set my own prices. Gratuities are never expected.

While every event generally has its own unique needs, and are thus priced accordingly, here are some averages you can expect to pay: 
​
Weddings
$3000 (minimum); $3800 (average)
 
Corporate
$2000 (minimum); $2500 (average)
 
Private Party
$1200 (minimum); $1500 (average)
 
AV Service
Varies wildly! Please get in touch for pricing.
 
Elementary School Dance
$800 (minimum); $800 (average)
 
Middle / High School Dance
$1200 (minimum); $2000 (average)

Question 3

Do you actually mix? Or you one of those DJs that just hits the ‘play’ button?

Accepted Answer

I can mix, make live mashups, scratch (super basic... but still well!) and do lots of super funky things with the beats to make you shake your booty! When you hire me you can rest assured that I am a legit DJ.

Avoid disappointment: Don't hire a DJ based solely on their online reviews! Ask for videos of them DJing, or try to see them perform live somewhere first.

I should also add that I am also a formally trained jazz and classical musician (trumpet, guitar, piano) so I understand the theory behind the music. This means that I’m not just matching the beats and fading from song to song, but crafting a musical journey that sounds great and makes logical musical sense!

Question 4

How do I book you? What type of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

I require a non-refundable retainer to secure my services for your event. This amount is usually 50% or $1500, whichever is less, and is subtracted from the total cost, with the remainder due 180 days prior to the event.

You will receive an invoice for my services, and I also have a formal contract we will both sign. My preferred method of payment is Interac eTransfer (or other online bank transfers), but I can also accept PayPal (with a 5% processing fee), cash, and cheques. I do not directly accept credit cards at this time; however, you can pay with one through a PayPal transaction.

Question 5

How far will you travel?

Accepted Answer

I am based in Greater Victoria, and am willing to travel anywhere! If your event is out of town, there will be applicable travel, F&B, and accommodation charges.

Question 6

How far ahead should I book you?

Accepted Answer

As soon as you know you're going to need a DJ!

I typically start receiving wedding inquiries 1 - 2 years in advance, and other bookings a few months to 1 year in advance.

My repeat corporate customers and schools often book me for next year's event as soon as the current year's event is finished.

Question 7

Do you take requests?

Accepted Answer

Of course!

I always encourage a written list that gives me an indication of your favourite tunes, artists and genres; in fact, all my wedding clients receive a Music Planner PDF that walks them through their music step-by-step.

Ideally I would suggest a maximum of 25 tracks or artists on your list to ensure I can incorporate other requests and have a balanced event; but ultimately, how I select the music is up to you.

I will, of course, also play reasonable and fitting suggestions from your guests at the function to ensure they too can hear their favourite tunes.

Also, don't forget that I am an experienced DJ who is fluent at “reading the crowd” so it’s always a good idea to leave some of the musical direction to me. After all… you’re paying for it!

Question 8

Tell me about your music?

Accepted Answer

I have a huge digital music library containing songs in a wide variety of genres, and I update it on a weekly (sometimes daily) basis. I am a member of several professional record pools and all my music is legally purchased. I am extremely flexible with what I play, and can mix pretty much anything you desire. As well as having an amazing selection of classics, I stay up-to-date by following all the top charts for rock, pop, hip hop, EDM, dance, country, rock, etc.

Question 9

What kind of equipment do you use? Do you have back-up gear?

Accepted Answer

I use up-to-date professional DJ, pro audio, and lighting equipment, and I do indeed have back-up equipment in case something goes wrong at your event. Although in my entire career, this has not yet happened... knock on wood!

Check out my social media pages to see the various pro audio and lighting rigs I have at my disposal, and don't hesitate to ask if you have a specific vision you want to fulfill.

Some of the brands I use are RCF, JBL, Chauvet, ADJ, X-Laser, Ape Labs, Pioneer, Shure, Sennheiser,  Allen & Heath, Yamaha, Elation, DPA, AKG, K&M, Rode, Audio-Technica, ElectroVoice, and Global Truss.

Question 10

Do you have a contract? Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We will both sign a legally binding contract at the time of booking. I also have $2,000,000 in liability insurance. I like to do things properly so we both have peace of mind.

Question 11

When do you set up?

Accepted Answer

I typically show up 2-4 hours before the event is supposed to begin, depending on what needs to get done. My set-up does not take as long as I'll ask for in my contract, but I like to have some breathing room in case I need to run extra cables or something.

Question 12

What happens if you get sick, or have some kind of emergency?

Accepted Answer

While I cannot 100% guarantee a replacement, I have a network of several other DJs in town who I would ask to step in for me at the same cost or less.

In my entire career this has only happened once (when my wife went into labour) and I was able to secure a replacement DJ for the client.

Having said that, my contract stipulates that if I am unable to procure a replacement, my liability is limited exclusively to the return of any monies paid. I am a one-man show, and with that, comes a small amount of risk to you.

Question 13

Can you MC my wedding for me?

Accepted Answer

I always recommend that my clients get someone who knows them well to take care of the MC duties, but if you're stuck, I would be happy to be your MC for an extra fee. Approximately 20% of my clients bestow this duty upon me.I am a career teacher by day and have also taken a professional public speaking course, so I am confident and comfortable addressing groups of people. I have also been part of hundreds of events in my career, so I have an in-depth understanding of how to keep a timeline moving to ensure a successful event.The cost of my MC service is minimal. I do not meet with you multiple times before the event and try to "get to know you" to make it more personal. My role as your MC is to be a communication facilitator to ensure that everything happens when and how you want it to.

Question 14

Is it customary to tip my DJ?

Accepted Answer

NO!!!

If your DJ is running their own business, that means they are also setting their own prices at a level that they feel is necessary to (1) run their business, (2) profit as a business, and (3) reflect their level of service.

If your DJ tells you it is "customary" to leave a tip, do yourself a favour and run the other way.

If you feel drawn to leave a tip because you were so incredibly happy with the DJ service, then that is your prerogative. But to be completely honest, the best tip you can give is a positive review on Google.

Question 15

Can I choose what you wear to my wedding?

Accepted Answer

Can I choose what you wear?

I am an adult and can make these sorts of decisions on my own; but thanks for asking! I promise I always dress to impress.

Although... if you're offering to buy me a new suit...

Question 16

I found a DJ who charges a fraction of your cost! Can you match their price?

Accepted Answer

Would you ask your caterer to match the price of a Happy Meal?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS