DJ in Chicago | FAQ

Choosing the right DJ in Chicago is key! As you've probably already learned not all Disc Jockeys are alike. When it comes to choosing the right DJ in Chicago for you, these are some important questions you'll want to ask your DJ prior to booking.

 

 

1. What have you done for me lately?
2. Are you licensed and insured?
3. Do you use professional equipment?
4. Can I meet with you and see you perform?
5. Do you have proper attire / what will you wear?
6. May I see a list of songs that you will guarantee to bring to my event?
7. Will you play requests?
8. Do you have back-up equipment on-site?
9. All this talk of Sound and Lights, what exactly do I need for my event?
10. What makes your company worth the investment?
11. How many years of professional experience do you have?
12. Are you willing to be the announcer/MC?
13. How much room will the DJ need?
14. What's your company policy on "clean" music?

 

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What Have You Done For Me Lately?

This is a question you should ask every DJ you meet. What are they doing to continually improve on their skills? If they're not improving then they can only churn out the same tired old show night after night. Some DJ's will actually use your event as practice time.. We practice BEFORE your event. During your event you'll see the results of our practice, and you'll be able to enjoy your event without all the worries. Your DJ should continually work to improve his or her skills. This means practicing, attending seminars/conventions, and taking performance classes. At Operation Getdown we semi-annually attended the Mobile Beat Convention conferences in Chicago and Las Vegas. These conventions offer us a great opportunity to learn new and unique ways to enhance your special event. We are also proud members of the American Disc Jockey Association. This is a non-profit group dedicated to helping DJs learn the art of entertaining. We meet each month and discuss new weddings trends and new ideas on improve our performances. We believe a better DJ will provide a better entertainment value for the clients. There is SO much to say about this question. When you meet with our DJs we'll answer this question in greater detail. You will soon be able to see how our efforts will greatly enhance your special event.

 

 

Are You Licensed and Insured?

Absolutely! Our company is a legitimate business. There is no such thing as a DJ license, but we do have a business license and we're registered with Cook County. Being a legitimate business, we've choose to carry a 1,000,000 liability insurance policy to protect you, your guests, and ourselves in the event of accident. Thankfully in our 10 years of operation we've never had a need to use it. Many venues are now requiring all vendors to show proof of insurance so you may want to ask your DJ for a copy of their valid certificate of insurance.

 

 

Do You Use Professional Equipment?

Of Course!! We've invested thousands in making sure we have the absolute finest and most reliable sound and lighting technology available. Our KV2 Audio rigs cost nearly double that of what an average DJ's speakers system would cost, and pump out crystal clear audio with out annoying feedback or distortion. At Operation Getdown we also have back-up systems on site for every event in the case a problem should arise. This way you can relax we've got you covered!

 

 

Can I Meet With You and See You Perform?

Our DJs always look forward to meeting with our clients in person prior to the event. This is a great opportunity to get to know our clients a little better and it helps us get a feel for the exact type of entertainment they desire. As for seeing us work, we prefer not to invite potential clients to private events. We feel this can be rude to our booked clients and our dedicated time to them can be distracted. When you hire us, we'll be working for only you that day. No Split Loyalties. If a DJ offers to have you visit someone else's event then there is a very good chance they will invite strangers to your special occasion as well.

 

 

Do You Have Proper Attire? What Will You Wear?

You'll have to let us know the proper attire for your event. We have tuxedos, suits, business casual. Whatever your occasion, we'll make sure to dress appropriately. If you need us to have matching colors for your wedding that is definitely an option.

 

 

May I See A List Of Songs That You Will Guarantee To Bring To My Event?

All of them! You'll have the opportunity to go online with our client only page and make your very own"Must Play" and "Do Not Play" play lists. Allowing you to request all the songs you desire. You can also view our top 200 songs if you're stuck choosing music. Click here to browse our online digital music library. We currently have over 30,000 music titles to choose from and the number continues to grow each month! There is something there for everyone!

 

 

Will You Play Requests?

Absolutely! We'll work with you prior to your event to determine the specific styles and individual requests that you'd like played. We'll also encourage your guests to make requests (if you approve) to help them to feel like they are part of this special occasion as well. And NOW, we've just added a new way for your guests to request music prior to your special event. Guest Requests! Try it now, the Group name is TEST.

 

 

Do You Have Back-Up Equipment On-Site?

Absolutely! Luckily we've never experienced a major equipment malfunction in our many years of operation, but as with all electronics they are man made and can fail. For this reason alone we choose to take extra steps to make sure we're always prepared by bringing a FULL backup system!

 

 

All This Talk About Sound and Lights, What Exactly Do I Need For My Event?

When shopping for DJs almost all of them will try to sell you on how many watts their speakers have or how many colored lights they'll shine onto your dance floor. But many of us have absolutely no idea what they're talking about. Here's a breakdown on DJ equipment and what you may need for your event. An average size wedding reception usually has an average of around 175 guests in attendance. Minimums for an event of this size would be 200 watts per channel sound system (stereo), Colored lights (4 or 8) that chase to pre-set patterns or to the beat, a mirror ball, 2 CD players (or computer-based system), mixer, microphone. Most DJ's should have at least a 12" full range speaker per side (channel) for groups under 175 guests. If you're having a lot of top-40 or dance music at your event it's recommended that you opt for more bass such as a 12" or 15" sub woofer (bass speaker) for better sound. Some DJ services go really crazy on huge sound & lighting systems. (BIG TIP) REMEMBER, it is the DJ and not the sound/lighting system that makes or breaks a show. Get a good DJ first, then if you like a lot of lights and fancy equipment, spend more for those items.

 

 

What Makes Your Company Worth The Investment?

Our care and concern for your special event is second only to your own. We're able to bring our experience and expertise from hundreds of performances to your one special night. We make your vision of the perfect celebration a reality. Our fresh new look brings a new definition to the word "experienced DJ." After entertaining Chicago for over 10 years, we believe that being a successful disc jockey requires 100% musical expertise, 100% customer service satisfaction, and 100% professionalism. The investment you make in our company reflects the expertise and quality we bring to your special event.

 

 

How many years of professional experience do you have?

Our company has been around since 1999 and a majority of our party DJs have over 5+ years of professional experience and our wedding DJs have over 10+ years!

 

 

Are you willing to be the announcer/MC?

Of course! In fact, we'd prefer it. Our experienced and trained wedding emcees will make you and your guests feel comfortable and relaxed. We bring together all the loose ends so everything flows seamlessly. Check out our Chicago Wedding MC checklist to see the specific duties our Chicago MCs will fulfill at your event.

 

 

How much room will the DJ need?

On average we typically require a 10 foot by 10 foot area for our sound and lighting systems. We also generally require our area to be within 50 feet of a standard 120 volt power source. If that won't work no worries! We've made special accommodations in the past and we'll be happy to design an ideal sound and lighting system that work for your event.

 

 

What's your company policy on "clean" music?

This is a very important question and is one that has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Our company policy is to avoid playing songs with questionable content or at least play only the "clean" versions of them. Since the word "clean" is such a subjective term we do ask for you to inform us as to what your personal standards are. Here at Operation Getdown we try to use our best judgment and we're especially cautious when children are in attendance.