If you are considering using Mr. 845 Entertainment, this section should help answer any questions you might have.
If you decide to go in a different direction, there are some helpful questions and answers for you to consider in the remainder of your search. Testimonials are included at the bottom of the page.
Q: What kind of music do you play?
A: Honestly, pretty much everything.
As an "open format" DJ, my musical repertoire contains an eclectic mix of genres. Pop, disco, funk, freestyle, country, classic rock, punk rock, rock-and-roll, rat pack, doo-wop, Motown, EDM, rap, hip hop, reggaeton, dancehall — you name it. I carefully review your musical preferences for the event to ensure your requests can and will be met. Clean versions of songs will be used for all private events unless otherwise requested by the client.
My Mixcloud page features a wide range of recorded live sets. Listen to them all here!
Q: What is your style of DJing?
A: My style could best be described as moderate quick-mixing. (Here's a great video on quick-mixing.)
I often do not play songs from start to finish during dance sets (with some exceptions), but I also do not constantly play 30-second bits of songs. Quick mixing ensures guests hear the best parts of songs while also allowing time to fit in more songs the client wants to hear!
Q: Do I really need a DJ? We can just use Spotify or an iPod.
A: To each their own, but if you're having an event of some importance it is wise to invest in a DJ — and a professional one, at that. Being a DJ is more than "just playing music" — it is about knowing how to put a set of music that flows well together; it is about reading the crowd; it is about knowing when to transition out of songs and how to do so cleanly; it is about being able to make adjustments on the fly; and it is about investing in the proper equipment so that your sound fills the room. Respectfully, a Spotify playlist or iPod cannot do those things; and for the amount of money it would cost to rent professional-grade equipment (and set everything up yourself), you are much better off just hiring a professional DJ. You could save money with a "budget" DJ, but chances are they will have subpar equipment, experience, skills, or a combination of all three.
Q: What are some questions I should ask a DJ/entertainment company I'm considering?
A: The first questions you should ask should be, "How much experience do you have, and what do those experiences include?" While longevity does not always equate to talent, someone who has been doing big events like weddings for years will likely be more reliable than someone who has only worked a handful of them.
An extremely helpful question is, "Do you have any samples we can see and/or listen to?" Between sites like Mixcloud, Soundcloud, YouTube, and others, there are a plethora of options for DJs to post sets for potential clients to listen to. Do they play the entirety of every song and then simply fade out at the end? Do they go scratch-happy on every track? Do they use annoying sound effects? (You just made the 'Bwrr Bwrr Bwrr BWRR!' horn noise, didn't you?) Any DJ can talk about what they can and will do, but can they prove it?
Another helpful question is to ask, "What does the average (insert event) look like to you?" In other words, if they had a blank canvas, how would they put the night together? What songs are they playing at cocktail hour, when doors open, during dance sets, during dinner, etc.? What kind of timeline do they think works best and why? How they answer can provide insight into how experienced they really are and can even help give you some ideas for your big day.
Finally, at some point in the conversation, you should ask some variation of, "Are you the person who will be working my event/Will I get to meet the person who will be working my event?" As a single-operation company, I handle everything myself, so you can be assured I will be the person working your event. However, multi-operation companies have several employees on their roster. While this comes in handy when getting multiple inquiries for the same date and/or filling in during an emergency, some companies will randomly assign events without the clients and talent ever meeting until the day of the event.
Q: What is the difference between a DJ and an MC?
A: In short: A massive one.
A disc jockey (DJ) is someone who specializes in music selection, mixing and transitions, and all things related to the sound of your event. In many cases, the DJ will remain behind their setup for the duration of the event in order to keep the music flowing.
A master of ceremonies (MC) is someone who specializes in microphone work and timeline management. The MC is largely responsible for the introductions, major announcements, "hype" work, and most importantly, making sure the timeline of events stays on schedule. The MC works closely with the maitre d' to coordinate if their staff is ready for the next phase of the event; they work with the photographer(s) and videographer(s) on-site to ensure they are set up and in position for any key moments; they are checking in with the guest(s) of honor to see if they need anything from the entertainment side and working with them to get them ready for the next phases of the night. Just as a DJ is more than someone who "just plays music", an MC is more than someone who "just makes a few announcements".
Many individuals can perform both roles, but it is worth noting that not every DJ is an MC, not every MC is a DJ, and, most importantly: not every individual who can perform both roles can do so simultaneously.
I am professionally trained as both a DJ and MC, and have worked countless events as both — many of which involved performing both roles simultaneously. Some companies charge extra for an MC, but with Mr. 845 Entertainment, you have a professional one included with any package you select.
Hear from real people who have booked Mr. 845 Entertainment to see if we are the right choice for you!
