Imagine, you’re Dj’ing the grand opening of a new store in town, it’s just you behind your turntables mixing tracks when out of the blue someone pops up next to you, with “Questions for the DJ.”

Questions like, what’s your favorite song out right now? Or, what’s your favorite drink while play?

I’ve noticed people love having small talk with the DJ. This happens mostly when there is not much of a barrier or height difference between the DJ and audience. 

Some DJs will buy facades to create a bit of a barrier. Others, post signs like “No Song Requests”. Some will post their contact info, social media handles, and web sites in clear view in case anyone interested in connecting with the DJ can do so without having to personally come up and ask for it.

But signs can’t solve everything, and facades are extra weight to carry around, so If you’re like me and don’t use those things much, then be prepared to answer accordingly. 

Every DJ will have their own experiences, but from my experience, these are some of my frequently asked questions from party-goers:

Question #1 – Do you take song requests?

I am a DJ, not a Jukebox…

Is the thought I had to overcome every time I was asked this question. It can be quite annoying to DJs, but it is part of the job.

When asked this question, there’s been so many times I’ll answer, “Yes, what would you like to hear?”And the requester will respond with, “I don’t know, what songs do you have?” (As if I’m going to stop DJ’ing so we can run through my entire 100 gigabit music library for you to pick a dang song). This would really bug me, but I’ve learned to be patient.

I used to be so concerned with people not liking me if I didn’t play their song requests. I’ve witnessed both good and bad outcomes with playing song requests.

Over time I’ve become more straight forward with my response to this question. 

Sometimes, if I don’t have a song, but I have a strong internet connection, I’ll quickly pop over to BPM Supreme and download the requested song I need. Within a few minutes I’m able play the requested song and give the thumbs up to the requester.

(Usually) DJs love cash tips in exchange for song requests.  It’s hard to turn down some extra spending money for a simple song request. If the song works with the audience, then I’ll definitely be more inclined to play your request in exchange for some extra moola. I’ve pulled in an extra $200 in just song request tips on top of my regular pay on many occasions.

In the right settings, bust out a tip jar and write “Tips” on the jar and place it in plain sight on your DJ station; it invites people to tip you, and believe me they will.

It’s up to you if you want to take song requests or not, even in exchange for tips.

I generally take song requests at most events I DJ. However, I don’t always play song requests; especially at club events depending on the energy of the room. Also, just the action of taking song requests can be quite distracting and mess up your vibe. While you DJ you have to not only juggle songs but also juggle distractions too. 

In instances like weddings, school functions, corporate gatherings, and other private events, those requests might be just what you need to light the crowd on fire. Reason being, they may know better than you what their invited guests’ favorite songs are.

Use your best judgement with this question.

Question #2 – Can I charge my phone with you?

Accept the fact that when you’re at the DJ booth you are now considered a living/breathing electrical outlet.

People will ask you if they can charge phones, cameras, and whatever else under the sun. Not only that, but they’ll ask you if they can leave their belongings at the DJ booth while they go party or do whatever it is they need to do.

When this happens, use your best judgment.  

Remember, you are in complete control; you are the DJ and not a charging station or a storage unit.

Just politely say “No” if you really want to. You are not responsible for storing and watching after other people’s belongings that are left at your DJ station. You are already responsible enough for all of your own belongings and equipment. 

It’s what you allow.

Weddings and other private events can be a bit more intimate, so you can be a bit more flexible. I suggest you have at least one available outlet for people who need a quick charge; your clients will love you for it.

Question #3 – What type of equipment are you playing on?

This question I get a lot when it’s just me, no barrier, and my equipment is out on display while I’m mixing. People can’t help but to come inquire.

A good amount of people who ask this question usually have some knowledge of the art of DJ’ing. Usually, they’ll engage you in small talk on equipment specs and software preferences. You’ll get questions from aspiring DJs, parents of aspiring DJs, DJ vets, or those people who are just so amazed by the art of Dj’ing.

A little geeky tech talk never hurts as long as it doesn’t distract you from your DJ mixing.

If they keep engaging you with questions and conversation, then keep it real with them and tell them you need to get back to work. Maybe hand them a business card if necessary and tell them to reach out to you if they have more questions.  Don’t feel bad to shut down the Q & A session at any time.

Question #4 – Where else do you play?

Just about every event I DJ, I get asked this question.

It’s always nice to have a residency, or a consistent event space where people can come out, hear you play, and support you. 

However, that isn’t always the case, so just make sure you have some good mixes uploaded onto a music streaming site like Mixcloud or Soundcloud so they can hear more from you.  Give them your business card, or if necessary you can take down their information so that you can keep them updated on your upcoming events and music releases.

Question #5 – Do you have a business card?

I highly suggest that you have business cards with you at all times because you never know who you will meet. You can make fancy cards or basic business cards, just as long as you have something with your professional contact on it to give to inquiring minds and potential new clients.

Business cards tell your potential clients that you are professional and serious about what you do.

In turn, they will respect you, and probably remember you when looking for their next DJ.

Bonus Question – How much do you Charge?

I have always felt uncomfortable answering this question on the fly.  Reason being, there are many factors that go into a DJ rate.  Such as, the amount of hours you’ll be playing, the type of equipment you’ll need to provide, prep time, travel time, assistance needed, etc. 

People will expect you to have a quick flat-rate quote for them not realizing that there’s levels to this stuff. 

If someone is asking my price rate on the fly, then I’ll either give them an average price range of my services or I refer them to my business contact so that we can discuss it further over email.

For instance, if someone approaches me and asks for my DJ rate, this is how I would come up with a quick price range:  If I charge a base hourly rate of $100 per hour and they tell me their event will be 4 hours long, then I already know my DJ rate is going to start at $400, and go up from there.  I know that the overall amount will come to more than $400 because there is more to DJ’ing an event than just playing for 4 hours.  My equipment has a rental rate,  plus I know that I’ll need at least an hour or more of my time to prep for the event, as well as the gas, tools, and time to travel to the event.  These are just a few of the basic expenses to take into account.  By including these possible expenses on top of my hourly rate, I can quickly give them a quote range on the fly of about $500 and up. I always let them know that my fee is subject to change once we nail down all the details.

Don’t ever feel bullied into giving a price to someone if you don’t feel comfortable doing so right in that moment.  Tell them to email you their inquiry, and you’ll get back to them with a quote right away.  Emailing can help weed out those folks who are serious about using your services, and give you written proof to look back upon if you ever need to.

By the way, you choose how much you want to charge for each expense. Be realistic with your prices because most people aren’t rich. Plus, most people want a price breakdown so they can make sense of what they are paying for. It’s your time, you choose what it’s worth, but be realistic.

Also, don’t feel bad if your quote is much higher than they expected.  Try not to lower your prices unless you just need to in order to accommodate your customer; but once again, I heavily disagree with doing that too much. 

Reason being, I am guilty of lowering my rates many times, and I always feel shitty afterwards.   

In Conclusion: Don’t be mad, Be glad that they are interested in what you do for work.

Spread your knowledge, be polite, and be humble.  But, don’t feel bad to shut down a Q & A session at any given time while you’re DJ’ing. Reclaim your space DJs.