Often in the DJ community there are many arguments about what makes a DJ. Many old-school turntablists say you still need to use turntables or some form of controller… not just pressing buttons on a laptop. However, I’ve seen many DJs who keep a floor packed without beatmixing and with just one button on a computer.
I personally use a computer with a controller, and I can tell you I can outmix anything I could do with CDs or Turntables.
With this thought in mind, take the following at note. I went skating today, which means I busted out my raggedy, dying, need-to-replace skates– they still work… and they probably do better than 80% of the skates out there. Quality never dies, lol. The DJ there uses Microsoft Windows Media Player. 
We always make fun of him, but not because of his choice of DJ software, after all he also uses high-end Denon CD Turntables and always manages to trainwreck his mixes. Even then, that’s not why we pick on him.
The crowd is 99% preteens to teens. I think I’m the only person there that’s old enough to drink, hahaha. Adult night’s are always on days when I’m working so I’m stuck skating on teen night. Many of the patrons are jam skaters (people who skate to the beat of the music and have set routines).
The DJ doesn’t read the crowd very well: he played rock songs NOBODY recognized (not even I), rap music with profanity, and obscure music that made everyone shrug their shoulders. Of course, when it came time to make announcements everyone ignored him as there was little respect for him. His attitude could’ve been a bit better– unless you were a single girl, you were not going to get any kind manners from him.
Since he would rather stay outside or talk to girls, he ignored the 10 second gap between each song. We watched in amazement as people kept leaving the floor.
Here’s why we laugh: he calls himself a DJ.
With the description I have given you, would you call him a DJ?
No?
So why believe anyone who says they’re a professional DJ?
Where’s the proof?
Don’t ask a DJ what he uses to mix with– that’s irrelevant, what’s important is his style.
- Does he read crowds?
- Does he take requests?
- Can he mix the music with a smooth transition that will keep the appropriate level of energy on the floor.
- Can he earn respect on the microphone?
- Will he be too busy flirting with girls to do his job?
- Is he courteous to everyone, including those who are less than pleasurable to talk with? (I’ve had my fair share of those)
I’ve also had the delight of talking to an amazing bride who’s doing very thorough research. As a matter of fact, she may be reading this right now. We’ve communicated several times, and even though she likes our company, she’s still researching before she makes the decision! Right on! If she chooses us, I know that she’ll be 100% confident and appreciative of what we will offer for her wedding day.
She has also gone as far as asking for proof of the DJs availability. Whether it’s YouTube, a DVD, or any form of video. Peter Merry’s Book The Best Wedding Reception… Ever!, talks about how every DJ should have a highlight reel (or numerous ones) as well as UNCUT footage. I can take the worst wedding DJ and make them look phenomenal on tape– it’s all about editing skills– so ask for raw footage.
As the aforementioned bride has done, ask for proof of MCing style. While the wedding you see may not be your wedding, a good MC should be able to shape your style into the event.
Is this a shameless plug for our company’s YouTube page? Well– yes… but many DJs in the area have videos, too. Remember, ask for real event footage, not testimonials (really, who will post a BAD testimonial), not demo reels (people dancing with music layed over), and not a generic reel. Ask to see their MCing, mixing, and interaction with the crowd.
Don’t ask to see them at an event… if they say no, it’s because they don’t want to invite people to someone’s special day, not because they’re hiding something.
One last thing– EVERY DJ can provide proof of their work. Even if they don’t have someone to film every event, they’ve worked with a videographer at some point. That videographer can provide a sample video. There’s just no excuse.
After all, you wouldn’t buy a cake just because it looks pretty on a photo without ever tasting it. 
