DJ Services Archives - Hot Wax Mobile Entertainment

There Are at Least 8 Reasons to Choose Hot Wax Entertainment

vandjadmin45 — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 21:24:49 +0000

There Are at Least 8 Reasons to Choose Hot Wax Entertainment … Although, our clients tell us there are much more.

We are a full-time professional Disc Jockey and Entertainment Company ready when you need us (and all calls are returned promptly!). We have heard countless times, that the client is still waiting to hear back from the other DJ’s to get their quotes so that they can make a decision. Really? It’s been 2 weeks, and they haven’t called you back yet? I’m guessing that they do this on a part-time basis and haven’t sorted out the customer service aspect of their offering. You have patience of steel!
We use AVLA “radio edited” licensed music. We were recently handed a USB drive by a client with some of their favorite songs. Halfway through the first song we (and the other 300 guests) heard “this has been illegally downloaded this off of iTunes!” Suffice to say… We stopped their music immediately and continued entertaining with our playlist. Radio edited licensed music will not have any profanity and has been legally purchased. We will purchase from iTunes when necessary as clients nowadays are wanting unique covers of their favorite songs.
We carry $2 million in event liability insurance, we have you covered! It’s not a given, we don’t all have this in place. Not only are we covered… you have peace of mind. In case one of your guests trips on a speaker stand and causes damage to the venue, we have insurance. In case that same client trips on the same speaker stand and damages the equipment, our insurance will cover it. In case there’s an electrical power surge at the venue and it causes damage to our equipment we are covered… Starting to get the picture? Liability Insurance is just another great tool in place for the pros to have.
We use Mackie SRM 450 and QSC K12 professional speakers ensuring the finest in sound quality. Wait until you hear your favorite songs on our sound system! For added bass, we use QSC K12 subs. We use the best equipment possible and never have backup equipment in the car. Anyone that says they do should upgrade their equipment.
All lights are LED sound activated, offering the latest in style, design, and colours while generating energy in the room – we’ll give your guests something to talk about! Have you ever been to a concert in the dark? No one likes to dance in a dark room either.
Our DJs are uniform-dressed and professional. We have uniforms that are appropriate for any occasion. This ensures that your blood won’t boil as you won’t see ripped denim, stuffy suits or tuxedos that look like the groomsmen.
Our exclusive and professional DJs have been trained to Hot Wax standards to know how to capture your unique spirit and taste. This isn’t their show, you are the client, music genres and event goal are determined in advance. If it’s a themed event, the DJ is a team player.
We are committed to partnering with you to create that signature event that your guests will rave about for weeks… months… even years later! Our business is referral-based and based on trust. We have to be great!

The post There Are at Least 8 Reasons to Choose Hot Wax Entertainment appeared first on Hot Wax Mobile Entertainment.

Best Questions to Ask a DJ Service when Looking to Hire a DJ

vandjadmin45 — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 21:19:16 +0000

If you’ve never called a DJ service to hire a DJ for your wedding or corporate event, it can be a daunting task. Asking questions is a good thing. Going with what your gut says is the best way to determine if you’re on the right track.

THE most common question is “How much do you charge?”

This is such a loaded question because pricing varies based on type of event, length of event, size of event, lighting, location of venue, etc. It’s tough to determine pricing by expecting a generic email response from any vendor.

Just a price is only one layer, and we all know that there are many layers to an event. The best way to determine pricing is by having a detailed conversation with the DJ service and perhaps a consultation. Consultations allow you to meet the DJ and/or the owner of the business, view the equipment and really talk about the logistics of your event and share your vision.

Important questions to ask when Hiring a Wedding DJ Service:

Do you take requests?
How much time do you need to set up?
How early do you arrive for setup?
Will you be charging me for setup and take down?
Will you be the DJ for my event?
Do you charge extra to Emcee my event?
What equipment do you provide?
Do you provide a written contract?
Do you charge for travel?
Can you provide music for the ceremony and the reception?
How much do you charge for overtime?
What type of equipment do you use, is it commercial grade?
Do you have backup equipment on site?
Are you licensed and insured?
Can we pick the music we want to hear and do not want to hear?
Do you provide wireless microphones for toast or speeches?
Do you arrange and execute the timeline at the event?
What do you wear to my event?
Do you provide lighting? Does it cost extra?
How many years of experience do you have?
What is the total price for the package?
How much is the deposit?
Do you take credit cards?
How is final payment arranged?
What is your cancellation policy?
Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
Do we need to provide dinner for the DJ?
Do you require a table for set up? Do you bring your own table?
When do you need to have our music list by?
What happens if the DJ gets sick? Who’s the back up?

The post Best Questions to Ask a DJ Service when Looking to Hire a DJ appeared first on Hot Wax Mobile Entertainment.

After Your Next Office Christmas Party, People Will Talk.What Do You Want Them to Say About the Music?

vandjadmin45 — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 23:52:17 +0000

These days, everyone’s a DJ. And everyone knows someone who knows someone that’s a DJ. And just like friends shouldn’t let friends move them, colleagues shouldn’t let their spouses DJ their office Christmas party.

8 Tips on how to hire the right DJ or DJ Service for your company:

* Compile a list of DJs by asking friends for referrals and ask your vendors to recommend their “preferred DJ’s: since they work with DJ’s more often, they are likely to know what’s out there.

* Don’t make the price the deciding factor. Pricing is one thing-quality is another. Price can range from $500-$1500. DJ’s are not created equal and equipment, experience and level of service all come into play. $800-$1200 is the average for a Christmas party. The difference between a bad experience and a great experience can be $200.

* A DJ service is generally priced higher than just hiring an independent DJ. The benefits of hiring a DJ service? Most are full time and offer liability insurance. Also, if the DJ gets sick, they’ll have a suitable replacement.

* How quickly do they return your call or email? We once booked a client within 60 seconds of answering their call just because we answered our phone! They were tired of not hearing back from all the others. You still need to do your homework to ensure they’re the right fit for you.

* Does it look like they invest in their business? How’s their website? Can you view their music selection on line? Do they offer lighting? Are they a member of the BBB? Do they have an online inquiry form?

* Get it in writing: you should always have a Service Agreement that requires your signature and outlines the terms and conditions, form of payment and cancellation policy.

* The music: A great DJ will stand up all night and read the crowd. A Lazy DJ will just press play and take a seat. If your company strives to be the best in its field, then don’t settle for just a DJ. Will they have the type of music your group is into? Will it be radio edited or full of ‘f’ bombs? Will they take direction from the organizer? Are they living for the moment? Or do they want to get an A on their report card so that they may see you next year?

* Biggest myth? No DJ or DJ Company needs to have backup equipment in their car, unless of course they use shoddy equipment!

A professional DJ company will work with you to create that signature event your colleagues and invited guests will rave about for weeks, months, even years later. It’s all about the relationship and creating great memories that help strengthen office morale and increase productivity.

The post After Your Next Office Christmas Party, People Will Talk.What Do You Want Them to Say About the Music? appeared first on Hot Wax Mobile Entertainment.

That Was Then, This Is Now

vandjadmin45 — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 23:43:39 +0000

When parties had a DJ, Old Time Rock n Roll and Brown Eyed Girl were the token hits and the DJ called the buffet tables by their number.

That was then…

This is now…

Playlists are customized to the crowd , the organizer can preview the song list on-line, hear songs and watch videos right on our website.

Who eats first from the buffet? Well, that can be determined based on a variety of related customized Trivia questions and top hits are incorporated into song mash-ups.

Now I can’t say that this is true with every DJ company today, but we believe in changing with the times. Updating equipment and following trends is crucial to our success and ultimately, the guest experience. When you are paying a premium rate, you deserve more.

Hot Wax Entertainment…”Invite us to your next party!”

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Birthdays Are A Joy, Photoshop Me Later!

vandjadmin45 — Tue, 01 May 2012 23:44:28 +0000

Turning another year older can be a life altering experience.

Fortunately yesterday, I had the pleasure celebrating a friend’s birthday. It wasn’t about me at all. And this friend is a ‘guy’, so even better. It was all about the fun, the people, and the wine.

It was a collection of Steve’s family and friends, newborns and grandmas and dear old dads in their 80’s. Real life.

Steve’s sisters prepared the food and pretty well did all the work. He is 50 you know…and it was kind of a big deal. He was all smiles from ear to ear. You could feel the joy he was feeling as he greeted each guest at the door. His 2 teenage kids were manning the ‘registration table’ and giving each of us our ‘name tags’. The whole atmosphere felt very ‘small town and homey’ in a very good way. It was like being curled up in a blanket watching your favorite movie-again. We only knew the guest of honor and his sisters so the name tags helped say ‘hello’.

What did bring everyone together was the photobooth that we brought (as his gift). For 3 solid hours I played voyeur. I witnessed the laughter, the smiles, the joy of the moment, the sillyness, the “I don’t care what I look like just pose!” the babies on the laps, the grandparents wearing boas and fedoras as they snuggle with their grandchildren, the new families, the young couples…it was all there. Each took a keepsake of their experience and left a piece for Steve in his scrapbook to reflect upon later in private. Each participant expressed how much fun they had, and wanted to find another person to pose with. It was becoming an addiction, or perhaps endorphins were being released?

50th birthday parties are rare and surrounding yourself with those that you love and represent who you are, and how you got to this point, are a treasure. Giving them the opportunity to experience 15 seconds of joy and imprinting it on a piece of paper…well…it’s priceless!

The post Birthdays Are A Joy, Photoshop Me Later! appeared first on Hot Wax Mobile Entertainment.

The Secrets of Hiring the Right DJ Service

vandjadmin45 — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 23:41:13 +0000

It is true what they say about the entertainment at any event, it is one of the key components to a great time. It is no secret that the market is saturated with DJs, so how do you hire the right DJ for your budget?
The process of narrowing it down:

Do NOT make price the deciding factor. Compile a list of DJs by asking friends for referrals, and ask for “preferred DJs: and opinions from your other event vendors. Then narrow your selection down to 3 professional DJ services. Look for a DJ Service that stands out from the rest.

Make contact:
Book you DJ at least 6 months in advance. How’s their website? was there a quick turn around time when responding to your inquiries?

The Consultation:
The Majority of bookings are done over the phone. Should you wish to meet in person, this option should be available to you.

The Full Package:
The full package includes a professional DJ, high-quality equipment and lighting, and the right songs for your party. Did you know that only 60-70 songs are actually played? but if they are not the right songs for your group, then your celebration will not be memorable for the right reasons.

Get it in writing:
A professional DJ service will send you a service agreement. Make sure you discuss payment options and cancellation policies prior to signing.

Don’t just take their word for it:
Ask to see the DJ service’s references and then qualify them by calling.

Pricing:
Price is one thing; quality is another. All DJs are not created equally. Most good DJ services should be priced in the $700-$1200 range. Book the DJ service you can afford and NEVER EVER book the cheapest. Remember, with hiring a professional comes peace of mind.

5 key questions to ask:

* What type of sound system do they use? a professional service will invest in their equipment and not use a home sterio system, and backup equipment will not be required to sit in their car.

* Do they have a business license? would you feel comfortable giving someone $500-$1200 cash, 6-12 months in advance ?

* Do they carry liability insurance? makes sense

* Do they use VLA licensed music? MP3 files are condensed and compromise sound quality

* Are they members of the Better Business Bureau? consumers can rest assured that when they find a BBB member they are dealing with a company that is proud to make a public statement about high ethical standards.

The post The Secrets of Hiring the Right DJ Service appeared first on Hot Wax Mobile Entertainment.

Picking Music at Your Wedding Is Like Eating a Multi Layered Slice of Cake Without the Calories!

vandjadmin45 — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:13:59 +0000

Ever wandered by a bakery window and your mouth started to water when your eyes locked in on a multi layer cake? Knowing that each layer was going to be a mind blasting experience?
Then I suggest you treat your music selection at your wedding in the same manner. Peel off the layers and provide your guests with a musical journey throughout the evening.

Most times I get couples cringing when it’s time to select the music as many think that they need to pick each title. Others get giddy as they want to pick each title and some…well…they just want this task to go away.
I’m here to simplify the process so that It’s fun, you get to have a say, and your guests will talk about it for weeks, months even years later! Because we know…people will talk about your event…what are they going to say about the music?

The month before your wedding, start communicating with eachother to determine the styles of music you are interested in hearing. Remember, music should be thought of as a ‘gift to your guests’.

Just like a house sells faster when there’s curb appeal, the cocktail hour should set the tone, create a buzz , get your guests excited and ready for what’s to come next.
If you are having a cocktail hour, there are many genres to consider as ‘background’ music. It could be jazz, instrumental, classical, or chill Lounge. Of course there are more options, but I think you are starting to get the picture? There’s no right or wrong…it’s what you want to reflect your distinctive taste and style. If your venue has a specific atmosphere, you may wish to parallel the cocktail hour to reflect that. Now you don’t need to get too specific with the artists, but relaying your genre preference to the DJ service is recommended.

Now let’s move on to the Dinner hour…why not add another dimension to the atmosphere you’ve started to create. Keep in mind, dinner service can increase the volume around the room, people start to talk with others at their table, silverware is clinking, so background music will be softer, somewhat less vocals and at a volume your guests can hear it at, but still talk to each other. If they’re tapping their toes beneath the table…shhh…that’s their secret to keep! You do not need to provide your DJ with an itemized song list, nor do we recommend you spend time previewing each of these songs, just specify a genre: Easy listening, jazz, classical, light rock, etc.

It’s time to dance and kick it up a notch! This is where your input is most valuable. Now don’t get anxious…we’ve simplified the process event further. Let’s go with the 20 rule (really a guideline). You might be thinking…Can I tell my DJ what we want to dance to? Absolutely! Give us an idea as to what you’d love to dance to. Not hear…but dance to! How much direction should I give my DJ? You can provide us with 20 artists, or get really specific…provide us with 20 of your favorite titles. Your DJ will then create sets around your personal requests and if you are open to the DJ getting requests from your guest, then they will incorporate that into the musical program as well. How many songs are typically played at a wedding reception? 60-80 songs.

What if the DJ service doesn’t have the music you are wanting? Don’t panic! Just share with them your vision. You youself may even have this select music in your own collection. And if that’s the case?Bring it the night of your event and the DJ would be happy to play it.

When you’re ready to start designing your musical program… Give us a Call 604-649-6919

The post Picking Music at Your Wedding Is Like Eating a Multi Layered Slice of Cake Without the Calories! appeared first on Hot Wax Mobile Entertainment.

Capturing Special Moments

vandjadmin45 — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:40:13 +0000

Turning another year older can be a life altering experience.

Fortunately the other day, I had the pleasure of being a guest, celebrating a friend’s birthday. It wasn’t about me at all. And this friend is a ‘guy’, so even better. It was all about the fun, the people, and the wine.

It was a collection of Steve’s family and friends, newborns and grandmas and dear old dads in their 80’s. Real life.

Steve’s sisters prepared the food and pretty well did all the work. He is 50 you know…and it was kind of a big deal. He was all smiles from ear to ear. You could feel the joy he was feeling as he greeted each guest at the door. His 2 teenage kids were manning the ‘registration table’ and giving each of us our ‘name tags’. The whole atmosphere felt very ‘small town and homey’ in a very good way. It was like being curled up in a blanket watching your favourite movie-again. We only knew the guest of honour and his sisters so the name tags helped say ‘hello’.

What did bring everyone together was the photo booth that we brought (as his gift). For 3 solid hours I played voyeur. I witnessed the laughter, the smiles, the joy of the moment, the silliness, the “I don’t care what I look like just pose!” the babies on the laps, the grandparents wearing boas and fedoras as they snuggle with their grandchildren, the new families, the young couples…it was all there. Each took a keepsake of their experience and left a piece for Steve in his scrapbook to reflect upon later in private. Each participant expressed how much fun they had, and wanted to find another person to pose with. It was becoming an addiction, or perhaps endorphins were being released?

The post Capturing Special Moments appeared first on Hot Wax Mobile Entertainment.

The Secrets to Hiring the Right DJ Service

vandjadmin45 — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 23:37:42 +0000

It is true what they say about the entertainment at a wedding, it is the most important component. It is no secret that the market is saturated with DJs, so how do you hire the right DJ for your budget? What is the difference between a DJ and a DJ service?

The process of narrowing it down:
DO NOT make price the deciding factor. Compile a list of DJs you have seen in the past, ask friends for referrals, and ask for “preferred DJs” and opinions from your other event vendors. Then narrow your selection down to 3 professional DJ services. Look for a DJ Service that stands out from the rest. A DJ service can be a full time professional DJ company that has a number of DJ’s in their roster. This way, should one get sick, or be unavailable, you will always have a DJ at your event.

Make contact:
Book your DJ at least 6 months in advance. Although email inquiries are increasing in popularity, nothing beats talking with your DJ service over the phone. How they conduct themselves over the phone is a great indication of how professional they are and how they perform in public. Things to listen for… Are they confident? Can they offer you a professional and easy to read website to refer to? Did they answer their phone when you contacted them? Was there a quick turn around time when responding to your inquires? Or do you have to wait days for a reply back? All of these are indications of whether you are considering a full time professional DJ service. Do not be fooled into thinking that all-inclusive packages are the only options for your entertainment. A professional DJ service will spend the time getting to know you first and talk about pricing last.

The consultation:
Whenever possible, ask to meet with the DJ or DJ Service at their office/residence. A professional DJ service will be proud of their environment, and will welcome the opportunity to display their equipment. This consultation is a great opportunity for you to meet with them in person, and start to build a relationship. This consultation will give you an idea of how they will treat your wedding and making your day a memorable one.

The full package:
For your special day you need the full package. This includes a professional DJ, high quality equipment and lighting, and the right songs for your party. Some DJ companies emphasize the need to have a music library in the tens of thousands. Ironically, only 60-70 songs will be played, but if they are not the right songs then your celebration will not be memorable. An experienced DJ can help with this. Determine a general play list in advance and provide your DJ with a “do and don’t” play list. Get their input on your evening. Will they be interactive? Can they help with the cake cutting ceremony and the first dance? What are their suggestions?
Get it in writing:
A professional DJ service will send you a contract. Make sure you discuss payment options and cancellation policies prior to signing. This is the time to determine additional items like: whether dinner for the DJ needs to be provided, music request list policies, exterior arrival times, lighting packages, and determining your assigned DJ. And let’s not forget pricing and extra charges.

Don’t just take their word for it:
Ask to see the DJ service’s references and then qualify them by calling. Make sure to contact a previous client that has used the DJ that is assigned to your wedding function. A professional DJ service will be honoured and proud to provide you with at least 3 recent contacts.
Pricing:
Price is one thing – quality is another. All DJ’s are not created equally. A DJ’s rates can vary from a low $500 to a high $1500 in most Canadian cities. Anyone below $500 should be scrutinized to ensure quality of service, equipment, and “track record.” Chances are, they are not a professional DJ, and they may lack experience, and most likely don’t have a license or carry liability insurance. Most experienced DJ’s should be priced around the $800-1200 range, depending on level of experience. Book the DJ you can afford and NEVER EVER book the cheapest (unless you are receiving a discount or there is a valid reason that they are the lowest price). Trust your gut feeling for the DJ service you like and go with them. Remember, with hiring a professional, comes peace of mind.

Key questions to ask:
What type of sound system do they use? A professional disc jockey will use a professional sound system, not just a home stereo system. You are not only paying for the DJ to keep your guests entertained, but you need the professional equipment for good sound quality. Interested in lighting? Ask your DJ to explain the various options. Make sure that you ask about your DJ’s equipment backup policy because equipment failure, though rare, can occur.

• Do they have a business license? Ask to see it; don’t just take their word for it. Would you feel comfortable giving someone $500-$1200 cash 6-12 months in advance if they do not operate as a full time business?

• Do they carry liability insurance? This is crucial! If someone gets injured at your wedding by accidentally tripping on the equipment, or if the DJ causes damage to the venue, then you as the signing client would be protected by the DJ’s insurance coverage. If they are not insured, simply put, you are liable.

• Do they use AVLA licensed music? (Audio Video Licensing Act) Some DJs download MP3 files which are condensed, and can compromise sound quality, and are illegal unless they have a licensed hard drive. Licensed music are the only form of music your DJ should be using. If they are using an alternative, you should keep looking.

• Are they members of the Better Business Bureau (BBB)? Consumers can rest assured that when they find a BBB member they are dealing with a company that is proud to make a public statement about high ethical standards.

The post The Secrets to Hiring the Right DJ Service appeared first on Hot Wax Mobile Entertainment.