Frequently Asked Questions
FAQFAQ
Every event is different, and most clients have questions before deciding who to work with. If you do not see your question here, please reach out.
Every event is different, and most clients have questions before deciding who to work with. If you do not see your question here, please reach out.
How far in advance should I book?
Popular dates, particularly Saturdays in spring, summer, and early fall, often book several months ahead. If your venue or date is confirmed, it is worth checking availability as soon as possible. Some dates stay open on shorter notice, so it is always worth asking.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes – a deposit of 10% for all new clients is required to secure your date and lock in your booking. Once the deposit is made and any required contracts have been signed, that date is reserved for your event.
How do we get started?
Reach out with your event date, location, and type. Availability and any first questions come back to you, followed by a personalized quote. Once the agreement and retainer are complete, we begin planning your event together.
Can we meet before booking?
Absolutely! Some clients are comfortable working by email, others prefer a phone or video call first. The goal is to make sure you have what you need to feel confident before deciding.
Can we choose the music?
Yes. Every event includes a planning conversation covering the music you want, the songs that are especially meaningful, and anything to avoid. Your preferences set the direction while still leaving room to respond to your guests through the event.
That depends on your preference. Some clients enjoy guest requests because they encourage participation, others prefer to keep the music aligned with a planned vision. We decide together before the event.
What styles of music do you play?
The library spans more than twenty genres, including Top 40, Hip-Hop, R&B, Afrobeats, Amapiano, Latin, EDM, Motown, Funk, Disco, Rock, Country, Pop, throwbacks, 80s, 90s, House, and Reggae. The goal is not to play every genre, but to choose the right music to fit the vibe, the event, and the crowd.
Do you use clean versions of songs?
This is one area that I take great pride in – ensuring that any event where requested, or any school event has clean edits of songs that are always in line with school or venue policy. For weddings and private events, we discuss your preference beforehand so expectations are clear.
What happens before the event?
Planning is included with every booking. We cover timeline, music preferences, must-play and do-not-play songs, announcements, venue logistics, special moments, and vendor coordination where appropriate. The point is to answer questions before event day rather than during it. A completely custom coded planning system done by myself drives all planning information and documentation to make sure that every question is answered and every moment is accounted for.
Can you help with our timeline?
Yes. Your venue or planner may already have a schedule, and I am happy to review it and coordinate the entertainment portions so transitions feel natural through the day.
Will you coordinate with our venue or other vendors?
Yes. When it helps, I work with venues, planners, photographers, videographers, and coordinators so everyone understands the schedule and key moments before the event begins. Good communication behind the scenes usually makes for a smoother day.
Do you provide your own sound system?
Yes. Professional sound equipment sized to your venue is included with every booking, selected for the event rather than using the same setup everywhere. I use high end, professional equipment for everything that I do. RCF speakers and subwoofer, JBL microphones, Traktor controllers – always making sure that gear is never going to be an issue.
Do you provide microphones?
Yes. Wireless microphones are available whenever they are needed for ceremonies, speeches, presentations, or announcements.
Do you provide lighting?
Yes. Dance-floor lighting is included to set the atmosphere. If your venue or event calls for more, we discuss additional options during all stages of the process – from before you book, all the way through just before the event begins. We can discuss add-ons and packages to make sure all of your needs are met, and expectations exceeded. The main focus is on complementing the event rather than turning it into a production or spectacle.
Do you rent equipment by itself?
Stand-alone equipment rental isn’t something we currently offer – all of our included and add-on equipment is provided as part of Event and DJ services – used to support the event you are booking. Any “equipment rentals” would include additional fees/services to personally be on site at the event through the event’s duration.
What areas do you serve?
Based in Shoreline, serving Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Mercer Island, Renton, Bothell, Lynnwood, Everett, and Tacoma. Events throughout Western Washington are welcome, and travel beyond the greater Seattle area can be discussed.
Is travel included?
Travel within the standard service area is generally included. For venues farther out, any additional travel cost is discussed as part of your quote before booking. There are no surprise fees added later.
Do you do site visits prior to events?
Absolutely! If the location is within the service area, and no virtual options of touring the site are available, a single site visit is included for most bookings. Please inquire if you need additional site visits, or if the site is outside of the standard service area.
Will you act as the MC?
Yes. Announcements, introductions, and scheduled moments are handled through the event when appropriate. The role of the MC is to keep the event organized while the attention stays on you and your guests.
What happens if the timeline changes?
Almost every event shifts in some way. Because planning happens beforehand, it is much easier to adjust without disrupting the flow. That flexibility is one of the advantages of live performance over a fixed playlist and schedule.
Do you arrive before guests?
Yes. Setup, equipment testing, and venue coordination all happen before guests begin arriving, so the start of the event is not a scramble. Depending on the amount of equipment and complexity of the event, arrival happens 45 minutes – 2 hours prior to the start of the event. Earlier arrival may be arranged if required, but may incur additional fees.
Are you the DJ who performs every event?
Yes. You work directly with me through the entire planning process, and I’m also the person performing at your event. Events are not subcontracted out to other DJs.
How long have you been DJing professionally?
Over two decades, across multiple regions of the country, for events ranging from intimate celebrations to audiences of more than 5,000, and for schools, universities, companies, nonprofits, and private clients.
Can I hear you DJ before booking?
Yes. Several complete mixes are available across the site, including one viewed more than 500,000 times on YouTube. A catalog of over 120 different dj mixes across genres, styles, and events are on my mixcloud pages.