How do you Choose and Hire a DJ Disc Jockey?

Answer 1

You can always find them in the yellow pages, friends of friends (at least one person you know must know of someone) ask around school, if there's a music store near you ( Sam Ash / Guitar Center ) they usually have a board where musicians put their business cards, you'll always find at least ONE dj there. If it is a superstar DJ you're interested in hiring, look up their myspace, usually you'll find there the company that manages them, and all their booking information will be right there.

Answer 2

The way I choose a DJ for my event is:

I do research of their company and see their previous work on the business website or request to see them live somewhere.

The cost of their service always determines my choice, budget wise

Ask them questions:

Have you ever done a wedding? birthday? Event type parties

What type of equipment do you have

How much?

What other services do you have/provide? Lighting/fog/party supplies/TV's

Do you have samples of your mixing/blending of music

How do you handle song request?

How do you get the crowd to participate?

How do you keep the party going?

Do you have insurance? (some facilities request insurance)

Will you be MCing the party?

What is your music list consist of?

This is the basic stuff. I always go see my DJ perform somewhere in a club/lounge to see how they pump up the crowd.