Before we begin: Things to look for.

 I have been in the DJ business for quite a long time, and I’ll tell it to you straight: I believe that entertainment is the most important part of a wedding or party. Even for corporate functions. Just the simple fact that a DJ is present will get people to come. Even if it’s not the type of music you like, a good DJ will always make the music flow, even on those songs that everyone hates but some idiot has requested. He will make it sound as though the song belongs in the lineup. A bad DJ can’t do this. In fact, a very select few have the natural ability to mix songs and make them flow as if it were just one long song. That is the difference in a good DJ and a bad one. Also, a good DJ will have the music you want, along with those obscure songs that sometimes people request.

Another thing I have noticed over the years is that people sometimes think that paying a cheaper price is better. After all, a DJ is a DJ, right? This can’t be further from the truth. There are some DJ’s who might charge $200.00 for a wedding. Why? It’s because they have cheap equipment, and just trying to get all the business they can. We call them 'Bottom Feeders'. And there are others who will charge $1400.00 just to make you think that they are pros. We call them 'Scam Artists'. Now, I’m not against someone trying to make a buck or two, you have to start somewhere, but would you rather have someone who specializes in these events, or someone who’s trying to make a quick buck? Personally, I would want a professional. I would want someone who does it for a living. I want a good DJ who has the music, good equipment with a professional setup, and quality sound. I want someone who has taken the time to build a good system and a good reputation, someone who cares about the quality of his/her work. The difference? A good DJ = good memories. A bad DJ = bad memories. Another thing to remember is that, once you have hired the DJ, you’re stuck with him, and this is going to be in your memory for the rest of your life. Make the right choice. If you are spending $1,000.00 or more on a place to hold your event, don’t skimp out on the DJ. Some weddings cost over $5000.00. Spend the extra money for quality service. You get what you pay for.

Also, you need to do some research. Ask for references, and check them.

A few questions to ask:

Did the DJ respond to your communications promptly by phone, or email?

Was the DJ on time?

Was there a contract?

Was the DJ fun?

Did the DJ take requests?

Was the DJ dressed appropriately?

Did the DJ make the right announcements at the right time?

How to tell the difference:

A good DJ will ask you the following questions; he will have package options, and explain them.

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1: How many people will be attending the event?

He will ask you this to get an idea of the amount of equipment to bring. For instance, if there will be 50 people at your party, there is no need to bring an entire truck-load of equipment. But if there are 500 people there, he will need to bring some extra equipment. Put a few hundred people inside and see how hard it is to hear the music. He will need enough power to let everyone hear and feel the music, no matter where you are in the place, and still make it sound good.

2: How large is the hall? Indoor or outdoor?

This question also has to do with the type of equipment he brings. A large hall has an echo-type effect and can be quite hard to master. I’ll spare you the technical details about the effects of different places. If it’s outdoors, then he will need to have enough equipment to broadcast to distant areas. Also he would need to make sure he has a canopy in case it rains. Water and electronics are not very good friends. Rule 1 for DJ’s is to take care of your equipment.

3: What type of music?

Even bad DJ’s will ask you this. But a good DJ will also ask you to send him a play list of the songs you want to hear, either through email or phone conversation. Either way, the good DJ wants to make sure he has the music you want, and if he does not, will take the necessary measures to get it.

A good DJ will also have an arsenal of payment options. He will accept all major credit cards, checks, cash, and will even have a PayPal account.

Another thing to consider is meeting with the DJ. A good DJ will meet with the bride and groom well before the wedding date, or with the event planner weeks prior to an event.

Renegade Unlimited Entertainment tries to stay within the realm of affordability by maintaining the ability to offer different packages for different occasions. The following list provides the pricing for our service. These prices are not set in stone. For instance, our basic "Party Package" costs $400.00. This package includes a professional party setup with a powerful system to meet the requirements needed for the show. It also includes lighting for special effects on the dance floor. However, you could decide to opt out of the lighting to bring down the price. The pricing system is designed to work around the consumer, and options are available to allow for the best show for the right price.

Wedding Package: This is a package that has more flexibility than any other package, and can range in price from $600.00 - $1200.00, depending on the options you pick. To make things easy for you, most wedding shows cost about $800.00. But as mentioned earlier, this is not set in stone. It really depends on what you need for your event. And we always have specials running. The best thing to do is to call and discuss it. Don't try to rush the conversation. Let us explain the options available. A wedding is an event that will have memories that last a lifetime.

Party Package: The party package costs $400.00. This package includes everything you will need to have that awesome party that you have been planning. The price goes up or down depending on what your needs are. Let us tell you what the package includes and you can decide to either upgrade or downgrade from there.

Bar/Night Club: The price has always been the same. The average bar or night club has a DJ for about 4 hours. Usually from 10pm - 2am. or 9:30pm or so - 1:30am. Anyway, the cost for a good system that includes both music and karaoke is $175.00. If you want the special lighting and effects and all the bells and whistles, $200.00 for the night. Again, this is not concrete. Many times I have had a friend call me asking if I would cover his show for him. I always do if I'm not already busy. And I only charge what the original DJ charges. The reason is because I love my friends and will help them any way I can. It also helps to keep business within a circle of friends. One day I might need a show covered, and he will be there for me.

Discounts: For some reason I randomly hand out discounts. As my popularity has grown over the years I have become busier. But there are always times when I feel the need to take a few days off for my family. During that time, sometimes someone will call desperately needing a DJ for the night. I understand that times are hard for everyone and a lot of bars can't afford to pay $200.00 for a DJ. But, as a friend of mine once said when it was a slow night: "The show must go on". I had a few days off and wasn't really doing anything. Might as well try out a new place, have some fun, and enjoy making some money while I'm at it. It is mostly during this time that I hand out a discount. The money I make will go to having a good time. It will pay for the gas to get there, the drinks (always pop because I quit drinking alcohol years ago), and for the equipment use. I'll get to make a few more friends and maybe get another show out of it. It's a win/win situation.

No matter what decision you make, Renegade Unlimited Entertainment is your best choice for truly "Unlimited Entertainment". Give us a call at 412-403-2865 and let us plan your entertainment. You'll be glad you did. If you have any questions, send me an email at djraven@renegadeunlimited.com and I'll answer them in a timely fasion. Thanks.      Let the music play.

                  DJ Raven