Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are you and your music appropriately licensed by ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and RIAA? - In the United States, mobile DJ's aren't required to obtain licenses from ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. These organizations instead license the venues where we play (hotels, bars, restaurants, etc.) Mobile DJ's are not required to obtain licenses to play prerecorded music at private events, such as weddings or private (not-for-profit) parties.

If the event will charge admission, then the event holder or venue are required to pay the fees appropriate for their venue.

Mobile DJ's ARE required to purchase properly licensed music, however. That means we must use purchased commercially-available CD's, or DJ service-provided music. Music stolen from the Internet is not properly licensed, and any DJ caught using unpurchased music is subject to huge fines.

We support the composers and artists that allow us to persue the mobile DJ profession we enjoy.  All of the music we use at  is purchased either on CD's or occasionally online per song.

• ASCAP - American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers
• BMI - Broadcast Music Incorporated
• SESAC - Formerly Society of European Stage Authors & Composers, now just SESAC
• RIAA - Recording Industry Association of America

Should we tip the DJ? - If you prefer.  As a general rule it is a nice gesture for service-based personnel to be tipped if you have received service that pleases you.  

How much? - We seem to typically be offered between $1 and $5 for song requests, and if our client is particularly pleased at the end of the event, we've received from $25 to over $100.  Again, it's up to you.  We will graciously accept anything you care to offer.

Should we feed the DJ? - Unlike feeding the animals at the zoo, it's okay to feed the DJ.  As a general rule the DJ(s) will have been working for three hours prior to your event loading and unloading the van, and setting up.  In addition to working through your event, they'll spend a couple of hours afterward reloading the van and "heading back to the barn."  We get hungry just like everyone else, and would certainly appreciate the opportunity to eat if possible.  

If this is a problem however, just let us know and we'll make alternate arrangements.  We understand (especially during a catered, sit-down dinner) that there may be a cost associated that we certainly don't expect you to bare.

Will you take requests from our guests? - Our normal policy is to solicit requests from your guests during the course of the event.  We will then play them in the segments appropriate to that song.  We find that playing the guests' requests improves audience interaction.  

If you don't want us to accept requests, just let us know.  

Will you play music from my own CD collection? - Though we have an extensive music collection, we realize that there may be songs that your group would like to hear that we don't have.  If you'll let us know in advance, we'll be happy to procure the music that you'd like for us to play.

If, after the event has begun, the host or a guest requests a song for which they are providing the CD, we'll be happy to play it as long as the song is appropriate to the event.  

Do you play songs with profanity? - We play the radio edit versions of songs, which are normally the "cleanest" versions available (as opposed to the original albums, which are often laced with profanity.)  Despite having the cleaner versions of songs, many parents find particular songs inappropriate.  When playing for groups with children, we will self-censor to a level we think is suitable for the children present.  If you, as a sponsor or a parent, have a concern about a particular artist or song, just let us know and we'll omit the offensive material from our playlist for that event.  We'll also cease playing music that appears to result in disorderly conduct or presents safety concerns.