FAQs

There are a lot of differences between a DJ and a media player, far too many to list here, but the main thing a GOOD DJ can do is minimise some of that stress around organising your music. A good DJ is versatile and able to change to meet the needs of your guests as the night progresses. Something that isn't always easy to predict. A good DJ will supply all of the audio equipment you need, meaning you don't have to organise it and they help to ensure that your night flows well so that everyone is enjoying it. If you add up the cost of getting 4-5 hours of music that can meet everyone's needs, the cost of lighting and effects plus sound system, even using your own method of player can be costly. If you are choosing to use your own media player, then check the weddings.co.nz forum for some useful tips on how to run a successful ipod wedding.

Yes. We're actually based in Central Otago but because some of the services we offer are so unique, we are happy to travel anywhere provided we can meet our costs. Typically we play Otago and Southland - that means (deep breath!) Dunedin, Invercargill, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, Gore, Milton, Wanaka, Alexandra, Roxburgh, Queenstown, Cromwell, Ranfurly, Lawrence, Bluff and pretty much anywhere else in the country :)

To be honest, I'm not in this to make a fortune. I have a genuine love of music and even play a few instruments myself. I do this because I quite simply enjoy it ... but it is a very expensive hobby so I can't go out and do them all for free. I can largely cut costs through sheer economies of scale, I regularly play a number of venues and this helps to keep my overall costs down.

The upkeep of equipment is what is actually expensive. I also like to stay on top of all the latest music, so there is very rarely a day that goes by that I am not acquiring a song or 20. I have invested a lot of money into professional high grade professional equipment. The media players that I use are some of the best known brands in the DJ business but it helps to ensure your event is a success.

I play whatever music is actually required of the event. If you want a theme night of 80s or 90s music, then I am more than happy to cater to this. If you are looking for a wide mixture, which is the most commonly sought after style, then I am more than able to provide what it is you're after. Like most people I have my own personal preferences, but my music collection and listening tastes are broad and span everything from Country to Disco to House to Rock n Roll to Hip Hop and R&B ... but to name a few. I also have one of the most up-to-date collections around.

I can if you want me to, but for most weddings it's not really all that appropriate. I do mix some of the music because it helps with flow and keeps the momentum going in the crowd, but chances are you wont hear me scratch any of the music unless you see me playing in a bar or specifically ask for it.

Again, only if you want me to. I can provide MC services for an extra cost BUT if during the course of my playing music you want me to make a few brief announcements, I am happy to do so as part of the general course of my being there.

As soon as possible! I can't emphasise this part enough. Good DJ's, like many other wedding providers are booked out as much as 12 months in advance.

This is a tricky one because there are some great DJ's out there but many of us in the industry have heard of horror stories whereby the DJ is suddenly offered a paid or higher paid gig and they pull out of a freebie. If you are going to go down this path, get it in writing! You also run the risk of budding DJ's using your wedding as a testing ground for their own skills before they have acquired a large enough collection of music or learned to play to a wide variety of people. Get a good idea of who it is you have playing at your wedding and be confident in your choice.

I acquire about 50 songs per week on average, half of these would be recently released, just released or soon to be released songs. From having worked in radio and a DJ for so long I have access to new music fast through a few old tricks of the trade. I also review new music on behalf of a few labels which means that I often get access well before it hits the charts in New Zealand.

Cost depends on a number of factors. How long you want me to play for, what services you want. SIze of the venue impacts on what sound system that I need, plus I need to factor in things like travel and accommodation as well for some events.

Yes, if you see the Feedback page (under Contact) there are a number of comments and some who have offered to speak directly to anyone who may be interested in booking.