Band or DJ - Which One Is Right For You?
As an Edmonton Disc Jockey for over 25-years and an Agent representing hundreds of live performers for over 10-years I have a unique perspective on which is the best solution. Quite honestly, both can be equally great and both can be equally horrible if put into a situation like a wedding. But, there are some great resources you can research to make sure you're not left with bored guests or Diva Band members.
Bands: There is no question live bands bring a level of energy and excitement that is hard to beat. A great band will interact with your guests and draw people onto the dance floor. Bands often will play their versions of popular dance songs and have set lists they've built to create energy and flow. When researching for a band you'll need to know the sort of music your guests will like. Hiring a band and finding out they only play Elvis tunes for your Oil Field company might not go over very well.
In this circumstance working with an Agent like Mitchell Entertainment might yield the best result. A good agent will ask you many questions about your event and will offer several suggestions. Your job then is to look through their information, listen to their music and maybe even attend one of their performances where you can gauge their talent and whether or not they are a good fit to your event. If there are songs you'd like played you must negotiate with the act whether or not they can accommodate your request and if there is an associated cost. The price of a band varies greatly depending on popularity and number of members.
In Alberta a small (2-3 member) band can cost as little as $1000 but can be as high as $10,000 for a single night or more. Show Bands tend to be more polished and produce more consistent results- and because of this their prices can range from $5000-$15,000 per night. Party Bands (often 3-10 members) fit somewhere in the middle. They often have a great repertoire of music. Cheaper bands are just that: CHEAP. They have no routine- they show up and play their music with little regard for showmanship or entertaining your guests. This why researching an act is vitally important.
There are some drawbacks to bands, however. Bands tend to be much louder than DJs. Their instruments are amplified on stage so each musician can hear themselves and then the instruments are further amplified by the main sound system. This is not the rule, but is dependent on the size of the venue and how the band is used to setting up and playing. A Band will also take customary breaks ranging from 15-30minutes after playing for 45-60minutes. Some will have some background music they can play, but you have to ask them if they can do that.
You may also be responsible for accommodations depending on where the band is traveling from. Even some local bands may ask for accommodations and this must be clarified when negotiating. Bands may also ask for "Rider" fulfillment. This is where an Act will provide a list of items or services the client must fulfill on behalf of the Act as part of the hiring agreement. Some items might be simple like having water and towels on stage. Others might be more complicated like preferred travel services or maybe you need to provide a sound and lighting system- in this case they will have listed a criteria- a minimum standard of what they expect. These extras are your financial responsibility over and above the cost of the band.
Your experience with bands may differ, but the underlying message here is to ask a lot of questions and scrutinize the contract before signing anything.
Disc Jockeys: Mobile Disc Jockeys got their start in the mid-fifties when radio jockey's held Dance Parties for major stations as part of a sponsored promotion. Back then they used huge industrial equipment used by the radio station. Today DJ equipment can be found at Future shop, local music stores and at thousands of shops on the internet. The availability of inexpensive gear and access to unlimited music online has meant just about anyone can become a Disc Jockey.
Alberta has enjoyed a robust economy for well over 20-years and that has allowed many people with disposable income to invest in weekend warrior hobbies like DJing. Just like bands, there are hobbyists and professionals. Many enter this industry because you need not a huge knowledge of equipment or music to be able to actually play music. Unfortunately that seems to be the problem with DJs. Too many hobbyists and not enough professionals. But depending on your needs and level of entertainment you're looking for you might be able to save some money by hiring a hobbyist. But if your needs are more involved and your expectations are much greater I would recommend a professional with substantial experience.
Many people have enjoyed DJ entertainment. They are almost universally less expensive than bands. They also play the original versions of songs we've all grown to love. A DJ can also have thousands of songs to choose from- where as a band may only have 100 (an exceptional band can have upwards of 500-700 ie The Chevelles From Lethbridge, Alberta). It can sometimes be much easier to work with a DJ to create a music playlist for your guests. With so much music at their fingertips a DJ can literally play for days without repeating music.
A Wedding DJ in Edmonton can cost anywhere between $250 to $2500 and more depending on many factors. Some factors that can affect price are Experience, services offered, options, size of function, venue location, travel requirements and even parking costs. An Edmonton DJ should be able to provide references and in some cases be able to invite you to see them in action (it is always a good idea to make sure the DJ has permission of their client before you attend).
Because there are so many DJs in the Edmonton area, it would be a good idea to work with an established company like those who've been in business for more than 10-years. One GREAT Edmonton DJ company has been in business for almost 25-years and offers a wide variety of entertainers in various price points. You can also enlist the services of a DJ Association like the ALBERTA ASSOCIATION OF MOBILE ENTERTAINERS where their members must meet strict guidelines. Some associations will have general information as well as a submission form you can have multiple replies sent to your inbox from companies interested in your event.
Some things your DJ should offer as standard: -Use of a contract -Be a registered business -Be licensed with AVLA -Have Liability Insurance -Have Back up Equipment -Have back up personnel -Offer a variety of packages and options -Should take requests -Should be able to meet with you -Should take a variety of payment options -Should provide recent referrals (<30-days)
Article written by KEVIN KIROUAC. Kevin is a 25-year veteran of the Entertainment scene in Edmonton. Kevin is also the owner of resepected DJ/Entertainment company, CITY PRO ENTERTAINMENT.
