How to Select a DJ for a Rave

A rave is usually built ground-up around the DJ. With that in mind, you will want to select a DJ that can draw a crowd and work the room to keep the party alive.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Select a Rave DJ

1. Decide what kind of music you want your rave to focus on. If it is a bigger party, you may have different areas that will play different types of dance music.
2. Check out local clubs to find a DJ that has a small following. Most local DJs love to play raves, because they offer higher paychecks than their Tuesday night residencies.
3. Contact the manager or promotion company of any bigger name DJ you want to book. While the price tag will be higher, you can charge more and expect a larger crowd with a DJ that is already known.
4. Listen to the mix tapes you receive. As a party planner, the DJ will generally offer you a demo tape. You might find a hidden gem that will play your rave for a low fee.
5. Select DJs whose music work together. You don't want too many contrasting styles at your party.

Negotiate a Contract for Your DJ

6. Discuss rates upfront and put everything in writing. Include an attendance clause where you pay a reduced fee if nobody shows up.
7. Decide exactly how long you want the DJ to provide music. If you contract a DJ for six hours and he only plays for two, than don't pay him. When DJs don't stick to the schedule, it throws the whole party off.
8. Keep the DJ guest list minimal with smaller parties. While throwing a rave isn't all about the money, you don't want to lose money because the DJ filled the club with her friends.
9. Discuss the entire lineup with each DJ. You never know what personal issues people have with each other. The main DJ should also be able to help bring in a few smaller DJs to fill the bill.
10. Make sure you know exactly what equipment you need to provide and what each DJ expects to have at the rave. Put the equipment requirements in the contract.

Tips & Warnings

• While you can build a rave around your friends that happen to be a DJ, if they don't have a following, you won't get a crowd. Save your friends for smaller areas of the rave or opening spots.

Who Can Help:

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