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Step 1
Start early. Be sure to identify, check out and secure DJ's or live bands 1 to 2 months in advance. Having popular DJ's or bands will create a word-of-mouth buzz and draw party-goers to your rave. Also, the entertainment will impact the planning of advertisement, set-up/clean-up, audiovisual needs and other party elements.
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Step 2
Get organized. Assemble a team responsible for all entertainment-related tasks that will arise before, during, and after the rave. Create a checklist to guide your activities. There should be one person who provides direction to and receives reports from other team members. This person can also serve as the point of contact for the DJ's or live bands.
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Step 3
Consider your budget. Securing entertainment can be a significant party expense. Know that the more popular local DJs and live bands will be more expensive than new, up-and-coming artists. However, a DJ may be a friend and willing to reduce his price. A particular band may be willing to play for free or at reduced cost if the proceeds of the rave are publicly donated to a charity. Be creative in leveraging your resources to find an affordable option.
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Step 4
Determine your entertainment needs. Consider if you will need a single or multiple DJ's, live bands or a combination of the two. In the main dance area, there should be enough music for the entire duration of the rave. For partygoers wanting to sit and talk, have pre-recorded ambient music in a quieter area.
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Step 5
Choose the music. Rave music is primarily high energy and electronic full of synthesizers and samples. There are numerous types of rave music including trance, hard core techno, jungle, hard style and breakbeat hardcore. Use on-line music streams or brick-and-mortar record store listening booths to become generally familiar with the music. If necessary, you can purchase music from either location. Visit clubs and other music-based venues to identify the more popular DJ's and live bands. This will tell you the kind of rave music that people like in your local area as DJ's and bands often cater to a particular style. Be sure to select entertainment that will play the music that you have identified as most popular.
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Step 6
Secure the entertainment. Negotiate a contract with each DJ and band. The contract should minimally include hours of work, playlist, and compensation. Also put in writing any expectations such as the DJ supplying the appropriate recorded music or the band bringing particular sound equipment. If necessary, rent speakers, monitors, turntables and other equipment from local vendors.
