The importance of music at a party or other social function cannot be over-emphasized
. Music brings out the party mood, it enables people to remember the event long after it is over and people can chat over the sound of good music.
Many people frequently hire a DJ to select and play the music for their function. This is a good idea because a DJ is, simply, a music professional who knows how to effectively make use of music at such functions. For this reason you need a quality DJ or your function will certainly turn out to be a flop.
Your DJ must have the right personality. He is hired specifically to entertain people and that is what he must do. The DJ must have a happy, outgoing and upbeat personality. This sort of DJ would infuse the evening with fun and enjoyment, even amongst the most glum of guests.
Undoubtedly, the DJ should have a good few years of experience. It would be embarrassing to hire a DJ who would look overawed by the large number of people that he has been tasked to entertain. A DJ with adequate experience would know how to satisfy the needs of diverse crowds. We all know that some parties are not very orderly with each and everyone trying to demand that the DJ play what they want.
Some DJs spend the night playing their own musical preferences. For instance you would find a DJ who is a proponent of house music choosing to play only that type of music. This is not acceptable. A quality DJ is able to customize and compile his playlist in conjunction with the client and the crowd's tastes. Thus it would be inappropriate to play rave at a senior citizen's birthday party as much as it would be inappropriate to play golden oldies to a primary school graduation party.
Many DJs are "babble-mouths" and spend way too much time behind the microphone. Quite obviously they would be trying to steal the limelight and get all the attention. The DJ must remember that he is an employee and there to satisfy the needs of the guests. The DJ should rather 'play on'.
One good way to establish the quality of a DJ would be to attend one of his shows or events. This is generally a good indication on which you can make your hiring decision. Importantly, the DJ must have always be flexible and must possess a wide, varied catalogue of music to cater for different musical tastes.