Why should we hire Sights and Sounds?
1.) PROFESSIONALISM.
We are always completely professional in the way we act and treat your guests. We are very easy going, considerate and thoughtful. We have performed many weddings and other events and know how to read and respect every audience. We are always on time, prepared to play what you have requested, and always willing to go the extra mile when asked. We will help create the perfect schedule of events and mix of music to ensure the success of your event. Should you have things already planned, we will easily work with your established itinerary and the other professionals (caterer, photographer, coordinator, etc.). That is what a professional does.
2.) EXPERIENCE
We have performed at many successful wedding receptions and know what works and what does not work. We know what to expect, can offer suggestions and can even handle awkward situations. We provide just the right atmosphere whether it be high energy, fun, low keyed, casually cool or sophisticated charm- whatever your event dictates. Best of all, we give you the personalized attention that you can expect from a professional DJ service.
3.) PERSONALIZED ATTENTION.
This is your special day and although we do at least 30 to 50 Weddings a year, we go out of our way to personalize your Wedding Reception. We compile a personal agenda for your event. We will follow YOUR agenda- not a standard cookie cutter agenda used at every event. You tell us what you’d like us to announce, what to play, etc. and you can rest assured we will follow all of your requests to make this the Wedding you’ve dreamed about. We are the co-owners/operators and perform ALL events ourselves. This means you are booking only Patrick and Eric– not someone we have contracted. We also have access to back-up DJ’s if necessary; but we have never missed a single gig. We are not a booking agent who goes out and digs up small DJ companies that are mediocre in many ways and then give them top of the line business from our clients. We feel that there are too many illegitimate DJ’s out there to take a chance on your wedding day. We have always said we could make more money if we could clone our service to be able to deliver our professional services to more than one client at a time. But, at this time, we feel as if our reputation stands on our ability to make your event the event of the day and give you our undivided attention for the day. We have never missed a gig.
Unlike other DJs, you do not have to worry about talking to a salesman who assigns random DJ’s. We assure you that there is NOTHING any other DJ or agency can offer that we cannot. We have backup equipment, access to backup DJ’s, access to endless musical libraries, and best of all professionalism without attitude. We don’t simply go to a warehouse and pick up a daily assignment and a generic PA system. We own, and maintain all the equipment and music- it’s ours- not some other guy’s who could care less if there is an equipment failure as long as a warm bodied DJ shows up and he gets his cut.
4.) MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY:
No matter what music format you like (other than International songs), we are likely to have it, can figure it out, and can play it if you choose. We also keep the crowd dancing by always knowing what to play next, when to slow it down, when to speed it up, etc. We are a professional music programmer. We know what we have scheduled to play when we arrive at your event. No “okay wonder- what should we play next?” questions. The music you hear will all flow together very smoothly. There will be no dead air in-between songs, but instead the songs will all flow together to make dancing time more fun.
5.) WORK ETHIC.
You will NEVER meet a DJ (or other Vendor for that matter) that works harder than we do to meet your every expectation. We believe we frequently exceed Brides/Grooms every single requests, desires, and visions. We have set the bar VERY high for Sights and Sounds and are never happy simply being one the best in the area- we want to greatly exceed the expectations of our clients. We always feel we can improve in some way, somehow. NO ONE entertains like we do.
How does Sights and Sounds cost compare to other companies in the area?
We pride ourselves on high levels of professionalism, reliability, service, flexibility, experience, and musical expertise. Many DJ’s in the area are guys with cheap equipment and music obtained …. Well we won’t go there. We are professionals with professional equipment and high standards. Our costs are comparable to other DJ’s in this area. If you are simply price shopping for a DJ, we may or may not be the cheapest guy in town. We have years of experience in public performance and am very easy to get along with. We regularly work with brides who are budget conscious. We routinely DJ at some of the finest establishments in the area. That said, if you are looking for the cheapest DJ- we may or may not be the “right” guys for your event. If you are looking to hire “the Right” DJ for your event, we are someone you want to consider. We are one of only a few exceptional DJ’s in the area that can make your event the most memorable one possible.
How does Sights and Sounds distinguish themselves from other companies?
First and foremost it would be our superior personalized service you receive from the first time we speak until the big day. We make ourselves more available than any other DJ in the area. We take calls and/or inquiries at all times. We are available to talk to you to answer any question or address any concern you may have about. We are a company that is always striving for perfection in every aspect of DJing. We are always working to improve our services, whether it is by buying more music, getting the newest equipment, and/or expanding our ever growing Wedding knowledge. We are not the type of company who picks up the phone and appears irritated that you have questions about your event or DJ. We want you to feel comfortable with us. We don’t want you to feel like you settled for a under qualified DJ. Quite simply, there are many unprofessional DJ’s out there performing. All it takes is some cheap equipment, a computer to print business cards and some music and ***poof*** call yourself a DJ Service. We have a very low-pressure approach to booking events. We tell you what we can offer then you decide. We will not call you 10 times pressuring you to return a signed contract, we will never claim to be the ’do it all’ DJ (instead, we will only offer one style–professional), we will always be your point of contact, and we am always available for you when you have questions/concerns. A signed contract and $100.00 deposit is all you need from you to book our services.
What is the best time to contact Sights and Sounds?
We don’t have ’set’ office hours and the easiest way to make initial contact is through email (sightsandsoundsdj@gmail.com). You can also use the availability checker on any page of our site to send us over your information as well. We prefer to have some type of email contact before speaking with you on the phone, simply because it gives us an idea of what you are looking for. If you would like to reach us by telephone (304) 839-4926 is the number. This is Patrick’s cell phone, which is on 24/7 for all clients. You may also text him at this number as well. All calls and emails will be responded to within 24 hours, if not sooner.
How far in advance should we reserve our date?
As soon as possible to ensure you get the date you want. We book VERY quickly for weekends and holidays. The easiest way to see if we would be available on your date is to use the availability checker, which is updated daily.
Does Sights and Sounds do face to face meetings with prospective clients?
Ten years ago, the answer to this was absolutely. However, with advances in technology, it is much easier for us to communicate with clients without a face to face meeting. From email to phone/text to the various forms of online chat (Facebook, AIM, GChat, Yahoo) we have been able to provide a system whereby a face to face meeting is no long essential to a well run, successful day. It is extremely rare for us to do a face to face meeting.
What do you wear at the events you work?
Our attire is seasonal. In the winter time, our standard wedding attire is a long sleeved company branded polo or dress shirt with khakis. In the warmer months, it is a company branded polo with khakis. We believe in fostering a fun, festival atmosphere without the stuffiness some DJs bring to an event. Therefore, you will never see us in a tuxedo or suit and tie.
Does Sights and Sounds entertain the crowd?
The music we play entertains people. We are not a radio DJ who announces every song and calls your event like a sports caster. You will never hear us get on the microphone and scream, “all right let’s get this party started”!
Does Sights and Sounds have the typical music you hear at every DJed event?
We play the music you choose for your event. We do have “the Macarena”, “the Electric Slide”, “the Chicken Dance” or any most other line dances songs. We do not have to play them if you choose not to hear them at your reception. Again, this is your day and you can tell us exactly what to and what not to play–it’s up to you! We will be more than happy to play them if you would like, or you can simply leave it up to us to decide based on your crowd and your guests’ requests.
Will Sights and Sounds play music provided by people the day of the event?
We never allow outside music to be played at any event we work. There are a couple reasons for this. First, we pride ourselves on having on the highest quality music, both in sound quality and content quality. All our music is edited for content, meaning you will never hear any cursing at an event we play. We have no way to know the quality of the music someone may hand us. Second, our system is an all digital, computer controlled system which must have all the music loaded onto the hard drive prior to your event in order to insure proper playback.
Can Sights and Sounds provide music for our ceremony with a separate sound system?
We can provide you with a small separate system IF your ceremony is in the same location as your reception.
Does Sights and Sounds take requests?
Of course, within reason. We welcome any requests from the crowd! Also, while we welcome each client’s input on the music for the event, it’s often our experience and openness to take requests that helps keep people dancing all night long. It is very difficult for us to use our knowledge of music if you have pre-programmed all the music. One hour of music is approximately 15 songs. Keep this in mind when you fill out the song request list.
Will Sights and Sounds provide references?
We can supply references to any interested clients. We do not list references names and contact information on the site to respect our clients. Client confidentiality is highly important to us as to not reveal personal information about our clients.
How do you know what music to play?
We play a little bit for everyone. Most everyone will feel included and will have a good time. We bring and can play ANYTHING you might want (other than International music). During cocktail hour and/or Dinner, we play a lot of 40’s/50’s Jazz/Big Band and perhaps some easy listening. This music is always background music, which means you can still chat with the person next to you without yelling. During dance time, we usually play Swing, Motown, 70’s, newer hip hop and perhaps some 80’s/90’s – trying to cater to the median age of the guests. The music is always a nice mix with smooth transitions, so if you are dancing there will be NO silence in-between songs.
Do you use a Digital Music and/or CD’s?
We are a 100% computer based company.
Can we come see you perform?
We often get asked this question, but it is something we strongly oppose. WE do not invite couples to come see us at SOMEONE ELSE’S Wedding. We are more than happy to provide references, but we do not randomly invite guests to Wedding Receptions where we are performing. Besides, you would need to stay the whole 4 hours to get the complete screening of our style.
Do you require a meal?
You decide on this one. Refreshments are greatly appreciated, and sustenance even more so. Please do not feel obligated, and certainly don’t add us to your headcount for the meal service. Typically, there is at least one guest already counted will end up not showing. Our only request is that you let us know either way ahead of time so that we can plan accordingly.
What do you need at the venue?
We need a grounded outlet with two plugs. If you are taking the lighting package, we will require a third outlet on a totally separate circuit. Also, the lighting package requires a minimum 10 foot ceiling clearance.
What kind of equipment do you have?
All of our equipment is professional grade audio and lighting. The brands we use include Berhinger, Shure,Peavey and EV.
What time will you arrive the day of our event?
We usually arrive 2 hours prior to our start time and will be completely set up and ready to go 1 hour prior to our contracted time. . Depending on the venue, it may take slightly longer.
Are you a member of any DJ Associations?
Having worked around the mobile entertainment industry for the past 16 years, we have come to one conclusion: DJ Associations serve no purpose to professional DJs. They are nothing more than a marketing trick for DJs to use on potential clients to make them sound more important than they actually are. A little logo in the corner of a website does not make a professional DJ.
Many DJs tout their membership in national associations as a way to network with other DJs and get sound advice. Sights and Sounds is able to accomplish this by being one of the leading contributors to the industry’s top online forum, Our DJ Talk (www.ourdjtalk.com).
Do you offer any “sign on now”, “book on-line”, “book early” etc. discounts?
Normally, we do have some type of special or discount promotion running. The easiest way to keep up with what we have going at any given time is to follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/sightsandsoundsdjandvideo) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/sightssoundsdj).
Do you bring a cordless microphone?
We only used wired microphones. We find cordless microphones to be much to unreliable to use. A wired microphone will always work, no matter the situation.
Do you charge for set-up and tear down time?
Absolutely not! Our pricing includes everything, from set up to tear down and all activities in between. The only additional charges would be should decide to add on our photography, videography or slideshow service.
Do you use a “tip-jar?”
No, we do not. We charge a professional rate for professional services. You will never see a “tip-jar” at your event, or find us soliciting or encouraging gratuities from you or your guests. If, however, you feel you received an exemplary performance at your event, and you decide of your own accord to offer a gratuity, you may do so freely. It goes without saying that we wouldn’t mind!
Do you advertise at my event?
We are there to play a part in enhancing your event, not to overtly enhance or promote ourselves. We have business cards available should you or your guest like to use our services in the future, but that is the extent of our advertising.
Do you take breaks?
We are all human, and when nature calls, you have to answer!!! However, because there is always two on site personnel, there should never be a pause or disruption in your service.
What if you do not have songs or artists that we want to hear?
Our musical library is very extensive, and is always growing, but even in today’s digital-age, there is always going to be something we won’t have. That is why we get your “must play” song selections ahead of time, so we can have them ready for your event. Our policy regarding music is if you want something we don’t have, we will get it for you at no extra charge provided we have ample time to do so before your event.
How loud will the music be?
One of the biggest pet peeves of clients and guests regarding other DJ’s they’ve seen in the past was volume. “The DJ was just too loud.” We try our best at all times to ensure that the volume level is appropriate. During the cocktail and dinner hours the music will be set at a comfortable level to facilitate normal conversation. Background music should be just that – in the background. When it’s time to dance, if necessary, and if possible, the speakers will be adjusted to give the dance floor the maximum sound while the rest of the room can still engage in conversation. If an event is at a private residence or on a residential property, we will work with you to ensure that your guests can enjoy themselves throughout the night while not eliciting complaints from neighbors. Of course, if at any time you feel that the music is too loud – or too quiet – let us know and adjustments will be made. It is your event after all!
How interactive is your performance style?
We are relatively low-key, and actually try to be on the microphone as little as possible. Of course, we will make sure you and your guests are having a good time, and that your event keeps moving according to schedule… That’s just what we do!
We are not game show hosts or stand-up comedians, and we are not at your event doing an “act,” so you will not find us trying to fill any of these roles… only trying to create and maintain the atmosphere you desire in the most professional manner possible.
