Question 1

How long have the Common Sound DJs been DJing for?

Accepted Answer

Although a couple of our DJs have been DJing for over 10 years, we truly don't believe that that time spent doing something is a good way to evaluate competency.  It’s safe to say that in any industry, the number of years you’ve worked doesn’t equate to skill. We've often found (while trying to hire DJs), that DJs with years of experience tend to have overblown egos and are stuck in their ways. Which is why we put a lot of focus on our proprietary training systems and crowd reading techniques. Outside of that we put a lot of value on customer service and people with great attitudes, those values shine.

Question 2

What DJ equipment do you use?

Accepted Answer

A DJ may be the best at mixing music and reading crowds. But if their equipment is an eyesore and their speakers crackle, no one remembers transitions. Thats why we always we always make sure to bring top of the line equipment. The photos of gear you see on our site and in our studio are ACTUALLY the gear we use to DJ. Unfortunately there are some local DJs that have websites that show all the cool stuff, and then show up with just a laptop and a mustard stained t-shirt. We won't do that to you, we promise.

Question 3

Will the DJ take requests on the day of? And do we get to have input on the music selection?

Accepted Answer

After booking we send our clients what we call our 'SongChecklist', which pretty much has all of the opportunities for music to be integrated throughout the day/night. It is where you can add as many (or as few) songs as they'd like. Using it we get a really good feel for what kind of music you're hoping to have shape the event, including the must plays.

For our wedding clients, there is also a section in there for friends/family which we highly suggest sharing, that way we can also get a feel for the group as a whole before the big day.

Our DJs do take requests on the day of (if you're ok with it). We don't often play all of the songs requested, but we do use requests to help us understand who really wants to dance and what particular guests/tables are looking for.

Question 4

What are your payment terms?

Accepted Answer

All we need to get started from you is a deposit, which is 30% of the quote/contract. Then the remaining balance is due one month before the event date.   We try and make the payment process as simple as possible, so all of our invoices are online, and reminders will be automatically sent out :).

Question 5

Do I tip the DJ?

Accepted Answer

We do not include gratuity in the final contract price. Just like any other service, 10 – 20% is generally recommended if your DJ did a great job, but it is entirely up to you.

Question 6

When should I book my DJ?

Accepted Answer

On average, we are booked for weddings around 13 months before the big day (for weddings happening between May-October). For private events (not on a Saturday), we usually suggest locking it in 6 months ahead of time.

However every date is different and we often have DJs available last minute, so regardless of your current timeline, reach out!

Question 7

Should we feed the DJ?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately we are human, so for evening events of 4 hours or more, we do have a meal built into our rider. A happy and fed DJ is usually better than a hungry one!  We're especially happy when there are a couple drink tickets too 😎.

Question 8

What services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer DJ services for wedding ceremonies and receptions, corporate events, private parties, and school functions. We offer lighting options (uplighting and dance floor lighting) and have photo booths available.

Question 9

Do you have samples of your DJs work?

Accepted Answer

Early on in our days we had a ton of mixes and samples available. However that quickly came to an end when we heard that other DJs were playing our branded mixes 🤦🏻‍♂️. That turned out to be ok though, we realized over the years that every wedding/event is so unique that one version of a mix would never be a true representation of how we adapt to each individual group and their wants/needs.

Question 10

What sets Common Sound apart?

Accepted Answer

We've been super fortunate in that we've had a ton of unique opportunities that have really shaped our well rounded cast of DJs. From international festivals, to intimate back yard BBQs in London, our crew has done pretty much every kind of event possible. Outside of that we constantly stay active locally. Our guys headline three 1500+ person block parties a year (Summer League Kamloops)(www.ninth.ca/events), we are the resident DJ at Kamloops' biggest club on Saturdays when we aren't booked for private gigs (at Nightshift on 5th), and we constantly play for reoccuring events hosted by lululemon, TRU and the Coast Hotel. Plus we've been very fortunate to be partnered up with The Delta hotel in numerous campaigns in the Interior.

Outside of all of those things, we take a lot of pride in carrying a crew of DJs from all around the world. That worldly experience is constantly reflected in how we try and move and manipulate crowds.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the most popular questions from the thousand of weddings and event clients we have served