If you’re hosting an event, and want it to be memorable, you’ll understand the importance of hiring a professional DJ to spin tunes that give guests a great time.
An experienced DJ knows how to read a crowd and select music that suits the style and type of your event. They specialise in enhancing events with quality sound and special vibes. That includes corporate events, special occasions like weddings, school functions and even kids party events.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a DJ, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great DJ?
Choosing the right DJ can make your event the best ever. It can also take the worry out of ensuring guests enjoy themselves. After all, you want a DJ who plays what you want, not what they want. And you want a DJ that plays music appropriate to your theme and age of guests.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a DJ.
- Style. Choose a DJ that spins the style of tunes that will make your guests happy. Some DJs have a reputation for playing music they like, ignoring what’s best for the event. Others read a room super well. Also ask how much music they have in their play list and whether it’s categorised.
- Experience. Experienced DJs are great DJs. They can monitor a crowd and switch matters up to get guests moving and grooving, or slow things down when the mood requires it.
- Professional. You’ll want a DJ who dresses for the occasion, shows up on time, answers phone calls and emails, and acts like a pro. You’ll also want a DJ who is attentive and responds in a timely way when you need to make an announcement or when the program shifts from one phase to another.
- Creativity and communications. If you’ve never hired a DJ before, it’s good to choose one who can share creative ideas with you. Also choose one who is a sound communicator. This includes being clear on important like set up time (leaving enough room for testing), and what will transpire throughout your event.
- Equipment. Great DJs have great equipment (sound and lighting). Quality equipment makes all the difference with events. You’ll also want to ask your DJ if they have back-up equipment in case something goes wrong.
The best DJs in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
BoomBox2U
A game changer in the industry, BoomBox2U offers all-in-one mobile DJ services to suit any musical style or taste. Their revolutionary life-sized units provide some interactive old-school fun that can be operated by with or without a professional DJ.
Each BoomBox has been artfully crafted in a retro fabrication with the highest quality materials. They provide more than just music and a DJ - they can also project photographs, logos, video, and even karaoke allowing guests to select their own songs.
Their unique look and interactive capabilities not only deliver great sound they are also completely portable. This innovative and convenient solution is perfect for all manner of celebrations. From children’s birthdays, school formals and discos, through to corporate events and weddings they have captured the interest of hosts and party planners far and wide.
BoomBox2U offer a variety of convenient packages with various inclusions to cater to individual client needs. BoomBox hire and professional DJ services start from $165 per hour. Karaoke packages come with two microphones and over 10,000 songs, while the kids party package comes with a range of fun games and prizes. For a seamless DJ solution for your next event look to BoomBox2U.
Ellie O'Donell wrote on Google, "Best DJ in Canberra! So reliable, flexible and accommodating for any theme/style of music. The BoomBox set up was fantastic (definitely a crowd-pleaser) and really added something extra to the event space. Amazing service - thank you so much!"
Complete Entertainment
The mission of the mobile DJs at Complete Entertainment is to turn special events into incredible experiences. For 30 years, Complete Entertainment has serviced Canberra and surrounds at events of all kinds and for guests of all ages and interests. With high-quality PA, lighting and special effects hire, Complete Entertainment creates engaging experiences.
On Facebook, Gabrielle Connolly wrote, “Complete Entertainment helped us map how our reception was going to work out and was totally happy to do whatever we were after!”
Vintage Events
Vintage Events provides high-quality entertainment, effects, sound and lighting across Canberra and surrounding regions. DJ artists ensure every event is treated as unique. They’re committed to making each client’s vision a reality. Vintage Events covers intimate weddings to extravagant parties, creating stress-free and unforgettable experiences.
On Google, Dasun Rajapakse wrote, “These guys were great! Very professional in how they went about everything leading up to the big day, and on the day itself.”
DJ Nate
DJ Nate owns Bass Beats DJ/MC, a mobile company that makes all events and special occasions memorable. He has a comprehensive library of current music and a back library of the latest decades’ hits. DJ Nate and Bass Beats use only first-class, industry standard equipment for the best-quality sound. They also supply top audio and lighting equipment for added effect. DJ Nate has been in the entertainment industry for around 10 years.
Vintage Events
With Vintage Events DJs, guests feel the vibe and experience the difference. With a talented line up of artists, Vintage Events specialises in weddings, birthdays and corporate events. DJs provide high-quality entertainment, special effects, as well as sound and lighting across Canberra and surrounding regions, making visions reality. Service is attentive and seamless. Vintage Events customises packages to suit any budget.
Suraj Deo wrote on Google, “Very good DJs who play up-to-date remix and other songs. Very professional.”
Runaround DJs
Runaround DJs, a mobile DJ service, has been livening up events and special occasions for people of all ages for over 11 years. That includes playing carefully selected music for special parties, weddings and corporate events. DJ Sue has the dance floor pumping with hits to please all ages. No-obligation quotes available.
On Google, Helen Zontanos wrote, “We had DJ Sue play at our wedding. She was fantastic and very accommodating with all music requests.”
If you’re looking for more information on events in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best function venues, best kids birthday party venues, best wedding venues, and the best sound and lighting experts Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with DJs in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the DJs listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the best DJ for my event?
Research is key in choosing the best DJ for your event. Head to websites and read about their style, where they’ve played and for what type of events. Also check reviews online. Feel confident about asking for referrals.
How do I brief a DJ on my event?
The best way is to provide the DJ with a verbal or written brief on what your vision is for your event. What type of event are you hosting? What is it’s personality? Who are the guests and what ages? What style of music is best? A face-to-face meeting with your DJ can help you brief for your event.
How much does it cost to hire a DJ?
The cost for hiring a DJ varies depending on many factors. This includes event location, its length and the style. You’ll also want to check with your DJ on what happens if the event runs overtime.
What happens if the DJ starts to play music we don’t like?
Talk to your DJ about the mood for your event so they tailor music to suit. If things get off track, don’t hesitate to have a quiet word to the DJ and have them adjust what they’re playing.
Do all DJs specialise in all types of events?
Many DJs specialise in a wide range of event types, but some specialise in niche areas. They may specialise in weddings, for example. Or they may specialise in a style of music. Talk to DJs about these matters before hiring them.