FAQ
Got Questions?
Everything you need to know before booking Calgary's premier mobile DJ. Not seeing your question? Ping the AI chat in the corner, or reach out directly.
Trust & Experience
Why hire a professional DJ?
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Have you ever been to a dance where the music was just terrible? A professional DJ is skilled at gauging the crowd and keeping the dance floor busy. Different age groups want different music — a senior guest is not likely to wait all night for their favourite song. Hiring a professional is essential if you want to avoid disaster: I know how to entertain every age group, seamlessly mix songs without dead air, and take requests without derailing the vibe. One big tip: never pay a deposit to someone who claims to be a professional DJ but has no history or legitimate references.
What's your musical background?
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Over three decades in the game. Alumnus of SAIT with a deep background in music production. I play both electric and bass guitar, I'm an accomplished songwriter, and my passion for music eventually led me to the world of DJing and full-scale event production.
We are looking at other quotes — can you lower your rate?
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I price my DJ services to be competitive. With over 25 years of experience, you're in good hands. Most low-priced DJs may seem like a good deal, but experience provides trust and peace of mind on the day it matters most.
Can I watch you in action?
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Absolutely — check the homepage for highlights, or head over to my YouTube channel for full sets, wedding highlight reels, and live event footage.
Watch me in actionWill you be our DJ, or do you have a team of DJs?
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If you request DJ Eddie and I am available for your booking date, then yes — I will personally be your DJ.
Will you be our MC as well?
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If I am available for your booking date, then yes — I would be delighted to be both your DJ and MC. Grand entrances, speeches, table calls, party games — all covered.
What if the DJ becomes sick or unable to attend?
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In the rare event this happens, I will inform you immediately and either prepare another qualified DJ from my trusted network to take care of you, or refund 100% of your deposit — your choice.
Are you licensed and insured?
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Yes — DJ Eddie Black carries full liability insurance and the appropriate licensing to perform at commercial venues, hotels, and private events across Alberta.
Music & Vibe
Will you play the style of music we want for our event?
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Absolutely. Music selection is based on your event theme, your song request list, and any recommendations or wishes you provide. I also consider appropriate requests from your guests during the event.
How do you handle song requests during the dance?
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I love song requests — I encourage anyone making one to be up on the dance floor. Beforehand we build a 'must-play' and 'do-not-play' list; during the event I take guest requests if they fit the vibe you've approved.
Can my guests request music during the reception?
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Yes. I discuss all permitted music requests with you before the event date, especially anything on the 'do not play' list, so guest requests never conflict with your preferences.
How many songs can we choose in advance?
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You can select up to 30 must-play songs, 15 possible-play songs, and up to 6 do-not-play songs. That's more than enough to shape the exact energy of your night.
Can we request certain songs to be played at certain times?
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Absolutely! Grand entrance, first dance, parent dances, cake cut, garter, bouquet, last call — you tell me the moment, I'll cue the track.
Can we choose specific genres to be played?
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Yes, of course. Open format is my speciality — Top 40, Country, Rock, EDM, Hip-Hop, decades from the 60's through the 2000's, plus multicultural sets (Latin, Afrobeat, Bhangra, and more).
Do you offer wedding ceremony music?
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Yes — full ceremony sound systems including wireless mic for the officiant, aisle music, and processional/recessional cues.
Can you interact with the crowd?
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Yes — I love being interactive if you want that vibe. We can discuss ideas or even plan crowd games before the event.
What can you do for announcements?
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I make any direct announcements as requested — introduction of the bride and groom, the wedding party, bridesmaids and groomsmen, table calls for the buffet, and even game hosting (e.g., 'Name That Song'). The mic is yours whenever you need it.
Logistics & Equipment
Where are you based?
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Based in Calgary, Alberta. I provide DJ services across the greater Calgary region and beyond — including these 12 cities:
- Calgary
- Canmore
- Lethbridge
- Red Deer
- Diamond Valley
- Bragg Creek
- Okotoks
- Airdrie
- Priddis
- Chestermere
- Crossfield
- De Winton
Event outside these areas (Strathmore, Cochrane, or further)? Ask about a custom travel quote — I'm happy to travel for the right event.
Do you provide your own equipment?
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Yes — I provide full professional sound and lighting systems. I only use industry-standard gear to ensure the highest quality experience.
Do you have backup equipment?
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Yes — as a professional DJ, backups are a must. I bring backup gear to every event and also have backup DJs on standby if anything unexpected happens.
Can we provide the sound system for the DJ?
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Yes — I just need to know what type of equipment you have and what the setup is. That way I can be prepared to bring any additional connectors or cables to hook into your mixer.
Do you offer lighting packages?
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Yes — five lighting tiers ranging from Simple (2 dance lights) all the way up to the full Disco setup. See exact pricing on the /services page or inside the instant quote calculator.
How much time do you need to set up and pack down?
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I always arrive early. Set-up times vary by event type but typically range up to 2 hours prior to start time, with at least 1 hour to pack down after last call.
Do you charge for travel?
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Yes — a travel fee is applied for round-trip travel and is added to the pricing in your contract. City-specific travel fees are itemized in the instant quote calculator.
Can we provide a bar tab or meal for you at the venue?
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Absolutely — always appreciated on a long event day.
Booking & Payments
How do I book?
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It starts right here! Use my Check My Date tool to get an instant estimate. If I am available, you can secure your date with a 30% retainer.
Check my dateHow do I check if my date is available?
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Use the Check My Date tool for an instant estimate + availability check, or contact me directly. Dates fill up quickly.
How soon should I book my date?
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As soon as you pick your event date. Prime Saturdays (weddings, Stampede season, December holiday parties) book out 6–12 months in advance.
How much do you charge to DJ?
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All DJ services are based on an industry-standard hourly rate with a 3-hour minimum, plus travel and any add-on options like a dance lighting package or video projector. Base 3-hour package starts at $342.86 + GST; each additional hour is $114.29. Weddings from $600 + GST, corporate events from $450 + GST.
What DJ packages do you offer?
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All DJ services are fully customized to the needs and wants of the client. You'll never be forced into a package with items you don't want or need. You decide exactly what you want and how much you'd like to spend.
What's your retainer / deposit?
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A signed contract returned with a 30% retainer (or $300 minimum) is required to secure a booking date.
Is the retainer / deposit refundable?
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The retainer / deposit is non-refundable.
When is the final payment due?
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Final payment is due the night before, or the morning of, the event date. Most customers pay their final balance the night before.
How do I pay my retainer & final payment?
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Cash, company cheque, e-transfer, or online via credit card through PayPal.
What if we change the date after signing the contract?
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If you change the date more than 14 days after the contract is signed, a rescheduling fee of $84 will be applied.
What is your cancellation policy?
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No extension is offered from the original booking date to reschedule after cancellation. The retainer is non-refundable but no additional fees are owed.
Can we meet up first?
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Absolutely — I'm happy to meet up in an outdoor setting or do a meet-and-greet by telephone.
Do we need to meet in person before the wedding?
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Not required. We can plan everything remotely — I'll send you custom planning forms including a music playlist template and special-moments worksheet, then we do a final phone or in-person call to lock in the details.
How do you prepare for an event?
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Once booked, we set you up with our custom planning tools. From there we recommend a final meeting either by phone or in-person to walk through every detail before the day.
Still have questions?
Let's just check my date.
30 seconds. Real price. Real availability. Then lock the night in with a 30% retainer.
Check My Date