I’ve never hired a DJ before. What should I do?
Ask questions. The best thing you can do is ask questions. Some DJ companies or private DJ’s may not be suited for you or don’t have the right abilities for your standards. Meet with them or speak with them on the phone and see if you feel comfortable. Make sure it’s the right fit for you. Back to Top

Is there a deposit?
Yes, we do require a one hundred dollar deposit. This is to secure your date and establishes that you are secure with your date. With your deposit no one can take your date with your DJ in our books. Back to Top

How do I book my Event with Soundquest?
Two things are required to book with Soundquest. A signed contract and the one hundred dollar deposit. You can either book online, by clicking the book with Soundquest Link, and paying your deposit by clicking the payment link. Another way is to mail in the contract which is located under the forms navigation with the deposit. Last but not least you can schedule a time to meet with us and go from there. Back to Top

How many DJ’s does Soundquest have?
Currently we have 4 DJ’s and in most cases we can provide 2 DJ’s an to an event. We can accommodate 3 shows in an evening, and are always on time and prepared for you.Back to Top

What about equipment failure? Do you bring back up equipment?
Yes. Unfortunately from time to time equipment does get faulty. We bring backup equipment just in case, so you know that your event goes as smooth as possible.Back to Top

What kind of music do you play?
Your Favorites! With our event forms we get detailed information from you about what you and your guests like to hear. We take the information given to us plus reading the crowd to make your evening memorable. Back to Top

Do you take requests?
Yes, we take requests onsite as well as prior to your date. You can go online and create your own custom music list.Back to Top

Will The DJ Play All The Songs From Our List?
In short... no! We will certainly make sure we play the “Must Play,” songs, or special spotlight songs, but often we can not get to every song on the list. With requests and announcements it is often hard to play all of the songs, but we will play as many as we can. Back to Top

How Many Songs Should I choose?
This is the most frequent question asked!!! Generally, you can fit about 15 songs per hour, so depending on how long your party is will be how many songs that can be played. But before you run off to find your top 60 songs, keep in mind that not everyone loves the music you love. And, not all of your favorite songs are crowd pleasers or even danceable. The best parties are when the host/hostess picks a few of their absolute favorite songs and leave the rest up to the professional choice of the DJ. Remember that you are hiring a DJ to not only play your favorite tunes, but also to take requests from guests and to be able to read the crowd on what they will most likely dance to.
Don't get us wrong... picking a lot of songs is not necessarily a bad thing!!! In fact, giving the DJ a choice of different songs is very good. But you may want to separate the absolute "must plays" from the "these would be great if you played them!!!" Also, you may want to avoid "programming" the DJ. This means that instead of listing 60 songs and the order to play them, allow the DJ to take requests, be creative and mix the music to his/her best judgment of what will work with your group.
If you're still not convinced about not "programming" the music for the evening, then at least review the list with your DJ and be open for suggestions. Most DJs have been to hundreds of parties and know what works and doesn't. And hopefully, you'll be able to come to some middle ground that will make your event quite successful. Back to Top

What Do I Do With the Songlist?
The Songlist are really just a guide of music most often played at various parties. More than likely, they won't contain every song ever made. But instead, the Songlist would represent the best and most popular songs to dance to. Simply check the songs you would like to hear and return to your DJ Service about 30 days prior to your event. These 14 days will allow them and the DJ to review and make sure they have all of your requests. Highlighting the songs is fine, too... providing that you are NOT planning to fax the list back to the company. Highlights may come through as black streaks or will not be noticeable when reproduced from the receivers fax. Check with your DJ Service on what they prefer you to do with their Songlist. Back to Top

What time do you set up?
At least 1 hour minimum before contracted start time. We do not cut corners when it comes to your event and want to be as prepare as we can for you. Your price is for "play time" only. All you NEED to provide is a 6X10 area. We do not have generators, but have used them when provided. Back to Top

How will our DJ dress?
For Wedding Receptions and other formal events: dress pants, dress shirt and Formal Jacket. For more casual events we dress accordingly, but always appropriately. Back to Top

Will the DJ take any breaks?
Your music rolls non-stop, if the DJ leaves his post it does not affect the non-stop music. Back to Top

How much do you charge?
It varies, please call or email us for a guaranteed low price quote. You may also go to our price link as well. If you are in the military or a Veteran please take advantage of our $75.00 savings by typing in code 221 into the quote generator, or tell us by phone or email. Back to Top

What kind of equipment do you use?
Totally professional. Sound-tech, Gemini and JBL Sound. And DMX LED Lighting. Back to Top

May we view you at an actual event?
We would love you to, but most clients frown on asking potential clients to view their event, they often feel like it's "crashing their party" and the DJ needs to remain focused, not selling the company. In rare situations, they've complied. Please remember, this is THEIR special day! Back to Top

DJs vs Bands - The Bottom Line:
Basically, you will get more continuous music for less money using a DJ; sometimes at a quarter the cost of a band. Disc Jockeys also carry a wider variety of music to satisfy everyone. And, specific songs can be played as the requests come in.!!! Add a small light show, a blow up guitar and an energetic DJ and you'll have tons of excitement, music for everyone and a whole lot of dancing all night long. Back to Top

Flexibility - Black tie affairs to Beach themes:
DJs are the most versatile type of entertainment you can hire. Disc Jockeys can be sophisticated or wild, depending on the atmosphere you want to create. And, at times, the DJ can change the atmosphere as the night progresses. You can start off with a "black tie" cocktail and dinner hour with light jazz and/or piano music. Then kick in the dance music after the speeches, loosen up the ties and party!!! Back to Top

Why do Prices Vary so Much?
There are several different reasons for the flux in price, but no defined answer. First, according to recent studies, the average price for DJ services on a Saturday Night, for four hours, is approximately $900. This price will vary, depending on your region and several other factors within your region. For most areas, peak months are April - October and December. Saturday Nights, starting after 7:00 pm, are the prime time slots, with Friday Nights and Saturday and Sunday Afternoons a close second. Sunday Nights - Friday Afternoons are typically slower periods for most DJ Services.
One thing to consider is the value of equipment the DJ has, plus how much. The equipment a DJ has is far from cheap, and on top of that the DJ or company has to carry insurance on that equipment. Another thing you need to keep in mind is that the equipment isn’t light either. The DJ has to haul the equipment in and out of your venue. DJ’s do not typically charge for this part of their service to you, but it is still remembered.

The talent and popularity of a DJ company also makes a difference as well. Experience is a plus. Some DJ’s Charge as low as $250, but may lack experience and their equipment may be questionable as well. Another DJ may Charge $1000 plus and may have tons of experience, and great equipment. Or they may be a DJ that is highly popular and tough to book. In some cases large DJ companies charge more because of their huge overhead.

Weddings are typically the most expensive prices for DJ’s. By the end of 2008, the wedding industry will haul in approximately $54 billion, according to estimates. Statistics from other firms suggest that the Wedding Report numbers are on the low side. The National Association of Wedding Ministers estimates annual wedding industry earnings of around $72 billion, of which $20 billion is spent on the reception and $19 billion goes to buying presents. In other words it is big business, and the prices show. Soundquest has always attempted to keep our prices low and highly competitive while still respecting the value of our trade.Back to Top

Types of Services Provided:
Soundquest provides music entertainment for all types of events. To see a full list of the types of events we cater to please visit our Events and Services page. Back to Top

Where Soundquest located?
We are based out of St. Louis Park off of Louisiana and Franklin Soundquest in order to keep overhead costs down has a home office. Our home offices are conducive, because very few DJ Services get clients walking in off the streets wanting to purchase their services. This is why most DJ Services can keep their prices down as compared to live bands. The only time this really becomes an issue is when a customer want to drop off materials or special music or wants to sit down and talk to someone one on one. Usually, it is actually more convenient to meet at the reception site or somewhere more in the middle to where the customer lives and where the DJ lives. Meeting on "common ground" also reduces any pressures for both parties involved. Back to Top

Can I Bring My Own CDs?
Sure!!! Generally, it is not a problem to bring your own CDs, especially if it is a hard to find or out of print CD. Keep in mind that most Soundquest has a huge library of music and CD titles to pull from and bringing your own CD may be more of an inconvenience for yourself. Also, if the song is a First Dance or other special song, the Soundquest will make a good effort to supply that song.
If you do opt to bring your own CDs, make sure you number and label the CDs, supply the DJ with a list of track numbers and songs to play from the CD, note which songs are fast or slow, or good for dinner or dancing and give specific instructions on who the DJ should return the CDs to. Try not to bring your whole CD library and check with the Soundquest on which titles they are not able to supply.

What About Picking Songs For Other People?
This may occur when you are planning a wedding anniversary or Surprise B-Day Party. And just because they are your "parents", they might not be that old!!! As a general rule, most people relate to music they grew up with in High School through their early college years. A simple equation might help you narrow down the decade. Figure out when they were 20 years old and subtract 4 years and add 4 years; that is the time period of music that they will most often relate to!!! For example: if you are planning a 50th B-Day party in 1998, in 1968 the B-Day person was 20 years old (1998 - 30), so 1964 - 1972 (before disco became popular!!) would be the time period of that person's music. Surprised? 1964 - 1972 was the era of Motown and the beginning of classic rock... not Big Band!!! In fact, Big Band music (1940-1950) would be more appropriate for a 70th B-Day party!!!
So you've narrowed down the time period, what about picking the songs? Again, you may want to rely on the Soundquest to provide you with the answers. Another resource would be Billboard Magazine; Billboard has some excellent CD compilations for sale, separated by decade and can be found at most Music Stores. Lastly, check off the category on the songlist that best represents that time period. Also try our Recommendations link for more suggestions. Back to Top

On tipping the DJ:
Tipping is an appreciation for a job well done. If your DJ went over and above your expectation, tipping is an excellent way to show your appreciation. 5% to 20% of the total cost is suggested, but any amount is truly welcomed. Back to Top

Soundquest Entertainment

Desire DJ's Bands & Musicians? Soundquest Entertainment is the leading choice. Visit Soundquest Entertainment at OneWed.com & create a wedding vendor review.

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Soundquest Entertainment

7321 Franklin Ave W.

St. Louis Park, MN. 55426

(612) 367-7997