What Questions You Should I Ask My Sax DJ To Make Sure I Get The Most Out Of Them? (Part 2)

Following on from a previous blog, some other questions to ask your saxophonist or Sax DJ to make sure that they know what they’re doing and that you get the most out of them!

Sax DJs will often MC from when they’re set up by default as it works to introduce oneself to the guests as the performer they’ll be dancing with for the rest of the evening. Whilst most won’t likely charge extra for this they might not turn up with a mic or might at least need some warning. About half the gigs I do make no mention of this and then you’re expected to welcome in the bride and groom with 15 seconds warning. This won’t be a problem for most saxophonists or DJs but if you want the most out of your cake cutting or wedding breakfast entrance etc. then it is worth mentioning your needs to your performers in advance!

If they are a saxophonist who also DJs then fantastic but it is definitely worth figuring out if they are a one or two person show as this will affect the price and style of performance. If you are feeding them which most wedding contracts will insist on then knowing numbers is important!

Sound limiters are a pet peeve with most DJs and bands, these are little microphones that will switch off the power to the DJ or bands speakers and gear for a certain number of seconds (normally 10 or 15 seconds). Repeated power cuts can be quite damaging to gear (tweeters on speakers especially!) And obviously really kill the vibe when your favourite song stops and all the lights go out so if you know that your venue has a limiter, do pass this information on! I’ve had Sax/DJ gigs where guests singing a cappella (on their own) and just solo saxophone (without the DJ element) has triggered the sound limiter. Some are more sensitive than others and you can set up speakers to point in other directions to compensate but try not to make it a surprise for your musicians!

Whilst on the subject of flexibility, do mention to your saxophonist whether or not you want them performing inside or outside and whether or not they are going to have to pull PA systems up stairs etc. Most venues have backdoors or loading bays that allow for relatively simple loads but there are plenty of venues (central London is VERY guilty of this) where loading is quite challenging or parking can be very expensive etc. Do discuss this as the saxophonist will need to come earlier to deal with a more challenging load in.

Very dull stuff to cover with your saxophonist is PLI (Public Liability Insurance) which they definitely should have and venues will often ask for up-to-date PAT certificates to make sure that all their electrics are up to code. Combine asking about this with your saxophonist’s deposit and cancellation policy - boring but quite important in certain situations!

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