Questions To Ask When Interviewing Any Entertainer

**Will YOU be my entertainer?

This is a crucial question. My answer is Yes! I, DJSean Hearn, will be your entertainer, if you hire Music in Motion. Unlike many mobile DJ companies that have multiple "canned" shows sent out on the same night; with Music In Motion, every show is designed and performed with your goals in mind. I personally help plan with you; so, you can feel assured that things will be handled properly. Beware of the bait and switch that has you impressed with the entertainer on the phone, but leaves you unhappy with a stranger at the show. I only allow one show a night to insure that you have my full attention. Also, this way I can always start earlier or play longer if need be. With my company, you are personally speaking to and planning with the one who will entertain you - isn't this the way it should be?

**How much experience will my entertainer have?

Since I play all my own shows, you are assured that you will get 30+ years experience every time you hire Music in Motion as your entertainer. Beware of the company with multiple shows that boasts 15 or 20 years of "COMPANY" experience. Their main performer/owner may actually have that much and be great, but chances are strong (especially in the small talent pool in this area) that their hired hands have far less experience. Furthermore, as the owner, I realize the importance of making the event run smooth and be memorable. I work hard to individualize each show. An employee punching a clock may not take the show as seriously or truly understand the long term repercussions of a poor or lackluster performance.

How much help do you lend in planning the event?

I would answer by saying as much or as little as you want. Experience is one of my strong points. With all my years of experience, I have seen a great many receptions, dances, and parties. I would never push my ideas, but I definitely enjoy helping to smooth the edges. I feel like it is my responsibility to help make your event the best it can be. If I see that you have something planned that may cause an unwanted ripple, I will mention it and offer my suggestion. If you still want it that way, it is your event; so I will do what you want. I try to make every event as special and perfect as possible and I am never more than a phone call (479) 461-3539 or an e-mail away should you have a question or need a suggestion. My goal is to get to know you and find exactly what your hopes and dreams are for the event and make it happen.

**Is the Gratuity include / Should I tip afterwards / How Much?

This is really up to you. I usually do get tipped. At the end of most of my shows, I do get a tip and usually a hug from the bride and or the mom who helped plan the event; instead of the standard handshake received by most. I think if you feel compelled, then please reward me with a tip. To me the tip is all about your satisfaction - let you conscious be your guide. In the last 3/5 years, I would say the average I receive is between 15/20%. Honestly, I appreciate your confidence in me to begin with and I am appreciative of anything I receive.

Is your company a business or just a hobby?

Well, I do have a day job; but it is definitely a business. I have been performing for 30+ years (since 1987). I have thousands of dollars invested in PRO AUDIO equipment: speakers, microphones, mixers. midi players, lights, lighting controllers, etc. I have thousands of dollars invested in my music: over 25,000 songs, karaoke files, and videos. I carry insurance, I use a contract. I perform an average of 50 shows a year and would guess I have been a part of 1800+ events. I personally show up for every show that I am contracted to do and proudly put my name on each and every one! That feels like a business to me!

Are you just a DJ or do you do other things for my event?

This is a great question. So, some of my brides will hire a party planner / coordinator. These vendors are great and can be an awesome addition to your event to insure success. I work well with coordinators. I will respect there boundaries and make sure we are on the same page to insure your event is great.

On the other hand, there are many of my events that do not use day of coordinators and this is fine too. In these situations, I will run the reception for you. From the time your first guests arrive from the church to the final song, I will do everything in power to insure your event is smooth and fun. I will use the planner that we create as a "day of" guide. I will communicate with your venue and other venues to make sure we work as a team to make it all happen as it should.

Things like lighting, table placement, how to handle to bodies for a buffet, flow of the room, dance floor size, even where to place me in relationship to the dance floor and the rest of the room are all things I am happy to help with. I will never insert myself or my opinion unles you want them. Having done well over 1700 events; you could say I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. My hope is to work as a partner with you to solve problems and make great choices to set you up for success. This way on the day of, you show up, I am already there set up and at the end of the night you say things like Amazing, Exactly what I was hoping for, what I have always dreamed of, we had so much fun, my guests can't say enough good things.

I am a DJ so if you need a short medley made for the first dance with your mom or you are concerned about the daddy /bride dance because you have a dad and a step dad or anything else - just ask. I love what I do.

How far will you travel to do a show?

Given enough notice, I will travel quite as far as you need to go. Most of my shows are with in 100 miles (in Arkansas, Oklahoma or Missouri), but I have travelled. My travel is usually a result of an earlir show that was awesome and the host wants me for another event. A great example was the Spring of 2024. A mom hired me to do 2 of her children's weddings in Eureka Springs (Crescent and Basin Park Hotel) over the course of 3 years. They were wildly successful. The son was a recent graduate of Ole Miss and we had a live chicken in attendance - DON'T ASK. ;) Anyway, she called to say she had one more and was I interest. "Well Hell Yeah" I answered. To which she replied, you better ask me where first. Well long story short, she paid me to travel to Natchitoches Louisiana. I set up on the dock of a Restaurant / Marina and we partied at the edge of the water. It was an incredible night!! So Yes, I will take my show on the road upon request.

Are you a good communicator?

I am an excellent communicator. I realize the significance of the event and I work hard to put you at ease. Whether it is a Corporate Christmas Party, Wedding Reception, car show, 50th anniversary or just a small birthday party; I know there is always stress and anxiety. I feel like the more we talk, the more I can ease your stress level. I can be reached 24/7 for a text or a phone call. You can also email me with any questions or direction you might have. If you reach out, I will respond immediately or at least within a few hours. If I am at a performance or already helping another client, my response may be a little slower but it will still be as quickly as I can. If I have a question, I will ask. I want things right and I want you to understand I take the seriously. If you have a question, comment or request, I want you to reach out. You are never bothering me- I look forward to your call!

Do you do outdoor events?

I will do outside events as long as we are all on the same page. The biggest thing is that I must be made aware when you sign the contract. Next, before I sign a contract, I will want to see the space. If it is at a public venue here in NW Arkansas I will probably already be familiar. If it is at a residence, I will need to visit before committing to the contract.

I will need to be on a solid and flat surface like concrete or wood. I will need to be protected from the elements. When I say I, this means me and all of my equipment. I will need a grounded power source within 25 feet of my DJ Booth. If I am in the sun, I need for my back not to be to the sun otherwise it is tough to see the laptop screen.

We will have to have an inclement weather policy. I have thousands of dollars worth of equipment that doesn't like water. If there is any chance of rain, we will need to move it indoors or put me under a tent completely protecting me from the weather.

Will my DJ be knowledgeable on a wide range of music eras and age groups?

Yes, I have an excellent working knowledge of music, ranging from big band from the 30s to current top 40 hits. If you want to know more about me personally and how I gained my experience, read the BIO PAGE. The majority of my parties now consist of wedding receptions and corporate functions (over 70%). They usually rehire me for the same functions the following year so yes, they are successful. I must be well versed in playing to a wide range of ages and ethnic backgrounds since these crowds consist of everything from the younger hourly employees up to the college educated bosses and older groups on the edge of retiring. I get lots of experience playing classic rock, country, disco, and crowd favorites like the "Cha Cha Slide" and the "Cupid Shuffle". I also play several proms, school dances and fraternity functions. For these types of youthful, progressive groups, I have to stay current and well versed in beat mixing and creating small remixes on the fly. Locally I play for weddings and Quinceaneras for my Hispanic clients so I also have a wide range of Reggaeton, Salsa, Cumbia, Zapata, Merengue, Bachata.

Is your show a good value?

This depends on your needs. I am not the most inexpensive DJ out there, but you will get what you pay for with Emcees. When you pick a professional like a doctor, dentist, or lawyer, do you shop strictly on price or do you hire the one who will do the best job? Lower dollar shows bring consumer "cheaper" sound equipment, a limited selection of music, and most importantly, a severely limited degree of experience.

With me, you don't just get a juke box to push buttons and play songs. I'm a professional DJ:

• I help you plan and organize.
• I give you ideas and solutions to maximize your event.
• I host your event by not only leading you through the many phases, but by reading your guests and properly selecting the appropriate (FUN!) songs.
• Lastly, I lead by example. When needed I will get out on the floor and teach the Cha Cha Slide, Wobble or even the Chicken Dance.

I think a great DJ is a solid "Return on your Investment!" At a typical wedding, lets make a comparison of your entertainer to the other things you spend money on like the venue, food, drinks, invitations, decorations, outfits, flowers, candles, etc. Your entertainer is what keeps your guests there. A good entertainer is a protection on the return on your investment. For example, at a (4 hour) average reception, after the first hour or so, your food and cake are done. This makes your entertainer responsible for over 75% of the time, yet my fee isn't anywhere near 75% of your expenditures (it is probably less than 20%). You have probably been to a boring party or reception - what happened? How long do you stay? If you choose an inferior show, your guests will most likely leave after the meal and the cake - and you don't want that! A Reception is by definition a meal and a party, with emphasis on "PARTY"! Look at the overall picture - what is your primary goal - a dinner or a celebration? The dinner is an hour, the dancing is 2/3 hours. You should allot your money accordingly. The music and lights will make or break the night. A good entertainer will set up your photo opportunities like the bouquet toss, or your dance with your grand parent or the kids in a cirls doing the Chicken Dance or the whole room (even those to shy to dance, still seated) doing the YMCA. Hire the best entertainer you can afford within your budget, you won't regret it!

Do you provide a written contract?

Yes, this way everything is ironed out beforehand and there are no surprises at the last minute. I not only use a contract, I also use a planner. After receiving the contract and booking fee, I send out a party planner. This will help you to organize what you want and how you want it handled. The planner also insures that I know exactly what you want and even what you don't. You give me a plan for the vibe you want: classy, formal, club like, country with jeans, House party, etc. The planner targets what you want and don't, scheduling, some specific song requests, names I may need and things or songs that you may wish to avoid. Both the contract and Party Planner are key parts to your event being a success. They give me a solid idea of the direction you want the night to go. Now suppose you change your mind the night of. It is your night, I take your new plan and run with it. My goal, above and beyond all else, is your 100% satisfaction!!

Do you have back-up equipment?

Yes, even professional equipment can fail. It is important to know that your entertainer is prepared for any situation… just in case. I have 2 sets of professional, powered speakers. I also bring 2 laptops, both of which have complete sets of music. I have extra cords. I even have a back up for the entertainer - DJSean. Obviously they are not at the show, but I have created a network and partnership with other working DJs so in the remote instance that I have an issue, I have someone who can step in. Not to jinx myself, but this has never happen, I have attended every show I have contracted. I will even share that about 15 years ago I blew out my knee playing baseball (www.NWAMSBL.com) and was on crutches for almost 3 months. Every show I had on the books went off without a hitch! I hired another entertainer to go to each show with me. I drove, they set up and was there while I performed, then they tore down. The Show must go on!!

Do you have professional sound and lighting equipment?

Yes, I use JBL - Powered speakers for my mains and I have EV speakers for my ceremonies and cocktail hours. I play all of my music through a dedicated laptop that doesn't go online. The music files are MP3s, MP4s, MOV and CD+G files, through a software program called Virtual DJ with a Professional Lifetime License. VDJ is one of the newest and most used programs on the market. My lighting is all American DJ, Martin and Chauvet. My microphones are Shure. There is a HUGE difference between home and Professional Audio Equipment! Make sure your entertainer uses the best. In many cases, you only get one chance at your wedding or big party signifying a birthday or anniversary - make it count!

Will you listen to my thoughts, concerns, and input?

Absolutely! I feel like my equipment and I are tools to make your event special, memorable, and personal. I have even developed a planner that I use to gather pertinent information prior to the event. I want to know what you like, what you want included and what you want the itinerary to be. This helps you get organized and gives me a written plan of events which eliminates omissions and decreases complications. It is all about you and your guests!

You say you handle things and reduce stress, what does this mean?

I am your master of ceremonies. Once we have planned and I have a good idea of what you want and what you don't want - I handle it for you. I run your event! I use your planner all night. I follow the schedule you have created and I make the transitions for you. Say we are at a wedding reception and finishing up with the dinner. Next on the list is the toast and cake. I see everyone is through the buffet and about done with their meal; so, I come to the bride and groom, tell them it is almost time for the toast and cake and ask if they are ready to proceed. They say yes, so I do my thing and handle it. I go to the head waiter and have them distribute the champagne. I go to the best man, give him the cordless microphone and explain his role, where to stand, etc. I go to other vendors like photographers or videographers and make sure they aware of what's next and ready to go. I get on the microphone and announce that we will begin the toast and cake cutting in 5 minutes, that this would be a good time to powder their nose, freshen their drink if needed, or gather anyone who is out of the room. I add that the wait staff will soon begin passing out the champagne, please save it for the toast. While I am leading the event, my hosts are enjoying it. They are circulating gather hugs or bustling their dress. Basically, I run things and you can have fun and enjoy the night knowing that I will make it happen.

What if my entertainer can't perform?

While there are no absolutes, I don't put performances in the job category of being able to simply call in sick. I have contingency plans through networking with other local DJ companies to handle problems should the need arise. This insures that you will always have a DJ for your occasion. Knock on Wood - but in 30+ years of performing, I have never let anyone down! I have personally attended every show that I have been contracted to play. I have shown up with my leg in a cast, but with a helper to set up and tear down. I have shown up with a fever, but with a helper to set up and tear down. I take entertaining very seriously.

Will the music be played at the appropriate level?

This is a great question. Louder is NOT always better. It is interesting how many times I am approached during dinner by one of the older guests and complimented on how soft and pretty the dinner / cocktail music is. I usually laugh to myself and think, stick around for the dance, you won't be nearly as impressed. This is because I know that dinner level is far less than it will be for the actually dancing portion of the night when the lights go down and the volume goes up. Being a professional, I have developed the knack of reading crowds and situations. This allows me to keep the dinner music in the background where it belongs, while knowing when to pump up the crowd when the dancing is in full swing. This also goes to speakers and placement. Since I use professional equipment and place them in the optimal spots, the room sounds great. DJs using home or aged equipment may have to play louder to try to get the proper coverage. I even take it a step further. I have a wireless remote speaker I use regularly. Let me explain: suppose I am set up to play at Sassafras Vineyards at the far end glassed in area. There I am set up for the dancing with JBL Speakers and subs ready to rock! Let's say you set up the head table at the opposite end of the room by the bar. This puts guests 50/75 feet from my main speakers. If I attempt tyo play those speakers loud enough to be heard 50 feet away, the table in front of the dance floor would need ear plugs. My solution is to set up wireless speakers at the other end. This way I can play them all at a low level as they should be. I bet less than 25% of other entertainers go to this much trouble and expense.

Will my entertainer dress appropriately?

Yes, I always discuss with the host how he or she wants me dressed. I wear anything from a tux, to a coat and tie, to a logo embroidered button down shirt with khakis to jeans and boots. I also do Halloween parties where I dress in costume. My dress depends on the situation. If you look throughout the many pages of PAST SHOWS you will see me in a wide variety of outfits. I do everything in my power to make sure your party is perfect; it is important that I look the role. I also think this goes a long way to making me approachable. I want you and your guests to feel comfortable coming to the booth and making requests or asking questions. If I am wearing a tux at a barn dance, I would be grossly over dressed and not fit in. Likewise, if I wore a coat and tie to a car show, I would look like a fish out of water. If I wore jeans and a T-Shirt to a wedding where your guests are all in ties it would bring the whole event down. So, yes, I will dress appropriately!

Does the set-up and/or tear-down time affect the time I have paid for?

No, the time starts when I play the first song or make the first announcement and runs continuously until we are done. If you pay for 4 hours, your clock starts when I turn my system on and stops when I play "Happy Trails."

Do you play requests?

This depends on you! Usually - absolutely - I want input from you and the guests! I know the "must play" songs that will work, through the planner, I know your thoughts, I also encourage suggestions not only from you beforehand, but from your guests throughout the entire evening. I am concerned with not only what you want, but also with things you don't wish played. I bring a full library of songs that range from the Big Bands of the 40s to current Top40 releases being played on the radio today. I welcome suggestions from you and your guests and then build sets around the suggestions.

Do you take breaks?

No! From the time I turn the key to the system and fire it up, to the time I play that last song, I will play continuously. I might run to the restroom but it will be during a song and you will never know I was out of the room. My show is a lot like a roller coaster. It flows continuously from start to finish, speeding up, slowing down, and taking lots of fun turns along the way.

How involved are you on the microphone?

My answer is whatever you want it to be. I ask this question on the planner so I know how involved you want me. I don't overdo it. I will speak and announce new portions. I will interact (tactfully) with your guests, and attempt to keep things flowing and interject some fun; but I do not take over the spotlight! Once again, I am there to enhance your good time, not to steal the show. This is something we discuss before the event. Ultimately, the night is about you and your event.

How far in advance should I book?

Unfortunately, I don't have a good answer to this question. Although I have bookings that extend over a year into the future, some folks call only a few weeks prior and are lucky enough to find their date still open. All of my dates are on a first come, first serve basis. You are not assured a date until you have paid the booking fee and signed a contract. I am big on communication! The day that I receive a contract and deposit, I will send you a text to let you know I have received it and you are booked. I then send out a contract with my signature and a receipt for your booking fee. A general rule of thumb is 6 months in advance and even further in advance during peak times like May & June, holiday weekends, etc.

How and when do I pay for my event?

I am old school so I prefer a personal check, but I am flexible and have the pay apps as well like VENMO and ZELLE. At the time you sign a contract you pay a $300 deposit. This reserves the date for you insure you have me DJSean for your event. The final payment is due 10 days prior to the date of the event. If I have not received your final payment with about 2 weeks to go, I will send you a text reminder. I will also add that many of my hosts have paid it out over time. So, let's say that you send in your deposit and contract a year prior to your event. Instead of paying in 1 lump sum at the end when all the other payments are due, you would rather pay a little throughout the time between then and the event. No problem. You can send me a portion or the final balance at any point and I will send you a text upon receiving it with the new balance due. I will also mail you a hard copy as a receipt with the new remaining balance.

Will you have my favorite song?

I hope so!! I will if you tell me in advance what it is. No DJ will have every song, but with over 25,000 MP3s / Videos, I will have most. In the pre-event planning, I will inquire about specific songs and/or groups to assure you that I will have those. In the rare occurrence that I get stumped onsite by you or one of your guests, I always reply the same thing: "Next time you see me perform, ask again, because if it is sold - I will have it next time!"