Info + FAQs
Info + FAQs
Information
FAQ
General
DJs
Bands & Live Music
Do you carry liability insurance?
Yes. EMG is fully insured for all events, and we can provide your venue with a Certificate of Insurance upon request.
What is your attire?
Our performers are always formally dressed in black.
Can you handle ethnic events?
Yes! We have provided entertainment for many ethnically diverse couples. We work collaboratively with the couple to ensure that their culture is authentically represented on their wedding day.
What types of payments do you accept?
We accept personal / bank check, money orders, cash, Zelle, ACH, wire transfers and all major credit cards. There is a 3.5% service fee for payments via credit card.
Do you charge fees or sales tax?
There are no hidden fees, charges, or sales tax.
Do you charge a travel fee?
Our only travel charge would be for events that take place more than 90 minutes of driving time from our office in Montclair, NJ. The price varies depending on the services booked and distance to travel.
What is the required deposit to book services? When are balances due?
Deposits for our contracts are ⅓ of the total for DJ contracts and ¼ of the total for band contracts. Deposits are due upon the signing of a contract. All balances are due in full two weeks prior to your event.
Do your DJs or Bands book more than one event per day?
Each Event Host and Band are only on one event per day.
We aren’t sure if we want a band or a DJ. What should we do?
Why not have both? The Band/DJ combo is an EMG specialty. Our DJs and Bands work together to create special arrangements that flow into each other sets so the music literally never stops. That fluidity keeps the dance floor pumping!
What is your backup plan in case someone becomes unavailable on the day of the event?
We always have available staff at the ready should we need them in the case of an emergency.
What’s included in the price of my event?
Most events are anywhere between 4-6 hours in total (additional time is available at a prorated hourly cost). Setup time, breakdown time, and ALL equipment, including additional backup sound systems and wireless microphones for weddings with up to 300 guests. For weddings over 300 guests, a custom quote is necessary to ensure your event’s equipment and staffing needs are met.
What music genres are in your collection?
Top 40, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, Acoustic, Big Band, Classical, Country, Dance, Funk, Hip Hop, Jazz, Motown, Oldies, Pop, Classic Rock, R&B, Rock, Soul, Swing…..you name it, we got it.
Is the client able to meet their DJ before booking?
Of course! We feel it’s important to connect with them on a personal level and we want to get to know you.
What’s your DJ style?
Our performers’ presentation is polished and understated, marked by artistic mixing and a professional “cheese-free” approach to announcements and microphone work. Many DJs think that it is their job to put on a show and be the center of attention at the reception. We believe firmly that your event should reflect you, and we have no interest in taking the spotlight!
Can I give you a Do Not play list?
Yes, in fact: we insist. We’ll tell you how we collect that information when we go over our planning process.
Do you have your own equipment?
Yes! We also have backup equipment on-site in the event of a failure.
What special equipment (lighting, multimedia, photobooths, etc.) do you offer?
As a full service entertainment company, we offer a full line of enhancements, including photo booths, lighting, effects, and other production items. For a full list, visit our enhancements page.
Do you advertise yourself at the event?
No. Your affair should be about you and not us. If a guest is pleased with our services they will ask for our information.
How long does it take you to set-up?
We arrive at least 90 minutes prior to the event start time.
Do you emcee the event? How about talk between songs?
We call our emcee’s Event Hosts, because we feel it’s important they act as a presence to steer the event along. We speak clearly and call proper attention to formalities as they unfold. We take a tasteful and proper approach to our work over the mic.
Can you motivate a crowd that isn’t dancing?
Yes–It’s our job. The approach to achieving this really depends on the crowd, circumstances of the event, etc. We like to match the tone of a room and scale the dance floor up from there.
What is your policy on taking breaks?
We follow the food! If food isn’t on the table, we are dancing. When food is on the table, there is still continuous music provided, but at a lower volume so that your guests find it conducive for conversation.
How big are your bands?
Our bands range in size from 4-12 musicians.
What is your policy on band breaks?
We follow food! If food isn’t on the table, we are dancing. When food is down, softer background music conducive for talking is provided.
Can you handle my on-site ceremony and cocktail hour?
Absolutely. Many EMG Musicians are formally trained in classical, jazz, and pop music on multiple instruments like flute, clarinet, violin, acoustic guitar, and the cajon (box drum). Most couples use band members who are already on site, but we can supplement or replace with Harp, String trios, Jazz quartets, etc. We can handle just about any combination you can think of.
Will our band learn music for us?
Of course! We’re happy to learn music and never charge for doing so. We will collaborate with you about your taste in music so we personalize the event to your style and tastes.
Does the band come with lighting?
All of our bands come with standard lighting to light the “stage” area. We do offer the option to upgrade to motion dance floor lighting for your guests.
How do the bands handle sound?
Every band comes with a full time dedicated sound technician and sound system so that you know the tone, quality, and volume will always be perfect.
Can your bands play across multiple genres and eras?
Definitely. Each one of our bands have an eclectic catalog of genres from Motown, Jazz, and Rock all the way to Top 40, Country and Pop Music.
Are your bands able to play to different crowds?
Yes! All of our bands come with an experienced Band Leader/Event Host who reads the crowd and plays to what the room needs to have a great party. During the planning process, you can see their entire catalog and go through specific songs that must be played and songs that you wish not to be played.
Will the band interact with my guests?
Yes! All of our singers are fully wireless, and many of our musicians are as well. They love getting out there with you and your guests to make the dance floor that much more exciting by adding a performance level.
