Infinity Audio DJs - Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you use digital music files?

First and foremost, because compact discs are easily scratched or broken. Using a digital library allows us to play any song an infinite number of times without ever compromising the integrity. This also allows us to bring our entire music library to every event. We could almost fill our trailer with our CDs, but then where would we put the equipment?!

What happens if you experience equipment failure?

Backup, backup, and more backup! We are prepared for any malfunction. Not only do we have multiple sources to play music, we also have multiple sound systems ONSITE for every event. We make sure the show goes on!

Is your music library legal?

Absolutely! This question is SO important these days. We NEVER use internet music download services to obtain songs in our library. The quality of music from these sites is substandard, at best. Napster, for example, only provides songs at 128kBps, which is unacceptable for professional amplified sound applications. Using illegal download sites may result in corrupt, incomplete and/or files that contain explicit lyrics.
Our library is ripped at 256kBps or better (all new songs and videos at 320kBps), for perfect amplified playback without the distortion heard with lower bitrates. Moreover, did you know that online music services (specifically, iTunes) do NOT license their music for public performance? That's right...if you DJ procures music through iTunes, your DJ is breaking the law. Infinity Audio subscribes to music and video services that provide us with all the current Top 40, Hip Hop, Urban, Country, Alternative, Rock, Adult Contemporary, Jazz, Latin, and Dance hits at the same time they are distributed to your favorite broadcast and satellite radio stations. These subscriptions include royalties to the artists and therefore, our music is licensed for public performance.

How many DJs do you have?

At this time, we have three. Often times, we need two staff members at a single event...one as disc jockey and another as a dedicated lighting designer. All our DJs have commercial radio broadcast experience, which guarantees a confident master of ceremonies who knows how to select the right mix of music!

Do you contract out your services?

NEVER...we are NOT a booking agency! Booking agencies/multi-op DJ companies have the facade of a professional DJ service, but are more often than not, missing one very important thing...professional DJs! These companies are notorious for boasting a large staff and offering rock bottom rates, because they recruit novice DJs and send them out to your event. Often times, these DJs are also renting the gear from their "employers" and don't always know how to work the gear. Do you really want this type of person at your event, or worse...at your wedding?!

What experience do you have?

Before starting Infinity Audio in 1994, Kevin and Jeanette were both radio professionals that have been heard on radio stations throughout Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Arkansas, Arizona, Alabama, and Mississippi. We have more than 18 years combined experience in radio. We only allow experienced, fellow radio personalities to represent our company.

Are you insured?

Yes! More and more venues are requiring entertainers to carry liability insurance in order to perform at the location. We have heard many stories of fly-by-night DJs with unstable equipment that puts the safety of attendees at risk. We carry a liability policy that allows us to perform at any venue in the state.

What type of apparel do you wear?

For the majority of events, we wear golf shirts (polos) embroidered with our company logo. Because of the predominately hot Texas weather, our apparel will usually include shorts for outdoor and casual (non-wedding) events. On the other hand, we might dress in costume for Halloween parties. We also have formal wear, for a minimal upcharge. We charge extra, because it is uncommon and usually unnecessary (even for weddings). If you wish for us to wear a particular type of attire, please let us know.

Do you charge extra for setup and tear down time?

For the most events the answer is no, but there can always be an exception to the rule. Standard setup and teardown is included with your rate. There may be additional charges for unusual load-ins (i.e. - events where load-in/out requires us to move gear up or down steps/stairs without access to an elevator).
Additionally, if you need setup to be completed more than 15 minutes prior to the contracted/scheduled start time, then "standby" time is billed as performance time. Expedited loadouts may also require an additional charge. Loadout typically takes at least 30 minutes, but can take up to 2 1/2 hours for larger events.

Can I provide you with a list of songs I want played at my event?

YES! And we actually make it easier than that! Once you have booked us for your event, we provide you with a login for our website that allows you to view and search our entire music library by song title and/or artist, then "click to pick" any and all songs you do want played. There are even buttons to make a "Do Not Play" list, if by chance there are any specific songs you don't want heard at your event.

Do you play songs that my guests request?

If you're open to requests, then we embrace them, too! At your request, we will even set up an additional login that just for your guests to make requests through our website. This is available at no additional charge!

Do you have a wireless microphone? If so, do you charge extra to provide one?

Our handheld wireless microphone is included for all weddings for toasts and announcements. If you would like to utilize our wireless microphone for other events, there may be a minimal charge.
Usage of our lapel microphone system is available for $30 per event. This cost is included for wedding officiants when booking any of our wedding "plus" packages.
Availability may be limited due to new FCC regulations regardling the use of wireless microphones.

How far will you travel?

We operate out of Round Rock (Austin), Texas, but regularly travel all over Texas...especially Houston, where we started our operations in 1994. Trip charges may apply outside the Austin area, but are waived for all events over $750.

We like what you have to offer, how do we book?

To book us for your event, we require a non-refundable deposit of $150.00 or 25% of the contract total (whichever is greater). You may change your options up to one month prior to the date of the event, so long as they do not decrease the contracted total. Changes that decrease the contract total are subject to our cancellation policy. All balances are due no less than one month prior to the event.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes. We accept cash, checks, major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover), and PayPal for your convenience. All credit cards transactions are processed securely through our website, and although credit transactions are processed through PayPal, you do not have to have a PayPal account to pay with a credit card.

Some DJs say they have 30,000 songs. Do you have that many?

Easily, but the difference is that we do not include B-sides in our track total. We only include songs that made Billboard charts, received significant radio airplay, are local favorites, or have been requested by previous clients. We don't waste time boasting sound clips or songs that no one's ever heard of.

Do you offer an installment plan?

We only require a non-refundable deposit to reserve your date, with the balance due no less than two weeks prior to the event date. If you prefer to make payments along the way, we will accommodate whatever is easier for you.

What is your cancellation policy?

All cancellations must be made in writing no later than 90 days prior to the date of your event. Any monies paid above the non-refundable deposit will be refunded within 10 business days.

Your rates seem to be higher than some other DJs. Why do you charge more for your services?

The answer may sound rude to some, but the simple response is that you get what you pay for. Our policy is that we will meet or beat and competitor on like services with like qualifications. However, we are confident that we offer the best value for the caliber and quality of services we offer. Like in any legitimate business, we have expenses that must be covered, such as liability insurance, maintaining current and legal libraries (for music, music videos, karaoke, and our video game services), keeping up with the hottest and newest innovations for all our services and equipment, buying the newest versions of software, having multiple systems for all our DJs, including backups, and the list goes on and on. We have over 15 years experience and have "paid our dues," if you will. We've learned what works and what doesn't work at events, we have more music than most DJs, we provide only highly skilled DJs/MCs, and we offer more services than the competition.
Sadly, in today's society, people think that having a lot of music qualifies a person to call oneself a DJ...that is so far from the truth! When you hire a DJ, you should expect a professional with pro-grade, high quality sound and lighting equipment to arrive at your event on-time. You should also expect them to know how to coordinate an event and how to use the equipment. It's not just having the songs, but choosing the right mix of music and being able to select the songs that you and your guests want to hear. There's also being confident and professional on the microphone. There's lots of ego-maniacs who just want to talk all night or worse, those who "puke" on the mic. C'mon...you know what I mean! The guys who put on the fake voice and over-emphasize everything, making it sound like they're throwing up. A good MC is conversational and happy when making announcements...not hamming it up and trying to be the star. Sure, you can probably save some money by hiring someone with little to no knowledge or experience, that is using your event to get their feet wet, but is it really worth gambling with the memories of your event? Your entertainment is the MOST IMPORTANT part of any gathering, and the thing your guests will most remember more than anything else. There are lots of places to cut your budget without skimping on the entertainment. A bad DJ can and WILL ruin your event, so make the RIGHT CHOICE!

Tips to Remember When Hiring A DJ:

1) ALWAYS HIRE A FULL-TIME DJ.
Part-time, hobbyist, and/or rookie DJs often have inferior equipment, small and illegal music libraries, limited new music, and music with explicit lyrics.
2) DISTORTION IS AUDIBLE WITH SONGS ENCODED AT BITRATES OF 192kBps OR LESS.
If your DJ is downloading music (legal or not), then it's probably not going to sound good.
3) MAKE SURE YOUR DJ HAS BACKUP EQUIPMENT ONSITE.
Electronics don't last forever, so it's not a matter of if...but when equipment will fail. If your DJ doesn't have backups on site, then your event fails, too.
4) KNOW THE EXPERIENCE LEVEL OF YOUR DJ!
Professional DJ gear is highly advanced and an amateur might fumble, leaving pockets of "dead air" between songs. Also, lots of wanna-be and rookie DJs try to make themselves the star of the show. They'll talk over every song, trying to be cute. We call this cheesy. Leave the cheese on the party tray, not behind the DJ booth!
5) KNOW THE CANCELLATION POLICY. NOT ONLY IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL...MAKE SURE YOUR DJ CAN'T BACK OUT ON YOU!!
Unfortunately, we hear this one all too often. Make believe stories of sick relatives, causing your "DJ" to cancel on the client at the last minute. They're cancelling on you, because they found someone else that night that would pay them more than your contract. Make sure your contract PROTECTS YOU. We always have staff at the ready in case of emergencies!
6) FIND OUT POLICIES FOR SICK/ILL DJs.
This goes along with #5. The DJ community is pretty tight knit group. Sure...we're competitors, but most of us are friends, too, willing to help each other out in a pinch. If your "DJ" can't find someone to call on to help out, then it's probably a sure sign that he/she is not a legit DJ.
7) MAKE SURE YOUR DJ WILL PLAY THE MUSIC YOU WANT TO HEAR.
There is nothing worse that the know-it-all DJ, who refuses to play your important songs because they think they know better than the client. They're more prevalent than you might think!
8) ASK IF THE ENTIRE MUSIC LIBRARY WILL BE AT YOUR EVENT.
Some DJ companies charge less, because they bring less. Sad, isn't it?
9) MAKE SURE YOU GET WHAT YOU WANT!
Don't be afraid to ask questions...lots of questions!