Q Can I use my BACK button anywhere/anytime on your website?
A Yes. If you click to another part of my website or even to another part of the same page, clicking your back button will return you to the exact spot that you were viewing. For other questions regarding my website, scroll to the bottom of this page or click here

Q How far in advance do we need to book you?
A Answer is in my Booking Policy. Read it then click your back button to return here.

Q Can I watch you work as a DJ at a reception, party or other similar event?
A Only at events where the public is invited. To see if I'm working at any → click here

Q Why can't I watch you work at a private wedding reception or similar event?
A Because it would be improper to have uninvited strangers (observers) at private affairs. People who hire me expect me to work for them, respect them, their events and their privacy - not use their private moments as public auditions. How many uninvited strangers would you want me to bring to your private event? I believe that your event is yours and only the people who you invite should be there. It's that simple. I'm sure that you would expect that same consideration from any DJ you might hire.

Quick note: many DJ services DO invite "observers" to their customer's private events.
To learn how to protect yourself → click here

Q Do you DJ at School Dances and Proms?
Q Do you DJ at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs?
Q Do you DJ for Childrens Parties?
A No. I no longer DJ at events for teens, pre-teen and children. I plan on expanding my music business to include marketing local music on a national level and being a DJ for under 19 events is not a part of that future business model. I now DJ primarily for "all ages", "21 and up" and special events.

Q I have never hired a DJ before. I'm not sure what to do or ask. Can you help me?
A Yes! For the REAL INFO that you should know → click here

Q How about a demo video, DVD or CD? Can I get one from you?
A No. Maybe in the future. For most single DJs with low rates like myself, the cost is prohibitive. As a tool, demos are alright but don't exclusively rely upon them. Don't forget that DJs, equipment, looks, voices, etc. could change at any time. If watching one, ask how current and accurate it is and ask if the specific DJ that would be assigned to your event is on the video.

Q What type of promotional material do you have?
A This "no hidden information" website IS my promotional material. Glossy brochures look nice but have little information. Ditto for slick promo videos. This website supplies full, accurate, up-to-date information that is not possible through other limited formats. Even my rates are posted! Try to find that important info in promotional materials given to you by other DJs.

Q Do you have advertising or promotional material you could mail or fax to me?
A No. See paragraph immediately above. If you need information in your hand, I've made it possible for you to easily print pages from my website. Go to a page, in your browser click Print. Simple.

Q Do you accept personal checks?
A Yes.

Q Can you name some halls and banquet centers you worked in as a DJ?
A Yes. Look for (been there!) on my Metro Detroit Halls and Banquet Centers page.

Q Do you have DJ Liability insurance?
A Yes.

Q Have you started using the MP3 digital music format?
A Yes. I am converting to that right now but it will take time to complete the process. Plus I have my own Portable/Personal On-The-Job Wi-Fi (a paid subscription through Sprint 3G/4G), meaning I can download songs while DJ'ing your event! (most locations). Using my own portable wi-fi means I don't have to rely on a hall or banquet center for internet access. If I don't already have a song, I can download a legal MP3 256 quality one right on the spot. How many DJs can do that?

Also getting ready to add external hard drives (several terabytes) to my laptop in order to handle all the music tranfers from my cds to MP3, set at 256, not lower quality. I will continue to play CDs and use them as on-the-job back-up in case of computer problems.

Having been in the Mobile DJ Business for over 25 years, I started out in the vinyl and cassette era. That's before CDs, the internet, and MP3s existed. Being a professional, my music and equipment stays up-to-date throughout all these changes.

Q Why would a 4 hour job cost the same as 6 hours or 9 hours?
Q Why do you charge a flat rate?

A For a mobile DJ, a 4 hour job IS a 9+ hours job. "On-The-Job" time or "Playing Time" is short compared to total time worked. For 4 hours "On-The-Job", add "behind-the-scenes" time which makes for a full day of work. Also add preparation time BEFORE day of event.

Also keep in mind that my equipment is not just a laptop, amp and two small speakers. I use a Full Commercial DJ System and bring additional back-up equipment with me.

Consider the time to load equipment into a van, drive to an event, unload and set-up, all BEFORE "On-The-Job" starts. Then AFTER "On-The-Job", time to tear-down & reload the van, drive back and unload equipment. Then you need to take into account "before the day of" time such as going over details through e-mails or by phone (mine is a business phone which WILL show up on your caller ID), time to interview, time to sign a contract especially if I drive to meet somewhere, pre-event meetings and other incidental time and costs. Some events require well over 20hrs of behind the scenes meetings, phone time, details preparation, music prep, etc. before day of event.

Now add the time and cost of a dependable assistant/roadie. Did you know that some venues require DJs to add at least another hour of time before "on-the-job" starts or YOU pay an extra fee?! And for professionals like myself, don't forget to add in "the paperwork" and post-event time. Now add the behind-the-scenes cost of DJ Liability insurance, cost of buying music, cost of buying and maintaining professional DJ equipment, cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle capable of transporting professional DJ equipment, etc., all of which goes into my flat rate. Those costs apply to all professional DJs.

Also, even a small amount of time would tie me up for an entire day. Due to the time needed after any event to tear-down DJ equipment & reload van then drive to another place then unload van and set-up again, it is extremely rare there is enough time to guarantee being on time to DJ another event or work more DJ hours.

To avoid overlapping bookings, being potentially over-booked or double-booked, I book only one job per day, regardless of time involved. For every event, I get paid for my day being exclusive to you and not being available to anyone else. What if your scheduled times should change? I can arrive earlier or stay later or do both, no extra charge.

The BIG bonus: you never have to guess what the final DJ cost might end up to be nor worry about me taking another DJ job after we sign a contract, even when someone offers to pay more. Now you know the reasons I charge a flat rate.

Q Why no "special offers" like some other DJ companies?
A There are two reasons. First: Unlike some, I DJ for a living. That's how I make money, pay bills. I always offer the best I can do and my prices are already discounted and the same for everybody - you, your relatives, friends and neighbors. I treat EVERYONE fairly. I do not use the marketing gimmick of stating high prices just to be negotiated down or that only coupon hunters get a break. I don't check "area codes" or "zip codes" before giving a quote. If you do happen to have a lot of money, I don't raise my rates. If you are on a budget, my rates are as low as they can go.

Second Reason. When you book my service, you are booking me. Some DJ services offering discount specials are trying to drum up business for all the DJs working for them. The owner and/or top DJ work on volume, not price because they get a cut of every booking they drum up for DJs under their wing. This is known as quoting the highest rate for the top DJ within a company then giving "special offers" to find more business for their less experienced DJs. And there is nothing wrong with that. If you are considering a special offer from a multiple DJ service, ask if that applies to their top DJ. When you book me, you are hiring a top DJ.

Q How come you don't charge more?
A The economic conditions from 2008 into 2010 are tough on most people and I want to help. Also, you're not paying big money to Radio names who generally send one of their subordinate DJs to do the actual DJ work. I don't have expensive demos nor the cost of a commercial office. I'm not paying referral fees and commissions to other people, not paying someone big bucks to answer a phone and solicit you.

Q Can we meet in person when hiring you or just considering hiring you?
A Yes.

Q Do we have to meet in person for me to hire you?
A No.

Q Can we meet in person when planning or going over the details for our event?
A Yes.

Q Do you have a privacy policy?   Would you keep my information confidential?
A Yes and Yes. To see my privacy policy → click here

Q If I hire you, will you really play what I want even if my guests might not like it?
A Yes. Life is simple: I answer to the people who pay me and they get what they want.

Q If I leave the choice of music up to you, can you satisfy my guests?
A Yes.

Q I want someone to just play music - no talk. Will you do this?
A Yes.

Q If I want to bring some of my own CDs for you to play, will you play them?
A Yes. (assuming children won't hear swearing, hate, killing or sex acts)

Q How much music can I choose and pick out?
A As much as you want (enough to last the entire event).

Q Many DJs won't allow that much music freedom of choice. Why do you?
A Because YOU are the one paying to hear music. I get paid to have it and play it. I believe in that famous old adage: "Whoever pays the fiddler calls the tune."

Sometimes, people who are paying for the DJ will request music that is non-danceable or a mood killer which then reflects negatively on the DJ. Some DJs use each event as a blatant "audition" for future work and prefer to always look good in the hopes of getting more jobs. These types of DJs are only trying to impress your guests and potential future customers. I want you to be impressed.

Q Have you ever worked as a DJ with bands?
A Yes. Many times. Bands like working with me because I never try to upstage them.

Q Are you on the radio?  Have you ever been a Radio DJ?
A No.

Q Why should I hire you?
A Because I am very good at what I do.

Q If someone or some company charges more, are they better than you?
A A few are better but most are not. Depends on the DJ, type of event, plus additional personnel and equipment required for a specific event.

Q How do I hire you?
A It's easy → Click Here. Reading this page was the hardest part.

Q Why can't I just automatically book you through an online system?
A Because I don't automatically accept every booking offer. Each potential booking is first checked to make sure my DJ service is right for them.

Q How do you accept payments?
A Checks, cash, plus credit cards through PayPal. See information on → payments page

Q What if I'm not satisfied with your DJ service?
A Unthinkable! Actually, it's possible some money might be refunded depending upon the circumstances and how much it actually cost (upfront expenses) to perform. If it was obvious my service was bad, all money would be refunded along with a personal apology.

Q Why "Madman Mike"?  Why not a name better for booking weddings?
A First, though great at weddings, banquets and formal events, I am not limited to those events. I also do New Year's Eve, private parties, celebrity appearances and more. Secondly, at serious events I refer to myself only as Michael or Mike, unless requested otherwise. DJ work at serious functions is earned by the quality of the work, conducting oneself in a proper manner, referrals & recommendations, so there is nothing for me to be concerned about. And whenever people say Madman Mike or Your Musical Slave, they smile (I'll bet you just did too!). I like that - a lot.

Q Why so much information about other entertainers? Why not just plug yourself?
A Because if I am unavailable or not the right person for an event someone will still need a DJ or other entertainer. I realize the importance of each event and how hard it is to find quality resources for entertainment. There are many good entertainers, the problem is finding them.

Plus, I really look forward to seeing other entertainers perform so I need to keep their public information handy. Turns out that my own website is the best for that purpose and people are thoughtful enough to e-mail additions, updates and corrections. Michigan is fortunate to have an abundance of talented entertainers. My Madman Mike name is well known in Michigan so freely sharing my huge list of resources to help anybody in need of - or looking for - local entertainment is something I take immense pride in doing.

Q Hey Mike, do you enjoy what you do?
A YES. Immensely. Absolutely. Completely. Without Question. Love it.