DJ Contract Template

DJ Contract

1. 1. 1. Parties and Engagement Details

   This DJ Performance Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into on [EFFECTIVE DATE] between [DJ OR COMPANY NAME], located at [DJ ADDRESS] (the "DJ"), and [CLIENT NAME], located at [CLIENT ADDRESS] (the "Client"). The DJ will perform at the following event (the "Event"): [EVENT TYPE] on [EVENT DATE] at [VENUE NAME AND ADDRESS]. The DJ will load in beginning at [LOAD-IN TIME], will complete setup and sound check no later than [SOUND CHECK COMPLETE TIME], and will begin performing at [PERFORMANCE START TIME]. Primary contacts are [DJ CONTACT, PHONE, EMAIL], [CLIENT CONTACT, PHONE, EMAIL], and the venue contact [VENUE CONTACT, PHONE]. Each Party represents that the person signing below is authorized to do so.

2. 2. 2. Performance Hours and Set Structure

   The DJ will provide [CONTRACTED HOURS] hours of continuous performance from [PERFORMANCE START TIME] to [PERFORMANCE END TIME]. The engagement covers the following segments: [SEGMENTS, e.g., ceremony audio from TIME to TIME, cocktail hour from TIME to TIME, dinner from TIME to TIME, and open dancing from TIME to TIME]. Music will be provided continuously during the contracted hours, with recorded background music covering any short break taken by the DJ. The DJ will arrive with enough lead time to complete setup before guests arrive and will not break down equipment before the contracted end time except at the written direction of the Client or the venue. Any change to the start time or the segment schedule must be communicated at least [SCHEDULE CHANGE NOTICE, e.g., 7 days] before the Event.

3. 3. 3. Equipment Provided by the DJ and by the Venue

   The DJ will supply the following: [DJ EQUIPMENT, e.g., primary sound system rated for GUEST COUNT guests, subwoofers, DJ controller and laptop, backup laptop and music library, NUMBER wireless handheld microphones, NUMBER lavalier microphones, a facade or booth, dance floor lighting, and all necessary cabling]. The Client or the venue will supply: [VENUE-SUPPLIED ITEMS, e.g., house sound system, ceremony audio feed, projector, additional power distribution, or none]. The DJ will bring redundant primary equipment, including a backup laptop and a spare controller or mixer, so that a single equipment failure does not end the performance. If the venue requires the DJ to use the house system, the Client will confirm that the system is functional and that a house technician is available, and the DJ is not responsible for the quality or failure of equipment it did not supply.

4. 4. 4. Power, Space, and Site Requirements

   The Client will ensure that the DJ is provided with a performance area of at least [PERFORMANCE AREA SIZE, e.g., 10 feet by 10 feet] on a level, dry, and structurally sound surface located near the dance floor, and with [POWER REQUIREMENT, e.g., two dedicated 20-amp circuits on separate breakers] within [DISTANCE, e.g., 25 feet] of the performance area. For any outdoor performance, the Client will provide overhead cover sufficient to protect equipment from rain and direct sun, and a solid surface for equipment placement. The DJ may decline to set up or may stop performing if the area is unsafe, the surface is unstable, the power is insufficient or unreliable, or weather threatens the equipment, and doing so is not a breach of this Agreement. The Client will also arrange load-in access, a parking space for the vehicle of the DJ, and any elevator or freight access needed to reach the performance area.

5. 5. 5. Music Selection, Requests, and Do-Not-Play List

   The Client will submit a music preference form no later than [MUSIC FORM DEADLINE, e.g., 14 days before the Event], including must-play songs, special dance selections, and a do-not-play list. The DJ will honor the do-not-play list absolutely and will use professional judgment on all remaining selections to keep the dance floor active. The DJ will take guest requests unless the Client directs otherwise in writing, and will decline any request that appears on the do-not-play list, is explicit where the Client has asked for clean versions only, or is inappropriate for the audience. The DJ will make reasonable efforts to obtain specifically requested songs but cannot guarantee availability of an obscure or unlicensed recording. Final authority over the overall music program during the Event rests with [MUSIC AUTHORITY, e.g., the DJ, in consultation with the Client].

6. 6. 6. Master of Ceremonies and Announcements

   The engagement includes master of ceremonies services as follows: [MC SCOPE, e.g., grand entrance, welcome, blessing, toasts, first dance, parent dances, cake cutting, bouquet toss, and last call announcements]. The Client will provide the phonetic pronunciation of all names to be announced and a final run of show no later than [RUN OF SHOW DEADLINE, e.g., 10 days before the Event]. The DJ will coordinate the timeline on the day with the planner, the venue, the photographer, and the caterer, and will not make announcements that were not approved by the Client or the planner. If the Client does not want MC services, the DJ will provide music only and will make no announcements other than as directed on the day.

7. 7. 7. Volume Limits, Noise Ordinance, and Curfew

   The DJ will comply with all venue rules, local noise ordinances, and any decibel limit imposed by the venue or by law, including any hard stop for amplified music at [AMPLIFIED MUSIC CUTOFF TIME]. The Client acknowledges that the venue or a municipal authority may require volume reduction or an early end to amplified music, and that the DJ must comply. Compliance with such a requirement is not a breach of this Agreement and does not entitle the Client to a refund. Where the venue uses a sound limiter or a decibel monitoring device, the Client will disclose that fact before signing so the DJ can plan the system accordingly. The DJ will notify the Client before making a significant volume reduction whenever circumstances allow.

8. 8. 8. Overtime and Extension of Performance

   If the Client wishes the DJ to perform beyond the contracted end time, the extension is billed at [OVERTIME RATE] per hour, charged in [OVERTIME INCREMENT, e.g., 30-minute] increments with any partial increment rounded up. Overtime must be requested by the Client or the designated on-site decision-maker and confirmed by text message or in writing before the contracted end time, and payment for overtime is due [OVERTIME PAYMENT TIMING, e.g., on the night of the Event or within 3 days]. The DJ is not obligated to perform overtime and may decline if the venue, the curfew, staffing, or a following commitment prevents it. If the Event starts late for reasons not caused by the DJ, the contracted end time does not move and any extension is billed as overtime.

9. 9. 9. Meals and Breaks

   For any engagement exceeding [MEAL THRESHOLD, e.g., four] hours on site, the Client will provide a hot vendor meal and non-alcoholic beverages for the DJ and each assigned assistant, served at a time that does not conflict with active performance, typically while guests are eating. The DJ is entitled to a break of up to [BREAK LENGTH, e.g., 20 minutes] for every [BREAK INTERVAL, e.g., four] hours of performance, during which recorded background music will continue. Breaks will be scheduled around the timeline so that no key moment goes uncovered. If a vendor meal is not provided, the DJ may take a meal break off site of up to [OFF-SITE BREAK LENGTH] with background music continuing, or the Client may be billed a meal allowance of [MEAL ALLOWANCE] per person.

10. 10. 10. Fee, Deposit, Payment, and Travel

    The total fee for the Event is [TOTAL FEE]. A non-refundable retainer of [RETAINER AMOUNT] is due on signing to reserve the Event date, and the balance of [BALANCE AMOUNT] is due no later than [BALANCE DUE DATE, e.g., 14 days before the Event]. The DJ is not obligated to perform if the balance is unpaid at the start of load-in. Payments are made by [PAYMENT METHOD]. Amounts past due accrue a late charge of [LATE FEE] per month or the maximum permitted by applicable law, whichever is less, and returned payments carry a fee of [RETURNED PAYMENT FEE]. Add-on services requested after signing, including [ADD-ON LIST, e.g., additional speakers, uplighting, photo booth, cold spark or fog effects, ceremony system], are billed at the rates listed in Exhibit A and are due with the balance. The fee includes travel within [TRAVEL RADIUS, e.g., 50 miles] of [DJ BASE LOCATION]. Travel beyond that radius is billed at [MILEAGE RATE] per mile or at documented cost for airfare, baggage for equipment, ground transportation, and parking. If the venue is more than [LODGING DISTANCE, e.g., 90 miles] from the base location, or if load-in begins before [EARLY LOAD-IN TIME] or performance ends after [LATE END TIME], the Client will provide or reimburse lodging for the DJ and each assigned assistant at a hotel within reasonable distance of the venue. The Client will confirm venue parking, load-in access, and any equipment shipping requirements at least [TRAVEL CONFIRMATION NOTICE, e.g., 21 days] before the Event. Travel and lodging charges are estimated in Exhibit A and reconciled to actual cost after the Event.

11. 11. 11. Cancellation, Postponement, and Substitution

    The Client may cancel by written notice. The retainer is non-refundable in all cases because the date is reserved and other bookings are declined. If notice is received fewer than [LATE CANCELLATION DAYS, e.g., 30 days] before the Event, the full fee remains payable. If the Client postpones, the retainer and any payments transfer to a new date if the DJ is available, subject to a rescheduling fee of [RESCHEDULE FEE] and current pricing; if the DJ is not available, the change is treated as a cancellation. If the DJ is unable to perform because of illness, injury, accident, vehicle breakdown, family emergency, or another cause beyond reasonable control, the DJ will make every reasonable effort to provide a qualified substitute DJ of comparable experience at no additional cost, briefed with the music preferences and run of show already submitted. If no substitute can be secured, the DJ will refund all amounts paid including the retainer, and that refund is the sole remedy of the Client.

12. 12. 12. Equipment Damage, Safety, and Guest Conduct

    The equipment brought by the DJ remains the property of the DJ at all times. The Client is responsible for the cost of repair or replacement of equipment damaged by the Client, guests, or other vendors, including damage from spilled drinks, guests handling the equipment, or items thrown onto the performance area. Guests are not permitted behind the DJ booth or to operate the equipment, and the DJ may refuse to allow a guest device to be connected to the system. The DJ may stop the performance and remove equipment if the environment becomes unsafe, including physical threats to the DJ or staff, fighting among guests, or venue conditions that endanger personnel or equipment, and in that case the fee remains fully payable. The Client will notify the DJ of any special effect restriction at the venue, including restrictions on fog, haze, cold sparks, and open flame.

13. 13. 13. Force Majeure, Insurance, and Liability

    Neither Party is liable for failure to perform caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disaster, fire, flood, epidemic or public health order, government restriction, road closure, power failure at the venue, or venue closure. If such an event prevents the performance, the Parties will attempt to reschedule, and if that is not possible the DJ will retain the retainer and refund any balance already paid. The DJ maintains commercial general liability insurance of at least [LIABILITY COVERAGE, e.g., $1,000,000 per occurrence] and will provide a certificate of insurance to the venue on request. Except for gross negligence or willful misconduct, the total liability of the DJ under this Agreement will not exceed the total fee paid by the Client, and neither Party is liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages. The Client will indemnify the DJ against claims arising from guest conduct or venue conditions.

14. 14. 14. Recording, Promotion, and General Provisions

    Neither the Client nor guests may record the performance for commercial distribution without written consent, and any personal video is for private use only. Unless the Client objects in writing, the DJ may photograph or record short portions of the Event setup and dance floor for use in its portfolio, website, and social media accounts, without identifying guests by name. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of [GOVERNING STATE], and any dispute will be brought in the courts located in [VENUE COUNTY AND STATE], with the prevailing Party entitled to reasonable attorney fees. This Agreement is the entire agreement between the Parties regarding the Event and replaces all prior discussions; amendments must be in writing and signed or confirmed in writing by both Parties. Neither Party may assign this Agreement without written consent, and if any provision is unenforceable the remainder stays in effect.

15. 15. 15. Signatures

    By signing below, both Parties confirm they have read and agree to this Agreement as of the Effective Date. DJ: [DJ OR COMPANY NAME]. Signature: ______________________. Printed Name: [DJ SIGNER NAME]. Date: [DATE]. CLIENT: [CLIENT NAME]. Signature: ______________________. Printed Name: [CLIENT SIGNER NAME]. Date: [DATE]. Electronic signatures and counterpart copies have the same effect as original signatures.

16. 16. Disclaimer

    This template is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Entertainment bookings are affected by state consumer rules, venue requirements, local noise ordinances, music licensing obligations, and insurance requirements that vary by location. Review and adapt this document for your own circumstances, and consult a licensed attorney or your insurer before relying on it for a significant booking. Use of this template does not create an attorney-client relationship with ScanContract.