FAQ | frequently asked questions

Who will be my DJ?
Specialty Sound is owned and operated by Tommy Evans and Korby Kidwill.  For most events, your DJ will be Tommy and Korby will assist.  Korby does DJ some smaller events where an assistant is not necessary.  Either way, you will speak with and meet your DJ prior to booking, so you will know who your DJ is and what his personality is like.

Are you a member of any associations?
Yes - Specialty Sound is an active member of several associations. Tommy has also served on the board for many of the area associations and has won a number of awards from these great groups (see the DJ Bio page for more info). "Anyone can be a member of a wedding association; but only through attending the meetings and actively being involved does one's business actually grow and mature."

Do you take requests?
Certainly! Our goal is for you and your guests to have the time of their lives. We will gladly take requests, as long as they fit within the music style that the client has requested.

Do you provide a written contract?
Yes we do, and our contract is written to protect you as well. You'll find Tommy's name (your DJ) listed on the contract, guaranteeing who your DJ will be for that event.

Do you charge extra for travel?
We will travel within one hour of the D/FW metroplex at no additional charge. Rates for travel outside of this area vary, depending on factors such as the destination and time of the event. We will gladly go where you need us - in-state or out - we're where the party is at.

What are your rates?
Our rates vary based on the date and type of the event you are having.  Different DJs offer different levels of service, different styles, and different ideas for your event - not to mention experience. We would like an opportunity to discuss your event (either in person or on the phone) so we can give you an accurate rate quote. We want your event to be perfect - whether you book with us or not. If your needs are outside of our areas of expertise, we'd be happy to refer you to someone that is a better fit.

What time will you arrive to set up?
We will arrive at the venue a minimum of three hours prior to the show, possibly more depending on the size of the venue and whether you are having a lighting package or not. This allows us plenty of time to be completely set up, appropriately dressed, and playing background music when your first guest walks into the room.

Do you have a demo tape or video?
No, we don't. We tailor every performance to the needs and requests of the client. Because every show is different, we couldn't possibly cover all we do in one tape or video. Visit the client Testimonial page for video content and past-client quotes.

Do you carry insurance?
Yes - we have both property insurance for our equipment as well as liability insurance.

Will you emcee the evening?
Of course! We will be happy to make any announcements or direct any events throughout the evening. We can even meet with you prior to that evening (a must for wedding receptions) to help plan and coordinate the evening.

What is the difference between a single-operator company and a multi-operator company?
Single operator companies, such as Specialty Sound, are usually owned and operated by one or two persons, and have only one show setup. Multi-operator companies often pool or contract the services of other DJ's into one conglomerate, and have many rigs. Because their entertainers are employees, and not actually owners of the company - it is impossible for these companies to guarantee who your entertainer will be.(read the fine print). Specialty Sound is owned and operated by two partners. We can always guarantee who your DJ will be for the event - and even include the name on your contract. Also, many multi-operator companies base their corporate structure on quantity, not necessarily quality. Be sure to ask who your DJ will be, when you can meet him (or her), and if their name will be on your contract.

Do you display any type of advertising at your shows?
No - we don't display any type of advertising. As a matter of fact, we don't even mention the name of our company over the microphone. You wouldn't expect the photographer to hang a banner on the wall, nor would you expect the cake decorator to sign the cake. If people want to use us they will either 1) ask us for a card, or 2) ask you how to reach us.

What type of equipment do you use?
During the summer of 2007, we purchased a brand new sound system, including high end JBL speaker cabinetns, QSC amps, Allen & Heath mixer, and DBX processing gear. Our equipment is serviced and maintained regularly to ensure a smooth performance, and is all housed in attractive, professional cases. We promise not only a great sounding event, but a great looking event as well. That means that all cords are stowed or taped down, etc.

Do you provide backup equipment?
Yes - a typical setup for us includes redundant equipment in case of a failure (which has never happened).  We also keep a second, complete system with us  in the event of a failure.

How do you dress?
Because most of our events are formal, we dress formally in a tuxedo. However, if you have a themed event, we may dress according to the theme, if you would prefer. (Boots and jeans for a country wedding, bermuda shorts and hawaiin shirts for a pool party, etc).

What kind of music will you play?
As   of this writing, our music library consists of over 28,000 songs from country, pop, urban, motown, jazz, lounge, rock, Latin, Indian and Arabic, (to name a few genres).  What we play depends entirely on the type of event, your preference, and the crowd.