DJ Contract Template

This DJ Services Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of  ("Effective Date") by and between:  ("Client"); and

 ("DJ") (each referred to individually as a "Party" and together as the "Parties").

1. Event Details

(i) Event Timeline. The DJ will perform at  on  from  to  ("Event").

(ii) Setup and Access. The DJ will arrive approximately  hours before start time for setup and soundcheck. The Client will ensure reasonable access before and after the Event for setup and teardown and may not interfere with the DJ’s equipment or technical setup. If the Event is held outdoors, the DJ’s setup area must be covered by a commercial-quality tent or structure providing full protection from sun, wind, and precipitation.

(iii) Conditions. The Client must ensure safe working conditions, adequate power, and venue access. The DJ must have a clear, unobstructed line of sight to the dance floor and main performance area to properly perform and monitor audience engagement.

(iv) Power. The Client shall provide a minimum electrical supply of 120 volts and 20 amps through grounded outlets located within reasonable distance of the DJ’s setup area. All power responsibilities and site access requirements are the Client’s obligation under this Event Section. Power inverters or generators are not permitted without the DJ’s prior written approval. If the DJ determines in good faith that conditions are unsafe, unlawful, or materially deficient, the DJ may suspend or refuse performance until corrected without penalty.

(v) Meals and Breaks. The DJ may take reasonable breaks during the Event as needed but will ensure that music continues whenever practical. Breaks do not reduce total performance time or fees. For Events lasting more than  hours, if meals are served, the Client shall provide the DJ with one meal of the same quality and type as that served to regular guests, at no cost to the DJ. The meal shall be provided during an appropriate break period.

(vi) Changes. Any change to hours, location, or services must be agreed to in writing.

2. Scope of Services

(i) Services. The DJ will perform professional DJ and music-mixing services, including live music selection, coordination with event timing, and sound operation ("Services"). Unless otherwise agreed, the DJ will provide a standard professional sound system and the following additional equipment:

.

All event-site access, setup, and power arrangements are governed solely by the Events Section.

(ii) Song Requests and Performance Discretion. The Client may provide song requests or restrictions up to  days before the Event. The DJ will make reasonable efforts to accommodate requests while maintaining discretion over the mix, pacing, and compliance with venue or noise laws as further described in the DJ Responsibilities Section.

(iv) Music and Performance Limitations. The DJ cannot play music from CDs, phones, tablets, or USB/flash drives provided by the Client, guests, or third parties. The DJ is not equipped for artist performances of any kind. Any performing artists must supply and operate their own equipment independently and may not use or connect to the DJ’s gear.

(v) Excluded Services. The following services are expressly excluded from the scope of Services:

.

The DJ is being hired solely to provide musical entertainment and is not engaged as a promoter or event organizer.

3. Fees and Payments

(i) Event Fees. The Client agrees to pay for the following:

Performance Fees: $ per .

Deposit: $, due at signing to reserve the Event date. The deposit is non-refundable except if the DJ cancels or performance is prevented under the Force Majeure Section.

 Travel/Lodging: If selected, the Client shall reimburse reasonable travel or lodging costs for Events located more than  miles from  when such costs are approved in advance.

(ii) Add-on Services. Additional services are available for the following fees if selected below:

 Ceremony system (separate setup) for $

 Uplighting or lighting effects for $

 Other:  for $

 Other:  for $

(iii) Overtime and Delays. Overtime requires mutual written consent and is charged at $ per  in -minute increments. If the Event start is delayed by more than  minutes due to the Client, venue, or guests, waiting time is charged at the same rate.

(iv) Balance, Refunds, and Nonpayment. Remaining balances are due on . Refunds apply only to unperformed services or unspent travel costs. Late payments accrue interest at % per  or the maximum lawful rate. If the Client fails to pay on time, the DJ may suspend performance until payment is received and may retain any deposit as liquidated damages for date reservation and administrative loss.

(v) Total Fee. The total fee for this Section shall be $. Only the deposit stated above is due upfront to secure the Event date; all remaining balances are payable as set out in this Agreement and are not due in advance unless otherwise agreed in writing.

4. Schedule and Overtime

The DJ may take short breaks while keeping continuous music playing when possible. Overtime requires mutual written consent and is billed at $ per , in -minute increments. If the Event start is delayed by the Client, venue, or their agents by more than  minutes, waiting time is billed at the same rate. Delays, interruptions, or downtime caused by access limits, power failure, or guest interference are also billable. The DJ is not required to perform past the scheduled end time without prior agreement and confirmed overtime payment.

4. Cancellations, Force Majeure, and Termination

(i) Cancellations. If the Client cancels within  days or less of the Event, the Client must pay % of the total fee. If cancellation occurs earlier than  days, the DJ shall refund % of the total fee. If the DJ cancels for reasons other than Force Majeure, the DJ shall refund all deposits and prepaid amounts in full within 10 business days. deposit is otherwise non-refundable.

(ii) Termination. Either Party may terminate this Agreement for material breach not cured within  days after written notice. The DJ may suspend or end performance immediately, without refund, if conditions are unsafe, illegal, or harassing.

(iii) Force Majeure. Neither Party is liable for delay, interruption, or failure to perform caused by events beyond reasonable control, including illness or injury, public-health emergencies, government orders, labor disputes, natural disasters, extreme weather, power failure, or similar circumstances. The affected Party shall promptly notify the other, and the Parties are released from further obligations, with no refund or liability to either Party.

5. Client Responsibilities

The Client must maintain a safe, lawful venue with adequate lighting, power, and security and comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and venue rules, including noise ordinances, permits, and crowd-control or alcohol requirements. The Client is responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to the DJ’s property caused by guests, venue staff, or the Client. Neither the Client nor guests may handle, move, or operate the DJ’s equipment at any time. Performance may be suspended without penalty or refund until the issue is corrected.

6. DJ Responsibilities

(i) Professional Conduct. The DJ must perform professionally and on time using properly maintained equipment consistent with industry standards. They must act respectfully toward guests, venue staff, and other vendors, promptly report any issue that may affect performance, and take reasonable steps to prevent or mitigate damage or loss, documenting any material interference or incident.

(ii) Technical and Noise Compliance. Sound equipment must be operated within safe, lawful, and industry-standard limits, subject to any venue restrictions. The Client must provide written notice of any applicable sound, noise, or decibel limits at least  days before the Event. The DJ will make reasonable efforts to comply but is not liable for audience dissatisfaction caused by restricted volume or venue-imposed limitations. The Client bears responsibility for penalties or costs arising from undisclosed or inconsistent noise regulations. The DJ is not required to perform at levels that risk equipment damage, violate law, or endanger hearing safety.

7. Intellectual Property and Recordings

(i) Ownership. The DJ retains all rights to original mixes, transitions, and creative works. The Client may not record, livestream, or distribute the performance without written consent. The Client shall use reasonable efforts to prevent unauthorized recordings or livestreams by guests or attendees.

(ii) Use of Names or Likeness. Neither Party may use the other’s name, image, or likeness for promotion without written consent, except for factual references to the Event. The DJ may use short video or photo excerpts from the Event for portfolio or promotional purposes, unless the Client initials to withhold consent: .

(iv) Licensing. The Client is responsible for ensuring that the venue complies with all applicable laws and licensing requirements, including any necessary music performance or public event licenses.

8. Insurance

(i) The DJ shall maintain general liability insurance consistent with industry standards, with coverage of at least $ per occurrence. The DJ shall provide the Client with a valid certificate of insurance naming the Client and, if applicable, the venue as additional insureds no later than  days before the Event. Coverage shall include bodily injury, property damage, personal injury, and equipment coverage for owned or rented gear. Each Party waives recovery rights to the extent covered by insurance. The DJ must notify the Client within 5 business days of any cancellation, non-renewal, or material change in coverage.

(ii) If the Event is held at a third-party venue, the Client must ensure the venue maintains liability insurance for attendees and property. For private or non-commercial locations, the Client shall make reasonable efforts to maintain homeowner’s or renter’s liability coverage.

9. Indemnification

Each Party shall indemnify, defend, and hold the other harmless from any claim, loss, or expense, including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, arising from that Party’s negligence, willful misconduct, breach of this Agreement, or violation of law. This includes third-party claims for personal injury, property damage, or intellectual-property infringement caused by the acts or omissions of the responsible Party. The indemnified Party must give written notice within 10 business days of any claim and may, at its own expense, participate in the defense. The defending Party controls the defense and settlement but may not settle any claim imposing liability or admission of fault without the other’s written consent. This obligation survives termination or expiration of this Agreement.

10. Limitation of Liability

Each Party’s total liability shall not exceed the total fees paid for the affected Event. Neither Party shall be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including lost profits or emotional distress. The DJ is not responsible for interruptions, delays, or cancellations caused by venue conditions, guest behavior, power or equipment failure, or any event beyond the DJ’s reasonable control. No guarantee is made regarding any specific outcome or audience response. This limitation does not apply to unpaid fees, indemnification obligations, gross negligence, willful misconduct, or fraud. Any claim must be made within 1 year after the event giving rise to it.

11. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

(i) Governing Law and Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of , and any legal action or proceeding shall be brought exclusively in the courts of , .

(ii) Discussion and Mediation. The Parties shall first attempt in good faith to resolve any dispute, claim, or controversy ("Dispute") through direct discussion. If unresolved within 30 days after written notice, the Parties shall proceed to mediation before a mutually agreed mediator.

(iii) Small-Claims or Court Actions. Either Party may bring an individual claim in small-claims or civil court in ,  if the amount in controversy qualifies. Each Party shall bear its own attorneys’ fees and costs unless otherwise required by law or ordered by the court.

12. Miscellaneous

(i) Interpretation. Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. Singular terms include the plural and vice versa, and masculine, feminine, and neutral pronouns include one another. “Including” means “including without limitation.” Ambiguities shall not be construed against either Party as drafter.

(ii) Entire Agreement and Amendments. This Agreement is the full and final agreement between the Parties and supersedes all prior discussions or agreements. Any modification must be in writing and signed by both Parties.

(iii) Independent Contractor. The DJ acts solely as an independent contractor and is responsible for all taxes, insurance, and legal compliance. This Agreement creates no employment, partnership, or agency relationship.

(iv) Confidentiality. Each Party shall keep confidential any non-public information obtained in connection with this Agreement, including business operations, pricing, and event details, except where disclosure is required by law or written consent is given by the other Party. This duty survives termination or expiration of this Agreement.

(v) Assignment. Neither Party may assign or transfer its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the other Party’s written consent, except that the DJ may, with the Client’s approval, engage a qualified substitute performer in an emergency. Any unauthorized assignment is void.

(vi) Severability and Waiver. If any provision is held invalid, the remainder remains enforceable. Failure to enforce any term once does not waive future enforcement.

(vii) Counterparts and Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts and by electronic signature, each deemed an original and together forming one binding document.

(viii) Survival. Sections on payment, confidentiality, indemnification, limitation of liability, and dispute resolution survive termination or expiration of this Agreement.

(ix) Notices. All notices must be in writing and delivered by email (with confirmed receipt) or by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the addresses listed above. A notice sent by email shall be deemed received upon confirmed delivery to the recipient’s email server. A notice sent by certified mail shall be deemed received on the date shown on the postal return receipt.