I'm not particularly fussy.

However, I make it clear that 'the more control they take over the music, the less responsibility I take for the success (or not) of the evening'.

In most cases, I get given a couple of sheets of A4 of songs they like, but on the basis that it's not a playlist, and the trust me to pick the right songs. Very often, that list gives me a good steer as to what they and their guests like.

I've positioned myself in a way that my clients pick me for my experience and skill. They're certainly not picking me for my price! I have found that as you charge more, you get more respect for your ability to pick the right songs.

Perversely, in the same vein, I have also been paid handsomely by someone who did want to pick every song for the evening (not the order), but was prepared to pay more, for the reassurance that I would stick to his list, and not try and go off and do my own thing! Interesting the perception that 'budget DJs' often have!!