Author Archives: DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Jimi Hendrix Would Be 70 Today

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I remember the first time I heard Jimi Hendrix rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner”, I was like “WOW!” and my admiration and appreciation for his work was born. Jimi Hendrix was born November 27, 1942, making him seventy if he was alive in body today. I wonder sometimes how the current generation view him as an artist and icon, now that such great time has passed and his musical styles are not really reflected in Pop Music anymore. In the late 60’s, he fit right in although a complete pioneer and inovator. As a professional working DJ, I get to see his influence in the requests that still pour in for his music in places and events that do not seem like Hendrix-type environments. One of the venues that I am a Trivia Host on Wednesday Nights is The Applebees in Hackettestown, NJ. On a consistent basis some of the regular participants in the games will ask me to play Jimi Hendrix. What surprises me is that they are mostly people under age thirty and young professionals!

When the power of Love overcomes the love of power, the world will know Peace

Jimi Hendrix

Hendrix Quotes with DJ Mystical Michael

The legacy of Jimi Hendrix is hard to calibrate due to his involvement with drugs and alcohol and subsequent death from the abuse. His music lives on boldy in the influence of many young guitarists and musicians seeking inspiration from an artist who created and lived a life his own way, with few or no social restrains or concessions. He was a passionate human rights activist including environmental, race and social class as issues that he contributed his time and music.

Jimi Hendrix icon with DJ Mystical Michael

Hendrix received his main break when Paul McCartney had suggested him to The Monterey Pop Festival. He accepted the invitation and the media could not write enough positive praise of his musicianship and on-stage presence. This was followed by two solid albums that were adorned with critical and popular enthusiasm and he was on his way as an international success. Interestingly, he was first achieving popularity in Europe before the United States. It is possible that his performance at the Woodstock Music Festival was his signature moment as an artist. Today, his performance of the of aforementioned “Star Spangled Banner” often is the singular song that viewers of the film about the festival hold in their memory as what ‘The Sixties were about’.

Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.
Jimi Hendrix

Hendrix quotes music doesn't lie with DJ Mystical Michael

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

What If We Are Not DJ Dancing People?

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There are some families and groups that are just not typically the kind of people who like to dance to DJ music or not even dancers at all. Growing-up, I appreciated live music over recorded music any day. There is something that a good live band can produce in energy and excitement that a recorded song can’t match.  Many professional DJs do not understand this, or are just too young to know what good live bands are like and how they can make a Wedding, Party or Event amazing! I realize that as a full-time professional DJ this may seem hypocritical or against what I am promoting but it is not. I still enjoy a high quality live band, that will never change. I originally became a mobile and club DJ because I loved music, still do.

 

I am not trying to compete or replace good live music, they are not my competition, we create different experiences using different tools and skills. A good live band has trained experienced musicians who have dedicated years or even decades to their craft. A singer with an incredible voice can move and inspire a crowd like nothing else. They have been singing at events and celebrations since humans learned how to use our voices. DJs are a much different experience and should not try to compete with a quality live musicians, we can learn the basics of mixing, scratching and sound quite quickly and should not be compared to the time and discipline needed for an exceptional musician. When you hear a DJ brag about being goods at mixing and scratching that lets you know that they have spent more time practicing at home than performing with live crowds needing a separate set of skills and experience.

An exceptional DJ needs to have a talent for reading and responding to the crowd

An exceptional live DJ needs to have a talent for reading and responding to the crowd quickly and gracefully. Matching the beats is one thing, but knowing the perfect song at the perfect time is a whole different talent that cannot be taught; either you have it or you don’t, it is intuitive. Recently, somebody described me as “A Wedding Shaman DJ”. I looked at her funny not knowing how to respond or what I thought about this description, still don’t.

 

We talked further and they were referencing how I can look at a person at a Wedding, Party or Event and somehow know what they want to hear and when. It is actually a little weird sometimes and catches me off guard. I am not sure how I know those things, but I do.

 

This why Brides, Grooms & Party Planners choose me to preform at their events

This is why Brides, Grooms and Party Planners choose me to preform at their events, I get people dancing that don’t dance. I seamlessly shift from dinner to party without jarring friends and family. I make good clean fun happen while including people who may not feel a sense of belonging otherwise. This is why I offer a guarantee to every contracted client; if you are not satisfied with my performance at your Wedding, Party or Event, you do not have to pay me the balance owed.

Rhode Island Wedding DJ Party

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

The Beatles: Best Selling Album of The 21st Century

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On this date in 2000, The Beatles released their first compilation available all on one CD. The title of the album is ‘Beatles 1’ with nearly every number single that the band released from 1962-1970. The release date was chosen based on it being thirty years since the band had broken-up. It is the world’s best selling album of the 21st century with more than 31 million copies sold to date!

Interestingly enough, this was also the date that The Beatles recorded “Please, Please Me”. The singe was released in The USA on Vee-Jay records with a typographical error on the first pressing of the ’45’. It had their name printed as ‘The Beattles’, not The Beatles!

 

The Beatles icon with DJ Mystical Michael

Here is a list of of the songs on ‘1’ from The Beatles Website.

 

1. Love Me Do (1)
2. From Me to You (1)
3. She Loves You (1)
4. I Want To Hold Your Hand (1)
5. Can’t Buy Me Love (1)
6. A Hard Day’s Night (1)
7. I Feel Fine (1)
8. Eight Days A Week (1)
9. Ticket To Ride (1)
10. Help! (1)
11. Yesterday (1)
12. Day Tripper (1)
13. We Can Work It Out (1)
14. Paperback Writer (1)
15. Yellow Submarine (1)
16. Eleanor Rigby (1)
17. Penny Lane (1)
18. All You Need Is Love (1)
19. Hello, Goodbye (1)
20. Lady Madonna (1)
21. Hey Jude (1)
22. Get Back (1)
23. The Ballad Of John And Yoko
24. Something (1)
25. Come Together (1)
26. Let It Be (1)
27. The Long And Winding Road (1)

The Beatles Story

“The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. They became the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed act in the history of popular music.[1] The group’s best-known lineup consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Rooted in skiffle and 1950s rock and roll, the Beatles later utilized several genres, ranging from pop balladsto psychedelic rock, often incorporating classical and other elements in innovative ways. In the early 1960s, their enormous popularity first emerged as “Beatlemania“, but as their songwriting grew in sophistication, they came to be perceived by many fans and cultural observers as an embodiment of the ideals shared by the era’s sociocultural revolutions.” Wikipedia

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Bridal Party Flash Mob Dance at Wedding

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The Bride’s Uncle approached me while I was setting-up my BOSE L1 Audio System up an hour before his niece’s Wedding.  He was one of three Uncles that helped raise her after her father died as a young child. Each man represented a different aspect of her life and she wanted to have a “Father’Daughter Dance” with each one. Together we selected songs that would accurately fit the meaning they had for her.  She was ecstatic with the songs and knew they were perfect. Uncle Jon and I were talking and he asked me if I had a CD player in my system for something for The Bridal Party. I do and I asked why he wanted to know?

Bridal Party Flash Mob Dance at Wedding surprising Bride and Groom with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

“Well, me and the Bridal Party got together and rehearsed a Bridal Party Flash Mob Dance that is a surprise to Nikki and Jon. It is based on “Gangnam Style” but we did a voice over of their names and call it “Jon and Nikki Style”. It is really fun and The Bridal Party and I  put a lot of work into. If you can’t do it on CD, I have also put the file on a USB stick drive too.”

 

“Wow! That sounds like so much fun! We can do it either way but CD would be better. This is such a sweet thing for all of you to do and she will love it”

 

We proceeded to download the song and discuss the specifics including when and how we would pull it off without her knowing with the whole Bridal Party present later tonight night after dinner. When we both felt like our plan was set, we returned to our respective tasks to prepare for the Wedding Cocktail Hour and Reception.

Bridal Party Flash Mob Dance at Wedding surprising Bride and Groom with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

At around 8:30, we connected again to make sure everything was ready and he had communicated with all the Bridal Party and they were all present and prepared. We went over the visual cue I would give him so he can then offer the Bridal Party another cue. We both walked away from our conversation with big, silly grins on our faces.

 The Bridal Party Is Ready!

I could barely contain my excitement as I gave him the nod of my head and eye contact and cued the song. I pressed play and all twelve members of the Bridal Party came from all different directions meeting on the dance floor and to do their choreographed dance. It was fantastic and I had to hold back the tears of laughter and joy. What a beautiful gift to the Bride and Groom! Everybody had so much fun and the smiles and laughs filled the room. Jon and Nikki were the happiest. She came up to me with tears in her eyes  and a big hug and asked how I put this together with The Bridal Party. I explained that her Uncle was the man, not me. She didn’t believe me.

Bridal Party Flash Mob Dance at Wedding surprising Bride and Groom with DJ Mystical Michael

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Freddie Mercury Died 11/24/1991: A DJ Reflects

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Former Queen Lead Singer, Pianist and Lyricist Freddie Mercury died today in 1991 of bronchopneumonia brought on by AIDS. Freddie had come out and stated just the day before that he had contracted AIDS.

 

Freddie Mercury was one of the great singer and songwriters of the modern generation with his flamboyant style, reflective lyrics and dynamic four-octave vocal range.  He has touched fans, dancers and listeners worldwide and is still one of the most requested artists for me as a professional DJ. Just this past Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, a young man from London asked me if I would play Queen’s “Radio Ga Ga”. Of course, I did willingly. It was one, if the most, popular songs of the night at Applebee’s in Hackettstown, NJ. This is not a surprise due ot the wide fan-base that reaches across many genre and tastes.

 

I remember when I first heard Queen’s album A Night At The Opera. I was totally blown away by the vocal range and group harmonies on songs like “You’re My Best Friend” and the now classic “Bohemian Rhapsody”. There was not previously or since a band that has come close to matching their complex vocal harmonies, instrumentation, lyrics and unique style. On stage, they were very dynamic and drew raves from fans and critics alike globally.

Freddie Mercury Humanitarian

Freddie Mercury was a fearless humanitarian and activist that never shied away from criticism or challenges for the rights of others. He and Queen perofmed at many famous benefit concerts including Music For Kampuchia and Live Aid. At the Live Aid performance, the crowd spontneously began to clap collectively in the same manner as they had produced in the music video for the song “Radio Ga Ga”. I remember watching on TV and clapping along with them, a very inspirational moment. After, when asked about it, the band stated that it was not planned and they were surprised as anyone else since the audience was not just Queen fans but there for the cause and all the other performing acts as well.

Freddie Mercury & Queen Radio GaGa

Freddie Mercury was born in the nation we now call Tanzania of parents that Parsis from British India. He left behind a legacy few performers and musicians will reach.  All totaled, the band collected 18 number one albums and 18 more number one singles grossing over two hundred million albums sold worldwide.

Freddie Mercury from Queen icon with DJ Mystical Michael

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Happy Thanksgiving From DJ Mystical Michael

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Happy Thanksgiving! I wanted to take a moment and thank of all of our customers, friends and supports for making DJ Mystical Michael a very successful professional DJ & MC! We have had so any great and fun shared experiences and continue to do so. Each Wedding, Party and Event is part of what we are trying to build together; a professional DJ service that meets the needs of those who want something ore than a guy who dresses the part and plays the same music as every other professional DJ in the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania area. We now have begun to create something special together. Those who have worked with me know that they receive a unique and personal service to make certain you have an exceptional Wedding, Party or Event that you and your guests will remember and smile about. You know that it is much more to me than ‘just’ being a great DJ & MC, anybody can push buttons on a laptop, it is about you and creating memories and unique experiences collectively.

Bride, Groom and Father Share Hug on Wedding Dance Floor with DJ Mystical Michael

Happy Thanksgiving From DJ Mystical Michael

Thank you again for your continued support and trust in the work we do together to create these exceptional Weddings, Parties and Events! Have a great Thanksgiving!

“Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. Several other places around the world observe similar celebrations. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and on the second Monday of October in Canada. Thanksgiving has its historical roots in religious and cultural traditions, but today is celebrated in a more secular manner.” Wikipedia

Professional NJ & NY Wedding, Party and Event DJ Mystical Michael

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

This Day In Music History: Tommy James

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It was on this date in 1987 that a very unique situation was manifested in the US Billboard Singles Charts. Tommy James had one of his songs, “Mony, Mony” by Bill Idol reach number one. This by itself is not unique but the fact that the week before another of his singles recorded by Tiffany, “I Think We’re Alone Now” was number one is unique!

Tommy James & The Shondells Mony, Mony

It is very unusual for songs written almost twenty years earlier to be back to back number one hits by different recording artists. Tommy James was a great singer and songwriter with may classic American Pop hits. Along with the already mentioned songs, Tommy James wrote and enjoyed success with songs like “Crimson and Clover”, “Hanky Panky” “Crystal Blue Persuasion”, “Draggin’ The Line”  and “Sweet Cherry Wine”. Joan Jett achieved success with her cover version of “Crimson and Clover” as well.

Tommy James was one of the musical artists that was continually in a fight with the recording industry and was left somewhat pennyless with all the hits he penned and recorded with his group The Shondells. It is a shame that this has to happen to artists like Tommy James and others.

Tommy James & The Shondells I Think We’re Alone Now

Enjoy the music videos of Tommy James originals!

The Tommy James Story

“The music of Tommy James is heard continuously, everyday, in every country in the world: on the radio, television or a film soundtrack. To date, he’s sold over 100 million records and has been awarded 23 gold singles plus nine gold and platinum albums…

As of 2011, over 300 artists have recorded their rendition of a Tommy tune (among them Prince, R.E.M, Tom Jones, Cher, and Concrete Blond) or performed his songs in concert (including Bruce Springsteen, Kelly Clarkson, Santana, and Broken Bells).

Over the years, Tommy’s music has graced countless movies, television shows, and advertisements. Notable appearances on the big screen include spots in Forrest Gump, Oliver Stone’s Heaven And Earth, Cape Fear, Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead, We Are Marshall, Pirate Radio, and the 1999 summer blockbuster Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.” The Official Site of Tommy James & The Shondells

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Fun Rhode Island New Year’s Eve Party DJ

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Every year all professional DJs prepare for being Fun Rhode Island New Year’s Eve Party DJ differently than any other night. It is one of the few nights during the year that we get to be part of such fun and playful party events. I always have had such fun nights as professional DJ for New Year’s Parties. There are typically wide and diverse groups of people together to party, dance and have fun all night. The music that gets played by the Fun Rhode Island New Year’s Eve Party DJ usually includes many genres and styles to meet the party needs of all kinds of people.

 Exceptional Fun Rhode Island New Year’s Eve Party DJ

An exceptional New Year’s Eve Party has a Fun Rhode Island New Year’s Eve Party DJ, lots of room to party and dance, all sorts of fun and interesting foods and people ready to play all night long. Of course, there is also the ball at midnight and the subsequent kisses that may or may not be planned or expected.

Fun Rhode Island New Year’s Eve Party DJ

In the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Eve (also Saint Silvester‘s Day in many countries), the last day of the year, is on December 31. In many countries, New Year’s Eve is celebrated at evening social gatherings, where many people dance, eat, drink alcoholic beverages, and watch or light fireworks to mark the new year. Some people attend a watchnight service.[1] The celebrations generally go on past midnight into January 1 (New Year’s Day).  Wikipedia

Last year on New Year’s Eve I was the Fun Rhode Island New Year’s Eve Party DJ at a smaller private party down on The Jersey Shore. The people were fun and they had a great time. In fact, I cannot remember ever being the Fun Rhode Island New Year’s Eve Party DJ that was not a great time and full of dancing and partying.

Five weeks away to this years version of Fun Rhode Island New Year’s Eve Party DJ!

Fun and Beautiful Party Dancers with Fun New Year's Eve Party DJ - Fun Rhode Island New Year's Eve Party DJ

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

Thanksgiving DJ Songs

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I was thinking earlier tonight while preparing for a DJ gig this week, that it might be fun to post a short list of Thanksgiving DJ Songs for DJs, or anyone to add to their Thanksgiving Day. This is just a list I threw together and far from conclusive. None are particularly religious but still think they have some meaning and value around this time of year.  Let me know hat you think ad what would be other good songs to add to the list.

Thanksgiving DJ Songs List

Peace Train Cat Stevens 4:13 Greatest Hits Pop 83 1971 256 kbps (VBR)
Thank You For Loving Me Bon Jovi 5:09 04.Recessional Music 128 kbps
Thank You Dido 3:45 Billboard Top 100 of 2001 Pop 2001 128 kbps
Thanks For The Memories Fall Out Boy 3:24 Infinity On High Rock 2007 248 kbps (VBR)
Thank You Boyz II Men 4:35 Billboard Top 100 of 1995 R&B 1995 160 kbps
What a Wonderful World Louis Armstrong 2:22 04.Recessional Music 128 kbps
Thank You Keith Urban 5:15 Defying Gravity Country & Folk 2009 256 kbps (VBR)
Thank God I found Mariah Carey feat Joe & 98 Degrees 4:18 Billboard Top 100 of 2000 Pop 2000 192 kbps
Thank you Led Zeppelin 4:50 09.Cake Cutting Songs 225 kbps (VBR)
I Thank You Sam And Dave 2:53 Billboard Top 100 of 1968 Top 40 1 1968 128 kbps
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving George Winston 2:31 Linus & Lucy: The Music Of Vince Guaraldi Jazz 1996 256 kbps (VBR)
Thank God I’m A Country Boy John Denver 3:08 Billboard Top 100 of 1975 Pop 1975 160 kbps

Father, Bride and Groom Hug on Wedding Dance Floor with Thanksgiving DJ Songs

What are you favorite Thanksgiving DJ Songs?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

 

Teen DJ Party Music

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Teen DJ Party Music. Recently, I was having fun hanging-out with a friend, her daughter and her daughter’s best friend.  They were singing the lyrics to Ke$ha’s “Die Young”. A minute later, they came running up to me all excited, “Michael, do you have Ke$ha “Die Young”?”

 

“I do.”

 

“Can you play it for us, please?” I was uploading some music to my Amazon Cloud Player and already had my iTunes library open.

 

“Of course!” It took but about thirty seconds to get the song playing and the girls smiling and dancing in the living room. About fouir minutes later full of giggles and cheering, “Michael, do you have any Britney Spears?”

 

“I have plenty of Britney Spears, what song do you want to hear?” I typed in her name and a whole list of songs came on the screen with two young girls crowding in front to see, while pointing at one song after another.

 

Finally, they looked at each other and simultaneously said to me, “All of them!”

 

“It will take all day since I have so many of her songs.”

“Great! Now we can dance all night!”  And so it began. We had an impromptu dance party of Teen DJ Party Music.

DJ Party Lights at Teen Dance Party Music with New JerseyTeen DJ Party Music DJ

 Fun Teen DJ Party Music

This kind of thing reminds me how much fun Teen DJ Party can be for a professional DJ. It seems that many DJs and parents think there is some mystery to making a fantastic Teen DJ Party, for me it is simple; have all the latest and most popular dance songs for teens and turn the music on. I think many parents who are not familiar with their kids music tastes get fearful that others may not know the music as well and will have to hire a young DJ with little or no experience who may flirt with the teenagers and say and do things that parents don’t want at their parties. This is a genuine concern. The solution is easy; hire a true professional DJ that stays current of Teen DJ Party music and trends and is clean, respectful and attentive to yours and your teen party’s needs.

 

I invite yo to take your tine hiring the correct professional DJ for your teen dance party, whether a Sweet Sixteen, Birthday or Graduation Party Teen DJ Party.

Teen DJ Party Dancing at Fun Sweet Sixteen Party

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ.