Category Archives: DJ Blog

The First Dance: Wedding DJ

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It is very common for couples preparing for their wedding day to be nervous about The First Dance.  Not all of us have the potential to be dancers for Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, present company included. For those who are a bit more self-conscious than most folks, it can be down-right stressful, especially if you are not a dancer.

 

I met with a nice young couple last week to help prepare their wedding DJ music and coordination.  It turns out they are both Rockers who do not dance, nor enjoy it. They shared that they are trying to cram a last minute dance class before their September wedding. As someone who dances a lot but is not ‘skilled’ or ‘art in motion’, I smiled at their ambition. One or two classes may not get them much improvement, but it might offer them some confidence, which may be more essential.

It has been my experience there are only a few couples of their First Dance that leave a lasting impression beyond the moment itself. The joy and celebration of the dance sticks with most of us. Here are a few examples of First Dances.

 

 

1) The REAL dancers! The couples that either one or both are trained dancers with plenty of experience whether it be in the studio or the club. They will be remembered for their dancing as well as the experience. I think they are an overwhelming minority of Weddings I have been professional DJ.

 

 

2) The Goofballs! Every now and then I get the opportunity to provide music for a couple who can’t dance and are just out on the dance floor having a blast playing around and being goofy. This takes a large chunk of courage but is a fun experience for everyone and seems to speak loudest of the love and trust they have in each other. I am starting to see this couple as a Wedding DJ more and more and enjoy being present for the expression of creativity and playfulness.

 

 

3) The Awful dancers who are OK with it. We can all see that this is not what they do best and appreciate their willingness to give a genuine attempt, knowing in advance they will not succeed and are embracing it fully.  I sense that most of us hold this couple dearest to our hearts. Who can’t feel inspired by a couple who are willing to put themselves out there fully without any track record to fall back on? The nervous steps and Wedding Dress caught under the feet while she blushes and giggles is a moment we capture in our mental image long after the wedding or dance. It is a statement about love and faith in each other, themselves and their friends and family.

 

 

Hint #1: If you do not qualify for #1, people are less interested in your skills as dancers and just enjoying being with you during the dance. We are celebrating the moment with you and rarely notice how well you do or do not dance with the exception of the couples who actually choreograph their First Dance with skill and precision, who are the vast minority.

 

Hint #2: Have fun! Enjoy your time and attention on the dance floor.  It’s yours and no one can take it from you.

 

 

As someone who comes form the Shaquile O’Neal-Free Throw-School-Of-Dance, meaning, just because I do it a lot does not mean I am any good at it; I invite you to have fun and enjoy your partner, family and friends. The steps themselves are not the focus, it is the symbol and tradition that typically hold most significance.I know, I am a professional Wedding DJ.

Obviousoly not a First Dance or wedding photo.  I did not experience this dance in person. I am blown away by this image every time I see it. Hope you are too!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Professional DJ Party Lights

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I have been asked several times recently by potential clients, “What kind of DJ party light do you have?”

 

I giggle inside because I know if I share the names of the lights they will not know what I am talking about. Truthfully, I too do not keep up on all the different lights for professional DJs that are out there these days. The good news is we have many options as professional DJs today for what kind of lights we want to use to add some ‘juice’ to the right gigs. Not all events will DJ party lights be a good fit.

 

Here are some of the DJ lights I regularly bring to events that they are successful in adding another element to the party. I have others that are not included but here are images of the sone of the more popular ones:

 

 

 

 

 

 

They sure make for fun wedding and parties!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Facilitates Dance As A Community Experience

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Many people think of dancing as an individual and personal experience. Others may view dancing as a romantic and/or sensual means of connecting with a special person or partner. Dancing may also be a fun way of creating and building community. I thought it would be interesting to express this idea through images of experiences I have participated as professional DJ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community building through music and dance via the DJ.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

What Makes A Great Party?

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This afternoon a recently married Groom called me after returning from their honeymoon, which he was beaming about. He wanted to thank me for the great time they all had at their wedding. The three of us became friends while planning and coordinating their wedding over the previous half year. We shared meals, laughs, stories and ideas while creatively making a great wedding for them. It worked thankfully!

During our conversation, it occurred to me that the music, the clothes, the food, the service and the venue all matter but none of them by themselves can make a great party. I think it is the people. Mark and Yomi have great friends and family. It was evident to me even while I was busy producing the soundtrack to their day as their Wedding DJ. Their friends and family genuinely wanted to be part of their celebration and were supportive of everything they chose. I am sure there were some disagreements along the way, but at the wedding itself it was about Mark and Yomi and having a great time.

I met with another couple later this afternoon who are in the beginning stages of planning their wedding. I still had fresh in my mind my conversation with Mark, his remarks and my thoughts on the people being the primary ingredient in a fantastic party. When speaking with them, I asked more questions then I typically do in a first meeting. I want to know about them and their guests to know how best to make certain they too have a great wedding. They are a nice couple who are taking their time to make this be what they want but recognize they need to let professionals do what they do best, trusting the experience we have. I took the time to learn more about them and their friends and family. I think I will do a better job of this from now. I look froward to the opportunity to work with them and do my part in creating a great party for them and their guests to share.

What do you think makes a great party?

 

What is the most essential ingredient?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Popular Garter Toss Songs

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Since we took a look at Bouquet Toss Songs, it seemed like a great idea as professional Wedding DJ to also inspect the Garter Toss Songs that can be used for Garter Removal as well. I know some folks are not wanting Garter Toss at their weddings these days but for those who do want to include it in your Wedding Traditions, here are some suggestions:

1 Queen Another One Bites The Dust
2 Gaye, Marvin Let’s Get It On
3 ZZ Top Legs
4 Nelly Hot In Herre
5 Hendrix, Jimi Foxey Lady
6 Clayton, Adam & Larry Mullen Theme From Mission: Impossible
7 Def Leppard Pour Some Sugar On Me
8 Warrant Cherry Pie
9 Loggins, Kenny Danger Zone
10 Yello Oh Yeah
11 Right Said Fred I’m Too Sexy
12 Van Halen Hot For Teacher
13 Timberlake, Justin Sexyback
14 Cocker, Joe You Can Leave Your Hat On
15 Hammer, M.C. U Can’t Touch This
16 AC/DC You Shook Me All Night Long
17 ZZ Top Sharp Dressed Man
18 Tone Loc Wild Thing
19 Salt-N-Pepa Whatta Man
20 Survivor Eye Of The Tiger
21 Presley, Elvis A Little Less Conversation
22 Hot Chocolate You Sexy Thing
23 Jay-Z Feat. Ugk Big Pimpin’
24 Georgia Satellites Keep Your Hands To Yourself
25 Rose, David And His Orchestra The Stripper
26 Inner Circle Bad Boys (Theme From Cops)
27 Baha Men Who Let The Dogs Out
28 Flight Of The Conchords Business Time
29 Mancini, Henry The Pink Panther Theme
30 Flo Rida Feat. Keisha Right Round
31 Thorogood, George & The Destroyers Bad To The Bone
32 Weather Girls It’s Raining Men
33 Kravitz, Lenny American Woman
34 Beyonce Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
35 Motley Crue Girls, Girls, Girls
36 Beastie Boys Girls
37 Derulo, Jason Ridin’ Solo
38 Mcgraw, Tim Real Good Man
39 Rose, David And His Orchestra Stripper
40 Village People Macho Man
41 Lee, Peggy Fever
42 Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling
43 Paisley, Brad I’m Still A Guy
44 Spears, Britney Womanizer
45 Commodores Brick House
46 Conti, Bill Gonna Fly Now (Theme From Rocky)
47 Prince Kiss
48 Stewart, Rod Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?
49 Benatar, Pat Hit Me With Your Best Shot
50 White, Barry Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe

Which do you think are best and which just don’t belong on the list?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

3 Steps To Hiring An Excellent DJ

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3 Steps To Hiring An Excellent DJ

1)  Do your homework.

Check out their website first, it will fill in the blanks on who and what you are cosniderig for your wedding or event DJ. Do they feel like someone you would invite as a guest? Will they make your guests feel welcomed by their requests and suggestions?

 

Read their reviews on their site and reviews left on other sites like Yelp, Wedding Wire and Thumbtack, etc. Do they sound genuine or written by friends and family of the DJ? Do the speak to your concerns and wishes for your wedding or event?

 

Ask for former client references and actually take the time to call or write them and ask the questions that matter to you most about your professional DJ.  Did they listen and honor your needs and requests? Did they make your guests feel welcome to request songs and offer suggestions?  Was the music sensational? Was the professional DJ fun and interactive with your guests?

 

2) Get to know your Professional DJ before signing a contract.

Are they someone you will enjoy working with?  Are they personable but not over-the-top?  Are they interested in your input and concerns? Will you have fun creating a playlist with them or will you feel left out of planning your own wedding or event? Will your guests enjoy their presence at your wedding or event?  Are they taking the time to listen and not just talk and sell themselves? Are you confident in their experience, professionalism and skills to make an outstanding wedding or event? Are they another cookie-cutter DJ service or will they individualize what they do for you? Can you feel that they actually care about you and your wedding or event? Will they be fun?

 

3) Trust your instincts!  You know what you want. You know how you want to make it happen.  You know who can do it with you and make you feel respected and appreciated. Listen to yourself and do not let a salesperson convince you otherwise. Trust yourself and your ‘gut’ feeling.  Make sure that everything you want is covered till you feel comfortable with the plan before you sign the contract. And maybe most important, be comfortable with the contract and the professional DJ’s back-up plan if there is an unexpected  situation. Are they mature and experienced enough to change gears on-the-fly if needed? Do you trust them to honor what you have agreed to in the contract?

Do they have a guarantee?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Lists Most #1 Hits on The Billboard HOT 100 All-Time By Artist

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Time to look at Billboard’s 50th Anniversary List of Top #1 Hits by Artist
20 – The Beatles First No. 1: “I Want to Hold Your Hand” (1964)

18 – Mariah Carey First No. 1: “Vision of Love” (1990)

13 – Michael Jackson First No. 1: “Ben” (1972)

12 – Madonna First No. 1: “Like a Virgin” (1984)

12 – The Supremes First No. 1: “Where Did Our Love Go” (1964)

11 – Whitney Houston First No. 1: “Saving All My Love for You” (1985)

10 – Janet Jackson First No. 1: “When I Think of You” (1986)

10 – Stevie Wonder First No. 1: “Fingertips – Pt. 2” (1963)

9 – Bee Gees First No. 1: “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” (1971)

9 – Elton John First No. 1: “Crocodile Rock” (1973)

9 – Paul McCartney & Wings First No. 1: “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” (1973)

8 – The Rolling Stones First No. 1: “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1965)

8 – Usher First No. 1: “Nice and Slow” (1998)

I am not surprised The Beatles are on top, Michael Jackson #3 or Madonna  #4 but was not expecting Mariah Carey to be #2, 18 #1 hits is incredible! Really the rest of the list are all legends except Usher. Artists known throughout the world among many ages, genres and cultures.  If you integrate The Beatles, Paul McCartney & Wings, solo and other collaborations Paul’s collective accomplishments, he is totaling 33 #1 hits. I remember my father bringing home the ’45’ of “I Want To Hold Your Hand”.  The B side in The UK was “This Boy” but in The USA it was “I Saw Her Standing There”, the copy I quickly ruined through overplay and youthful exuberance..

 

Half the top 8 were Motown artists; Michael & Janet Jackson, The Supremes and Stevie Wonder. It is interesting to view The Bee Gees as one recording artist since they experienced two completely separate ‘careers’ starting with the Folk Rock Hits beginning with “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” and reformed in the late 70’s with their Disco hits like “Night Fever” and Stayin’ Alive”.

 

It never would have occurred to me “Crocodile Rock” was Elton’s first #1 Billboard hit. I did some research and Honkey Chateau made it #1 in the album charts but no #1 single till “Crocodile Rock”.

 

Where is Elvis you ask? Good question! Elvis had 20 #1 hits but Billboard was celebrating their 50th Anniversary of The HOT 100, which was established in 1958, and he had 13 of those #1’s before The HOT 100 existed.

Which artists are you surprised are on the list and which did you think would be but aren’t?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

What Wedding DJs Should NOT Do

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On Saturday night I was an actual guest at a wedding. One of my cousin’s got married to his high school sweetheart and it was a great time to see family that I do not typically get to spend time with. They are a good couple and glad they are finally getting married.

 

It was also an opportunity to listen to how my family members would respond to the professional DJ without asking questions, a data collection mission of sorts. The comments were somewhat surprising but more importantly, they mirrored what I was experiencing as well unfortunately. I am not one of those people that likes to criticize my peers. Here are a list of lessons I learned, again, about the honor of being a professional DJ and MC at a wedding:

1) Never let your microhone be louder than the typical volume of the music. It jars guests and is hard to hear what is being said.

2) Pay attention to the crowd. They will ‘tell’ you what to play and what not to play.

3) Don’t force the issue. If you want to move towards a genre or era of music, let it happen naturally and don’t make the guests switch gears without a proper segue.

4) Remember all the guests! As a Wedding DJ it is easy to fall in love with what is working and forget the rest of the room. Diversity is the key.

5) Keep your eyes on the people not dancing as well as those on the dance floor. Often the secret to an excellent event can be seen in the eyes, expressions and energy of those that are not participating. If they look bored or disinterested it is revealing of something. If they are having fun and full of energy and excitement, the fact that they are not dancing does not mean that you are not being successful.

6) Cheesy DJ/MCs are rarely appreciated.

7) Invite guests to make requests and honor them. The may think think you do not accept them if there is no offer.

8) Enjoy yourself! Who wants a Wedding DJ that looks miserable?

 

The reinforcement of the basic challenge of a professional Wedding DJ was clear to me in the reality of trying to meet the needs of The Bride and Groom and their guests. It only takes a bit of communication for this to be resolved and a great wedding is the result.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Wedding DJs Changing Genre At A Wedding

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Preparing earlier today for tomorrow’s wedding on Long Beach Island, NJ, I noticed that each component of the wedding has its own genre. This was the playlist created together with The Bride, like all good Wedding DJs do. She wanted ‘chill music’ for the Cocktail Hour with Bob Marley, Jack Johnson, Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison and Norah Jones, amongst others; all great stuff.  The dinner music for the Reception includes artists like Josh Kelley, The Cure, Jason Mraz, Del Amitri and Red Hot Chili Peppers with other sprinkled in.  Then party time with Taio Cruz, Pitbull, Rihanna, David Guetta and some older favorites like Bel Biv Devoe and Montell Jordan.

 

I continue to be impressed with the diversity of music that Brides and Grooms are requesting for their weddings lately. It is not like it used to be with folks only wanting one genre and nothing else.  Should be a great wedding with fun people. The Bride was very careful in planning every detail to her liking along the way including the music. As a professional Wedding DJ, I appreciate knowing what The Bride and Groom want to hear. It is even better when we have had enough communication to know what directions we can take it to meet the needs of her friends and family.

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Spins An Oldies But Goodies Anniversary Party

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Saturday Night could not come fast enough for the adult children of two happy couples celebrating 50 years of marriage. Imagine trying to plan a double surprise anniversary party for your parents and your spouse’s parents on the same night!  The good news is that all the siblings helped put the event together and kept the secret all along the way.

 

After dinner they each said a few words about their parents and most were tear-filled.  Their parents were beaming from ear-to-ear and did not stop smiling till we were breaking down our gear at 10:30pm.  After the announcements, we turned up the volume and Oldies Tunes from the 50’s and 60’s started the fun part of the night.  They reminded me why I enjoy this music so much as a professional DJ. It is fun, playful and great to dance to for young and old. There were even some kids and teens on the floor grinning and moving to The Drifters, Dion & The Belmonts, The Four seasons and Bill Haley and The Comets.

 

 

My ride home from The Holiday Inn in  Manahawkin, NJ was nice while reflecting on the party and the celebration of two marriages still going strong 50 years later. I know us professional DJs participate in so many events but I still get moved by special moments and celebrations.

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ