Tag Archives: Best Rhode Island DJ

Pitbull and Ne-Yo Give Me Everything

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I hesitated when choosing Pitbull and Ne-Yo Give Me Everything because as a ‘general rule’, I try not to support musicians that wear sunglasses indoors. It makes no sense and it speaks to someone who is working to create a quality brand more than a quality sound. I let it go since I wanted to focus  more on Ne-Yo more than Pitbull. By the way, Pitbull explained the reason behind choosing his stage name, saying about the dog “They bite to lock. The dog is too stupid to lose. And they’re outlawed in Dade County. They’re basically everything that I am. It’s been a constant fight.

Fun Wedding Party DJ Pitbull and Ne-Yo Give Me Everything

Shaffer Chimere Smith, Jr. (born October 18, 1979), better known by his stage name Ne-Yo, is an American pop and R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor.  Ne-Yo was born in Camden, Arkansas, and baptized as Shaffer Chimere Smith. “Chimere” is a name originating from the Igbo language in Nigeria meaning “God’s Deed”. His father is African American, and his mother is of mixed African American and Chinese descent; both were musicians. As a young child, he was raised by his mother alone after she separated from his father. In hopes of better opportunity, his mother relocated the family to Las Vegas, Nevada. Pitbull and Ne-Yo Give Me Everything is one of his greatest hits to date.

Pitbull and Ne-Yo Give Me Everything Music Video Featuring Afrojack and Nayer

Both Pitbull and Ne-Yo Give Me Everything have been arrested in their lives. It appears that Ne-Yo has worked out some of his issues and seems headed to a healthier lifestyle. We can never hold it against an individual for making unwise choices unless they continue to do so, none of us are perfect. His sweet and soft voice and creative lyrics make him a popular and respected artist and producer in the Pop, R&B and Hip Hop communities.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ 

 

Clarence Clemons Tribute (Jungleland)

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As a New Jersey teenager in the 70’s and 80’s, it was hard not to be a Bruce Springsteen fan. He spoke to a time and place in our shared story and had those riveting live performances that lasted anywhere from 3-4.5 hours with everybody leaving covered in sweat.  As soaked in sweat as Bruce Springsteen was by the end of the night, equally drenched was The Big Man on The Saxophone, Clarence Clemons.

 

This clip is from a performance in 2009 with Clarence Clemons performing one of my favorite solos of Clarence Clemons, “Jungleland”.

Clarence Clemons Tribute “Jungleland” Music Video

I remember when Izod Center (originally Brendan Byrne Arena, formerly Continental Airlines Arena and commonly Meadowlands Arena) first opened and they booked Frank Sinatra and Bruce Springsteen to perform the first and second weeks respectively.  I had the opportunity to obtain tickets to two of the Springsteen shows. Those were some great memories for me.  Clarence Clemons, you will be missed and remembered.

Clarence Clemons Hartford Civic Center, April 24, 2009 Born to Run

Clarence Clemons playing his “Born to Run” saxophone solo with house lights up. Hartford Civic Center, April 24, 2009.

Clarence Clemons and How He Became Part of The E Street Band

Clarence Anicholas Clemons, Jr. (January 11, 1942 – June 18, 2011), also known as The Big Man, was an American musician and actor. From 1972 until his death, he was a prominent member of Bruce Springsteen‘s E Street Band, playing the tenor saxophone.

 

“One night we were playing in Asbury Park. I’d heard The Bruce Springsteen Band was nearby at a club called The Student Prince and on a break between sets I walked over there. On-stage, Bruce used to tell different versions of this story but I’m a Baptist, remember, so this is the truth. A rainy, windy night it was, and when I opened the door the whole thing flew off its hinges and blew away down the street. The band were on-stage, but staring at me framed in the doorway. And maybe that did make Bruce a little nervous because I just said, “I want to play with your band,” and he said, “Sure, you do anything you want.” The first song we did was an early version of “Spirit in the Night“. Bruce and I looked at each other and didn’t say anything, we just knew. We knew we were the missing links in each other’s lives. He was what I’d been searching for. In one way he was just a scrawny little kid. But he was a visionary. He wanted to follow his dream. So from then on I was part of history.” Clarence Clemons

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

New MacBook For Rhode Island DJ

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I hate to admit it but I am a bit of a techno geek. I am not sure why it bothers me so much to accept this but I resist it like my life depended on it. Few things get me as excited as opening a box of some new gadget or piece of electronic equipment. As a Rhode Island DJ and Boston DJ, it is not OK to have mediocre equipment. It was time to upgrade to a faster and more powerful Mac. I will still use the same djay Software that I love. Of course, my BOSE L1 System with Bass I adore and will not switch till they come out with something better.

djay Software for Rhode Island DJ

djay transforms your Mac into a full-fledged DJ system for Rhode Island DJ

Allowing you to mix your iTunes music library on a hyper-realistic turntable interface. Perform live, record mixes on-the-go, or enable Automix mode and let djay mix your favorite playlist automatically. With unprecedented ease-of-use and innovative features likeHarmonic Match, djay for Mac takes DJing to the next level andoffers a unique experience for beginners and professionals alike.

BOSE L1 with Bass for Rhode Island DJ

BOSE L1® Model 1S system with B1 Bass for Rhode Island DJ

  • Recommended for audiences up to 400
  • 12-speaker articulated line array delivers 180-degree horizontal sound coverage
  • Produces consistent tonal balance with less volume drop-off over distance
  • System’s interconnecting pieces allow for easy transport, setup and breakdown
  • B1 bass module included

Spend less time setting up your gear and more time enjoying it. The new L1 Model 1S portable line array system delivers a potent combination of portability and performance. It’s compact and light enough to make setup quick and easy, yet powerful enough to fill a mid-sized venue. This system works well for solo musicians, bands and public speakers. Includes one B1 bass module for enhanced low-end performance.

BOSE L1 with Bass for Rhode Island DJ

Put your PA behind you

The vertical configuration of the system’s small, closely spaced drivers allows the L1 Model 1S system to project sound forward and to the sides—delivering 180-degree coverage—but very little up and down, reducing unwanted reverberation. This produces consistent tonal balance as sound spreads more evenly across the stage and into the audience, and the volume level drops off much more slowly than with a conventional speaker.

Unique Bose® technologies enable the system to serve as both PA and monitor. It can be positioned behind or to the side of the performer—and you hear just what the audience hears. You’re in control, and there’s no need for conventional monitors, mixers and PA systems.

Convenience to go

The three components of the L1 Model 1S system—upper array, lower extension and power stand—connect quickly and easily without the need for separate speaker stands. Setup and breakdown take just minutes. And everything stores neatly into the included carry bags, making transport easy, too.

Deep bass from small enclosures

The B1 bass module is our more portable bass option. It is considerably lighter and smaller than conventional bass bins required for the same performance. And it ensures more accurate amplification of lower notes for most voices and instruments.
With the L1 Model 1S system you can add a second B1 module or power one B2 bass module for more flexibility and even greater power.

Multichannel flexibility

The optional T1 ToneMatch audio engine adds four more channels, so you can expand the system and connect additional instruments and microphones. You can also use the ToneMatch engine to fine-tune your sound with powerful, proprietary tone-shaping tools.

 

Spacial Dispersion and Articulated Array speaker technologies, available only from Bose for Rhode Island DJ

Spatial Dispersion™ and Articulated Array® speaker technologies in the loudspeaker produce wide, uniform sound coverage. The 12 small drivers are arranged using Articulated Array speaker technology in a slim, vertical enclosure—creating nearly 180 degrees of horizontal coverage and consistent tonal balance.

Built-in power amps to drive the loudspeaker and up to two B1 or one B2 bass modules for Rhode Island DJ

Integrated power amplifiers in the power stand provide clean, precise amplification for L1 Model 1S system with up to two B1 bass modules or one B2 bass module.

 

Time get back to playing with my new toy!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

 

 

 

Hey DJ: Only Play Good Music

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“Hey DJ, Only Play Good Music!”

I hear this statement all the time. It is actually kind of funny really. My response changes depending on mood, situation, individual and circumstances.  The truth is that there is no such thing as ‘good music’ or ‘bad music’. Music quality generally is a subjective determination. While one person thinks Kenny Chesney is the best, the next may hate Country Music and think he sounds awful. The next guy may be a total fan of The Ramones but someone who thinks Punk Rock is just loud noise will surely not think The Ramones are ‘good music’ would they? The young woman who adores Michael Buble will not necessarily find agreement from listeners of R&B, Rap or Hip Hop would they? Certainly, very few Classical or Baroque Music collectors will run out to buy the new Ke$ha record the day it hits the stores. How many Jazz Musicians do you think find Usher or Rihanna ‘good musicians’? I think you get the point. I won’t bore you any further with continuing this list of potential music genre contradictions. It does not matter what genre or style we are talking about; Disco, Soul, Reggae, Reggaeton, Pop, Oldies, Motown, Classic Rock, House, Trance, Trip Hop, Merengue, Bachata, Soca, Bollywood, African, K-Pop, J-Pop or anything else. Somebody loves it and somebody hates it.

 

So, what is good music?

 

Simple. Good music is music that you like. It rarely has anything to do with quality, technical ability or how well the songs are written. Most of the time it is what you like and nothing more or less. This is not a bad thing or a good thing, just what is. I realize some people may get offended by this but I believe it is true.  Here is an example of an experience I had about a decade ago.

Me and some guys were sitting around talking one day. A guy I had just met shared that he was a guitarist and music was his life. I immediately sat-up wanting to join the conversation, since obviously I love music and it too is a significant part of my life.

“What kind of guitarist are you and what genre do you play” I asked.

“I am a Blues guitarist and I play Blues and Rock Music.”

“Cool. Who are your influences?”

“Eric Clapton is why I became a guitarist at age fifteen and why I still play today.”

“Wow. I too like Eric Clapton. But what specifically inspired you about him that got you to pick-up the guitar?”

“I think he is the best guitarist that ever lived. That is why I started playing guitar.”

“The greatest guitarist that ever lived? That is a bold statement.” I paused before proceeding, “Were you able to play Eric Clapton when you were in high school?’

“Yes, it didn’t take me too long, since I have listened to him from childhood.”

“Did any of your friends play Clapton in high school as well?”

“Yeah, we were all musicians and loved Clapton. We all played his stuff to a T.”

“If all of you could play his stuff to a T in high school, how can he be the greatest guitarist that ever lived?”

“What do you mean?”

“If he was the greatest guitarist that ever lived, no one would be able to play his stuff and certainly not a bunch of high school students. Right?”

“I never thought about it that way.” He thought for a second, “Humm. I guess that makes sense.”

 

Our conversation went on for a while longer with others joining in and adding their two cents. Again, I think you get the point. I think this is a perfect illustration of musical tastes are predominantly subjective and that is fine. The problem arises when people tell other people their musical taste is “good” or “bad” since so few of us are trained enough in music to know the difference between the ultra-talented and those who can hold a note and play basic chords. Again, this is totally fine. There is nothing wrong with having your own taste in music or any form of artistic expression for that matter. We all need to respect each others musical taste just like every thing else. There is plenty of music I love that is just fun, with little musical skill or talent. Fun music has its place and is an art form of its own and needed. There is also lots of dance music I enjoy just to dance to that I would never listen to at home or in the car. Does that make it ‘bad music’?

What Is Good Music?

I invite you to hesitate for a moment before you yell at the professional DJ at a Wedding, Party or Event, “Hey DJ, play some good music for a change”. It is possible he is playing ‘good music’, just not what you think is ‘good music’. In fact, it may even be that eighty percent of the people at the Wedding or Party love the music he or she are playing already. In addition, it is also possible that they too do not like the music they are playing and just doing an excellent job as a professional DJ of meeting the needs of the Bride, Groom or Party Planner that hired them. Generally speaking, only DJs under the age of twenty-five or twenty-seven play music they like exclusively. Most good, professional adult DJs play music that they are hired to play, not what they want to hear. I listen to the music I like on the way to the Wedding, Party or Event, on my way home or when I get home. Your money is not for me to hear my music  at your event, but your music at your event. This is one of the primary differences between a good professional DJ, and an amateur DJ who is doing it just for fun, popularity, sex or to be cool.

Do you agree that musical taste is mostly subjective? Is there something that qualifies as ‘good music’ regardless of the listener’s personal taste?

Beautiful Fun Women Dancing to Good Music with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Dance School With A Mission

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Tonight I had the opportunity to enjoy a dance performance by The Everett Company Stage School in Providence, Rhode Island, A Hip Hop Holiday. It was fun seeing local youth dance with such passion, commitment and purpose.  Unfortunately, the media often portrays Hip Hop Culture as something bad and violent. Those who know better, are aware of the historical roots of Hip Hop as a Social Movement.

Fun Dance Party with Rhode Island DJ

“By 1989, hip-hop had long since graduated from its humble, thrilling origins as innovative party music in the Bronx in the late 1970s. Hip-hop had become a movement, a collective platform for African-American youth to voice frustration and inspiration alike. It had spread through inner cities and as far as suburbia, but was still seen as a sort of underground and lacked the big pop stars and cash flow of genres like R&B or rock.” (Dead Prez)

For me, it was a means of those who needed a voice to find one and speak their minds through music, verse and poetry.  It was possibly the next wave of social movement after the Sixties.

Dance Saved My Life

Time, money and the record industry have shifted a significant majority of the popular mainstream Hip Hop artists message and style to meet the needs of White, suburban culture. Hip Hop often does not resemble the sound and voice of its humble beginnings as social movement for change.

 

Fortunately, there are many excellent dance schools like Everett that are keeping it alive and sharing it with youth of all shapes, colors and sizes. The dancers echo the deep commitment of their Creative Director, Sokeo Ros

 

 

It was a pleasure to support such a valuable piece of dance, education and culture for talented youth!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Paul McCartney at 12.12.12 Rocks This DJ

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It was such a treat to see Sir Paul McCartney onstage at the 12.12.12 Benefit Concert for Hurricane Sandy! Of course, the whole line-up was great to see from Bruce Springsteen to The Who, Roger Waters and The Rolling Stones to Kanye West and Alicia Keys and Bill Joel.  Most of the performers looked old, well, because they are old. I am not sure why I give a pass to Paul McCartney and not as much the rest of the Classic Rockers who made the trip from near and far to support us here in the New Jersey, New York and Long Island area hit by Hurricane Sandy. There is something about Paul McCartney that is different, I felt it as a kid and still do today. Paul McCartney has that ‘thing’ that few people posses to the degree he does. It also might have something to do with this past Saturday Night being the memorial of John Lennon’s death, which hit me harder this year than most.

 

Paul McCartney’s set began with “Helter Skelter” that somehow seemed very appropriate. “Let Me Roll It” and “Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five”. It was fun to hear this song played with such energy! The video is below.

Paul McCartney Nineteen Hundred Eighty-Five Music Video

Paul McCartney  invited Diana Krall onstage for “My Valentine”. There was also a heartfelt dedication to the victims of Sandy and rendition of “Blackbird”.  Members of the band Nirvana joined Paul McCartney for a song. Paul McCartney then played “I’ve Got A Feeling” and “Live and Let Die”.

Fifty-one years ago Paul McCartney & The Beatles signed with Brian Epstein!

Paul McCartney and Beatles Icon with Rhode Island Rock DJ

I enjoyed many of the performers but Paul McCartney’s set moved me the most. I also was inspired by Bill Joel’s “Miami 2017” and Kanye West’s “Golddigger”. The only negative perspective I would add is that Alicia Keys was the sole female musical performer. She did a great job but would have liked to had more female musicians represented. It was a great night for an excellent cause. Any professional DJ would be thrilled to support this benefit if they live in the area or anywhere.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

John Lennon Life, Death and Influence on A DJ

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John Lennon, born John Winston Lennon and murdered outside his apartment in New York City on December 8th, 1980. John Lennon was and still is one of my heroes, possibly the only one at the time of his murder. His music, lyrics, message and lifestyle inspired me to be a better person and professional DJ.

 

I had the opportunity to view some of John Lennon artwork at an exhibit in Bloomington, Indiana in 1995. The beautiful simplicity had an effect on me and I recall reflecting on how simple he was, which seemed contradictory to what many might view him. John Lennon was a controversial man who pissed-off almost as many people as he inspired. His views on peace and religion caused major ripples throughout American and Western culture at the time, and possibly to a lesser degree today.

John Lennon Imagine

I remember the night he was murdered. I was working as the Resident DJ at a large New Jersey club called The Final Exam. It was somewhat busy for a Monday Night but enough people to have fun and a filled dance floor. I was cueing a record, when one of the Bouncers came running up, out of breath, “Michael, John Lennon was just shot and killed!” I dropped the record to the floor and began to weep. After the song playing ended, I announced over the PA system the news and played “Imagine” even though it was a dance night and not Rock Music. The next day, the radio station I was Program Director collectively decided to play twenty-four hours straight of John Lennon music in all its forms. For the year that followed, I played “Watching The Wheels” as my closing song live and on radio.

John Lennon Watching The Wheels

When I lived in South Korea, where I was an English Teacher, one of the school’s Teachers, who was a friend of mine, decided to use The Beatles, “Let It Be” as a song that her class would sing at the school talent show. She was disappointed at how they were not getting enthusiastic about the performance during their rehearsals. She asked if I would talk to them and explain the song and its significance. I shared with them about Vietnam, Beatlemania, peace, love and the anti-violent messages of the song. I further explained how it impacted people around the world and is considered, along with “Imagine”, to be one of the most famous community-building songs of peace and love for millions then and now. They got it and their performance the following week was powerful.

John Lennon  & Plastic Ono Band Let it Be

It was thirty-two years ago December 8th since his death. He is still one of the most influential people in my life that I have never met personally. He packed so much into his forty years with us; his music changed the music industry and supported a peace movement, along with other social movements at the time. The messages are still with us.

John Lennon give Peace A Chance

http://youtu.be/RkZC7sqImaM

John Lennon & The Beatles Icon

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Volunteer DJ stint turns into second career | Payson Roundup – Payson, AZ

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Life’s funny.

#You never know when some dumb, little moment is a turning point in disguise.

#Witness the life of Fred Carpenter, whose decades of public service led him to his five-year stint as Payson town manager — which ended last year in an ice crystal flurry of controversy.

#But the turning point that led to his latest incarnation as a DJ for weddings and special events and Saturday morning music host on KCMA (98.5 FM) came almost unnoticed nearly a decade ago. At the time, he was town manager of Buckeye, then a sleepy rural community on the outskirts of Phoenix. Someone suggested the town throw a dance for the kids in Buckeye. When Carpenter heard that the only thing standing between the desperately bored teenagers of Buckeye and a happy Friday night was a DJ, he volunteered.

#”I kind of got roped into it,” he says now.

#So every week, he scoured the record stores and bought the current top-10 to gladden the hearts of the restless youth of Buckeye.

#Turns out, the career bureaucrat had music in his soul — and a knack for making people dance.

#”So gradually, people started asking me to do other stuff,” says Carpenter.

#Fast forward through a career in public service and the itinerant life of a town manager. Most city and town managers keep a bag packed. They must carry out the policies of whoever has the votes on the town council. And small towns being what they are, today’s 4-3 majority inevitably becomes tomorrow’s 3-4 minority. And unless the town manager is exceptionally light on his feet, the incoming majority finds a way to blame him for the sins of the old majority. So town managers all have their firings and their contract buyouts and their interesting and speckled resumes.

#After getting his master’s in public administration from Arizona State University, the Army veteran did an internship in Guadalupe, served as the first town manager of Prescott Valley, spent 12 years running Buckeye, did a three-year stint in Heston, Kansas, ran Wickenburg for four years and then served as the Payson town manager for five years.

#And during much of that time, he accumulated a massive collection of music so he could play the sound track to the great moments of people’s lives — especially weddings. He also took on a part-time job as a radio disc jockey first at a radio station in Wickenburg and now at KCMA (98.5 FM).

#His local show airs for two hours on Saturday morning and is partially sponsored by the Payson Roundup. Listeners are treated to the eclectic wanderings of a lifelong music lover and would never suspect from his insightful comments on obscure music trivia and musician meltdown, that he spent most of his life dodging council crossfires and getting the roads paved, the parks planted and the budget balanced.

#”This is totally different from local government,” he says happily. “When you’re playing music — everybody’s happy. In government you can never make everybody happy, no matter what you do.”

#When it comes to picking tunes for the radio show — he’s on a mission.

#”My philosophy is that I want to come up with songs — and artists — people don’t hear all the time. I won’t be playing Suicidal Tendencies, but will find people like Leo Kottke, Lyle Lovett and John Pryne. Or when you do play someone people know, play the songs they don’t hear.

#”Everyone plays “Margaritaville,” but when I play Jimmy Buffett, I can pull any one of 50 great singles that no one ever hears. Rolling Stones, REM, John Stewart — they have a great body of work, most of which you never hear on the radio.”

#So he’s collecting the last of his seven-months of severance pay from Payson, filing for his public employee pension, signing up for Social Security, making people dance at weddings, introducing people to songs they didn’t know they’d love on the radio — and making no plans to leave Payson.

#After a long career as a public service vagabond, Payson is home.

via Volunteer DJ stint turns into second career | Payson Roundup – Payson, AZ.

What Makes The Best Professional DJ?

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First of all, there is no such thing as ‘The Best Professional DJ’. There are many incredible DJs, some that are famous, some are in your local area right here in New Jersey, New York & Pennsylvania. Since there is no one exact thing that makes one DJ better than another, we have to dig a little deeper before making any claims like ‘the Best Professional DJ’.

If the sports world has taught us anything, the best is not always the best. Michael Jordan did not win a title every year, neither did Wayne Gretzky or Tom Brady. First, we have to establish what makes the Best Professional DJ.

Can Crowd-Size Determine The Best Professional DJ?

Crowd-size – Some would say that the professional DJ that is most popular is the best, meaning, the DJ that draws the biggest crowds is the Best Professional DJ. That would be analogous to saying that Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga are the best musicians in the world, since they draw some of the largest audiences. We all know that is not true. They may be great at drawing young audiences but we can’t compare them to some of the great musicians of our time and would not even try.

Sweet Sixteen Party on The Dance Floor with DJ Mystical Michael

 Best Professional DJ Has Quality Remixes

Quality Remixes – It is also possible to use the quality of remixes that a professional DJ produces as a measuring stick for determining the Best Professional DJ. This at least has a technical quality to it and bears merit. An excellent remix of a great song is so much fun to dance and party to. Here is the question though, does a DJ that can produce great remixes in his or her bedroom translate into a DJ that can rock a crowd of all ages and diverse states and styles at your Party or Wedding? Do you want a DJ that can play two or three great remixes that will “Wow” the crowd and let the rest of the night fall dead?

 

Scratching – Same as Remixes. If the DJ can’t inspire a crowd, what good is a wild scratch or two throughout the night do for you and your guests? If you practice long enough in your bedroom anyone can scratch with the best of them, that does not make them the Best Professional DJ.

Best Professional DJ Playing Great Music with DJ Mystical Michael

Best Professional DJ Has The Best DJ Equipment

Best DJ Equipment – As a professional DJ that has also worked in recording studios and an avid audiophile, I understand the need for incredible sound. If you ever get a chance to listen to my BOSE L1 System, you will understand how much great, clear quality sound means to me. I might even be a bit of a fanatic when it comes to my BOSE L1 DJ equipment. But we all know that quality sound doe snot make the best DJ. The DJ still has to know how to rock the room and make sure all people of all styles, tastes and ages are having fun. If it was just about quality of DJ Sound equipment, trust me, I would be the Best Professional DJ or at least one of the best.

Best Professional DJ Equipment BOSE L1

Best Professional DJ Has DJ Insurance

DJ Insurance – DJ Insurance is like DJ Sound equipment, I have excellent DJ insurance that covers up to $1,000,000 but that it does not cover the quality of me reading and inspiring a crowd. DJ insurance is very important but it does not make me the Best Professional DJ, just maybe the smartest and most concerned for you and your Wedding, Party or Event.

 Best Professional DJ Has Great Music

Music – OK, now were getting somewhere! DJ Music is the main thing you hire a professional DJ for. If the DJ does not have a huge musical library that ranges from Top 40 to Oldies to Hip Hop to Rock to Dance to Motown to Disco to Country to House to R&B to World to Latin and the list keeps going, how is the DJ going to make sure everyone at your Wedding, Party or Event will be happy and bragging about it on FaceBook the next day?

Having a huge collection of one genre like Hip Hop or Rock or Latin is good if you are only going to invite people of one age, race, culture, style and taste to your Wedding or Party. If you want to make sure everyone is happy and having fun, the Best Professional DJ needs to have a musical library that covers all the genres to meet the needs of your diverse friends and family.

If a DJ has an excellent musical library of about 25,000 songs (mine is about 40,000), the DJ has enough songs to cover all your guests, but if 20,000 of those songs are just in one genre like House or Hip Hop, how are they going to make sure everyone is having a good time with only 5,000 songs to cover the rest of all fun music? I invite you to remember that you are not the only one listening and dancing to your DJ. Your tastes are very important but are not the only ones to consider when hiring your DJ or determining who is the Best Professional DJ.

DJ Music Library in iTunes with Best Professional Rhode Island DJ

Best Professional DJ Knows The Crowd

DJ Knowing The Crowd –  This is the skill and talent that I think most defines the Best Professional DJ, if there is such a thing.

A great professional DJ can look at a crowd and know in their gut what music needs to be played now, next and in twenty minutes. The DJ is surveying the room from end to end to see who is dancing and having fun and who isn’t. It is not enough to just scan the dance floor because the mark of a great DJ is making sure everyone is included and having fun. It is an istinct that cannot be taught or learned. The Best Professional DJs can just ‘feel’ what the crowd needs and seems to pull out the perfect song one after another. The Best Professional DJs know when to lower the tempo just a touch or more if needed, so you can catch your breath and be able to stay on the dance floor and not need to sit and rest. It is sometimes subtle but important in making sure to keep your party alive.

If you want to find the Best Professional DJ, look for the one that can get you, your friends, your parents and their friends and your Grandparents all on the dance floor and smiling, if smiling and dancing is what you want from your DJ. Find the DJ that somehow can inspire people from diverse backgrounds, races and cultures all to party together at the same time without missing a beat, no pun intended. Here in the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania area, we don’t all look the same or listen to the same music and the best DJs know how to handle this with ease and grace. The Best Professional DJs know from experience that staying at one tempo will burn the crowd out, especially if the DJ chooses fast tempos above 125 beats per minute. It is is a lot of fun when we are dancing to high tempo music but the Best Professional DJs know how to segue and mix it up so you can have fun all night!

Best Professional DJ at Fun Rhode Island Wedding

I am not sure I ended the debate of who is the Best Professional DJ or how to find one. At least I hope you now know what to look for when searching for a great DJ. And we didn’t even cover how well the DJ can use the mic to motivate a crowd or make announcements if you need them. Many DJs are good at spinning great tunes but when you turn the microphone on, they are completely dead and flat, or worse yet, they are cheesy and think they are what the Party is about and won’t shut-up!

 

Please choose your DJ wisely, your event is too important to you to not hire someone you think is the best for your Wedding, Party or Event. You don’t get to do again if the DJ sucks:)

Bride and Groom First Wedding Dance with Friends and Family with Best Professional DJ

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

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

How To Hire The Best DJ

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First, decide what kind of music you want before your search begins. This will help you discern who is the best DJ for you. Next, determine how many hours you will need the DJ and what is your budget.  I encourage you not to make up fake prices for your professional DJ, be honest about what you can spend and stick to it!  Then let your search begin…

 

Does the best DJ play the music you want? Are they willing to expand their selections for you? If they seem resistant, maybe they are not the best DJ for you.

 

Do they take requests from guests? Some of the best DJs only play what was decided in advance and what they think is best. If you want your guests to have input on what music is played, make sure you find a professional DJ that will honor this.

 

Agree on the hours needed plus set-up time. It is also recommended to establish in advance what the rate will be for overtime, if needed. Most professional DJs will charge about 1.5 X their hourly rate for overtime. It can be sticky if you do not agree on this in advance.

Sign a contract! If not, who knows what can happen?

Offer food and beverages to your Event DJ. A professional DJ that has to go an entire wedding or event without food is not going to perform at peak level with the energy and enthusiasm you want. Most venues will offer you a reduced rate for feeding your Event DJ. It is helpful to allow the best DJ to eat in another location so they do not have to eat in front of the whole reception. This means they will need to be prepared to have music ready to play while they are eating, you do not want silence during their break.

Do you need a professional DJ that is also an MC or a DJ with an MC as a two-person team?

Many of the best DJs also have experience as professional MCs and enjoy the opportunity to be more involved in your wedding. They can provide energy and excitement to your reception. The best DJs are comfortable making announcements such as your Introductions, First Dance, Special Dances, Cake Cutting and whatever else you need. This will work in most cases. Some Brides want a separate MC to be able to get out on the dance floor to make Introductions, lead dances and generally add flavor and energy to your wedding. If hiring a two-person team, I recommend this to be identified in the beginning to make sure the professional DJ Team can provide this service for you.  A good professional MC will add to your reception and help everyone get more involved.

What happens if there is an equipment failure? It is helpful to know what their back-up plan is if there is an unexpected problem. Many of the best DJs will have a back-up hard-drive ready if they have computer problems, or an iPod to cover quick fix or even an extra set of speakers if needed. When you are speaking with them, do you get the sense they will be able to handle a problem if one should arise? Follow your gut, if you feel they will get shaken easily, do you want to add more stress to your special day?

What kind of experience do they have and how may years or decades have they been doing weddings? Being a Club DJ and a Wedding DJ or Event DJ are as different as men and women.  There are some of us that excel at both but that is rare. Most have a specialty and that is what they feel most comfortable doing. Make certain they have plenty of wedding and event experience.

Ask for references. Most Former Brides and Grooms that have had good experiences with their DJs are excited about sharing this with future couples.  They know what a big day this is and want to support others going through the same experience. One or two is usually enough for you to get a feel for what they do and how they do it. A resume is not needed or helpful, anybody can write anything on a piece of paperJ

Are they fun? If they are not fun, do you want them at your wedding or party?

Finally, do you sense they really want to be part of your wedding or party, or just looking for work? Again, follow your gut. The best DJ can make or break your event.Trust your instincts and know you will make the right choice! This is one aspect of the wedding or event that needs to feel right for you! Trust me, your friends and family will have a great time if the professional DJ does their job to perfection. Pick the right one and make sure you have at least spoken to them on the phone, if not met with them in-person. Hiring the best DJ via the Internet without “real-life” contact is not a wise decision. It’s your wedding or event, the right professional DJ will make all the difference.

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Do they offer a guarantee?

Do they know they excel as a DJ and MC? Some DJs want you to have that same confidence so you can focus your attention and energy into other areas of your wedding. If a good professional  DJ knows you and your guests will have fun, they can offer a guarantee since they am certain you will want to pay them for their excellent service. You are investing in DJ by hiring us and sending us a deposit. We can invest in your wedding or event by offering a guarantee that states if you are not happy with our performance, you do not have to pay the remainder of the balance. Period.  A good professional DJ will offer you a guarantee so you have peace of mind at your wedding. Make sure your DJ offers a guarantee.

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