Tag Archives: Boston DJ

Hey Hey We’re The Monkees: A Rhode Island DJ Remembers

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I was just a little boy when I first saw The Monkees on TV; we still called it television back then.  They were a hilarious group of guys who happened to also make music, at least that is how I viewed them at the time through my child’s mind. I sang their songs and even owned a few of their albums including The Monkees and More of The Monkees.  In fact, I had an argument with my second grade teacher about the proper spelling of the word monkey since I have had ‘proof’ that it was spelled monkee, not monkey.

DJ Mystical Michael plays The Monkees

 

As I got a little bit older as an adolescent, I never admitted liking The Monkees when I was younger; I was too ‘cool’ for that. I never even threw my Monkees records away. They weren’t playable due to the fact that I was a kid and records of both sizes made great Frisbees.

 

Davy Jones was a legend among girls my age. They would swoon at the mere mention of his name. A photo would produce sighs and giggles without the ability for them to stop themselves. I think somewhat analogous to DJ Mystical Michael plays The Monkees with Davy JonesJustin Bieber today. Thee 60’s had many heartthrobs and Davy Jones was at the top of the list.

 

Many artists have either recorded, performed or credited The Monkees including Run-DMC. A little known fact is The Jimi Hendrix Experience was an opening act for The Monkees in July of 1967 and it was their first American concert tour. Hendrix music and sexual nature did not go over well with The Monkees wholesome teen audience. Hendrix gave the audience the ‘middle finger’ several times and eventually quit the tour due to his lack of audience appreciation.  It is funny to think of Hendrix and The Monkees together on a concert tour and Hendrix being booed of stage in favor of The Monkees.

 

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have snubbed The Monkees allegedly due to them not playing their own instruments often on their records, which is more commonplace today than it was in the 60’s.

DJ Mystical Michael plays The Monkees

 

Regardless of what you think about The Monkees as musicians, they were an incredibly talented group of guys that made music fun and had no trouble playing absolute fools on TV. They entertained a generation in a way not previously demonstrated. They made five #1 albums and three #1 singles in a two-year period. Pretty impressive when you think about The Beatles and The Beach Boys were part of their competition.

 

Davy, thanks for the fun, laughs, music and memories. You gave us all permission to not think that music or life needs to be all that serious most of the time.

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Why I DJ Weddings: A Rhode Island DJ Tells His Story

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I was working at an Audio/Video recording and production studio a couple of years ago. It was when I first returned to The USA after living and traveling in Asia for a year and a half. One of my projects was to launch a DJ Wedding and Event Agency for the studio. We were mildly successful until I left.

 

One day the owner asked me if I would be willing to record a live conversation on why I enjoy being a Rhode Island DJ and Entertainer so much. I laughed and without thinking agreed that together we could create an excellent Rhode Island Wedding, Party and Event DJ Agency. Next thing you know he has me sitting down in front of the main board with a camera pointed in my direction, and we were recording footage! We created this video about Why I DJ Weddings live with no breaks!

 

Of course, I had not prepared for this at all and was dressed very casual for a video about Rhode Island Wedding DJs. Eight minutes later we had the raw footage for the video. And raw it was!  This was what we salvaged from that day. Maybe not the most professional or well-produced piece I have worked on but entertaining.

 

As a Rhode Island Wedding DJ and Entertainer in the Rhode island or Boston area, we are held to a very high standard of professionalism and skill level. It weeds out some of the professional DJs who have limited experience and training trying to pose as professionals. In other areas of the country they may get away with it but not here.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=h6_nEhCLXR0%26context

Let me know what you think of this video. What did I leave out and what made most sense to you?

DJ Mystical Michael- Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ 

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

Rock Band Fined For Profanity During Live Performance

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The year was 1970 in Oklahoma City. The date was today, Febrauary 27th. The band was Jefferson Airplane. The use of profanity broke a local ordinance. They were fined $1000 for this violation. The ordinance was drawn up due to Jim Morrison of The Doors allegedly exposing himself at a concert in Miami the year before.

 

Imagine an artist being fined today for use of profanity at a life show?

 

When I was growing up, it was a really big deal when there was a song with a curse word. I think about Pink Floyd, The Who and The Rolling Stones. In fact, the Van Morrison song, “Brown Eyed Girl” was banned from some radio stations due to this line, “making love in the green grass.” Just the mention of sex in a song was still taboo in 1967.

 

Early in my career as a DJ working in radio, we received a list of banned songs on a regular basis. One of the college radio stations I was Music Director and then Program Director would have team meetings to determine which songs we deemed OK for airplay from this list. Some of the choices we made were considered controversial. Some of our DJs had their FCC license revoked due to these decisions. Seems funny to reflect back on those years.

 

A little piece of trivia I find humorous whenever I see somebody watching the CSI TV show. The theme song in the show by The Who, “Who Are you”,  album version contains an F-bomb which is very funny considering how much it gets played on CBS during prime-time with the profanity removed. They use the single version of the song released for radio airplay in 1978.

Kanye West and Profanity

 

To bring us back to today, hard to imagine Kanye or Jay-Z making music without profanity. What would the music industry be like today if all profanity was banned from radio and most record labels would not allow profanity on recordings?

 

What the popularity of Rap be what it was has been in the last fifteen years without profanity? Would the genre even exist?

 

DJ Mystical Michael – Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Mystical Michael Live At Barefoot Boogie Saturday Night! 2/25

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There are few aspects of the winter that are beneficial to a Wedding and Event DJ and Entertainer in New Jersey or New York.  After the Holidays, we hit a bit of a slow season till the spring with weddings, graduations and parties starting to fill our schedules again. I do get the opportunity to volunteer my services as DJ at many local events. My favorite is The Barefoot Boogie in NYC. I have several friends there and enjoy the chance to play music that I could not play at an event I was hired to perform.

 

As a professional DJ, I am trained to play to what the planner hired me to play musically. I am very conscious of their needs and wishes throughout the gig. For the most part, I keep my personal tastes out of the mix, literally.  I will slip in a song from the genre or playlist we have created together that I enjoy more than others but mostly it is your music, not mine. The Barefoot Boogie is the exception to this general guideline. There are many creative and talented dancers who thrive and appreciate moving to music they do not know or would not typically dance to. In fact, they look forward to hearing new music and challenging tempos, rhythms and beats. Any good DJ thrives with the opportunity to create new and refreshing mixes and beats for dancers to move and experiment.  I am not as good a dancer as most of them but do enjoy a beat and rhythm that is somewhat unique or out of the norm.  Of course, being in the New Jersey and New York area allows even more creativity due to our diversity and openminded attitude towards music, art and movement.

Dancing Through The Storm with DJ Mystical Michael

What kinds of creative or unique music do you like to move to when given the opportunity?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NYDJ

 

Building A Stronger, More Diverse Rhode Island DJ Music Library

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As a professional DJ in the New Jersey & New York area, we cannot be effective without an immense library of diverse DJ music; I mean we are talking diverse. One of the reasons I enjoy living in this area of the country so much is the diversity of people (and food). In New Jersey & New York us professional DJs come in all shapes, sizes, colors and tastes.

 

It is fun getting to know my new Brides and Grooms to help them select the right DJ music for their wedding.  It is very common, if not the norm, for me to be working with couples of different races, cultures and religions. The religious differences can sometimes present larger concerns than the colors and cultures. Many families become sensitive when thinking they are being asked to let go of certain religious traditions and rituals that they have experienced and are accustomed to. It takes some gentleness and respect to help them navigate through their differences to find a way to make sure traditions are honored without losing their value.  We have a significant Catholic and Jewish population in the New Jersey & New York area and we continue to produce weddings that mix the two and try to incorporate each partner’s religious needs. Sensitivity and patience seem to be the key.

 

Less challenging are weddings with New Jersey & New York Brides and Grooms from different races or cultures. It is more about mixing DJ music than changing time-honored religious traditions. Many non-religious traditions that honor a cultural are often fun, so there is less tension when incorporating these into wedding plans.  We are a diverse population here in New Jersey & New York and a Wedding DJ needs to allow you to inform us of your specific traditions and traditional DJ music to make sure we create an exceptional wedding for you. I have been fortunate to work many different styles of weddings with many different traditions; this does not mean I know every tradition from every culture. It helps that I was counselor and community organizer working with low-income and marginalized groups for more than fifteen years but I still need you to teach me what your family practices.

 

Earlier this week I was speaking to a Groom I may be working with this summer. His future mother-in-law is an Italian woman whom does not speak English fluently, according to him. She is concerned that there will not be enough Italian DJ music at the wedding. This is not a problem, I got it covered but will need to know what Italian DJ music she wants. Italian music is not just one genre just like American DJ music is not just one genre.

 

He asked me if I speak Italian. I laughed because the only Italian I ever understood was when my mother and grandmother were talking about me in Italian when I was a kid. I told him this and he laughed ands said this is the same as his fiancé. He then asked me if I have ever done a Venetian Hour at a wedding. I hesitated for second with a slight recollection but not a clear memory. I asked him to describe it to me and he explained how it is near the end of the wedding with many pastries, special cakes and coffees. I smiled and nodded my head although we were on the phone.

 

“Yes, I have been the Wedding DJ at this tradition before. They are great and people are very happy when filling their bellies with these incredible sweets and coffees.”

 

“Michael, do you know what kind of DJ music to play for this?”

 

I laughed again, “Italian music of course! Mostly traditional stuff with some Frank Sinatra and Jerry Vale sprinkled into keep it accessible to those who are not Italian.

“Great! This is helpful. Thank you”

“Of course, we will still want you to talk with your mother-in-law to make sure we get her favorites just to be sure.”

We continued our conversation about other details both feeling we cleared a hurdle together.  He knew he could get back with his mother-in-law and feel comfortable telling her she will be in good hands now. This is why I love being a New Jersey & New York Wedding DJ and Entertainer. There is nowhere else we get this kind of request and can actually say I have experience with this before. I look forward to their wedding and all of your weddings that make me step-up and creatively integrate cultures, traditions and music to create a great wedding for all of your friends and family. It’s your wedding, your music.

 

This winter I have been working diligently on increasing my DJ music library to make sure I have the best and most diverse library for your wedding or party. It is my responsibility to make sure I am ready for your event before we talk, so I can help guide you through your concerns and questions. It is my part in our process together that starts before I meet you. Back to collecting DJ music as a New Jersey & New York Wedding DJ.

Beautiful Couple Dancing to Wedding DJ Music with DJ Mystical Michael

If you have any recommendations, let me know and see if you can find one I don’t have.

DJ Mystical Michael – Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Motown Great Smokey Robinson Birthday Today! Rhode Island DJ Celebrates

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Growing up, Smokey Robinson was one of my favorite artists with The Miracles. I had many of their ‘45s’ and played them till they didn’t work any more from creating grooves in the vinyl from overuse. When I became a DJ in my late teens, Smokey Robinson as a solo artist became a sensation all over again.  Smokey Robinson & The Miracles solo and as a group are a DJ’s dream since there are few listeners who do not like at least one of their songs. It is common for me to be playing a classic Miracles song like, “The Tears of a Clown” or “Love Machine” at a wedding or party and have a young adult come up and ask me, “What was that incredible old skool R&B stuff you were just playing?”

 

Of course, I smile and share with them “It is one of my musical influences, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles.” They run away excited to tell their friends about this ‘new’ artist that jams.  Before the night is through, one of their friends will come up and request another Smokey Robinson & The Miracles tune, which I will oblige willingly.

Smokey Robinson

Still to this day, one of my favorite R&B mellow songs is “Crusin”. I know that “Being With You” achieved more commercial success globally but I still like it better.

 

The Miracles were the original artists signed by Motown Records. “Motown founder and First President Berry Gordy Jr. said: “Without The Miracles, Motown would not be the Motown it is today”.”

 

In 2006, Smokey was one of the Kennedy Center honorees. The Miracles received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 20, 2009 and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on February 9th, 2012.

 

Thanks Smokey for sharing the miracle of your music with all of us!

Smokey Robinson

 

DJ Mystical Michael – Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Why Do You Offer A DJ Guarantee & Most Rhode Island DJs Will Not?

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Simple. I know I excel as a DJ and MC and know I can offer a DJ guarantee. I want you to have that same confidence, so you can focus your attention and energy on other aspects of your wedding or event. You worry about getting your guests there and making sure they have food, beverages and everything looks beautiful. I will make sure they have a great time and remember your wedding or party long after. They will have fun and I am condfident in that, so I can offer a DJ guarantee since I am certain you will want to pay me. You are investing in me by hiring me and sending me a deposit. I invest in you by offering a guarantee that states if you are not happy with my performance, you do not have to pay the remainder of the balance. Period.

Why Doesn’t Your Wedding DJ Guarantee Your Wedding?

Rhode Island Wedding DJ Guarantee

I realize this is a large risk on my part, since I am a DJ and Entertainer full-time and it is my primary source of income. But I think you are taking a greater risk by hiring someone you may not know for a one-time event that you have no recourse if I do not meet your satisfaction. This is my way of letting you know, you are covered and it will be great! I stake my paycheck on it!

 

If I was a part-time DJ that does this on weekends as a hobby, I would not be able to make this guarantee. I would not have the experience and focus that I can provide to every detail.  Together we will create something memorable. I am available to you to make this happen. This is the benefit of being a full-time DJ and Entertainer. I am here for you and will help you coordinate your wedding or event to be just the way you envisioned it. Why would you expect anything less?

Fun Wedding Dancers at Wedding with DJ Mystical Michael DJ Guarantee

 

Ask your DJ if they offer a DJ guarantee? If not, ask them why?

 

DJ Mystical Michael – Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

David Guetta: Dance Maker: Rhode Island DJ Recognizes

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It has now been enough years of David Guetta producing hit songs that have made it in the American music industry that his body of work gets requests from top shelf artists wanting to utilize his talents.

 

It took several albums before he was accepted in The USA after international success globally.  This is not unusual for many European artists still today. House music is still a growing genre here. It is gaining some strength on the East Coast but still lags behind Dance and Hip Hop for the Club and Pop audiences.

 

David Guetta was initially a Disc Jockey at the Broad Club in Paris at age seventeen. He played Pop hits and was turned-on to House music the following year. He began promoting shows at clubs and creating some mixes of his own. He produced some songs with Hip Hop artists from Paris with local success but still not a big break.

 

He released his first hit single in 2001 with Chris Willis, “Just A Little More Love”. They met while Willis was vacationing in France. In 2003 David Guetta released “Just For One Day (Heroes)”, a remix of a David Bowie song. He has won two Grammys and nominated for several others.

 

Some of the artists he has worked with include Kelly Rowland, Akon, Rihanna, Kid Cudi, Black Eyed Peas, Flo Rida, Pitbull, Usher, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Hudson, Chris Brown, Leona Lewis, Fergie, LMFAO, Snoop Dog, Taio Cruz, Ludacris, Jessie J and Madonna. A virtual who’s who of dance and pop music. It is probable that over the next few years David Guetta will have his hand in many of the top hits worldwide from varying artists and genres all at once.

David Guetta

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Billboard 2011 Year End Winner From Rhode Island DJ’s Perspective

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It is rare that the same artist wins Billboard year-end #1 for best album, song and artist. It is even rarer that an artist that recorded the album at age twenty-one wins all three. HINT!  HINT! Yes Adele has won all the main categories for a pop artist for 2011. I am not surprised since she is an amazing artist that has dominated the Billboard Charts and the music industry all year. In fact, she may have single-handedly saved the record industry.

 

I remember when I first heard “Turning Tables”. I was blown away and could not stop listening to it. I knew then she had found something special in her work and I made certain to listen to the whole album immediately. I was not disappointed, very impressed. Still am over a year later as song after song tops the Billboard charts. I still sometimes get a tear in my eyes when I hear “Someone Like You”. I realize this is a peculiar thing to add to my blog but true. Great writing and performances can affect me that way.

 

21 is now Billboard #1 for nineteen weeks! The upcoming interview and performance on 60 Minutes her appearance and performance at The Grammys should keep it at the top for #20.  It is refreshing and a statement about her talent that an artist who focuses less on how she looks and more on how she performs can have the kind of popularity and success that she has achieved. I hope more artists will choose to follow her model and infuse the music industry with artists placing their energy into their craft, not their image or appearance.

Billboard Awards Adele 21 with DJ Mystical Michael

Congratulations Adele on an amazing year, album and Billboard success!

 

DJ Mystical Michael – Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

The Rhode Island DJ Needs Great BOSE Sound For Dancing!

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Last Saturday night I attended the first ever Dance Eden, a new freestyle dance event coordinated by two friends of mine.  One of them is a Rhode Island DJ I work with from time to time who also happens to be an excellent musician, Allan Chapman. I had recommended the same audio system I use, The BOSE L1 with Bass and he has since purchased one. I knew he was going to be cranking it up for the dance event and I was looking forward to hearing it.

DJ Mystical Michael Uses BOSE Better Sound Through Research

I am typically on the other side of the equipment and rarely get to relax and listen to just how good the sound quality is. Embarrassingly I forgot just how amazing it sounds!

 

I attend many dance events and they all have decent sound systems but what a difference the BOSE system is in comparison to all the rest of them. The high end was so clean and clear and it sounded the same no matter where I was in the room dancing or listening. It is unusual to experience such a full, natural midrange these days. Most sound systems will make the highs and lows much higher quality than the mids, not the BOSE. And of course, the bass was full and I felt it in my belly, just the way I like it!

 

I had so much fun dancing and the music just made it that much better. I am psyched to use my gear again now that I have remembered what all of you experience at every one of my gigs. I always do several sound checks but they are not the same as sitting or dancing without having to make certain I am doing what I hired, play great music, at an exceptional level.

DJ Mystical Michael uses The Incredible BOSE L1 System

 

Thanks BOSE for reminding me what music can sound like.

DJ Mystical Michael – Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ