My First All-Female Event As Professional DJ!

Posted on December 18, 2012 by DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Yes you read that correctly. I will be professional DJ at an all-female event tomorrow night. It is the 13th birthday for a Muslim family. This particular family celebrates these kinds of events gender segregated, in this case, only females.

I tried to shift this gig to one of the female DJs that I work with. The event planner would not let me. She is the girl’s Aunt and is also a Wedding Planner. We are discussing me as Wedding DJ for a Bride and Groom she is planning a wedding this summer. She wants me to be there. I really attempted to offer for it to be a female DJ but not the plan. So, tomorrow night I will be professional DJ at an all-female event.

This night will be focused on the girl and her friends early in the night. As her Aunt said, “Play all American-style music for her and her friends.”

“What about later?”

“I will give you a list of Afghani music for us later.”

I smiled, “OK.”

I am getting used to this sort of situation as a professional DJ that specializes in Multicultural Weddings and Events. Folks hire me to create professional DJ music for Weddings and Events that I have never even experienced before. This used to be something that might rattle me years ago but my experiences while living in South Korea and traveling through Eastern and Central Asia taught me to accept circumstances that are new or foreign to me.

I am looking forward to tomorrow night. I have been a participant in all-female events as a ‘special guest’, but never as professional DJ. Can’t wait to see how it goes!

Have you ever been the only non-female at an all-female event?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Are All Professional DJs The Same?

Posted on December 18, 2012 by DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island Wedding DJ

No. But, there may not be glaring differences from one to the other at first glance. Most professional DJs have a decent website and great photos of their gigs. We all tell you we have all the best music and will get the crowd up and dancing. We go on and on about our excellent audio equipment. Sometimes I think DJ websites are written for other DJs, not folks trying to find a professional DJ for their wedding or party. Because most of us are typically good with people, we know what you want to hear and plaster it all over our websites.

So what is different about one DJ versus another?

Everything!

The difference between professional DJs are as different as pro basketball players, nobody would confuse Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan for Joel Przybilla or Sheldon Williams but if you had never heard of basketball before, it might not be easy to distinguish them. I run into this dilemma when watching the Olympics. I rarely know who are the great athletes before the game since I do not follow most international sports. About fifteen minutes into the contest, I can distinguish the ones who excel from those who appear to be their competition.

So how can we figure out who excels as a professional DJ from those who are just a DJ?

Dig deeper.

Ask the questions they don’t want you to ask!

It’s your wedding or party. This is not the time to be shy or worry about making them feel nervous or embarrassed.

Do you offer a DJ guarantee?

How many Weddings/Sweet Sixteens/Birthdays have you performed?

How many musical genres do you keep current, maintained and prepared for gigs as DJ?

Do you accept DJ requests for songs from my guests and make them feel honored?

Do you integrate our playlists and musical suggestions as a professional DJ?

How many songs do you have in your music library?

Do you have DJ experience planning and coordinating weddings and events?

Is your DJ equipment sound quality superior in all areas of the room?

Are you comfortable and skilled making guests from every generation included and satisfied as a professional DJ?

Where did you learn to speak professionally on a microphone or MC?

Do you accept Pay Pal or other forms of evidence of being a real DJ company?

Are you a full-time professional DJ?

Can I contact your references and get recommendations from past clients?

Do you have a DJ contract?

What do you do best as a professional DJ?

Are you fun?

Fun Wedding Reception Party with professional DJ Mystical Michael

Ask the right questions and you will find your Derek Jeters, Paul McCartneys and Michael Jacksons from your weekend warriors, hobbyists and those getting their training on the job at your wedding or party? It’s all in the right questions.

Michael Jackson Icon with professional DJ

What questions do you think are most important when hiring a professional Wedding or Party DJ in the New Jersey & New York area?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Wedding Planner Guide for Boston & Rhode Island Weddings

Posted on December 18, 2012 by DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Many Brides and Grooms are frustrated and stressed trying to figure out the specifics of their wedding. As a Wedding DJ in the New Jersey & New York area, I knew I needed to create a simple wedding planner guide for couples.

Of course, most professional Wedding DJs has some version of a wedding planner guide. They are basically the same with little variation. I made certain to focus on making it very simple. Brides and Grooms have enough to figure out and wanted to make it a tool to release stress, not add to it.

Like all documents used for wedding planners, it is a work in process. I invite you to use it, if you find it useful. If you would like a Word version, please email me and I will send you a copy of the wedding planner guide. If I have left something out, please let me know. My professional experience as a Wedding DJ does not mean I have all the answers, just tons of experience and knowledge.

Bride and Groom First Wedding Dance Using Wedding Planner Guide

Wedding Planner Guide

Ceremony

Ceremony start and end time:

Will we be providing music for your ceremony?

If so, is it in the same room as the reception?

If not, where is the location of the ceremony?

Prelude Song:

Processional Song(s):

Recessional Song:

Ceremony notes:

Cocktail Hour

Cocktail Hour start and end time:

Will we be providing music for your cocktail hour?

If so, is it in the same room as the reception?

If not, where is the location of the cocktail hour?

Cocktail Hour music preferences:

Any other details we need to perform at your cocktail hour?

Bridal Party Introductions:

Parents Introduction Song:

Parents of The Bride:

Parents of The Groom:

Bridal Party Introduction Song:

Bridesmaid & Groomsmen 1:

Bridesmaid & Groomsmen 2:

Bridesmaid & Groomsmen 3:

Bridesmaid & Groomsmen 4:

Bridesmaid & Groomsmen 5:

Bridesmaid & Groomsmen 6:

Bridesmaid & Groomsmen 7:

Bridesmaid & Groomsmen 8:

Ring bearer:

Maid/Matron of Honor & Best Man:

Bride & Groom Introduction Song:

How do you want to be introduced?

Introduction notes:

Ceremonial Dances:

Bride & Groom First Dance Song:

Would like the bridal party to join? If so, when?

Bride & Father Dance Song:

Groom & Mother Dancec Song:

Will there be a Bridal Party Dance?

If so, what song:

Special Dance:

Would you like the DJ to ‘cut’ the above songs early?

Introduction notes:

Reception

Toast(s):

Blessing:

Dinner music preferences:

Cake Cutting Song:

Bouquet Toss Song:

Garter Off Song:

Garter On Song:

Last Dance Song:

Reception notes:

DJ Mystical Michael NJ & NY DJ

Planning Your Rhode Island Wedding With Your DJ

Posted on December 18, 2012 by DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island Wedding DJ

I have been very busy responding to requests for service, quotes and information plenty lately for couples planning their weddings! It is a fun time to be a Wedding DJ and I get excited with each connection. Each couple offers different opportunities for me to co-create an exceptional wedding together with you. You are the architects and I am just the builder.

Beautiful Wedding Bride preparing for Ceremony - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

It seems there are so many couples here in Rhode Island about to get married in the next half year. It is fun listening to each Bride and Groom share their stories and what they are wanting for their wedding. As a Rhode Island Wedding DJ, it doesn’t matter how much experience I have and how many weddings I have performed, you share with me your dreams and together we make it come true. Each wedding is new and needs individual attention that a full-time professional Wedding and Event DJ can offer. Why would you risk such an important day to someone who does this as a hobby or a weekend side job?

I understand why wedding planning can be so stressful; you do not get a redo if it does not turn out the way you envisioned. I invite you to consider your Rhode Island Wedding DJ carefully and follow your gut instincts. Hire a Rhode Island Wedding DJ that will support you throughout the planning process and be there for you the day of your wedding, nothing left to chance.

Here in the Rhode Island, Boston and Southern New England area, professional Wedding DJs are very competitive about acquiring and booking business. There are so many of us it is hard to discern who is right for your Rhode Island wedding. Again, please choose carefully and listen to your own instincts. The fact that I am a very experienced, professional and talented DJ and Entertainer does not mean I am the right Rhode Island Wedding DJ for your Wedding. I encourage you to ask Wedding DJs if they are offering a guarantee. If not, ask why not?

Beautiful Bride Before Wedding Ceremony - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

How is your wedding planning going so far?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

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

The DJ Aligns The Wedding Bridal Party

Posted on December 18, 2012 by DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island Wedding DJ

When I first started out as a Rhode Island Wedding DJ, The Event Coordinator was responsible for gathering and directing the Wedding Bridal Party for Introductions. Back then, a family member or old friend made the Wedding Bridal Party Introductions and acted as MC. Today, the DJ is Coordinator and MC at most weddings. The good news is that I love being on a microphone and have been coordinating major events as a social worker for nearly twenty years. Funny how all the skills I have accumulated over the years are transferable to being a top notch New Jersey & New York Wedding DJ and Entertainer.

These days we make sure we have all your Bridesmaids and Groomsman lined up correctly before the Introductions of The Wedding Bridal Party. We align the parents and guide them through the process. Since the Brides themselves plan most weddings, parents often do not know the particulars as they did when the Bride’s mother was the planner.

There is always at least one person who is not listening when directing the Wedding Bridal Party. When it comes time to bring them out, he or she looks bewildered at what is about to take place. I patiently offer them support and help them get with the others and feel part of the group.

To me the fun begins when I turn on the microphone and start inviting all your friends and family to prepare for your entrance. You can feel the energy and excitement it the air. An old friend or two are smiling ear to ear remembering the first time the two of you met and went out on your first date. An Aunt or Uncle laugh at how you have grown to be such an attractive adult and getting married. Your Grandmother is beaming as she remembers the day you were born and her hopes for your future. Everybody is waiting for you. I know I will be ready and capture the moment. They are all clapping as I bring in each member of the Wedding Bridal Party. Finally it’s your turn. They are all on their feet and here you come looking like a million bucks hand in hand smiling broader than you ever have before.

You reach the dance floor and I invite you to begin your First Dance. It is the song you carefully picked out and I made sure I had the right version for you. This is what you have been waiting for since the day you decided to commit your lives to each other. This is what I spend all my time preparing for and working creatively together with you to be certain it is exactly as you envisioned it. That is what an excellent New Jersey or New York Wedding DJ does today. I am lucky that I get to work with such great couples. Spring is right around the corner.

Bride and Groom First Wedding Dance after Wedding Bridal Party Introductions

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Rhode Island DJ Rocks

Posted on December 18, 2012 by DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Being a Rhode Island DJ who started in big Rock clubs, it may seem today since I offer such a diverse collection of music that I ever was a Rocker but I was. In some ways, I still am.

Rhode Island DJ plays The Beatles

Another benefit of modern technology is the ability for a Rhode Island DJ or Boston DJ to grow a huge musical library of many genres. It is fun and not as much trouble as you may think. I find the greatest stumbling block for any Rhode Island DJs is their ego, this may be even more so with Boston DJs, no disrespect intended. So many DJs think that they are the music they play. This may be true for the actual writers and musicians but not necessary for a good DJ.

For example, if I am hired to DJ a Sweet Sixteen for a nice Latina who likes Hip Hop, Salsa, Bachata and Reggaeton, does that make me all of those things? If we add Top 40 to the mix does that change who I am?

Rhode Island DJ plays Kanye West

Of course not.

Rhode Island DJ plays Katy Perry

There are many differences between songwriters, musicians and DJs, musical identity is just one. Years of training to excel is another, as is the level of talent to start performing. Let’s not kid ourselves, there are some awful New Jersey & Boston DJs out there performing and getting paid with little or no actual live experience but rarely will a newbie pianist go out and ask for money to perform. They practice and train for years first before having the confidence and competence to get out in front of a real audience. Of course there are exceptions but I think the point is true.

New Jersey & Boston DJs are different bread. We can fake our way through the early days with little talent, experience or training. I did. I was performing on radio and in clubs within six months of learning how to DJ, and this was before we went digital and the software did most of the work for you. Today a DJ can get by with little or no knowledge of what makes an exceptional DJ. Those of us who have been doing this for a long time are generally available to offer guidance and direction to new DJs. I do this regularly as DJ and Teacher Coordinator for The Barefoot Boogie in NYC. I am fully aware that when we train a new DJ that he or she is not performing for money but at a social dance event. My training for a new DJ that wants to work for me is much different. It takes many gigs and experience before we can send them out to your event for money.

Rhode Island DJ plays Bob Marley

Back when I first started as a Rhode Island Rock DJ, it was about the music and the music only. My love for being a professional DJ came from being a professional DJ. I did not dream about being a professional Rhode Island DJ but once my hands started cueing up those black vinyl records and the crowd responded; I was hooked. Still am all these years later! I knew even back them I had a gift and it was a gift meant to be shared with others. I may not listen to as much Rock music as I used to but still get fired-up when the right jam comes on the radio or is being pumped out of my BOSE L1 system at a professional DJ gig.

Rhode Island DJ plays Jimi Hendrix

Do you think musicians and professional DJs are similar or different? In what ways are they similar and different?

DJ Mystical Michael – Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

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

Posted on December 18, 2012 by DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island Wedding DJ

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 Jones Justin 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

Posted on December 18, 2012 by DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island Wedding DJ

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

Posted on December 18, 2012 by DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island Wedding DJ

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

Posted on December 17, 2012 by DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island Wedding DJ

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