Tag Archives: Professional DJ

Creative DJ Hits His Groove

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On Saturday Night I was DJ at Barefoot Boogie NYC. It was such a fun night and I really felt the vibe and connected with the dancers in a way that inspires me to continue to be a DJ and work even harder to improve. Good dancers deserve good music and energy to facilitate movement, dance and community. Professional DJs do not always get the opportunity to share their musical tastes and flavors. We are typically directed by the needs and wants of the Brides, Grooms and Party Planners that hire us to perform at the Weddings and Parties. When I am hired by a lounge or club, I typically have more freedom to open my DJ Music Library of more than 40,000 songs.

DJ Rocks The Barefoot Boogie?

The Barefoot Boogie is a freestyle dance which happens twice a month in New York City. We offer a relaxed, smoke- and alcohol-free environment where folks can freely express themselves in movement.

People of all ages, families and kids are welcome. Come alone or bring your friends. You’ll find folks at the dance moving solo, with partners, and/or in groups. Dress as you wish, but please leave your street shoes at the door before hitting the dance floor. The Barefoot Boogie is a not-for-profit, cooperative and volunteer-run venture.

From our pool of talented DJs, two spin each dance. Each of our DJs has his or her own distinctive style, but one thing you can rely on is that at every Barefoot Boogie you’ll hear a wide variety of music: R&B, World, Funk, Tribal, Hip Hop, Ambient, Reggae, House, African, Electronica, Disco, Rock, Techno, Drum & Bass, etc.

The Barefoot Boogie is a freestyle dance which happens twice a month in New York City.

We offer a relaxed, smoke- and alcohol-free environment where folks can freely express themselves in movement. People of all ages, families and kids are welcome. Come alone or bring your friends. You’ll find folks at the dance moving solo, with partners, and/or in groups. Dress as you wish, but please leave your street shoes at the door before hitting the dance floor. The Barefoot Boogie is a not-for-profit, cooperative and volunteer-run venture.

From our pool of talented DJs, two spin each dance. Each of our DJs has his or her own distinctive style, but one thing you can rely on is that at every Barefoot Boogie you’ll hear a wide variety of music: R&B, World, Funk, Tribal, Hip Hop, Ambient, Reggae, House, African, Electronica, Disco, Rock, Techno, Drum & Bass, etc.

DJ Mystical Michael at Barefoot Boogie NYC

Barefoot Boogie now meets at:

Insight Meditation Center: 28 W 27th Street, 10th Floor (Buzzer #27), NYC, NY.
We invite you to join Barefoot Boogie Facebook Group.
Your Party,Your Music, Your DJ!
973.908.8147

Dancer To DJ: “I Want Your Job!”

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Last night while taking a quick break between sets at a NYC DJ dance event, one of the dancers came up to me, “I want your job!”

 

I laughed and smiled. I gave her the usual response about all jobs have their strengths and challenges but smiled very large while trying to keep a straight face. I am well aware how much I enjoy what I do as a professional DJ.  There have been many great people that have stated in various ways something, “If you have a vocation you love, you will never work a day in your life”. I agree completely but know too that I have put my time in and it is not all play and good times, ask any of my Brides and Grooms about my attention to detail and calm, supportive presence.

 

I have worked hard to market my professional DJ business here in the NJ/NY/PA area to have a page rank near the top of Page One of Google searches for ‘Rhode Island DJ’, Page Two for ‘Rhode Island Wedding DJ’, ‘NJ Professional Wedding DJ’ and ‘Rhode Island Professional DJ’. Creating a strong online presence is not easy and takes commitment.

 

Making sure I have such a diverse music library of high quality songs is not a thing you do once and are done. It takes another commitment to stay current plus know what you need to add to collections from the past as tastes and trends shift.

 

Owning the highest rated DJ equipment helps but there also needs to be a commitment to replacing old wires, updating software and keeping knowledgeable of the latest equipment. I am fortunate that I used to work at a recording studio and was mentored by a tech genius on what gear to use. He recommended and uses the same BOSE L1 System with Bass, MacBook and djay software as I do. I learned from him that buying the best once and not having to upgrade to every new trend is the only way to go and to not get fooled by new marketing campaigns that confuse professional DJs and audiophiles with deceptive claims. “Buy the best; BOSE & Mac and don’t worry about your gear again. The best stands the test of time,” he said to me regularly.

 

Yes I do have a great job. Being a full-time professional DJ is prefect for me because it combines several of my natural skills to understand music and technology, entertain and discern what people need and be the calm, positive presence in any situation that brings fun and excitement to everything I am passionate about. It is good to be reminded that I am good at what I do and that it is the right profession for me to be committed for those who hire me for their Weddings, Parties and Events.

DJ Having Fun at benefit Dance Party in NYC

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Professional DJs Need To Stay Current Musically

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Digital music has created many shifts in the music industry in recent years for professional DJs. As we gain more access to music, we have the ability to listen to music that we would not have heard otherwise. This has produced a more diverse group of genre in the Top 40. We can have songs from Rock, Dance, R&B, Country, Pop, Hip Hop, Rap and artists from around the globe all at the top of the charts in the same week.

 

Let’s take a look at this week’s Billboard Top Ten. We have “Call Me Maybe”, Gotye, Fun., Usher, David Guetta, Maroon 5, Nicki Minaj, Ellie Goulding, Rihanna and Katy Perry all in the Top Ten. Flo Rida, Luke Bryan, Eric Church and Kanye West are not far behind.

 

As professional DJs, now more than ever it takes commitment and discipline to make certain we always have what our clients want ready for last minute gigs when they come up.  If not, what do we do when someone requests a song we don’t have because we were not diligent in keeping our music library current?

 

I try my best to go through the current music charts weekly to make sure I stay on top of what is new and hot. Another unique aspect of the digital music industry is that a song can make its debut one week and be on the top of the charts the following week. If not paying attention, a professional DJ may miss what some of our client’s want and what their guests may request. I have learned through experience as a professional DJ that regardless of the music the Bride and Groom choose before their wedding, there will always be someone who wants to hear some new popular songs. Good professional DJs will be prepared and done their ‘homework’. This is part of what makes a professional Wedding DJ here in the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania area’s commitment to the craft of being professional DJs more challenging. Our listeners and clients have more diverse taste in music than most of the country due to our extremely diverse populations. I thrive in this environment and would not enjoy my work nearly as much if I lived in an area that was not as diverse in its musical taste and choices to dance to! I would think any true professional DJ feels the same way.

Professional DJs and Beautiful Dancers on the Dance Floor with DJ Mystical Michael

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Mystical Michael Trivia Host at O’Reilly’s Pub in Newton, NJ

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I can’t lie, I have really grown to love being a Trivia Host! When I was first in discussions with National Trivia Association, I was skeptical but willing to give it a try and see how it went. Well, two months and three venues later I can’t imagine not being a Trivia Host. It is fun, exciting, interesting and I learn all kinds of fun facts and bits of trivia.

A Trivia Host allows me to share my skills as a professional DJ, MC, Improvisational Actor and good-old-fashioned center of attention. The latest venue to add to my weekly Trivia Host schedule is O’Reilly’s Pub in Newton, NJ. I am there with trivia and music every Tuesday Night beginning at 9:30.  O’Reilly’s Pub is a fun place with great staff and clients. Everybody there has been very receptive and we really have started to get a nice crowd joining the Quiz Show weekly now. Come join us!

DJ Mystical Michael on The Microphone as Trivia Host

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

 

Roxy Music Dance Away

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Roxy Music, an American enigma. They reached international acclaim for their string of singles from the late 70’s through the 80’s. They reached as high as number 1 in the UK several times including number 2 for this song, Roxy Music Dance Away.

 

Some attribute Roxy Music along with David Bowie for the shift in the music business to include electronic instruments and melodies with horns for making a new, danceable pop music for teens, adults and professional DJs. Their music was sexy and clean at the same time.  Many bands like The Police, Duran Duran, U2 and a host of others have paid tribute to their success following that of Roxy Music Dance Away.

 

I had the opportunity to see them at Carnegie Hall in the mid-80’s. A great show and with a real performer who understood the fine balance between showmanship and quality sound. There are many songs of theirs that I have appreciated over the years. Roxy Music Dance Away I still sneak into certain professional DJ gigs when it makes sense.

Roxy Music Dance Away:

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys Empire State of Mind

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Growing up in Jersey hearing Sinatra’s New York, New York with my parents who were big fans of Frank Sinatra, I had always this special appreciation for that song and his tribute to NYC, or “The City” as we call it here. No NYC, just “The City”.  As I got older, there was Billy Joel’s New York State of Mind. A softer more delicate recognition from a man on Long Island. I moved away form this part of the country in 1995 and whenever I visited the family would make a trip into The City because I missed it. Now, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys Empire State of Mind.

 

Coming back to this part of the world and country this year has reacquainted me with The City and all its beauty and passion. I am glad to be back here and when I heard Jay-Z and Alicia Keys Empire State of Mind upon my return, I felt like they were singing this one to me and for me. I almost tear-up every time I hear this song, not sure why but I do.  The lyrics of Jay-Z and the force and sheer beauty of Alicia Keys’ voice resonate with me in a way few songs do. The fact that it is great to dance to and fits in with most crowds the way New York, New York has is a professional DJ’s little treasure. Seeing the video just further reminds me of what I love about The City.

 

When I was providing professional DJ services recently for a wedding between a man from Scotland and a woman form South Korea, they both requested I ended the night with Jay-Z and Alicia Keys Empire State of Mind as a tribute to their new home for their families who traveled from far away. My sense is that this song will live on long from now the way Sinatra and his legacy has as well.

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys Empire State of Mind:

http://youtu.be/0UjsXo9l6I8

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Professional DJs Need To Be Ready

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I received a cancellation this week for my regular Friday Night DJ gig at The Office in Cranford, NJ. Fortunately, I will resume next Friday, they held a special event and needed to cancel. The good news is that I received a phone call from a woman in Newark, NJ needing a professional DJ for tomorrow night at a local Lounge in The Ironbound section of Newark, NJ. Newark is where I was born and appreciate when I get the opportunity to make it back there.

We had connected through email last month and she had a DJ hired that she was not feeling good about. I offered her a discount since I did not have a DJ gig scheduled for tomorrow night. I know many professional DJs charge more for last minute gigs but this has never made sense to me. I feel fortunate to book a gig I would not have had otherwise and am grateful to get the business. This is why I offer a discount to fill in missing dates on my professional DJ calendar.

The fact that I had my gig for tonight cancelled allowed me to drive to Newark, NJ tonight and meet with her and her family to plan the party for her daughter’s 4th birthday and her husband’s 50th birthday party in Newark, NJ. I always enjoy dual family birthday parties and this will be no exception. They are a really nice and fun Brazilian family and we had a good time planning their party. Of course, I never like cancellations as a full-time professional DJ but sometimes things work out for the best, as if it was meant to be!

I had some time tonight to prep for the party and make sure my Samba collection is in good standing along with my Classic Disco library. These were the two main genre they requested for the adults for after-dinner. For the kids, it will be Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, Usher and other Pop and Top 40 hits. Should be a fun night!

Katy Perry Rocks the Stage: professional DJ Mystical Michael

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

A Rhode Island Professional DJ Needs To Stay Current

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One of the challenges for a good Rhode Island professional DJ is to stay current with many genres of music. It is not enough to just keep up on the most popular songs on The Billboard Hot 100, we must go beyond Top 40 and be prepared for a last minute gig that requires music from other genre like Country, Rock, Latin, Hip Hop, House, Dance, Smooth Jazz and some less popular styles in The USA like Buddha Bar, Lounge and what has become named ‘World Music’, a name that does not make sense to me since all music is from somewhere in the world.

 

I have enjoyed and been a collector of music from around the world for years as a Rhode Island Professional DJ. I like to learn about music from places that I have not visited yet like from various countries in Africa, South America, India, Europe and The Middle East. I lived in Asia for a couple of years and am pretty familiar with many of their popular and traditional styles.

 

I know many Rhode Island Professional DJs today think that playing just one genre like House or Hip Hop or Dance are what people want most. My experience is that people want you to be ready for whatever they request live.

 A Rhode Island Professional DJ Needs To Stay Current

I was speaking to a man who has hired me for a party later this month. He stated that at their annual Holiday Party every year many of the guests leave complaining that the Rhode Island professional DJ did not have most of the songs they requested since they have a very diverse crowd from ages twenty-one to late sixties. I felt bad they have experienced this several times.  I offered him a guarantee that if they experience the same disappointment with my performance at their event this year, they do not have to pay me the balance owed. He laughed and said I do not have to do that.

 

I replied, “Yes I do! At some point professional DJs need to be held accountable for the quality we offer; if we do a bad job, you shouldn’t have to pay us.”

 

He laughed again and said, “You must be either real crazy or real good at what you do to make a statement like that.”

 

It was my turn to laugh, “Maybe a little bit of both.”

 

Nothing like giving yourself a challenge to raise your game as a Rhode Island Professional DJ!

Rhode Island Professional DJ Dance Party - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

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

Rain Takes A Break, Wedding DJ Doesn’t – Magical Wedding On!

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Yesterday was one of the days this week with lots of rain in the forecast. We have experienced rain on a continual basis lately and were worried the outdoor wedding may not be able to take place. We discussed potential back-up plans but none would compare to the original. I left my home for the two hour drive to Long Beach Island knowing that all could be for nothing. The reception was being held outdoors at The Gables in Beach Haven, NJ.

 

It was a slight mist while setting up my professional DJ gear for the gig. If you have not been to the The Gables, their back patio is covered in beautiful hanging plants and vines with lush green everywhere. One of the vines needed to be moved to fit my head in the space for the ‘Wedding DJ station’. Here is a blog post with great photos of The Garden Brunch @ The Gables. The ‘ Wedding DJ Station’ was under the spiral staircase:)

 

By the time the guests arrived, the rain had disappeared and we even had some patches of sun through the afternoon. Everybody had so much fun dancing and singing to the music and it was an extra special event due to the lack of rain. Funny how it started to rain when I left for my next gig off the island later that night.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Believe It Or Not, Aesthetically Attractive DJ Equipment

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I continue to get such a kick out of the confused stares I receive from folks as they gawk at the BOSE L1 System with B1 professional DJ equipment trying to figure out how that ‘Little thing makes such a big, beautiful sound?”

 

 

At almost every professional DJ gig there is some guy standing with his hands on his hips wondering how it works. They approach me hesitantly to ask where ‘the other speakers’ are?

 

I smile and gently share with him there are no other speakers. Someone has finally engineered a professional DJ system that is attractive, compact and loud enough for up to 500 people. It has the juice to move a crowd but still looks like something you might place in the corner of your living room.

 

 

I have been doing this long enough that I do not have to prove myself as a professional DJ by lugging all the big, heavy gear with me from gig to gig. I now work smarter and actually have better sound than the old style of big, heavy, UGLY things that ruin every wedding photo.

 

Can’t wait for my obligatory stares tomorrow at the wedding in the afternoon and the double anniversary party at night!

 

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ