Tag Archives: Providence 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

Preparing For The Rhode Island & Boston Wedding DJ Season

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As we are deep into winter here in the New Jersey/New York/Pennsylvania region, the milder weather has been pushing me to get excited about he upcoming Wedding season!  I can almost feel the spring air and Brides in their Wedding Dresses strutting down the aisle. It is not long now before my favorite time of year. Time to prepare for the Wedding DJ Season!

 

Of course, this means I have some work to do to make sure I am completely ready. Time to check all my wires to see if there are any breaks or loose plugs.  Retest my BOSE L1 System and ease my mind that I am still operating the highest quality audio equipment out there.  Get my suits cleaned and pressed. And most importantly, finish planning and coordination for NJ & NY Spring Weddings that have not yet satisfied my standards for preparation, nothing left to chance.

 

Staying up to date with music in all the genres I serve is a given, all Wedding DJs do this willingly. We love to gather new music and get a sense for what will work with certain NJ & NY Weddings and what won’t. Here in the New Jersey and New York area, we have such cultural diversity that a top notch NJ & NY Wedding DJ needs to have a very diverse musical library. No matter the race or culture of the Bride and Groom their friends and family are often adding different flavors and spices to the mix. So, we have to be prepared. I know many Wedding DJs find this challenging but to me it is what makes being a DJ and Entertainer in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania so much fun; no two Weddings or their music are the same.

 

Beautiful Bride and Elegant Groom First Dance with Wedding DJ Mystical Michael

 

Spring is right around the corner. This Wedding DJ can smell it.

 

DJ Mystical Michael – Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Madonna: Thirty Years of Music And Still Evolving

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I remember as a new Rhode Island DJ when I was turned on to Madonna’s first single, a ‘45’ on Sire Records, “Everybody”.  As a DJ in New Jersey, the song was available regionally before its national release later that year.  Her sound was fresh, energetic and full of passion. We all knew at the time that we were listening to something unique and important. We had no idea that thirty years later she would still be a force in the music industry and the pop icon she grew to become. It certainly never occurred to me that I would be watching her performing at a Super Bowl in 2012!

 

Madonna has been a woman that has guided her life and career in her own way.  She has been willing to take risks and the potential consequences that have at times come with those risks. Madonna redefined what a female recording artist was capable of achieving in the music industry and paved the way for many of today’s female pop singers and performers. She used sexuality, courage and creativity to influence the fashion, music, art and film industries and still being recognized today.

 

“According to Santiago Fouz-Hernández, female pop performers such as Britney Spears, the Spice Girls, Destiny’s Child, Jennifer Lopez, Kylie Minogue and Pink were like “Madonna’s daughters in the very direct sense that they grew up listening to and admiring Madonna, and decided they wanted to be like her.”

Madonna at Live8 with DJ Mystical Michael

Like her or not, Madonna has certainly left an imprint on pop culture for the last thirty years and probably will continue to do so till she decides she is done. Madonna has always done things her way and no reason to believe she will change now. Just like this New Jersey and Boston DJ:)

DJ Mystical Michael – Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

The Day The Music Died: 2/3/1959: A Rhode Island DJ Reflects

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On this date in 1959, a small plane crashed killing three American Rock & Roll legends and pioneers; Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, as well as the pilot near Clear Lake, Iowa. The song by Don McLean, “American Pie” coined the phrase The Day The Music Died when writing about what most consider Rock & Roll’s most tragic plane crash, and its first.

 

It would have been enough if any of the three stars died, but to have all three of them taken from us in one night was a major blow to the early Rock & Roll movement. They were touring The Midwestern USA as part of the “The Winter Dance Party”, a tour that was scheduled to cover twenty-three cities in three weeks. Also on the tour was Dion DiMucci of Dion & The Belmonts, who was initially asked for the seat on the plane and changed his mind due to the fact that the cost was $36 and he felt that a seat on a plane was not worth being equal to his parent’s monthly rent.

 

Buddy Holly’s backup band; The Crickets were the backing band for the whole the tour for all artists. It is not widely known that Waylon Jennings was a member of his band at the time, although not mentioned int he lyrics of “American Pie”.

 

The legacy of the crash, “American Pie” and Valens’ influence on Latin performers in the Rock genre and Rock & Roll in general was illustrated in the film La Bamba.  I remember at the time before I knew the movie was released people began out of the blue requesting “Donna”, “Come On Let’s Go” and ”La Bamba”. The remakes by Los Lobos modernized the original hits and made them more accessible to the current generation of listeners. “La Bamba” is still a very requested song in many events and situations. My favorite Ritchie Valens song is “Sleepwalk” but am a fan of all his work.

American Pie

 

Even as kid I have always been a fan of Buddy Holly and his sweet mix of Rock, Country and Blues with a tight band and those great big eyeglasses.  Among the very long list of musicians that have expressed his influence on their music include Rock legends The Beatles, Elvis Costello, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton. He was part of the initial group of inductees to The Rock and Roll Hal Of Fame and was #13 on The Rolling Stone’s list of  “The Fifty Greatest Artists of All Time”. He is one of my favorites and always am thrilled when receiving a request to play any of his songs, especially “Rave On”, “Every Day” and “Peggy Sue”. The actual album American Pie by Don McLean was dedicated to Holly specifically, although the song was about all three of them.

 

American Pie

 

For those that are not familiar with The Big Bopper, the one lasting legacy he left us was his mega-hit “Chantilly Lace”. He also wrote several #1 hits for other artists.

American Pie

 

DJ Mystical Michael – Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

The Importance Of A DJ Contract

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I have had the opportunity to share experiences with many New Jersey & Boston DJs and party planners over the years.  I still find it incredible that some DJs do not produce a written DJ contract when booking a gig with an event planner. For me, the written contract creates security and a firm commitment by both parties, a sense of mutual trust. I can’t imagine working without one.

 

I know that most event planners whether they are a bride, parent or professional in the industry will not feel comfortable working without a DJ contract. What many may not know is that the contract is equally important to us as entertainers too. We earn our income through the events we perform and if we are operating with the knowledge that a certain date is booked and have to turn away business, without a formal contract we are putting ourselves at risk too.

 

Young professional DJs have asked me what I think is important to include in a good DJ contract to insure both parties are protected and feel safe. This is what I generally share with them. I hope it is helpful.

 

First, what are the terms of the contract financially including the amount of the deposit and when the balance is due? Also is the deposit refundable if there should be a cancellation by the planner? If the deposit is refundable, how far in advance does the event need to be cancelled for this to occur?

 

What if the professional DJ is sick or any other circumstance that may prohibit them from being able to perform their duties? Do they have a back-up plan and what is it? What about equipment malfunctions? What happens in the event of an equipment failure? Are you the customer protected?

 

What about music and programming issues? Does the DJ reserve the right to choose not to play a song? What if they do not have a particular song requested at the event?  Can the planner or host provide a song to make sure the guests are happy?

 

Are there conditions that permit the use of photos or videos? If so, where can they be used?

 

I think it is important for all of us to discuss the potential roadblocks so we can resolve them in advance together. I have yet to have an event not get booked due to contractual conditions. In fact, I am certain the contract has been the reason I have booked events several times, especially weddings.  All Brides and Grooms want the peace of mind that their Wedding DJ will be present, on time, ready and all equipment functioning at an optimum level when their big day comes. It is too important to leave anything to chance.

 

These are some of the main reasons I always use a DJ contract when being hired.

Gorgeous Dancer with Beautiful Dress at Wedding by DJ Contract

Would you hire a NJ or NY DJ for your event without a DJ contract? Have you done so in the past?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

What Makes A Great Birthday Party DJ?

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Great Music. Great People.  Great Vibe.  And a great Birthday Party DJ.

Wedding and Birthday Party DJ

I get often asked, “DJ Michael, how do I make sure that the Birthday Party I am throwing will be totally fun?”

 

“Simple. You need three main ingredients sprinkled throughout your party, Great Music, Great People and a Great Vibe. The rest all falls into place.”

 

“That’s it?  What about the food, venue and theme? Don’t they matter too?”

 

“Of course. Everything matters for an exceptional party. If you have the main ingredients of Great Music, People and Vibe, you will have a great party. The other components will add to the party but it will be great without them. You can just put sixty fun people in a room with great music and an excellent DJ and they will have a great time. The right Birthday Party DJ can create the vibe for you. That’s our job. People think the DJ’s skills are about mixing and scratching. Anyone who practices for a few hours can do this.  The true NJ & NY Birthday Party DJ talents lie in our ability to create a fun vibe that makes everyone wants to enjoy themselves regardless of whether it is in a fancy place with expensive caterers and party favors or not.

Don’t get me wrong, the other components add flavor to the event and I am a total food connoisseur and love to eat good food but I can do that at home or at a restaurant and can buy myself party hats. What I want when I am a party is fun and a great atmosphere. This is what you pay your NJ or NY professional Birthday Party DJ to do for you.”

“I guess I never thought about it but makes sense.  Why does everyone focus so much attention and energy on the other details and not the professional DJ?”

“Before we all started hiring professional Rhode Island DJs for our parties and events, we needed all the other stuff to create atmosphere otherwise it didn’t feel like a party.  It is also easier to find good food than a good NJ or NY DJ and certainly much easier to know in advance which ones to choose. You can taste the food at a restaurant, venue or caterer but showing you a video or photos of our events doesn’t really let you know we will make your party great.”

“Exactly! So what do we do?”

 

“Get references! Ask your professional DJ before you sign your contract for references.  Also view their reviews and see if they have the right ‘feel’ for your party. I am not the best DJ for every event, even though I have plenty of high quality experiences at all events. If a client contacts me about an event that I do not think I will perform well at, I will coordinate one of the professional DJs I sub-contract with to make sure they get what they need. That’s how we build trust with our clients. I said no to a client who wanted to hire me just this week. I wasn’t the right professional DJ for her party and gave her a referral to a Rhode Island DJ I knew would be perfect.”

 

“Thanks Michael. This is very helpful. At least now I know where to focus my energy to make sure we have a great party! Thanks!”

 

“It’s my job:)”

Fun Sweet Sixteen and Birthday Party DJ

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ