Tag Archives: Rhode Island Professional 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

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

Professional DJs Can Have Fun Too!

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As a professional DJ, I typically enjoy every gig I perform, some more than others. When I am hired for a wedding or event, I am focused on making sure I meet needs of the host, and all the guests are having a great time. That is what I am hired to do and my primary focus.

 

When I am offering my services for somewhere like The Barefoot Boogie, I can relax and enjoy myself even more. Last Saturday night was one of those nights. It was a night when I was really feeling the crowd and aligning with their rhythm and flow. I was able to sense when they needed the music to slow and become more lyrical and lush, and when they needed me to pick it up and reach 135 beats per minute. For me, that is fun since I appreciate when good dancers go deeper into music and embody the vibration and energy.

 

At professional functions I do not dance when performing as professional DJ and MC. I have to control myself sometimes since I like to dance and want to get out and move, but that is not what I am hired to do. At events like Barefoot Boogie I can jump out on the dance floor and join the group in movement.

 

We had an exceptional time collectively last Saturday night. I came home tired, sore and glowing. It could be worse…

Professional DJ Mystical Michael Prepping For A Wedding

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

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

What Kind of Professional DJ Are You Michael?

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Folks ask me all the time, “Michael, what kind of professional DJ are you?”

 

“The kind of professional DJ that plays music and makes fun.”

 

“No. I mean what kind of music do you play?”

 

“The fun kind.”

 

“No. Really. What kind of music do you play as a professional DJ?”

 

“It depends on my client. I play what they want. I am not a kid and do not need to hide behind one genre or a certain style. I am here for my couple’s and families that hire me. I have a diverse library of professional DJ music and appreciate new opportunities to learn about music and cultures through our conversations and preparations.”

 

“Yeah that’s great but what kind of music do you play.”

 

“You want me to list the genres?”

 

“Yeah. But I want to know what kind of professional DJ you are.”

 

“I am the kind of professional DJ that has fun and creates fun for others. As far as styles of music; I am very comfortable with Top 40, Dance, Rock, Hip Hop, Oldies, 70’s & 80’s, R&B, Soul, Motown, Disco and am even getting competent with Country these days too. I continue to grow my collections of World/Global Music including Reggae, Reggaeton, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue and smaller collections of African, Indian and Middle Eastern Music. I enjoy getting the opportunity to use my different Lounge and Mood Music collections of Buddha Bar, Café Del Mar, Hotel Costas and New Age for environments and events that this is what is best suited. I like music and my library grows weekly. Does that answer your question?”

 

“Well yes and no. Now I know how diverse your library is but still have no clue what kind of professional DJ you are.”

 

At this point I give up and smile. Not everybody understands that it is 2011 and being a professional DJ that plays only one genre or style is out-dated due to the advances in technology and the variety of music that folks enjoy today.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Accepting New Challenges As A Professional DJ

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I was recently approached with an offer to professional DJ at a club that is under new management. It is really a sports bar with a club upstairs; a great place to eat and party. They already have a Resident DJ but he is not willing to play music for theme nights they are planning over the next few months. He does not want to do Country, Latin or a Ladies Night. He will only do what he does and nothing else. Why are so many professional DJs like this?

 

I look forward to accepting new challenges and expanding my repertoire as a professional DJ. How can this be a bad thing?

 

Even when I was new at this way back when many years ago, I wanted to try new things, learn and gain experience and confidence in as many genres and styles as possible. As a professional DJ, it increases my value and marketability. As a performer, I add to my pallet of music in my library that I can provide to clients.  Country and Latin Music are two of the hottest dance trends these days and why would a professional DJ not want to be a part of the fun and excitement?

 

I wonder if this is just a matter of ego and maturity? If you have any ideas on why so many professional DJs are afraid to venture beyond one or two genre, I would be most grateful for your thoughts.

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ 

Another MultiCultural Wedding: DJ for Filipino-Italian Wedding

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One of the joys of living and performing in the NYC/NJ/Philly Region is the opportunity to work as a professional DJ with Multicultural Weddings. I received a request for a quote from a young lady whose sister is getting married in November. It is a small wedding at View Of The Hudson in Piermont, NY.  She has the honor of both being her sister and Maid of Honor and is required to find and secure a professional DJ for her sister’s wedding.  We exchanged several emails before having a fun and informative conversation via the phone.

 

It turns out she is from a Filipino family and her sister’s fiancé is Italian. My Mom’s family is Italian and I grew up eating mostly Italian food from an excellent cook that has spoiled me for life.

 

I love to DJ Multi-Cultural Weddings. They are so much fun and always have a few interesting twists to add spice and variety to any event.  This one should be no exception. I too am from a Multi-Cultural family and it provided some unique and peculiar traditions when both sides of the family gathered together. I know many professional DJs flinch when presented with cultures they are not originally from; I do not understand this. I look forward to these events and the new experiences they offer. In the past year I have performed at about ten weddings with Brides and Grooms of different races, cultures or continents. I learn something new at every one of them and meet great people. Glad I am here in New Jersey where this kind of wedding is commonplace.

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

The DJ Plays A Great Last Song!

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It was a really fun wedding to DJ. Everybody had a good time and the smiles and high-energy on the dance floor let me know it was going great. I wanted a great last song. I approached The Bride and Groom to let them we had about a half hour left and wanted to see if there were any songs they definitely needed to hear before we shut-down. They both looked at each other, laughed and in a chorus, “No”, and she continued “Everybody is having so much fun!” and pointed to the dance floor, which was still packed with happy guests at 11:30.

 

We had not set in advance a last song since they wanted to see how it would go. They thought none of their friends and family would dance as she said in our meeting, “We’re not real dancing people but I hope at least some people will dance.”  They did, all night.

 

“What would you like me to close with?”

 

They looked at each other again, “Whatever you think will be best is fine with us. You’re the professional Wedding DJ”

 

“OK” And I walked back to my DJ station for the last bunch of tunes.

 

I glanced over the list of songs we had created together to see what was not played yet that would be a perfect closing song.  Typically we close a wedding with a few slow songs to bring everybody down and leave it with a nice happy, romantic feeling. Then I saw it near the bottom of the list: Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes, “Havin’ A Party”. Perfect!

 

 

I knew it was going against the tradition of ending with slow songs but this was a fun group and they didn’t follow many of the typical wedding trends; why should the closing be any different?  My assistant DJ looked at me skeptically but I stuck to my guns and cued it up. Two minutes later I cranked the volume and all the guests that were left including The Bride and Groom rushed to the dance floor singing and clapping to the song with joy pouring out of their smiles! It worked. When the song was completed they were all standing there hugging each other and sharing ‘High Fives’.  The red cheeks and bright eyes told the story and gave me all the confirmation I needed. This was the right song for this wedding and guests.  A true celebratory group needed a celebratory conclusion.

 

This may be my new closing song for the right wedding or party…

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Why A Digital DJ?

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I get asked regularly, “DJ Michael, why are you a digital DJ instead of turntables, since you are such a professional DJ purist, an ‘Old Skool-type DJ’?”
“Simple. I can honor the requests live of pretty much any genre or song a guest may ask.  I would need to bring with me thirty or forty racks of records to even come close to covering the diverse musical requests that a professional DJ needs to have access to at an event. Also, it is a lot easier on my back and body, not to mention there is such a smaller margin of error with digital equipment than turntables and CD players.”
When I was younger, I knew it was always possible to deal with needles skipping when someone was having too much fun near the DJ Station. I knew records would get scratches and grooves in them. To a much lesser extent, I experienced some of this with CDs, although not nearly as much. I do not have any tech problems these days. Nothing.
I miss using vinyl. I miss its natural sound and the feel of the records in my hands. I even miss the liner notes I used to read to learn about the musicians and the album. None of these are worth sacrificing technical perfection and the ability to honor nearly 95% on-site requests. For a true Club DJ that only plays one genre and does not lug gear with them from gig to gig; vinyl is a great option. I am not that kind of professional DJ. I need to be ready for whatever genre someone wants to hire me to play. It might be Top 40 and Hip Hop one night or 80’s the next or Oldies and Top 40 the day after. I have performed at weddings with Celtic, Reggae and Calypso on a Sunday afternoon after playing Top 40, MoTown, Soul, Disco and R&B the night before. I appreciate the opportunity to play diverse playlists and the challenge of hunting down obscure tunes that a couple may want during Cocktail Hour or a First Dance Song of a couple celebrating their 50th Anniversary and renewing their vows that had the local band play at their wedding in 1961 as a professional DJ! And I will find it. This is fun for me.
I’ll keep using my MacBook. I like the ability to be more creative than I could have imagined when I started out many years ago.  Time to finish preparing for a wedding on Saturday night with Rock, MoTown and Top 40:)