Tag Archives: Rock party DJ

The Beatles: Best Selling Album of The 21st Century

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On this date in 2000, The Beatles released their first compilation available all on one CD. The title of the album is ‘Beatles 1’ with nearly every number single that the band released from 1962-1970. The release date was chosen based on it being thirty years since the band had broken-up. It is the world’s best selling album of the 21st century with more than 31 million copies sold to date!

Interestingly enough, this was also the date that The Beatles recorded “Please, Please Me”. The singe was released in The USA on Vee-Jay records with a typographical error on the first pressing of the ’45’. It had their name printed as ‘The Beattles’, not The Beatles!

 

The Beatles icon with DJ Mystical Michael

Here is a list of of the songs on ‘1’ from The Beatles Website.

 

1. Love Me Do (1)
2. From Me to You (1)
3. She Loves You (1)
4. I Want To Hold Your Hand (1)
5. Can’t Buy Me Love (1)
6. A Hard Day’s Night (1)
7. I Feel Fine (1)
8. Eight Days A Week (1)
9. Ticket To Ride (1)
10. Help! (1)
11. Yesterday (1)
12. Day Tripper (1)
13. We Can Work It Out (1)
14. Paperback Writer (1)
15. Yellow Submarine (1)
16. Eleanor Rigby (1)
17. Penny Lane (1)
18. All You Need Is Love (1)
19. Hello, Goodbye (1)
20. Lady Madonna (1)
21. Hey Jude (1)
22. Get Back (1)
23. The Ballad Of John And Yoko
24. Something (1)
25. Come Together (1)
26. Let It Be (1)
27. The Long And Winding Road (1)

The Beatles Story

“The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. They became the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed act in the history of popular music.[1] The group’s best-known lineup consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Rooted in skiffle and 1950s rock and roll, the Beatles later utilized several genres, ranging from pop balladsto psychedelic rock, often incorporating classical and other elements in innovative ways. In the early 1960s, their enormous popularity first emerged as “Beatlemania“, but as their songwriting grew in sophistication, they came to be perceived by many fans and cultural observers as an embodiment of the ideals shared by the era’s sociocultural revolutions.” Wikipedia

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Yo! Where Are All The Good DJs?

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Yes, that was a real post I saw earlier today. I was scanning the Craigslist postings for professional DJs in the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania area to see what other Wedding, Event and Party DJs are doing. And I had to actually laugh out loud when I read the title of the post, “Yo! Where Are All The Good DJs?”

I have been a professional Wedding DJ and Party DJ for a long time and the thing I find the most fascinating is what people decide makes a good DJ, a good DJ and what makes a bad DJ, a bad DJ.  In most cases, it is simply a good DJ is a DJ that plays music you like. It has nothing to do with skill, inspiring a crowd, high quality equipment, professionalism, ability to interact positively with guests or any actual ‘talent’. This makes sense since the music industry in general is taste, not talent, driven. The most talented artists rarely get known outside of the community of trained musicians themselves. Physical appearance, stage presence, production and music that meets the tatses a wide range of listeners is typically what earns the highest ratings and $$$. Also, the age of who the music appeals to is significant, since the music industry in the USA is driven by the 13-27 year-old demographic.

The professional DJ business is somewhat different. Aside from playing music you like, which any professional good DJ without an ego can do easily with modern technology, many people do not know how to choose a good DJ, so they use the few distinctions that they know like scratching and so-called ‘beat-matching’.  Both of these skills are just a product of practice, there are no actual ‘talents’, since anyone who practices enough can do them. Talent is something that is demonstrated in a craft or art that practice alone is not enough. Some examples are athletes ands musicians. No matter how much I practice, I will never be as good an athlete as Kevin Durant or Derek Jeter. I will not be a vocalist like Adele or Andrea Bocelli or songwriter like Elton John or John Lennon. Some things cannot be taught, either you have them or you don’t. An exceptional professional Wedding DJ and Party DJ is similar, but maybe not as easily detectable to those on the dance floor, or to those who want to dance but can’t figure out why they are “Not in the mood tonight”. Here is where the subtle distinction between the exceptional professional DJ and the regular professional DJ exists.

What Is An Exceptional Professional or Good DJ?

The exceptional professional DJ inspires you to move even when you are not in the mood, too tired or have to get up early for work in the morning. An exceptional DJ is part of the inspiration that makes dancing such a fun, exhilarating and sometimes ecstatic experience. A great live band is still my favorite form of musical experience but an exceptional DJ can bring something else to the experience that can be equally inspirational.

Fun Party on the Dance Floor with Good DJ Mystical Michael

What makes a good DJ in your experiences?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Wedding DJ Performs at Dark Wedding

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This past weekend I was Wedding DJ & MC for two rather unique Weddings. On Saturday Night, the Wedding was a Dark Wedding with almost everybody dressed in black. This was not your Black Tie Affair, it was more Goth-liike than anything else. The Bride and Groom chose a bunch of really unique songs for the Introductions and Traditional Dances including “The Imperial March”, “Sistinas” by Danzig, “In My Life” by The Beatles, “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd and “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders.  It was fun, creative and their friends and family loved it and their Wedding DJ!

 “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders

“I’ll Stand by You” is a 1994 song recorded by The Pretenders from their sixth studio album, Last of the Independents. Written by Chrissie Hynde in collaboration with the songwriting team of Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg (who used the melody from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Minuet for Lovers]), it was the Pretenders’ most recent significant hit single, and their last successful single in North America.

The song is a power ballad that pledges love and faithful assistance in times of personal darkness. Since its initial release, “I’ll Stand by You” has also become a major hit for British girl group Girls Aloud in 2004 and Carrie Underwood in 2007, both times recorded as a charity single. Wikipedia

Groom Fun At Wedding with Rhode Island Wedding DJ Mystical Michael

I really enjoy working with Brides and Grooms who are interested in creating a simple, elegant and unique Wedding DJ Event.

As a professional Wedding DJ, I always offer my experience and recommendations, leaving it to the Bride and Groom to decide what will best for you. As many Wedding as I am Wedding DJ & MC for, it seems like they would all feel and look the same but they are not even a little bit. I am grateful that the Brides and Grooms that choose me to perform at their Weddings are wanting something that expresses their style, taste and personality. I do not do ‘cookie-cutter wedding factory style’ Weddings and won’t. I think a Wedding is too important for a Bride and Groom to not place their imprint all over it.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Holding Lighters at Concerts Started September 1969

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It was during a concert at the Toronto Rock & Roll Revival on September 13th 1969 the tradition of holding up lit matches and lighters during Rock Shows began. Before The Plastic Ono Band with John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Eric Claption, Klaus Voormann and Alan White came onstage, the MC Kim Fowley asked the audience to light their lighters to welcome them. It became a phenomenon not long after, whenever a Rock Ballad performed at concerts or before concert encores. It does not surprise me that such an honored tradition was birthed at a performance of John Lennon. We do not really have a performer today that symbolizes Peace and Equality to the degree that John Lennon did back then. It felt like that was what he lived for and was so passionate to the extent of being arrested and eventually shot and killed. Few among us have believed so strongly in Peace to suffer such a consequence.

Plastic Ono Band

The Plastic Ono Band is a conceptual supergroup formed by John Lennon and Yoko Ono in 1969 before the dissolution of the Beatles. Among the various other members of the band were Eric Clapton, artist Klaus Voormann, future Yes drummer Alan White,Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett, & friends, the Who‘s drummer Keith Moon, New York band Elephant’s Memory, Billy Preston, Nicky Hopkins, Phil Spector, drummer Jim Keltner, and, in a 2009 revival, Sean Lennon. Wikipedia

 Strange Concert Fact

As a peculiar side note to the concert festival, the rumor that Alice Cooper ate live chickens on stage during concerts also was birthed there. The reality is that somebody threw a chicken onto the stage and he through it back to the individual, who ate it. The rumor stuck with him throughout his career and he became somewhat of a Rock legend in creating an image of Alice Cooper as an insane man. Ozzy Ozborne followed Cooper as Rock’s crazy concert man.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Rhode Island DJ Rocks

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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

DJ At A Punk-Jazz-Rock-Motown-Sinatra Wedding

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I am aware many professional Wedding DJs like to play just one or maybe two genres at events. It makes sense and certainly is less of a challenge. I mean, you know what will work and have little or no risk involved. I get it, I really do, not every Wedding DJ wants to put in the extra time and effort to maintain such a diverse musical library.

 

For me, being a New Jersey or Boston DJ is not about taking the easier or safer route. Like all performers and entertainers, professional Wedding Disc Jockeys have to determine if the risk worth the reward?

 

I vote yes!

Dancing with Fun Wedding DJ in New Jersey

Saturday night was another fun wedding with a great couple. It was held at a nice venue, The Metuchen Inn in Metuchen, New Jersey. They had very varied tastes and wanted to make certain that their parents, family and friends all had music they would enjoy listening and dancing to. We carefully put together a basic playlist to meet the needs of everybody, not losing sight of the fact that it is their New Jersey wedding and what they want counts greatest.

 

So, we ended up with music all over the map from Dizzie Gillespie and Miles Davis during Cocktail Hour. More Jazz, Eddie Spaghetti and Soul was enjoyed with dinner. When we turned up the volume and tempo, it was Motown (The Temptations), Punk (The Clash), Beyonce, Rock (Def Leopard) and more Frank Sinatra. What an incredibly fun night!

 

Cutting the Cake with Fun Wedding DJ in New Jersey

 

I am totally fine with playing music from one genre but when given the opportunity to make some great segues and mixes, I jump at the chance. Thanks Joey and Melissa for letting me be part of your wedding and your wedding DJ!

Party on Dance Floor with Fun Wedding DJ in New Jersey

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

A Rock Wedding Works For This DJ

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Somehow we have this image in our heads that every wedding must be about dancing.  It is as if the whole guest list of friends and family don’t all dance, the wedding is a failure.

 

Enter Rock Music.

 

 

It is refreshing sometimes to play music at a wedding that is made for listening and not dancing. I love to dance and even enjoy creating sets that inspire others to dance more than dancing itself sometimes. Some weddings are about friends and family having a good time; eating, drinking, sharing laughter and stories and just enjoying being together to celebrate an essential moment in the lives of two people they care about greatly.

 

As a professional DJ, I prepare for each wedding assuming dancing will be a significant aspect of the reception. The choices of music I play often represent this mindset. I notice those who are present at a wedding of Rockers that don’t enjoy dancing begin to get uncomfortable when folks aren’t dancing, as if they are doing something wrong – failing Wedding 101 if you will.  They approach me with with panic in their eyes and ask me, “How are we are going to get everybody up on the dance floor?”

 

“Why do they need to dance? Can’t they just have fun with great music and not dance?”

 

“Humm. I never really thought about it. Why not?”

 

 

This past weekend I had the opportunity to provide professional DJ music for three weddings in four days. Each couple and reception were completely different. It even feels funny to call them all weddings since they have little in common except a Bride and Groom were married and friends and family gathered to celebrate their marriage with them. One of them was a marriage of a young couple who do not enjoy dancing or dance music, in fact most of their friends feel the same way. It took some adapting on my part to let go of the expectation that I needed to facilitate dancing at their wedding.  Of course, some couples will dance to slow songs no matter what a Wedding DJ does and this wedding was no exception. Outside of those few couples, people had a great time with the music they wanted to hear and just enjoying being together to participate in the event they shared with the newlyweds.

 

 

After the wedding, I walked over to the mother of The Bride and apologized that no one danced. She laughed and put her arm on my shoulder gently with a huge smile, “Michael, you are the only person that thought any of us would dance. We didn’t hire you for us to dance. We wanted you here to play great music so we could all have fun! And we definitely did. It was a fun wedding and everybody loved it! Thanks so much, you did a great job! You were exactly what we hoped for.”

 

Shows you how much the professional Wedding DJ knows…

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

A DJ Mash-Up: The Clash

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Today I was avoiding getting some work done and had a moment of inspiration to make a fun mash-up of some songs by The Clash. I recently was DJ at a wedding that The Groom requested a Clash song, “Jimmy Jazz”.  At this wedding my assitant who is a big Clash fan, smiled and spoke dreamily about seeing them back in 1981 at The Roseland Ballroom in NYC. This was the source of the inpsiration. I wanted to make some of my favorite songs by The Clash into a fun dance mix for a gig coming up soon at a venue where it will be perfect.

I am a bit of a purist as a professional DJ. When I make a mix I do the whole thing live in my room with no editing afterwards to make it sound better or clean up any mixes that don’t meet my standards. I decided which songs I would play and in what order, leaving some space for me to follow the energy along the way if I felt moved to add another track or change the mix. This is what I came up with.

 

The Clampdown

Train In Vain

Police On My Back

Rush (Big Audio Dynamite)

The Magnificent Seven

London Calling

Englsih Civil War

I Fought The Law

Here is the  mix:

      Clash Mashed BADly 7.15.11

I like the way it came out. The mixes are not my best DJ work but it works and it has great energy. I sent a copy to my friend who was the DJ assistant at the wedding. Maybe I will send one to The Groom too!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

The Celtic, Reggae, Rockin’ Wedding DJ

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It is not every day that a Wedding DJ gets to play Celtic, Reggae and Classic Rock at a wedding. In fact, I do not think I have ever had the opportunity before this weekend, to blend these genres in one fun wedding. The wedding was a young couple form Florida at The Bethwood in Totowa, NJ. The Bethwood has an excellent staff and the food is delicious. As with all weddings, it was the people and the Wedding DJ music that made the event special.

 

The couple and I worked together to form an excellent playlist to meet the needs of their eclectic tastes and to make sure their parents and family would have fun too. I think we did a decent job based on the comments and smiles. The Bridal Party Introduction Song they chose was from the Dropkick Murphys “I’m Shippin’ To Boston”. You may know this song from the film The Departed. They picked Bob Marley’s “Is This Love” as their First Dance Song. That set the tone for the afternoon and we never turned back.

 

It was fun mixing between Reggae, Rock and Celtic Music with some popular dance tunes along the way. What we didn’t expect as a pleasant surprise was the requests to dance to some Oldies like Ritchie Valens, Frankie Valli and a young woman even wanted to hear Jay Black & The Americans! I can’t remember the last time I had a request for “This Magic Moment” from someone under fifty before, no less a twenty-something-year-old. That was the kind of celebration this day was- anything and everything was welcome and worked with the Wedding DJ.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

A Night of Celebrities at Hoboken Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

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Last Friday night I again was asked to provide music for The Hoboken International Film Festival. It was a good time with lots of good food, beverages, music, a premier movie and more celebrities than I can count.  There is something really fun about seeing Robert Loggia rockin’ out to your DJ jams while waiting for the film to begin, which he was in the cast – The Great Fight.  I did not notice till I was almost done with my set that Gilby Clarke formerly of Guns N Roses was present as well. So, I quickly cued-up Sweet Child O Mine as the introduction song for Festival Producer Kenneth Del Vecchio. It is good to be a professional DJ and MC in The New Jersey & New York Metro area. I get to be a part of so many great events!

 

I had produced the same event last year and saw many of the same folks that I had met the year before.  This year since there was a greater turn-out and more people drifted to the space that I was playing music, it was even more fun and another opportunity for me to share my skills as a professional DJ with others. I hope my schedule continues to allow me to offer my services to non-profit events and to support the arts as I try to do at least once or twice a month when possible.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ