Tag Archives: Wedding Music

Professional DJ Party Lights

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I have been asked several times recently by potential clients, “What kind of DJ party light do you have?”

 

I giggle inside because I know if I share the names of the lights they will not know what I am talking about. Truthfully, I too do not keep up on all the different lights for professional DJs that are out there these days. The good news is we have many options as professional DJs today for what kind of lights we want to use to add some ‘juice’ to the right gigs. Not all events will DJ party lights be a good fit.

 

Here are some of the DJ lights I regularly bring to events that they are successful in adding another element to the party. I have others that are not included but here are images of the sone of the more popular ones:

 

 

 

 

 

 

They sure make for fun wedding and parties!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Facilitates Dance As A Community Experience

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Many people think of dancing as an individual and personal experience. Others may view dancing as a romantic and/or sensual means of connecting with a special person or partner. Dancing may also be a fun way of creating and building community. I thought it would be interesting to express this idea through images of experiences I have participated as professional DJ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community building through music and dance via the DJ.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

What Makes A Great Party?

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This afternoon a recently married Groom called me after returning from their honeymoon, which he was beaming about. He wanted to thank me for the great time they all had at their wedding. The three of us became friends while planning and coordinating their wedding over the previous half year. We shared meals, laughs, stories and ideas while creatively making a great wedding for them. It worked thankfully!

During our conversation, it occurred to me that the music, the clothes, the food, the service and the venue all matter but none of them by themselves can make a great party. I think it is the people. Mark and Yomi have great friends and family. It was evident to me even while I was busy producing the soundtrack to their day as their Wedding DJ. Their friends and family genuinely wanted to be part of their celebration and were supportive of everything they chose. I am sure there were some disagreements along the way, but at the wedding itself it was about Mark and Yomi and having a great time.

I met with another couple later this afternoon who are in the beginning stages of planning their wedding. I still had fresh in my mind my conversation with Mark, his remarks and my thoughts on the people being the primary ingredient in a fantastic party. When speaking with them, I asked more questions then I typically do in a first meeting. I want to know about them and their guests to know how best to make certain they too have a great wedding. They are a nice couple who are taking their time to make this be what they want but recognize they need to let professionals do what they do best, trusting the experience we have. I took the time to learn more about them and their friends and family. I think I will do a better job of this from now. I look froward to the opportunity to work with them and do my part in creating a great party for them and their guests to share.

What do you think makes a great party?

 

What is the most essential ingredient?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Popular Garter Toss Songs

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Since we took a look at Bouquet Toss Songs, it seemed like a great idea as professional Wedding DJ to also inspect the Garter Toss Songs that can be used for Garter Removal as well. I know some folks are not wanting Garter Toss at their weddings these days but for those who do want to include it in your Wedding Traditions, here are some suggestions:

1 Queen Another One Bites The Dust
2 Gaye, Marvin Let’s Get It On
3 ZZ Top Legs
4 Nelly Hot In Herre
5 Hendrix, Jimi Foxey Lady
6 Clayton, Adam & Larry Mullen Theme From Mission: Impossible
7 Def Leppard Pour Some Sugar On Me
8 Warrant Cherry Pie
9 Loggins, Kenny Danger Zone
10 Yello Oh Yeah
11 Right Said Fred I’m Too Sexy
12 Van Halen Hot For Teacher
13 Timberlake, Justin Sexyback
14 Cocker, Joe You Can Leave Your Hat On
15 Hammer, M.C. U Can’t Touch This
16 AC/DC You Shook Me All Night Long
17 ZZ Top Sharp Dressed Man
18 Tone Loc Wild Thing
19 Salt-N-Pepa Whatta Man
20 Survivor Eye Of The Tiger
21 Presley, Elvis A Little Less Conversation
22 Hot Chocolate You Sexy Thing
23 Jay-Z Feat. Ugk Big Pimpin’
24 Georgia Satellites Keep Your Hands To Yourself
25 Rose, David And His Orchestra The Stripper
26 Inner Circle Bad Boys (Theme From Cops)
27 Baha Men Who Let The Dogs Out
28 Flight Of The Conchords Business Time
29 Mancini, Henry The Pink Panther Theme
30 Flo Rida Feat. Keisha Right Round
31 Thorogood, George & The Destroyers Bad To The Bone
32 Weather Girls It’s Raining Men
33 Kravitz, Lenny American Woman
34 Beyonce Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
35 Motley Crue Girls, Girls, Girls
36 Beastie Boys Girls
37 Derulo, Jason Ridin’ Solo
38 Mcgraw, Tim Real Good Man
39 Rose, David And His Orchestra Stripper
40 Village People Macho Man
41 Lee, Peggy Fever
42 Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling
43 Paisley, Brad I’m Still A Guy
44 Spears, Britney Womanizer
45 Commodores Brick House
46 Conti, Bill Gonna Fly Now (Theme From Rocky)
47 Prince Kiss
48 Stewart, Rod Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?
49 Benatar, Pat Hit Me With Your Best Shot
50 White, Barry Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe

Which do you think are best and which just don’t belong on the list?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

3 Steps To Hiring An Excellent DJ

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3 Steps To Hiring An Excellent DJ

1)  Do your homework.

Check out their website first, it will fill in the blanks on who and what you are cosniderig for your wedding or event DJ. Do they feel like someone you would invite as a guest? Will they make your guests feel welcomed by their requests and suggestions?

 

Read their reviews on their site and reviews left on other sites like Yelp, Wedding Wire and Thumbtack, etc. Do they sound genuine or written by friends and family of the DJ? Do the speak to your concerns and wishes for your wedding or event?

 

Ask for former client references and actually take the time to call or write them and ask the questions that matter to you most about your professional DJ.  Did they listen and honor your needs and requests? Did they make your guests feel welcome to request songs and offer suggestions?  Was the music sensational? Was the professional DJ fun and interactive with your guests?

 

2) Get to know your Professional DJ before signing a contract.

Are they someone you will enjoy working with?  Are they personable but not over-the-top?  Are they interested in your input and concerns? Will you have fun creating a playlist with them or will you feel left out of planning your own wedding or event? Will your guests enjoy their presence at your wedding or event?  Are they taking the time to listen and not just talk and sell themselves? Are you confident in their experience, professionalism and skills to make an outstanding wedding or event? Are they another cookie-cutter DJ service or will they individualize what they do for you? Can you feel that they actually care about you and your wedding or event? Will they be fun?

 

3) Trust your instincts!  You know what you want. You know how you want to make it happen.  You know who can do it with you and make you feel respected and appreciated. Listen to yourself and do not let a salesperson convince you otherwise. Trust yourself and your ‘gut’ feeling.  Make sure that everything you want is covered till you feel comfortable with the plan before you sign the contract. And maybe most important, be comfortable with the contract and the professional DJ’s back-up plan if there is an unexpected  situation. Are they mature and experienced enough to change gears on-the-fly if needed? Do you trust them to honor what you have agreed to in the contract?

Do they have a guarantee?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Lists Most #1 Hits on The Billboard HOT 100 All-Time By Artist

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Time to look at Billboard’s 50th Anniversary List of Top #1 Hits by Artist
20 – The Beatles First No. 1: “I Want to Hold Your Hand” (1964)

18 – Mariah Carey First No. 1: “Vision of Love” (1990)

13 – Michael Jackson First No. 1: “Ben” (1972)

12 – Madonna First No. 1: “Like a Virgin” (1984)

12 – The Supremes First No. 1: “Where Did Our Love Go” (1964)

11 – Whitney Houston First No. 1: “Saving All My Love for You” (1985)

10 – Janet Jackson First No. 1: “When I Think of You” (1986)

10 – Stevie Wonder First No. 1: “Fingertips – Pt. 2” (1963)

9 – Bee Gees First No. 1: “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” (1971)

9 – Elton John First No. 1: “Crocodile Rock” (1973)

9 – Paul McCartney & Wings First No. 1: “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” (1973)

8 – The Rolling Stones First No. 1: “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1965)

8 – Usher First No. 1: “Nice and Slow” (1998)

I am not surprised The Beatles are on top, Michael Jackson #3 or Madonna  #4 but was not expecting Mariah Carey to be #2, 18 #1 hits is incredible! Really the rest of the list are all legends except Usher. Artists known throughout the world among many ages, genres and cultures.  If you integrate The Beatles, Paul McCartney & Wings, solo and other collaborations Paul’s collective accomplishments, he is totaling 33 #1 hits. I remember my father bringing home the ’45’ of “I Want To Hold Your Hand”.  The B side in The UK was “This Boy” but in The USA it was “I Saw Her Standing There”, the copy I quickly ruined through overplay and youthful exuberance..

 

Half the top 8 were Motown artists; Michael & Janet Jackson, The Supremes and Stevie Wonder. It is interesting to view The Bee Gees as one recording artist since they experienced two completely separate ‘careers’ starting with the Folk Rock Hits beginning with “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” and reformed in the late 70’s with their Disco hits like “Night Fever” and Stayin’ Alive”.

 

It never would have occurred to me “Crocodile Rock” was Elton’s first #1 Billboard hit. I did some research and Honkey Chateau made it #1 in the album charts but no #1 single till “Crocodile Rock”.

 

Where is Elvis you ask? Good question! Elvis had 20 #1 hits but Billboard was celebrating their 50th Anniversary of The HOT 100, which was established in 1958, and he had 13 of those #1’s before The HOT 100 existed.

Which artists are you surprised are on the list and which did you think would be but aren’t?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

What Wedding DJs Should NOT Do

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On Saturday night I was an actual guest at a wedding. One of my cousin’s got married to his high school sweetheart and it was a great time to see family that I do not typically get to spend time with. They are a good couple and glad they are finally getting married.

 

It was also an opportunity to listen to how my family members would respond to the professional DJ without asking questions, a data collection mission of sorts. The comments were somewhat surprising but more importantly, they mirrored what I was experiencing as well unfortunately. I am not one of those people that likes to criticize my peers. Here are a list of lessons I learned, again, about the honor of being a professional DJ and MC at a wedding:

1) Never let your microhone be louder than the typical volume of the music. It jars guests and is hard to hear what is being said.

2) Pay attention to the crowd. They will ‘tell’ you what to play and what not to play.

3) Don’t force the issue. If you want to move towards a genre or era of music, let it happen naturally and don’t make the guests switch gears without a proper segue.

4) Remember all the guests! As a Wedding DJ it is easy to fall in love with what is working and forget the rest of the room. Diversity is the key.

5) Keep your eyes on the people not dancing as well as those on the dance floor. Often the secret to an excellent event can be seen in the eyes, expressions and energy of those that are not participating. If they look bored or disinterested it is revealing of something. If they are having fun and full of energy and excitement, the fact that they are not dancing does not mean that you are not being successful.

6) Cheesy DJ/MCs are rarely appreciated.

7) Invite guests to make requests and honor them. The may think think you do not accept them if there is no offer.

8) Enjoy yourself! Who wants a Wedding DJ that looks miserable?

 

The reinforcement of the basic challenge of a professional Wedding DJ was clear to me in the reality of trying to meet the needs of The Bride and Groom and their guests. It only takes a bit of communication for this to be resolved and a great wedding is the result.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Wedding DJs Changing Genre At A Wedding

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Preparing earlier today for tomorrow’s wedding on Long Beach Island, NJ, I noticed that each component of the wedding has its own genre. This was the playlist created together with The Bride, like all good Wedding DJs do. She wanted ‘chill music’ for the Cocktail Hour with Bob Marley, Jack Johnson, Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison and Norah Jones, amongst others; all great stuff.  The dinner music for the Reception includes artists like Josh Kelley, The Cure, Jason Mraz, Del Amitri and Red Hot Chili Peppers with other sprinkled in.  Then party time with Taio Cruz, Pitbull, Rihanna, David Guetta and some older favorites like Bel Biv Devoe and Montell Jordan.

 

I continue to be impressed with the diversity of music that Brides and Grooms are requesting for their weddings lately. It is not like it used to be with folks only wanting one genre and nothing else.  Should be a great wedding with fun people. The Bride was very careful in planning every detail to her liking along the way including the music. As a professional Wedding DJ, I appreciate knowing what The Bride and Groom want to hear. It is even better when we have had enough communication to know what directions we can take it to meet the needs of her friends and family.

 

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