Professional DJ & VJ

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. Weddings, proms, corporate parties, birthdays, and clubs are most common.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Just because they say they are a DJ doesn't mean they are any good at it. A great deal of 'club djs' are well, great...in the club that is. But put them into a mobile gig (i.e. a wedding) and they are in a whole other world most of the time. You have to satisfy your crowd. Playing for intoxicated 21-year-olds' is easy compared to playing for mom, dad and the family. You have to adapt.

Finding out if the DJ has any mobile experience and for how long is a must in my book.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I take events very seriously. I give the same amount of effort in a club that I would in a wedding. I have fun but know what I need to do to make the night more enjoyable for everyone.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I love meeting new people and working with new clients. Controlling the dancefloor is my first priority. If people are dancing, I'm doing my job.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Q:Did you know you can just have the computer mix it for you and don't have to bring your cd players and/or turntables?

A: Yes, I know that. But any good DJ knows to put in the 'work' in every gig they do. If I wanted something to do the 'work' for me, I would have my assistant walk in with an iPod and a strobe light.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. I love my job and still have the same passion for it I did when I started 10 years ago. I didn't get into it for money or any type of fame. I did it because music speaks to me and I'm just here to spread the word to everyone else.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. The latest development would have to be video mixing. Although a few years old to most of us in the business, I believe that this feature allows the DJ/VJ to become even more creative not only with sound but with visuals as well.

In the same category as go-go dancers, this is eye candy for the masses but I don't suggest the screens to be within visual range of the dance floor. The last thing you want is people standing where they should be moving.

Q. What are you currently working on improving?

A. I am always updating my music and video libraries. That work is never done.

Also, I find that some DJ's think that have "reached their full potential" the first night they get a crowd moving. This is never the case. As a professional in any field, you should always be learning and always remain open to constructive criticism.