How would you describe your “DJ Personality” or “DJ Style”?
I tend toward a more laid back personality at events, interjecting comments, ice breakers, etc as needed to keep people happy and moving. Personally, I am not too fond of djs who have the need to say something between every song, so I tend to not go there myself.
As for my style, it varies with the crowd. When doing wedding receptions, private parties and such I really focus heavily on what the crowd wants to hear. I love to play requests and watch how people react to hearing their favorite tunes, while trying to find songs that build on the direction requests take me. At the end of the day, my goal would be that everyone heard something they really enjoyed, had fun with and danced to.
What is your favorite DJ memory?
At one of my recent events, the bride told me "We had so much fun as the night went on and everyone who stayed was impressed that you kept the dancefloor full for the last two hours." I really love filling a dancefloor, keeping it full and cycling people through it over and over. This harkens back to my old nightclub days and it still gets my adrenaline going to see people having that much fun at an event.
What is your favorite thing about being a DJ?
I love the fact that music can be a deeply personal connection for people. When we think back on one of our favorite songs, it tends to remind us also of a time in our life, a place, an event etc. I love the fact that I can play a small part in helping people form those memories with the events I DJ at. Also I love new music, love to find the best tunes and play them for fun crowds, mix them up with old faves and have a fun party. Music truely is the rhythm of life and big part of what I live for.
What is your proudest achievement as a DJ?
My proudest achievement as a DJ is whenever someone tells me they had a really great time, or they could relate to a group of songs in a music set that had an affect on them. I love it when people are that involved in the music.
What makes you unique / stand out as a DJ?
I focus strongly on the crowd and what I can do to please them. I love to get song lists from our clients. This shows me what music will probably motivate them the most and gives me a direction to build a music set around. Also, I really love playing requests at the parties. Taking, formatting and playing requests can really help connect to people, keep them happy, dancing and partying.
What are your specialties as a DJ?
My area of specialty has always been hi NRG dance music and beatcount mixing. I really love putting together a seamless mix. Once again this is a legacy from my nightclub dj days and this mixing style is not something that I rely on much for receptions, private parties and such. And that's really fine with me. Everything has its place and time.
What is your favorite part of the night?
A really smooth event will have a "sweet spot" where almost everyone in the room is on the danceloor, the music is pounding out a solid rhythm and everyone is having a blast. I live for that time of night and love to see it last as long as possible. I just love a great, wild party.
What is your favorite party song?
Shirley Bassey did a great cover of "Let's Get This Party Started" Awesome dance tune. More recently, TIK TOK by Ke$ha strikes me as a really fun party tune.
Why did you become a DJ?
I think its more important to know why I keep coming back to deejaying than to know why I originally started. A great deejay can help people to form fun, funny, endearing memories about a place and time all set to a personalized soundtrack of life. If I can do this for the crowds I entertain then I feel fulfilled and as though I've done something really good and in some small way meaningful over time. This striving is what makes me want to put on the perfect party every time I go out.
List one fun fact about you most people do not know:
I am a tinkerer. Always learning some craft or trade or working to perfect one that I already know. I am always busy working on something.
What is your #1 goal at a dance?
My #1 goal is to play a music variety that really inspires everyone to have fun, party, dance and interact. What other goal is there?
Why do you like performing at wedding dances?
I love being part of this special moment in someone's life. There are few other moments in life that are as vividly remembered. I am truely honored to be a part of this in some way. Also I love the variety of music people ask for at these gatherings. Its a fun challenge in music formatting to make it all fit together. Finally, I am always exposed to awesome tunes that I either hadn't heard before or really hadn't paid much attention to.
What are some of your personal accomplishments (scholarships, memberships, etc.)?
Ive been the resident deejay at several old danceclubs here in Des Moines. Also I grew up around music since both my father and step-father were musicians. I played some piano early in life. Some song was always playing and as I grew, I found my personal likes musically speaking. I am a largely self-taught deejay. A few friends shared some really cool tips here and there as I made my rounds.
I guess what I am proudest of is my love of taking songs that are highly compatible rhythmically but you wouldn't think would come up back to back. I've had many comments about that over the years. People being surprised in a fun way by my musical choices. I've done alot of other things professionally in life, but they are boring compared to music and the fun it can inspire so I won't bore you with them.
Do you have a personal axiom or motto ?
Gosh, there are so many. Musically though and when it comes to deejaying specifically.... I guess it would be.....
"Live for the crowd and the party they bring to the music. Make sure this is their night, the way they want it and have alot of fun with it."
Signature Show Certified DJs have successfully completed the extensive training requirements and course of study prescribed by the International Franchise Headquarters of Complete Music.