1) Can you tell us a little bit about you as a DJ and the the history behind your business?

I first worked at HSV 7 as an audio operator presenting on air shows, and a boom operator working drama e.g. homicide and live variety tv shows.

2) So you are a DJ! What a cool job… how did you get involved in this exciting industry?

Because I’d been playing records on air eg test pattern music, sound effects for news off disc and playing announcements off cartridge

I ventured into the environment of live venues in hotels and clubs in the mid 70’s when “Disco” first started. After television it was “basic”, I would literally switch

the select knob on the pre-amp from turntable 1 to turntable 2, no cueing or headphone function. This was at the Dover hotel in Carlton , 1976. Those pre Saturday

Night Fever days, when nothing like disco with dj’s was in the suburbs of Melbourne and the people at your venue in the city were hairdressers and or very “individual”. Not clicheish, but cool.

3) Every DJ is a music maniac… what type of music rocks your world?

You had celebrities like Molly Meldrum. John Paul Young, Denise Drysdale, Lionel Rose, Ron Barassi etc, it was a scene! But everyone was out by midnight!

The place jumped from Wednesday to Saturday night. When Saturday night fever happened and “discos” went out to the suburbs, the music went very commercial and some venues insisted on some jocks getting so vocal as to actually stop the music and dancing and have blind fold competitions of girlfriends blindly feeding their boyfriend dog food!!! This apparently was supposed to be entertainment!!! This was not my scene and a far cry from the trammps, Commodores, Bar Kays, Undisputed Truth, Donna Summer, Giorgio and those Tom Moulton mixes from the clubs of New York . The scene had gone this way by the early 80’s so I made it into country radio where I maintained pub dj work in most of the towns I lived. By 1988 I’d made it to Hot Hit 3XY, the station, that for me had always had the best presentation and delivery from their jocks, not to mention the best playlist of current hits and gold and of course the jingles.

Now in 2012, 60% to 70% of work has gone from radio, they now network or pre record shifts by the same guy who worked earlier In the day, I’m back in front of people

4) What is your most popular service/gig and what type of clients contact you for your DJ services?

Mcing and djing at weddings or birthday parties with my business Black Tie Events or Mark G Media.

Black Tie Events started back in the 90’s specializing in weddings, parties, trivia nights and even do dry ice for the bridal dance creating that misty atmosphere.

I love all kinds of music having 13,000 records and am the president of the international Sinatra Society.

So my all time favorites are Qincy Jones, Billie Holliday and of course Frank (Sinatra).

5) What is the most challenging and rewarding aspects of working as a DJ?

The best part of djing is taking the emotion on the dance floor to this all high exhilaration, with the dancers having a ball.

6) DJ’s love their equipment… can you tell us a little bit about the equipment you use and why?

I’m using pioneer djm’s, the big RCF speakers and a neumark mixer. It sounds warm!! Using an Ipod or computer just doesn’t have the same quality…….being an audiophile, there’s no comparison for me.

7) How do you see the DJ industry evolving in Australia ? What makes you excited about the years to come?

I think the dj industry, working to live people is here to stay. Some uninformed people think like Television and radio that they can just pre program a night of music for dancing on they’re Ipod. The only way to program to people dancing in the now, is to program in the now. It’s a spontaneous thing. The mood on the dancefloor can change and you have to stay with them musically to keep them there, otherwise you’re goning to wind up with an empty dancefloor. With the years of experience I have, it’s also a matter of what tracks I’ve seen that have worked on the dancefloor and what haven’t.

8.) What do you need to do/have to be a good DJ? What’s the secret? Technique, talent, energy?

9) Most memorable Gig you have done? What made that gig/event special?

There’s been lots of memorable gigs, like the time Molly Meldrum came up to me at The Chevron back in the late 70’s and asked me to play half way through the night a record he’d brought into the club. It was a totally unknown track that had not been on radio or TV and I was hesitant, but thanks to Molly I can say I was probably the first in Australia to play the Bee Gee’s tragedy.

10) what is a normal night in your life as a DJ?

11) Favorite International DJ?

12) Best song/track to get any party started?

13) Now time to brag… tell our readers why you ROCK as a DJ and why they should contact you for their next event? (self promotion is encouraged!)

1) Can you tell us a little bit about you as a DJ and the history behind your business?

From a Young age I have always liked the idea of doing something with music as I’m no singer my only option was to produce music

So in 2006 I opened my first mobile dj company. The only experience I had when opening this company was the fact that I had provided music for every family occasion from birthday’s to funerals. I started djing without a mixer using 2 cd players and running them thru the same speakers as time went on I progressed to many other forms of djing.

2) So you are a DJ! What a cool job… how did you get involved in this exciting industry?

It all started when I turned 18 I hired a mobile DJ to attended to my 18th birthday when I seen the set up I was very disappointed by the lack of music and lighting that come with the dj being the music head I have always been from a little kid playing with my mother’s record players playing 60’ 70’s and the 80’s music to having the chance of getting my first compact portable cd player and out there after many years enjoying the club dj experience as a customer I finally settled down and started viewing online YouTube video’s the more I watched the more I wanted to get up and running as a mobile dj I have attended many online dj courses and education. Finally in 2006 I brought my first mobile set up it was a BCD midi mixer a laptop and some cheap speaker system I did my first gig for a mentally challenge school blow my speaker up and had a ball after months trying to get myself back on track I finally did a ARMY gig from there I have not stopped doing 20+ weddings a years and 10+ birthdays.

3) Every DJ is a music maniac… what type of music rocks your world?

50’s to the 80’s I love old school music I still love the modern music but nothing beats a 80’s night. it’s music you see people let go and dance to even someone with 2 left feet can dance to old school music today’s music just don’t have the same kind of love.

4) What is your most popular service/gig and what type of clients contact you for your DJ services?

Wedding’s are our most provided gig, we do 20+ gigs a year.

5) What is the most challenging and rewarding aspects of working as a DJ?

Guessing what music people like to hear you meet people in a different way as a dj you have limited time to get information out of people and when you go to a event that has 200 + people it is very hard in a short period to guess or have time to ask them 200 people what their fav song is some gig I get I right other I don’t but it a real learning curve.

6) DJ’s love their equipment… can you tell us a little bit about the equipment you use and why?

Of course you can dj on just about anything these days I go towards the higher end of the DJ scale I use a pioneer set up I have the DJM 5000 mixer and have DJM 400 cdj reason I use these is because of the flexibility the mixer gives me at events it a all in one mixer for DJ video dj the mixer has so much into it like the mic I can have 3 mics with talk over feature so it great when I do grand entrances at wedding’s, powered speakers are the way to go these day’s I don’t carry amps around anymore. And as for my lighting I m American dj and chauvet guy.

7) How do you see the DJ industry evolving in Australia? What makes you excited about the years to come?

Well the DJ industry in Aust has come a long way with the technology growing I see in years to come the DJ industry may just fade away I see video DJ taking over and dj become music producers.

Already I see in my area pubs and clubs running auto dj systems this is where a dj come pre records a set for the night and is working more like a producer then a dj.

8.) What do you need to do/have to be a good DJ? What’s the secret? Technique, talent, energy?

Know your music is the main thing, be able to read a crowd understand the crowd. As for secret no one has the answer but only advice be yourself learn you gear and listen to your customers.

9) Most memorable Gig you have done? What made that gig/event special?

Well I have more than one but one that springs to mind was a birthday party and a little girl wanted to sing to her mum Taylor swift song I cut out the vocals and the little girl sang the song word for word just beautiful.

10) what is a normal night in your life as a DJ?

I know some people are going to expect me to say having a good time and pushing out good tunes when I reality it’s the paper work behind the djing that takes a lot of fun out of djing that’s a normal night the fun begins when you’re at a event and have people thank you so many times you know you did a good job.

11) Favourite International DJ?

Don’t really have one I listen to all kinds of remixed music and I can’t say I would pick a fav dj I may only like some songs from a International DJ but if I had to pick I love dj earworm he just is so different from all the other in the way he does his mixing.

12) Best song/track to get any party started?

As I love my old school music it’s got to be my most requested song baby got back from sir mix a lot gets the dance floor rocking in no time.

13) Now time to brag… tell our readers why you ROCK as a DJ and why they should contact you for their next event? (self promotion is encouraged!)

Well I hate to think I rock as a DJ I like to think I get people to enjoy themself by enjoying myself if I m not having a good time how would I expect my dancers to have a good time, people in my area are not limited by dj’s as there are 14 of us here offering different kind of service’s the beautiful thing with my service is I put 50+ hours into my gig’s before I turn up I put the time into my set up to ensure it not only looks good sound good but is the best service money could buy I offer my customers thing’s the other 14 dj’s in my area do not I have access to the internet so I m never without music I give free items such as name projection on dance floors I only pick the best dj dance lights and ensure these lights do not stay any longer than one year on my stands so I always updating my system. I m not a weekend warrior I put time and effort in I don’t agree with dj’s offering services too high or adding extra services to gain more money I offer value for money I don’t cut the compertion for this and I don’t like to think I undercut any dj from gig’s but encourage all dj to start upping the quality they are providing to customer not only with music but the look of systems, customer service is important to me that’s why I not only offer telephone but email and a full range of information on my website I use a online client area which my customers love to use my feedback from my website has always been positive one I don’t pressure anyone to make a booking I m no sales person but I do give a good show when I get going.

Check me on facebook http://www.facebook.com/RiverinaDJ

1) Can you tell us a little bit about you as a DJ and the history behind your business?

I have been a DJ for 5 years now, and have loved music ever since I was a young boy. I have always loved a huge range of music and can recite lyrics from just about any popular song, so with this knowledge I thought to myself why not become a mobile DJ? I started with backyard gigs and ‘shed parties’ and now do high quality 18ths, 21sts and theme parties through the south west even the occasional club function.

2) So you are a DJ! What a cool job… how did you get involved in this exciting industry?

I have loved music from a very young age and had always wanted to mix and create my own music, creating that ‘amazing’ ‘memorable’ moment for my clients is the thing I get the biggest buzz from, doing something unique every gig is very important for me, whether it be spicing things up with a bit of Mcing or playing their ‘favourite’ song on the spot without their prior knowledge.

3) Every DJ is a music maniac… what type of music rocks your world?

I’m really into house, electro, dubstep and of course you can’t forget the classics. My shows are a real example of the music I really enjoy one set might be 80s classics to entertain an older audience while another may be some really filthy dubstep for the younger crowd. Artists such as Afrojack, Sidney Samson and Laidback Luke I really get into. While if I’m in an 80s mood, you can’t go past Bon Jovi, Billy Idol, Midnight Oil, Skyhooks, The Eagles , I could list them forever!

4) What is your most popular service/gig and what type of clients contact you for your DJ services?

I’ve always targeted the younger audience , but really specialise in 21st’s and 18th parties. Also school functions always make a good friday night gig.

5) What is the most challenging and rewarding aspects of working as a DJ?

The most challenging aspect would have to be choosing the right songs for the audience that you’ve got on the dancefloor, one wrong move and the vibe can come crashing down. Ive noticed just recently that there are alot of young ‘untalented’ djs that undercut by offering services much cheaper than market price, I find that venues and those after a ‘cheap’ night flock to these and regret it. It’s very dissapointing when this happens, because normally I’m the one picking up the pieces, ie broken venue gear, disapointed clients. One of the most rewarding aspects would have to be enjoying that ‘special moment’ with your clients and getting a big thank you paired with a grin at the end of the event.

6) DJ’s love their equipment… can you tell us a little bit about the equipment you use and why?

I always love buying new gear, i sometimes can’t help myself when new equipment comes out. I currently use 2x CDJ850s a behringer DJX750 mixer paired with a Beta58 Shure Mic, and of course a DMX lighting board. The lighting effects include American DJ Quad Phase, Quad Gem, Terminator Lasers, Twinkling star lasers, LED Par64 cans, Xenon 2000w Strobes. I’ve found that this offers the best combination for any event, and can be tailored depending on the venue.

7) How do you see the DJ industry evolving in Australia? What makes you excited about the years to come?

That’s a very interesting question, with ‘cheap’ DJ gear becoming more and more available it will be very interesting to see what the future brings for the DJ industry, only time can tell. Although touching base with the negative side of the DJ industry evolving, of course it brings excitement as the technology is always changing. Gone are the days of worrying about ‘overloading’ the venue circuit with your 500w a light globes , LED technology allows us to do amazing things with next to nothing power consumption.

8.) What do you need to do/have to be a good DJ? What’s the secret? Technique, talent, energy?

I believe you have to have great patience, listening to what your client’s exact needs are and ensuring you totally blow away their expectations and make them think “this guy knows his stuff”. You need to know which tracks will put the audience in the mood you want for the night, there’s no point playing a slow track when the audience is ready to dance. I believe the DJ is also a crowd controller too, if you have an audience completely captivated at your sound and what you’re doing, then security for the venue becomes obsolete. Mcing skills are also very important, the ability to say the right things will win you the gig hands down, there are so many DJs out there that just play tracks and fade them up and down into each other without actually putting in the energy and interacting with the crowd and involving them in the whole ‘experience’.

9) Most memorable Gig you have done? What made that gig/event special?

I can still remember my first gig, gosh was it amazing! I got asked to provide entertainment for 3x 18th parties all held in one venue , of course , me being me i said yes. I made it something special for the clients, did my homework and managed to pull off a decent party. This party was basically the foot in the door, i became known in the region and dabbled into other regions such as the Grampians travelling as far as 600km to captivate audiences. I havent looked back since and improve and learn new techniques every gig, every weekend.

10) what is a normal night in your life as a DJ?

I start roughly around 4pm and load the station wagon up with the gear, locate the venue and create a special playlist for the client. Aside from the huge task of packing and setting up the equipment , I really love getting into the music and sharing my skills with the client. Gigs typically finish at around 2am, but I’ve known to go till 5.

11) Favorite International DJ?

Laidback Luke or David Guetta, the energy they bring to their music is simply amazing.

12) Best song/track to get any party started?

There’s too many to just list one, I’d have to say : Lmfao’s – Sexy and I know it, The Eagles – Eagle Rock, Chris Brown – Turn up the Music, Rick Springfield – Jesses Girl

13) Now time to brag… tell our readers why you ROCK as a DJ and why they should contact you for their next event? (self promotion is encouraged!)

I love bringing energy and motivating the audience to get on the dancefloor and have ‘fun’ during the event. Knowing what to play next and playing for the crowd is always very important. Having only positive feedback from clients and a reputation to host the best events, and being on time is very important for me to ensure success of future business. I love my job, and will continue to offer premium entertainment for as long as I can.

1) Can you tell us a little bit about you as a DJ and the history behind your business?

My love for music began when I was a child and I began DJing in 1973/74 as part of my involvement in a local youth group committee. While I spent the very early part of my DJ career working for others to learn the tricks of the trade, I very quickly became disillusioned with some of the methods employed by these DJ companies. As my passion for weddings grew, I regularly noticed that there were things they could do better to make weddings much more distinctive, fun, tasteful and eloquent. But most importantly I noticed that they didn’t seem to go that extra mile for EVERY wedding couple.

A couple of years later, I began my own DJ service determined to change the industry and the expectations of brides and grooms………….one wedding at a time. Slowly but surely, I gained a solid reputation within sections of the wedding industry for the high end premium service, inclusions offered, reliability, consistency, the high professional and ethical standards maintained and constantly striving to improve every facet of the services provided.

I understand that the secret to being a successful DJ/MC Entertainer is to pay close attention to detail, discussing with the client what they expect, giving the client what they want, being flexible to sudden changes, always being accommodating, professional and offering your very best ….ALWAYS, no exceptions!

2) So you are a DJ! What a cool job… how did you get involved in this exciting industry?

Purely by accident! – I began DJing in 1973/74 with my involvement in a local community youth group committee as a means to minimise overhead costs on some of the youth group social events. This led to enquiries for private parties, birthdays, engagements and eventually weddings. There was no way that I would have envisaged at that time that I would still be doing this to this day and eventually on a full time basis.

3) Every DJ is a music maniac… what type of music rocks your world?

Music which stirs emotions, inspires and motivates regardless of genre is what resonates with me the most. Strictly on a personal level, I do like to get out every so often and enjoy live rock music played with energy and passion.

4) What is your most popular service and what type of clients contact you for your DJ services?

I have a great passion for weddings, I absolutely love them and cannot imagine a better way to spend my time than helping couples plan and celebrate their marriage with family and friends. Love is such a wonderful feeling and I cherish every opportunity that I have the privilege and honour of witnessing the love and happiness between two people – it makes my heart smile each and every time. Accordingly, whilst I am able to cater to most types of events, I have decided to follow my passion and specialise in weddings and corporate events.

Wedding Receptions represents around 95% of all my events, not just as DJ but also as Master of Ceremonies (MC) and in providing Wedding Ceremony coverage. The service I offer attracts discerning couples who desire an elegant, distinctive, fun and memorable wedding, those that do not wish their wedding to be just like every other wedding they have been to and couples which value what quality entertainment can contribute to their celebration.

5) What is the most challenging and rewarding aspects of working as a DJ?

Both the most challenging and rewarding aspect of working as a wedding DJ is making each couple’s wedding dream become a reality. Challenging, because each dream is different – fully understanding that dream and working out how to transform the vision into reality takes significant time and dedication. Rewarding, because filling a wedding day with many lifelong memories, seeing the dream come true, seeing the happiness on the bride and groom’s faces and in their hearts; is just the BEST feeling!. Can’t wait for my next fix of love and happiness!!!

6) DJ’s love their equipment… can you tell us a little bit about the equipment you use and why?

Whilst DJ:Plus! Entertainment uses some of the very best equipment available and there are some items I love, equipment, on its own, does not make the event fun, more entertaining or create memorable moments – that takes talent and I feel this is more important than the actual equipment used. Equipment is essentially another “tool” that DJs use in order to do their job, not unlike a plumber, mechanic, or photographer; yet no one is ever interested in what type of spanners or cameras they have as long as the job can be completed to the client’s satisfaction. Likewise, a professional DJ should have all the professional “tools” required for the event.

7) How do you see the DJ industry evolving in Australia? What makes you excited about the years to come?

It is my hope that the DJ industry as a whole starts to take itself much more seriously, becomes very professional, works to overcome the overall negative perceptions about DJs and being a DJ becomes a truly respected profession.

Everything is moving at an extremely fast pace, especially in regards to technology. Developments in this area will certainly mean that DJs will continue to evolve as new “tools” become available. But the thing that excites me the most about the coming years is that I will get to meet many more beautiful couples and hopefully be given the privilege to play a part in making their wedding day the best it can be.

8.) What do you need to do/have to be a good DJ? What’s the secret? Technique, talent, energy?

Hard work, PASSION and making everything you do all about the client. Technique, talent and energy certainly come into it and can be constantly improved and honed if you have the passion and are prepared to put in the hard work.

9) Most memorable Gig you have done? What made that gig/event special?

There is not one specific event which stands out as the most memorable. As I predominately perform at weddings, each is unique, special and memorable in its own way. The common thing with all these that makes it so special is the love between the two individuals. If the day reflects the love they share, it is just such a magical experience!!

10) What is a normal night in your life as a DJ?

Depending on the services being provided, where the wedding is being held, the “night” could start quite early in the day as I schedule to arrive at the venue at least three hours prior to the start of the wedding.

The “night” would start with loading the vehicle with all the equipment required. Double check that no required item has been forgotten (using my custom created checklist). Shower and shave. Drive to location. Introduce myself to event staff. Load in and set up for reception. Perform sound check. If covering ceremony, set up and sound check ceremony system. Change into formal attire. Discuss and run through scheduled proceedings with venue staff, celebrant, photographer, videographer and any other wedding professionals.

Cover ceremony (prelude, processional, register signing and recessional music). If pre-dinner drinks are in same room as reception, start background music on main system and then discreetly tear down ceremony system. If pre-dinner drinks are in a separate area to the ceremony and reception, the ceremony system would need to be torn down and set up in this area. Usher guests into reception area if required. Welcome guests and introduce wedding party. Whilst guests are being served their entrée, tear down system from pre-dinner drinks area if necessary. Liaise with all the other wedding professionals throughout the evening to ensure they are aware of what is coming up next.

Constantly read the crowd throughout the meal period and adjust background music as required. Introduce and co-ordinate speeches, cutting of the cake, other formalities and any other scheduled events in an entertaining manner. Introduce first dance and then invite everybody onto the dance floor. Constantly read the crowd to maximise guest engagement whilst ensuring that a balanced mix of requests from the bride and grooms and crowd favourites are included. Perform farewell formalities.

Thank everyone. Tear down and pack up. Drive home. Unpack vehicle. In the scenario just described, which in my case is a typical “night” as a DJ/MC, would involve around 15 hours of work and does not include all the pre-planning and meetings with the couple in the lead up to the wedding. Is it hard work? Most definitely! Is it rewarding? Words simply cannot describe the amazing feeling I get when one of my couples thank me for enhancing their wedding day memories. This simple display of gratitude gives purpose to what I do, drives me to constantly improve and is my ultimate reward.

11) Favourite International DJ?

As I am focussed on weddings, International DJs I look up to are all wedding DJs which provide inspiration to continuously improve. Mark Ferrell, Peter Merry, Randy Bartlett, Jim Cerone and Bill Hermann to name but a few.

12) Best song/track to get any party started?

As each wedding is customised and personalised to reflect each couple’s personal style, there is not one song which is going to suit or work at every wedding. Obviously, there are certain songs which are perennial favourites with guests and will always be requested. I believe that to ensure everyone is happy; the music at a wedding should be a balanced collection of the bride and grooms favourite tunes, songs which speak about their relationship as well as those which will appeal to the majority of the guests.

13) Now time to brag… tell our readers why you ROCK as a DJ and why they should contact you for their next event? (self-promotion is encouraged!)

DJ:Plus! Entertainment is a premium, Sydney based, professional, multi award winning DJ/MC service that is extremely passionate about Weddings. DJ:Plus! Entertainment believes there is so much more to wedding entertainment than just great music. This is why the service provided is designed to maximise guest involvement through creative planning that reflects the couple’s personal style, polished announcements and unique ideas, all packaged into a smooth flowing agenda that will help make the wedding simply unforgettable.

With a philosophy that focuses on quality, NOT quantity, a deep conviction that each wedding celebration is extremely special and unique, DJ:Plus! Entertainment limits the amount of clients it takes to no more than 40 per year. Couples continually comment on DJ:Plus! Entertainment’s obvious passion, flawless execution, resourcefulness, meticulous attention to detail and incomparable flexibility; as well as the ability to create a uniquely distinctive, yet exceptionally fun Wedding.
If you consider quality entertainment an important part of your wedding day and wish to find out just what it is that I do to make your wedding so much better, contact me to arrange a free consultation. I’m sure you’ll agree that what I offer is truly unique!! (Please keep in mind that this will not be the lowest quote you receive.)

DJ:Plus Entertainment services the Sydney Metropolitan Area, Southern Highlands, Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Central Coast and other areas by arrangement. Ceremony coverage is also available.

1) Can you tell us a little bit about you as a DJ and the the history behind your business?

I have been a DJ/Entertainer for more than 30 years starting from the humble beginning at skating rinks and doing small parties to now providing more services than just playing music at functions. I did retire from the industry until 2008 when I found there was a serious lack of professionals and lack of standards for the industry.

2) So you are a DJ! What a cool job… how did you get involved in this exciting industry?

I started by spinning vinyl at an ice skating rink when I was 16 in Fremantle WA and it just grew from there to doing engagements private parties and weddings when I turned 18.

3) Every DJ is a music maniac… what type of music rocks your world?

As I have been in the industry for such a long time the music has changed but my personal favourites are still Fleetwood Mac, ELO and current dance music but not Dub!!!

4) What is your most popular service/gig and what type of clients contact you for your DJ services?

Weddings and major corporate events are our most loved functions as we get to be more involved in the events and we get to shine and show what professionals can do and what a difference we can make to an event

5) What is the most challenging and rewarding aspects of working as a DJ?

Interaction with the crowd and the challenge of setting the mood and creating a fun atmosphere not only on the dance floor but in the whole venue. The reward is when a client comes to thank you and you either get that handshake or kiss from the bride.

6) DJ’s love their equipment… can you tell us a little bit about the equipment you use and why?

I personally use Pioneer CDJ2000 and DJM800 plus Traktor and a variety of PA gear depending on the venue and client, we also cater the lighting to the function so weddings remain tasteful and not look like a school disco.

7) How do you see the DJ industry evolving in Australia? What makes you excited about the years to come?

We started www.djaa.com.au DJ Alliance Australia to set standard for mobile DJ’s in Australia and this is starting to get recognised and our membership is growing, the evolving is about creating awareness to other DJ’s and to prospective clients that there are standards and that the perception of DJ’s is lifting to higher standards. The future is looking very bright for the industry as there are so many upcoming professionals from the industry taking newbies under their wings and teaching the art of entertainment and helping other DJ’s realise their true potential and worth. This means the clients will benefit by getting a professional and yes there will always be the cheap guys and there will always be that market but for those clients that want a stress free night they tend to book the professionals.

8.) What do you need to do/have to be a good DJ? What’s the secret? Technique, talent, energy?

PASSION, PASSION and more PASSION if you have this and you have the gift to entertain, the rest you can learn and yes you need energy, at the age of 49 (50 this year) I am still working 4 nights a week and have a regular spot in a nightclub on Friday and Saturday nights.

9) Most memorable Gig you have done? What made that gig/event special?

NYE 1999-2000 there was so much hype about the millennium and to have so many people in one room all excited and waiting for that magic moment!! We had the dance floor pumping right through till 3am that night and it was just the atmosphere of the night that makes me remember it.

10) what is a normal night in your life as a DJ?

There is no normal, but in saying that 2 hours before any of my functions I try to get some ME time so I can focus and prepare my mind for the function and then when I get the first track or first words on the microphone that is it until stumps, I call it in the zone time during the night and I only have one thing on my mind and that is what do I play to keep the crowd going.

11) Favourite International DJ?

Tiesto

12) Best song/track to get any party started?

I gotta feeling Black Eyed Peas or Eagle rock Daddy Cool

13) Now time to brag… tell our readers why you ROCK as a DJ and why they should contact you for their next event? (self promotion is encouraged!)

I have been a DJ for more than 30 years and I will keep going until I get told to stop by clients, I have won the ABIA Australian Bridal Industry Award for DJ and MC in 2011 for Victoria, founding member of DJAA, founding member of MPW www.peninsulaweddings.com.au and currently the president for that group. As I have so much passion for the industry we also run wedding expos and will be starting workshops for potential clients to let them know what they should look for when booking people/ products for their wedding.
We do more than just play music, we interview and create personalisation, we do lighting (we can make ugly rooms look better) and we create the right mood.

Yes I feel I do ROCK as how many other professionals can claim to get over 99% satisfaction from previous clients and from venues and this is based on unsolicited votes, while I have my passion and energy I will continue to ROCK the night away for many clients to come and I know there are only a small amount of professionals that can offer what we offer and what we actually deliver.

By all means shop around and if you are looking purely on price don’t call us as you will be disappointed that we don’t discount, if you want one of the best in the country call us and we can tell you how we can help you have a great function. All the best and we look forward to making the difference. DJ Pete and the crew.

1) Can you tell us a little bit about you as a DJ and the the history behind your business?

Minimusic has been serving the Sydney area for more than twenty years and in that time we have consolidated a talented team of DJs suitable for any type of event ranging from kids parties to 18ths, 21sts, birthdays, school discos, engagements, weddings, harbour cruises, corporate socials and night clubs. For myself the journey began when I took on a casual DJ job with Mobydisc in the late 70s and ended up working 5-6 nights a week for a period of ten years at all types of events and night clubs.

At that time, for Mobydisc, I also instigated what would have been the earliest formal training classes for mobile DJs. Finally, parting on good terms from that proverbial pioneer of the industry, and with a good grounding in all facets of the provision and execution of DJ service for events, “Minimusic” came into being.

2) So you are a DJ! What a cool job… how did you get involved in this exciting industry?

Originally I was looking to make some casual income while an undergraduate at the University of Sydney working toward a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Fine Arts. (Which I completed). However, once I started DJing, I couldn’t stop….it was like a drug…it consumed my life. The buzz of making it happen for people on the dance floor was electrifying….feeling the music…no I mean FEELING THE MUSIC….having the crowd respond….capturing and then elevating that high….taking them (and myself) on a rollercoaster ride to sheer ecstasy…..

3) Every DJ is a music maniac… what type of music rocks your world?

Music that makes “IT” happen. It can be any genre….but it has to make “IT” happen.

4) What is your most popular service/gig and what type of clients contact you for your DJ services?

We do all types of events and work for all types of clients from the person next door to function house managers to corporate organizers and club managers.

5) What is the most challenging and rewarding aspects of working as a DJ?

The most challenging aspect of working as a DJ is to “read” a crowd and then work that crowd to a “high”. The reward is a mutual “orgasm”.

6) DJ’s love their equipment… can you tell us a little bit about the equipment you use and why?

After many years of experience in the industry and in relation to performance, servicing and breakdown of equipment, the most important aspect is reliability without sacrifice of sound quality. This does not always mean the name brands that are bandied about so as to make one seem professional. Here’s a couple you won’t know….are Australian…. and I can say through 30 years of experience have earned their gold stars as performers…..Etone……Auditech.

7) How do you see the DJ industry evolving in Australia? What makes you excited about the years to come?

The focus now is more on individuals and their mixing and production skills….but, whatever happened to good old motivational skills? The DJ as an artist in their own right is still evolving….where it leads to and how the incorporation of the old, the new, and the forthcoming will blend is not set in concrete. This is the challenge and the excitement of an anticipation of the rekindling of motivational skills in yet again a new and unknown medium.

8.) What do you need to do/have to be a good DJ? What’s the secret? Technique, talent, energy?

The secret of being a good DJ is to “FEEL” and “THINK”. These of course are opposites…the yin and yang of the human condition. To be a good DJ you must first “FEEL” the music….to be an outstanding DJ you must “THINK” that “FEEL”. (You won’t understand until you’ve been there).

9) Most memorable Gig you have done? What made that gig/event special?

It is difficult to choose…..and I would be embarrased to say.

10) What is a normal night in your life as a DJ?

No night was ever “Normal”.

11) Favorite International DJ?

David Guetta

12) Best song/track to get any party started?

LMFAO – PARTY ROCK ANTHEM

13) Now time to brag… tell our readers why you ROCK as a DJ and why they should contact you for their next event? (self promotion is encouraged!)

OK the reason we “ROCK” is because of our attitude. Our mission statement sums it up:

1) Can you tell us a little bit about you as a DJ and the the history behind your business?

I have had the name Roxon for 22 years ,I started when I was 16. I wanted to get into radio, this was the next best thing.

2) So you are a DJ! What a cool job… how did you get involved in this exciting industry?

I started when I was 16. I wanted to get into radio, this was the next best thing

3) Every DJ is a music maniac… what type of music rocks your world?

Everything except Classical. Country, retro, oldies, main stream TOP 40 oh and Techno only if I have too

4) What is your most popular service/gig and what type of clients contact you for your DJ services?

Weddings are the most popular. I have worked in Pubs and Clubs all over the state. Billys Niteclub for 9 years.

5) What is the most challenging and rewarding aspects of working as a DJ?

Doing Ceremonies before the reception. Always a challenge

6) DJ’s love their equipment… can you tell us a little bit about the equipment you use and why?

Behringer Speakers, Budget, light weight sound great. Laptop X 2.

7) How do you see the DJ industry evolving in Australia? What makes you excited about the years to come?

The tech age is upon us. The days of lugging truck loads of gear around is behind up. HAPPY

8.) What do you need to do/have to be a good DJ? What’s the secret? Technique, talent, energy?

Technique – Listen, Feel, Get Excited
Talent – recgonise the music and use it to your advantage to send your crowd into a tail spin
Energy – Love what you are doing and you will always have the energy to continue

9) Most memorable Gig you have done? What made that gig/event special?

One wedding, Latin crowd, BYO Music. PARTY of the century

10) what is a normal night in your life as a DJ?

Set up around 3 pm for wedding. Quiet music till after speeches Bridal waltz Party music to whip everyone into the mood Fav song at the end of the night Pack up Have a takeaway feast Home .Bed

11) Favorite International DJ?

No into them. Fav DJ MEEEEEEE

12) Best song/track to get any party started?

Hurt So Good
Walk Of Life

1) Can you tell us a little bit about you as a DJ and the the history behind your business?

A few years ago I had three goals. I wanted to:
1. Put together a good five minute stand up comedy routine;
2. Learn a musical instrument;
3. Learn to dance.

Basically tell a joke, sing a song and do a dance ala Omid Djalili http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSWJ4igJmVY

I bought a piano and tried to learn but I didn’t stick to it because I found it boring. I also did some Karaoke but found that I didn’t really have the passion for singing. So I decided on DJ’ing because I knew very little about music and wanted to learn. I also knew a lot of people who were DJs. So I took a workshop and started pimping my services out to anyone who might be interested.

I also tried doing some stand-up comedy and taking some dance classes but really the DJ’ing was my real passion.

My first gig was for the launch of a short movie which was also a fashion show. I was asked to also MC which I thought was a great opportunity. Afterwards the organiser gave me a really great review and I decided that I totally loved it and wanted to do it again

“On the night of our film premiere we had the pleasure to be entertained by not just a DJ, not just an MC but a friendly and comedic Host who added to the celebrations of our evening. Loc Tran provided three services to our company, DJ, MC/Host and Comedian. His vast choice of music was greatly enjoyed by over 200 guests at our event throughout the night. The playlist selection had something for everyone and got many people of all ages up and dancing. Loc demonstrated confident skills in being our Master of Ceremonies for this three and half hour exclusive event. His ability to catch audience attention and involve the audience came easily to him. His comedic timing of jokes and initial ice breakers set an entertaining and relaxed mood for all who attended. Considering the amount of initial preparation time we gave to DJ Loc Tran to rehearse he was able to add his own unique and refreshing style in such a short amount of time. We along with our sister companies will certainly be acquiring the delightful, talented and skilful services of DJ Loc Tran in our future events.” – Deanna Ortuso, Adelaide Actor And Producer

Fast forward a few years and DJ’ing is the one thing that I do consistently every weekend. I think mainly because it’s the only hobby where I actually get paid to do it and finding work isn’t too hard. I’d like to do some stand up comedy again some day but not sure how to go about that. Maybe put together a show for the Adelaide Fringe or something? And as for the dancing? I still like to bust out a few moves from time to time but these days I only specialise in “overenthusiastic dancing” ala A Night at the Roxbury… totally dorky, total uncool but fun non the less.

2) So you are a DJ! What a cool job… how did you get involved in this exciting industry?

I knew a lot of people who were in the DJ business and so I decided to give it a go. I took a workshop where I learnt about all of the components, how to put the equipment together and how to trouble shoot any issues. Some of the more experienced people showed me how they did it and then the rest was up to me.

Most of what I learnt was on the job while performing at gigs. I have to admit that not every gig has gone well. Sometimes at the end of a gig I feel like the crowd wants to lynch me but I guess that’s part of the business. You can’t please everyone and you can’t take it too personally.

The majority of the time however, most of my gigs have gone really well and it’s great to know that I’ve learnt from my past mistakes and get better with every job. I love receiving good feedback and it’s always quite an ego boost when someone makes the effort to tell me how good I did afterwards.

3) Every DJ is a music maniac… what type of music rocks your world?

I don’t really listen to music too much in my every day life. I’m too busy with lots of other stuff going on in my life and I tend to enjoy it more when I’m working because I don’t listen to it 24/7. I like to keep an open mind though.

One of the reasons why I took up DJ’ing is because so often I would go to a bar or club, request a song and get told “no, I don’t play that sort of music” by the DJ as if it were beneath them or something.

To me it’s less about the music and more about making sure that everyone has a good time. Too often I see DJs playing their house, trance, drum and base or whatever music without any consideration for the audience. They have no calibration skills. I don’t play loud doof doof music if the dance floor is empty for instance which I think is a big mistake. I’ve also done gigs where I’ve played Cambodian, Vietnamese and Persian music and it’s really gone off. Making sure that the crowd is happy is important because I can always listen to the music that I like in my own time.

4) What is your most popular service/gig and what type of clients contact you for your DJ services?

90% of my gigs are wedding receptions. I get a few birthday partys from time to time and also a few community group hosted social functions as well. Usually the client is a bride to be or an event co-ordinator. It’s easy work and the pay is good although I do tend to hold back a bit. I’m a little bit scared that I might say something inappropriate or tell a lame joke so mostly I keep it clean and simple although it would be great to have a client come along and say “hey, I trust you, just be as outlandish and wacky as you want to be… and don’t worry if anyone gets offended” that would be my ideal type of gig

5) What is the most challenging and rewarding aspects of working as a DJ?

Setting up and packing down the equipment is not really much fun but otherwise it’s an easy job and the pay is good. The rest really just depends on the crowd. I really like it when the crowd is having a good time and they are there to have fun and dance. It’s really annoying when someone comes up to you and requests songs but they are not dancing. Keeping people on the dance floor is an important part of the job. I once did a gig where nobody wanted to dance. Everyone just stood around drinking and talking so that was disappointing but I think you have to not take it personally. All you can do is facilitate, you can’t make people do something if they don’t want to.

6) DJ’s love their equipment… can you tell us a little bit about the equipment you use and why?

At the moment I have an Apple MacBook Pro running Virtual DJ and connected to a couple of CDJ400s. At the moment I’m satisfied with my set-up. Unfortunately with DJ’ing equipment it can be a bit of a never ending black hole. There is always newer better equipment and you can easily go broke trying to stay up to date with all of the latest and greatest. I’m not like that. I just try to make the most of what I’ve got. My goal is to get to the point where I’ve got enough work that I can start to charge more and buy a bigger car for all of the equipment, then after that I’ll look at upgrading my equipment. It would be great to have four decks instead of just two and to have more lighting such as lasers and such but right now it’s not practical because I can’t even fit it all into my current vehicle.

7) How do you see the DJ industry evolving in Australia? What makes you excited about the years to come?

I really love the fact that DJ’s now have just as much star power as any other type of band and the fact that every type of event has some sort of music component to it. You see it everywhere now i.e. Surfing & Music Festival; Volleyball Competition & Music Festival; Food, Wine & Music Festival, etc… Adding music just makes everything 100 times better! Adelaide is pretty backwards compared to the rest of Australia and the world. We’re only catching on with regards to day time music events. The other thing that I’m really excited about is the evolution of technology not just the sound but also the light and effects. I’m really looking forward to getting to a point where I can collaborate with other visual artists for instance to create something special maybe something worthy of a Fringe show that I can take on tour around Australia and maybe even around the world.

8.) What do you need to do/have to be a good DJ? What’s the secret? Technique, talent, energy?

I’m a big believer in knowing how to get work and get paid. The rest will take care of itself. The sooner you realise that agencies don’t really find you work and that it’s up to you mostly. The better off you will be because if you can find work then you can have some money to pay the bills and spend a little bit more on improving your skills and getting more work. Adelaide is full of DJs, many of them, much more talented than me. But the truth is that everyone is hungry for more work. So if you know how to get the gigs you’ll be ahead of the game. A bedroom DJ is just someone who lacks the confidence to go out into the real world and make a name for themselves. You have to believe in yourself and just go out and do it. You will learn and get better with each and every gig.

9) Most memorable Gig you have done? What made that gig/event special?

My first gig will always stand out because really it was the first time that I took my skills out of the bedroom and into the public. I also got to play host and MC and put my stand up comedy skills to the test which was great. I also did a gig recently which was a fundraiser / 80s theme night which was a lot of fun because everyone got dressed up in 80s clothing etc. Because most of my gigs are wedding receptions people don’t often get dressed up like that. Otherwise, it’s always nice to be part of a wedding where the bride or groom has organised a surprise and you get to be a part of it. I once did a wedding where the mother in law did a rap as part of her speech. She wasn’t very good but I was impressed that she tried and I kind of remember when people take a risk and try to do something different.

10) what is a normal night in your life as a DJ?

Most of my gigs are wedding receptions so it usually starts off fairly mellow. After the first dance is usually when the dance floor gets busy. I like to play a few upbeat love songs just to get people in the mood and then escalate it from there to the more popular dance and party songs. Usually, by this point people will start making requests and ask for songs like the Macarena, the Madison or the YMCA. After that it’s a free for all and I try to juggle a mix of old and new music to try and keep everyone happy. I usually try to play as many requests as possible and group them together based on past experience. Most gigs end promptly at midnight because the venue has to wind down and I usually like to end with Time To Say Goodbye (Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman) mostly because I like the song and it’s a not so subtle hint for every to vacate the premises.

11) Favorite International DJ?

I don’t really have a favourite. I like to keep an open mind and not develop any bias for one style or another.

12) Best song/track to get any party started?

Party Rock Anthem LMFAO is a good song at the moment but it changes all of the time. The classics that people always seem to enjoy are the Macarena, the Madison, the YMCA, the Grease Megamix, etc… I don’t usually play these types of songs unless someone requests them but when they do you know that it’s going to be a good night and that everyone is going to be “into it”, you can’t really stuff up if the crowd is willing to dance to the YMCA if that makes sense.

13) Now time to brag… tell our readers why you ROCK as a DJ and why they should contact you for their next event? (self promotion is encouraged!)

I don’t claim to be the best DJ in Adelaide by any means, in fact, I usually go out of my way to tell people that I’m pretty average – better than some and worse than others. However what I offer is an affordable package with a professional attitude. A willingness to do whatever is required within reason and a rock solid money back guarantee. I’m happy to take requests, easy to deal with, show up on time and have not missed a gig yet. You can learn more about my services from my website http://adelaidedj.com

1) Can you tell us a little bit about you as a DJ and the the history behind your business?

I have been a DJ for about 22yrs mainly doing weddings and corporate functions

As I started to have a family myself I then started to DJ for day care centres to help fund raise.

I then moved to Queensland and started up the business.

2) So you are a DJ! What a cool job… how did you get involved in this exciting industry?

Well I was purchasing so much music as a kid (80’s Music) and then one day I was asked by a friend to play music at there party as they say the rest was history

3) Every DJ is a music maniac… what type of music rocks your world?

80’s music rocks my world and funny enough doesn’t get played with the kids

4) What is your most popular service/gig and what type of clients contact you for your DJ services?

We focus only on kids parties and have had parties from 1year old and up. We have a package called the VIP light show which the kids love.

5) What is the most challenging and rewarding aspects of working as a DJ?

The most rewarding is the smiles and thank you you get after a great party

6) DJ’s love their equipment… can you tell us a little bit about the equipment you use and why?

Our equipment is all about being compact and with the lighting giving a wow factor

7) How do you see the DJ industry evolving in Australia ? What makes you excited about the years to co

The industry is making it easier for a mobile DJ to have everything a night club has (the wow factor at home)

8.) What do you need to do/have to be a good DJ? What’s the secret? Technique, talent, energy?

A Passion for all types of music and to be able to read the crowd and listen to them.

You must want them to have a great time

9) Most memorable Gig you have done? What made that gig/event special?

A new year eve party for kids where at the end of the function parent personal thank me and told me I made their night.

And all the kids want hi five!

10) What is a normal night in your life as a DJ?

Spending time with my family

11) Favourite International DJ

Do not follow the international industry

12) Best song/track to get any party started?

Dynamite or Party rock anthem

13) Now time to brag… tell our readers why you ROCK as a DJ and why they should contact you for their next event? (self promotion is encouraged!)

I Rock because I want everyone to have fun and to get involved and wanting it to be the best disco ever.

Lets face it when it comes to kids party our packages rock.

1) Can you tell us a little bit about you as a DJ and the history behind your business?

I have been a Compere/DJ for 27 years, I consider myself very professional , always on time, set up well before the gig starts, dressed suitably and looking forward to whichever show I’m working at that night. I engage the crowd and get them involved.

2) So you are a DJ! What a cool job… how did you get involved in this exciting industry?

In 1984 a friend at the Gosnells Football Club where I was playing asked me to DJ his engagement party, using borrowed equipment and records the night was a success. From that show more offers of DJ/Compere work came and that started a career that has spanned 27 years and has taken me overseas and around Australia.

3) Every DJ is a music maniac… what type of music rocks your world?

Anything that gets people on the dance floor. I like all sorts of music.

4) What is your most popular service/gig and what type of clients contact you for your DJ services?

I MC/DJ a lot of Weddings, but I work at all sorts of gigs from School Disco’s to Rock & Roll Shows, I also MC Quiz and Trivia Nights.

5) What is the most challenging and rewarding aspects of working as a DJ?

The nights when you have a wide range of ages and you have to find music which will work for the young and the old. The rewarding part are the complimentary emails and comments you get after a show.

6) DJs love their equipment… can you tell us a little bit about the equipment you use and why?

I use EV Speakers, Denon CD Players, Shure Microphones, Toshiba Laptop with a Virtual DJ Programme. They always work.

7) How do you see the DJ industry evolving in Australia? What makes you excited about the years to come?

I have seen so many changes over the years, the mind bogles at what you will be able to do in 10 years. I think it is evolving all the time and would a great industry for someone who was just getting into the industry with all the technological advances.

8.) What do you need to do/have to be a good DJ? Whats the secret? Technique, talent, energy?

A love of music, a love of entertaining, and enthusiasm.

9) Most memorable Gig you have done? What made that gig/event special?

I also have worked as an announcer at the WACA for 10 years, so the first 20/20 game in Australia on January 12th, 2005 where I announced and played the music and Australia winning the Ashes at the WACA in 2006.

10) what is a normal night in your life as a DJ?

Setting up for the show, watching people enjoying your music and then the dreaded packing up.

11) Favourite International DJ?

David Guetta who is consistently bringing out great music

12) Best song/track to get any party started?

For the oldies – Brown Eyed Girl & Eagle Rock and for the younger set – I’m Sexy And I Know It

13) Now time to brag… tell our readers why you ROCK as a DJ and why they should contact you for their next event? (self promotion is encouraged!)

If you want people from all ages to have a great time and to know that their special night is in capable hands of a DJ that listens to their needs and requirements..