Interview with a DJ | DJ TY
This week’s blog is the first in a series of vendor interviews I’ve done. If you’re planning a wedding, you know how many moving parts there are. You know how difficult it can be to keep them all moving smoothly. What if I told you there was a way to have those moving parts work together like a well-oiled machine? That’s what it’s like when you have a team of professional wedding vendors around you! So for the first vendor interview, we’ve got Interview with a DJ – DJ Ty!
As a photographer, I’ve seen my share of DJ’s. At best, they’re immemorable. At worst, they can ruin the entire vibe! And in the absolute worst case scenario – they’re non-existent. (I absolutely do NOT recommend skimping on a DJ. Your friend with a Spotify Premium account is not going to cut it!) I’ve worked with DJ Ty multiple times at this point, and he always keeps the party going! There is so much more involved than just playing music when it comes to good DJs. You need someone who’s personable and can be the MC to make announcements and keep the night flowing! (I was once at a wedding where there was no one to introduce the couple into the reception – so this fell on the photographers! It’s not a great start to the party!)
If you want someone who can read a room and keep the vibe up, read on to learn more, and do not hesitate to give DJ Ty a call!
Tell me a little bit about your business, your team, and how you work!
I am a jazz-trained drummer and have written and produced music since my teenage years. I’ve played in different bands and groups (rock, folk, hip-hop, and more), but I began DJing and producing electronic music about 10 years ago. Since then, I’ve worked in the studio, on tour, and at private events with many different artists and clients. Most notably, I have opened for some popular artists including Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Naughty By Nature, GRiZ, Motion City Soundtrack, Sugarcult, Twista, and many others. I consider myself to be an experienced entertainer with strong musical instincts – not just someone who picked up DJing as a trend or hobby. My team is just me, and I bring the knowledge from my professional experience to each event!
How long have you been in business, and how many weddings have you done?
Oh man, I think I’ve lost count! I ran a successful DJ company with a business partner for 7 years before “going solo” last year. As a company, with multiple teams, we provided service for over 100 events per year for much of that time. I would estimate that the total number of weddings I’ve personally DJ’d is near the 250 mark.
Do you have a specialty or favorite genre you like to work in?
I am truly an appreciator of all genres and any song that’s well written, but my favorites are 90s & 2000s hip-hop, house and techno, and jazz – but my job as a DJ is to mix all of YOUR favorite music, not mine 🙂
Describe a wedding you’ve done that was your favorite or that stands out in your mind.
I have many happy memories from different events, but I once did a wedding for a groom who was from overseas. His mother was sick back home, too unwell to make the trip to the wedding, but we set up a Skype connection, plugged the audio into the PA system, and allowed her to offer a heartfelt message of congratulations to the couple. It was a sad but beautiful moment. I remember feeling so much love in that room.
What kind of couples do you like to work with?
As a DJ, my favorite couples to work with are the ones who truly love music and dancing (duh!). I recognize that music isn’t the first priority for many clients, but for those who truly love being silly and fun on the dance floor, the energy I get back from the audience helps energize me to do my best work, and it becomes a cycle of good vibes that everyone can share.
What is on your DJ bucket list?
I’m fortunate to have played shows with some of my favorite artists over the years, but I love touring, traveling, and exploring new places, so my bucket list is always to travel more and do more destination events. I’m dying to get back to Asia sometime soon – who wants to have their wedding in Japan?!
Where can couples find you online?
www.TyTheDJguy.com
What’s one last thing or tip you want couples to know?
As a DJ, I see lots of really special moments that happen toward the end of the reception. Often times, the only guests left at that point are your core friends and family members, but usually the photographers are gone by then, so those final farewells, sing-alongs, and arm-in-arm moments aren’t always captured in photos. My suggestion is to appoint someone specifically to take photos for you after the photographer leaves (maybe your master or mistress of ceremonies) so that you can make sure you don’t miss those moments that happen organically later on in the evening.
Thanks for reading my interview with a DJ! If haven’t found the perfect person for your wedding yet, then look no further! I’ve never seen a DJ who can turn so many people on their heads! And don’t forget to follow Jessie Silva on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about my favorite vendors!
