Mobile disc jockey

Mobile Disc Jockeys, also known as Mobile Discos in the UK, are disc jockeys that travel or tour with mobile sound systems and play from an extensive collection of pre-recorded music for a targeted audience. There are a variety of Mobile disc jockey business models, including full-time, part-time, multi-operator, and single-operator companies.^[1]

History

In the past, mobile DJs utilized formats such as vinyl records or cassettes. During the disco era of the 1970s, demand for Mobile DJs soared. Top disc jockeys in this era would have hundreds of vinyl records and/or cassette tapes. The equipment used in this era was enormous and usually required roadies (similar to those who work for bands) to set up. While many club disc jockeys still use vinyl, most mobile DJs currently use compact discs, computer-based files (such as MP3s), or a combination of sources. In addition, professional-grade equipment created by a variety of companies expressly for mobile DJing has allowed for faster set-up and break-down, as well as improved quality of performance.^[2]

Mobile DJs typically perform at various types of events including wedding receptions, bar and bat mitzvah receptions, company parties, school dances, anniversary and birthday parties, etc. Mobile DJs also perform in public at bars, taverns, nightclubs, and block parties.^[1]

In the 1980s and 1990s, mobile DJs began to form and expand associations and create professional business networks, which now include annual trade shows and internet discussion forums. Today, many mobile DJs also promote themselves as event planners, organizers, and MCs (Master of Ceremonies). Working closely with their customers, their guests, and other vendors (such as venue staff and photographers / videographers), today’s professional mobile DJs strive to provide quality entertainment that fits the event in question in terms of style and performance.^[1]

Today, a large selection of music, professional-grade equipment, good organizational skills, vocal talent as an MC, mixing skills, quality lighting, insurance for liability, and on-site back-up equipment are typical customer expectations when purchasing mobile DJ services.^[2]

Since the early 90's, mobile DJs have raised the bar with organized professional trade shows such as the Mobile Beat Show in Las Vegas, NV and DJ Times Expo in Atlantic City, NJ. Seminars by numerous respected DJs such as John Rozz, Ray "Ray Mar" Martinez, Stacy Zemon, Mark Ferrell, Peter Merry, Randy Bartlett, Steve Moody, Mike Walter, and many more have helped DJs to better understand their profession as well as running their businesses more professionally rather than treating it as a hobby.

By furthering their education at these trade shows combined with a number of books that have been written about this legitimte trade, the poor perception that mobile DJs have had by their clientele has dramatically improved. Mobile DJs who once were averaging $350–500 dollars per four hour event in the 70's, now on a national average for a wedding can command anywhere from $1,200-2,500 per four hour event.

The American Disc Jockey Awards Show was established and held in Las Vegas, NV, since then thirteen mobile DJs have been elected to the American Disc Jockey Hall of Fame. The thirteen members include, John Rozz, Al Lampkin, Joe Martin, Robert A. Lindquist, Jon Michaels, Mike Buornnaccorso, Sid Vanderpool, Bobby Morganstein, John Roberts, Ken Knotts, Ray "Ray Mar" Martinez, Cesar Cosio and Bernie Howard-Fryman.

The DJ of the Year Winners at the DJ Times Expo include, Three-time winner Marcello Pedalino, Roxanna Greene, K.C. KoKoruz, Shawn "Big Daddy" McKee, Marz Lawhorn, Gerry Siracusa, Adam Weitz and Steve Moody.

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} Zemon, Stacy. The Mobile DJ Handbook: How to Start & Run a Profitable Mobile Disc Jockey Service, Second Edition. St. Louis: Focal Press, 2002.
2. ^ ^{a b} Graudins, Charles A. How to Be a DJ. Boston: Course Technology PTR, 2004.