Meet DJ John, whose remarkable journey from South Jersey to becoming a renowned wedding DJ is both inspiring and heartwarming. DJ John’s story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the transformative power of music.
DJ John’s journey began in South Jersey, where he lived with his family and later spent time in Philadelphia with his grandmother. Despite not having much, John’s childhood was enriched by the support of his brothers and the close-knit family bonds that made his early years memorable. His high school days at Edgewood in Winslow, New Jersey, were formative, but it was his love for music that truly defined his path.
At just 13 years old, John discovered a profound love for music that set the course for his future. His initial foray into DJing came when he exchanged a gift he didn’t want for two record players and a DJ mixer. His first musical passion was Drum and Bass, an underground genre that introduced him to a vibrant and diverse community. As he grew older, hip-hop became a major influence, leading him to master the art of battle mixing, scratching, and transitioning.
A Career Born from Passion
DJ John’s career spans over 20 years, a journey marked by dedication and self-learning. “I started DJing at 13 and never stopped,” he recalls. His early experiences with vinyl taught him the craft of seamless mixing and honed his skills in a way that remains invaluable today. The absence of YouTube tutorials meant learning through practice and live experiences, which shaped his creative approach to DJing.
Despite excelling in various jobs, including stints at JP Morgan and Bank of America, John always returned to his true passion—music. His career took a significant turn when the DJ hired for his own wedding fell short. Determined to ensure no other couple faced such disappointment, John vowed to excel in the wedding DJ business, leading him to where he is today.
Crafting Memorable Moments
For DJ John, being a DJ is about the energy exchange between the performer and the audience. His approach to weddings is centered around understanding and reading the crowd to create lasting memories. “I pride myself on delivering my clients’ vision,” he says. John’s commitment to making each event special involves asking the right questions during planning and ensuring every detail aligns with the couple’s expectations.
John’s musical education is largely self-taught, driven by a lifelong passion for diverse music genres. His partnership with Laz and involvement with 01 Music marked a pivotal moment in his career, deepening his understanding of guest psychology and enhancing his mobile DJ skills. This collaboration led to a successful 10-year partnership that continues to thrive.
The Joy of Weddings
One of John’s favorite aspects of weddings is fulfilling his clients’ visions and exceeding their expectations. “I love knowing I can make their most important moment exactly as they imagined it,” he says. Whether it’s collaborating with other vendors or providing unique music selections, John’s goal is to bring joy and make a lasting impact on the couple’s special day.
John’s most unique processional song was a lo-fi hip-hop version of “Here Comes the Bride,” showcasing his willingness to infuse creativity into traditional elements. Conversely, he finds “Like a Virgin” by Madonna to be one of the most overplayed wedding songs, preferring to offer something fresh and exciting.
Outside of DJing, John’s musical tastes are as varied as his career. He and his daughter enjoy jamming out to a mix of Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Green Day, The Roots, Wu-Tang Clan, and Biggie. His broad appreciation for music reflects his diverse influences and keeps his creative juices flowing.
We had the chance to ask John a few more personal questions about himself and some special wedding moments:
Tell me some interesting or unexpected facts about yourself.
“One unexpected fact about myself is I love gummy bears while Djing lol. Another is I was signed to a record label for about eight years throughout my DJ career. I wrote music in every genre. Even though hip-hop was undoubtably my greatest influence, I can play every instrument and I love seeing bands live.”
What’s your favorite local wedding venue and why?
“The Mayflower in Washington D.C.”
If you were getting married this weekend, what would your first dance song be?
“Tennessee Whiskey”
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen at a wedding?
“Last year I had the entire 18 person bridal party crowd surfing.”
What’s the best “little kid moment” you’ve seen at a wedding?
“The son of a couple was the ring bearer at this particular wedding. At first it looked as if he had lost the ring, which sent everyone into a short panic to say the least. They only realized 15 minutes later that he had the ring, which was tied on a string around his neck and he forgot. It was hilarious!”
What’s one thing you wish people knew about working as a DJ?
“One thing I wish people knew about working as a DJ is the fact that we are on site between two and four hours before your event and we are there for another hour or two after. This is in addition to the countless hours of time spent on making sure your information is correct and music selection moments are lined up perfectly to make your wedding day seamless. We are on the job from the moment we agree to be the entertainment and do not stop until we know it was a success!”
Don’t miss out on working with DJ John for your upcoming event. Reach out today!
Published on:
Monday, August 26, 2024
