What If We Are Not DJ Dancing People?

There are some families and groups that are just not typically the kind of people who like to dance to DJ music or not even dancers at all. Growing-up, I appreciated live music over recorded music any day. There is something that a good live band can produce in energy and excitement that a recorded song can’t match.  Many professional DJs do not understand this, or are just too young to know what good live bands are like and how they can make a Wedding, Party or Event amazing! I realize that as a full-time professional DJ this may seem hypocritical or against what I am promoting but it is not. I still enjoy a high quality live band, that will never change. I originally became a mobile and club DJ because I loved music, still do.

 

I am not trying to compete or replace good live music, they are not my competition, we create different experiences using different tools and skills. A good live band has trained experienced musicians who have dedicated years or even decades to their craft. A singer with an incredible voice can move and inspire a crowd like nothing else. They have been singing at events and celebrations since humans learned how to use our voices. DJs are a much different experience and should not try to compete with a quality live musicians, we can learn the basics of mixing, scratching and sound quite quickly and should not be compared to the time and discipline needed for an exceptional musician. When you hear a DJ brag about being goods at mixing and scratching that lets you know that they have spent more time practicing at home than performing with live crowds needing a separate set of skills and experience.

An exceptional DJ needs to have a talent for reading and responding to the crowd

An exceptional live DJ needs to have a talent for reading and responding to the crowd quickly and gracefully. Matching the beats is one thing, but knowing the perfect song at the perfect time is a whole different talent that cannot be taught; either you have it or you don’t, it is intuitive. Recently, somebody described me as “A Wedding Shaman DJ”. I looked at her funny not knowing how to respond or what I thought about this description, still don’t.

 

We talked further and they were referencing how I can look at a person at a Wedding, Party or Event and somehow know what they want to hear and when. It is actually a little weird sometimes and catches me off guard. I am not sure how I know those things, but I do.

 

This why Brides, Grooms & Party Planners choose me to preform at their events

This is why Brides, Grooms and Party Planners choose me to preform at their events, I get people dancing that don’t dance. I seamlessly shift from dinner to party without jarring friends and family. I make good clean fun happen while including people who may not feel a sense of belonging otherwise. This is why I offer a guarantee to every contracted client; if you are not satisfied with my performance at your Wedding, Party or Event, you do not have to pay me the balance owed.

Rhode Island Wedding DJ Party

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Mystical Michael at Barefoot Boogie Saturday Night 10/27

As Coordinator of DJs and Teachers at Barefoot Boogie, it is important for me to try and give as m ch of my time to actually being there and DJing to show our new and upcoming DJs how to master the skills. I have not been able to DJ at The Boogie since last month but it seems much longer since I miss it. Playing music for such an open and diverse group is fun, it allows me, or any DJ, to get creative and stretch the playlist far beyond what would be acceptable or productive at a Wedding, Party or Event. Of course, I always enjoy DJing in NYC, especially downtown or at least in Chelsea.

What is The Barefoot Boogie?

The Boogie is a freestyle dance which happens twice a month in New York City. We offer a relaxed, smoke- and alcohol-free environment where folks can freely express themselves in movement.

What Kind of Music Do The DJs Play?

From our pool of talented DJs, two spin each dance. Each of our DJs has his or her own distinctive style, but one thing you can rely on is that atevery Boogie you’ll hear a wide variety of music: R&B, World, Funk, Tribal, Hip Hop, Ambient, Reggae, House, African, Electronica, Disco, Rock, Techno, Drum & Bass, etc.

People of all ages, families and kids are welcome. Come alone or bring your friends. You’ll find folks at the dance moving solo, with partners, and/or in groups. Dress as you wish, but please leave your street shoes at the door before hitting the dance floor. The Barefoot Boogie is a not-for-profit, cooperative and volunteer-run venture.

The Barefoot Boogie as about to celebrate its 30th anniversary next month! It is amazing to me that a group of dancers started this back in 1982 and have found a way to keep it going for thirty years! This is one of the reasons I am so willing to volunteer and DJ when I can at Barefoot Boogie. What DJ would not want to support a creative dance community with such history and talent like the Barefoot Boogie? Besides, where else can I play World, Buddha Bar, Rock, Soul, R&B, Oldies, Hip Hop, Jazz, House and Top 40 as a DJ all in one night?

Dancers Partying with DJ Mystical Michael at Barefoot Boogie

Looking forward to tomorrow night at Barefoot Boogie!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ