Quitting Your Job to Be Full-Time DJ

I found this really interesting and thoughtful article on DJ Tech Tools. I think you will appreciate it as well. It does not apply solely to full-time DJs, it is applicable to anyone wanting to follow their passion and natural gifts made to share with others. Mine happen to be fun Full-time DJ and Life Coach & Counselor.
Quitting Your Job to Be Full-Time DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ
The part that appeals to me most is the aspect of getting your mind right first, before making the leap. His take on having a true business plan and not thinking talent is enough to be a successful Full-time DJ. I think we are generally poor at assessing our own talent level; fear, ego and ambition can cloud reality easily. Also, many folks can be wanting an easy out from the 9-5 grind and think artistic and creative work like being a full-time DJ will be easier. My experience in promoting and marketing my full-time DJ business, often takes up more hours than working at a job over a year. I enjoy the work and it allows me to do what I do best and share my gifts with others, one of them is being a full-time DJ.
Quitting Your Job to Be Full-Time DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Quitting Your Job to Be Full-Time DJ

Quitting Your Job to Be Full-Time DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

DJ Stories: Quitting A Day Job To DJ Full Time

POSTED BY  ON AUGUST 1, 2013


Almost every DJ who has had a taste of success has considered it – the idea of dropping everything and trying to make a full-time go of it. Today we’ve got a great story by one of our contributing writers on how he made the decision to quit his job to DJ more. Learn some of the biggest obstacles involved in such a decision and how modeling a DJ career like a company helped him achieve success in today’s article.

LEAVING A JOB TO Full-Time DJ?

Quitting Your Job to Be Full-Time DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

It all began with a simple question that no one could answer.

“DJing?” my then-girlfriend exclaimed, “Is that all you want to do?” I surprised her with a statement that any ambitious DJ might say: “I’ve decided to take this thing full time.” (This conversation came after gigging 4 times a week for a full year straight!)

Three years later I was dealing with a tech startup, pilates instructors, and a recovering cocaine addict with a severe anxiety attack. I met the woman of my dreams who thought I was a crazy Afro-Arab lost in the world of DC misfits, and a Goldman Sachs executive who I mentored, only later to know I was his mentee. In the end, I got my answer, but only after I found myself hesitating in front of a send button of an resignation email that took three hours to write.

And all because in October 2007 I asked myself this:

“How can I earn a living full time doing what I love? Can I really sustain a living by just DJing and producing records?”

Clearly I was love-drunk with music and the industry. Quite honestly, I didn’t want to sober up.

Here’s the cold truth: deciding you want to quit is usually just the first move in a long and cerebral chess match you’ll play with yourself. I’ve found that people’s inability to quit their current day jobs had little to do with the perceived riskiness of their new professions, their financial situation, or general economic conditions. The real barrier for most of us is not external. It’s our own psychology – we:

So how are the brave, smart, and savvy DJs able to break free? How those individuals were able to overcome the psychological barriers and finally quit with conviction? It’s all in the preparations and it starts with your psychology.

GET YOUR MIND RIGHT: QUIT FOR A BETTER LONG-TERM, NOT A QUICK FIX

Quitting Your Job to Be Full-Time DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

The first step in making the leap is to recount your career goals and visualize a life-changing leap forward, not an incremental hop. Stop being a serial quitter, become focused on the long-term goodness of fit.

Why the emphasis on a long arc? If you’re looking to quit your job just so you can avoid that micromanaging boss or break free of a tedious daily task, you may be shooting too low. Quitting your job for the life of the party and for minor improvements could leave you equally dissatisfied a year in. To avoid this potential cognitive dissonance, take a longer term (5 years+) view of the mountain you actually want to climb. Map out what the journey might look like, and make sure you’ll value its rewards. You get an average of 10 chances to quit in your lifetime, and each career step should bring you significantly closer to your true passions.

For me, a producer at SiriusXM Radio working with music technology and plenty of DJs coming in and out of the building, I was miserable. I had a sexy, ego-stroking career that made for great bragging material. But I was being eaten alive by all the work, and drained by the politics of working in a large company.

I had an insight at the launch of a huge project that our team successfully completed despite impossible expectations and long hours. Everyone was gathered together and the division President said ‘Thanks to the team, we made this happen!’ All I could think was, ‘Here’s an empty recognition for a product I didn’t care about.

At the time I was gigging three times a week, producing 4 tracks/remixes per month and building a music production school in Washington DC. I had a challenging schedule.

FINDING INSPIRATION

I had an “a-ha!” moment after reading the quote: “Life is too short to be in a boring company”. I started researching local DJs and entrepreneurs who took a leap of faith towards their dreams. I thought, ‘These people are really enjoying themselves!’ In my job, I was having fun, but not experiencing real meaning. The people I researched had great fulfillment and continuously hungry to move forward in their lives, the opposite of what I saw in the stagnant corporate environment. I thought ‘If they can do it, maybe I can too!’.

I consumed hundreds of articles a week on entrepreneurship, financial planning and marketing. At home, I was building a project studio with high-end analog gear and producing like an automated assembly line. I found myriad resources on the science of innovation, success and business. I think I earned an MBA in two months by just reading. My mind was finally in the right place.

PREPARATION

 

Quitting Your Job to Be Full-Time DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

“Good luck is a residue of preparation” – Jack Youngblood

I made a firm commitment to quit my day job in four years. Anxiety about losing a steady paycheck was horrifying and gigging three times a week wasn’t enough to pay the rent and bills; I needed to find another income stream.  I needed to land more local gigs, remix projects, improve my production skills and grow my fan base.

The easiest way to organize all of these activities was to visualize myself as a mini-startup. After reading so much about entrepreneurship and startups; operating like a company made sense. Here’s how I organized my activities:

  • Business Development: Getting Gigs + Remix Work: I dedicated two days out of the week (if I’m not gigging) on just networking, contacting labels and helping other DJs with their gigs. I constantly emailed indie House music labels. Didn’t get any response 8/10 times. Early on I knew everything was a sale and email wasn’t a good medium to build relationships. So I started traveling to NY and Miami to meet label execs face to face until I landed a remix project. The rest was history.
  • Product Development: Improving My Production Skills: I spent over 20 hours a week producing music. It’s the best way to get better.
  • Marketing + Promotion: Growing A Fan Base: I learned the art of inbound marketing (Blogging, SEO, website optimization, social media, building back links, lead nurturing, email campaigns and analytics). Tuesdays and Wednesdays were my dedicated days for any marketing activity. I compiled an email list of over 2500 people in three months and continuously engaged my list with funny and informative emails. Building genuine relationships with my fans was a rewarding experience and still is.
  • Financials: Paying Off Debt/Saving: Crunching numbers, making projections and understanding my spending habits was an amusing ordeal. Using mint.com, I analyzed my spending for the past twelve months and I knew what I needed to eliminate. You’d be surprised how much stuff we don’t need in our life. I had to pay off my car, credit cards and other loose ends in two years. I then saved 50% of my income for another two years. My goal was to have 18 months of cash (rent, bills, food and party monies) until I generated more income.
  • Revenue + Income: The idea of getting a part time job to generate another source of income was ludicrous. One of my many passions is mentoring, so I started teaching music production in one of DC’s popular clubs. The owner was generous enough to have me use his dancefloor as a classroom on Sundays from 4pm to 7pm. I rented a projector & screen and plugged to the club’s sound system. The class was a success! I moved out of the club and started hosting workshops around the city until I created DC’s first music production school.

CUTTING THE CORD

Quitting Your Job to Be Full-Time DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Four years later, I had 16 months of cash in the bank, paid off my debt, grew my fanbase, acquired more students and was releasing three tracks per month on reputable labels. I just needed the right moment to draft a resignation letter. I was afraid for a long time to pull the plug. Finally I did and it was the most liberating feeling.

It hasn’t always been easy. I definitely made mistakes, especially around some financial decisions for myself. But I practice being gentle with myself when I make blunders. It’s a natural part of the learning curve. Success can bring challenges as well. I found out that 60% of my students wanted to learn music production just to get more DJ gigs, and not for the love of music. I had to re-align my strategy and founded Gigturn.

No two full-time DJ stories of making the transition are the same, which is what makes entrepreneurship so interesting! But my story certainly illustrates a couple of important points about deciding when to quit workin’ for the “man”. My initial goal was to DJ and produce full time, but now I found a bigger and more meaningful goal. I’ve learned flexibility and adaptability are important to keep the passion alive.

Making sure that there truly is interest in the market for your skills as a full-time DJ and producer before you cut the strings is vital. But perhaps even more importantly, listen to that little voice in your head and make a choice that’s in line with your long-term health and well-being. Starting a full-time DJ career that you’re passionate about can only do great things for your mental and physical health. Maybe you’ll be able to take a leave from your job to have some time to plan your full-time DJ career, or maybe you’ll need to start your transition part-time while still working your job full-time. No matter which path you take, there’s no better time than now to start your dream career!

Editor’s Note: Mohamed Kamal is an ex SiriusXM DJ/Producer turned entrepreneur from Washington DC. He is the Founder and CEO of Gigturn, a platform that connects DJs with fans and gigs.

Header photo credit: Marina Gondra and a bit of Photoshop.

Quitting Your Job to Be Full-Time DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

What do you think of Mohamd Kamal’s experiences and insight? Do you have a profession leap you are ending inspiration to make, whether it be full-time DJ or chef or painter?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

Rhode Island DJ Music Chart – Week of 12/23

Christmas has passed and time to get back to posting the MediaBase weekly DJ Music Chart again. This week we have Eminem with Rihanna on top with “The Monster”.  The number two spot has OneRepublic “Counting Stars” followed by Imagine Dragons “Demons”, Pitbull & Kesha “Timber” and Avicii “Wake Me Up”.

Rhode Island DJ Music Chart - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

 

THIS WEEK LAST WEEK ARTIST SONG SPINS*
1 1 EMINEM The Monster f/Rihanna 16,330
2 2 ONEREPUBLIC Counting Stars 15,595
3 3 IMAGINE DRAGONS Demons 14,246
4 4 PITBULL Timber f/Ke$ha 14,135
5 5 AVICII Wake Me Up 10,494
6 7 ZEDD Stay The Night f/H. Williams 9,152
7 10 LADY GAGA Do What U Want f/R. Kelly 8,060
8 6 MILEY CYRUS Wrecking Ball 8,002
9 11 NEIGHBOURHOOD Sweater Weather 8,000
10 14 ELLIE GOULDING Burn 7,877
11 8 LORDE Royals 7,792
12 13 PASSENGER Let Her Go 7,597
13 15 ONE DIRECTION Story Of My Life 7,325
14 16 MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS White Walls f/ScHoolboy Q 6,355
15 9 KATY PERRY Unconditionally 6,331
16 12 DRAKE F/MAJID JORDAN Hold On We’re Going Home 6,287
17 18 LADY GAGA Applause 5,004
18 23 LORDE Team 4,890
19 22 A GREAT BIG WORLD Say Something w/C. Aguilera 4,851
20 20 KATY PERRY Roar 4,494
21 17 SELENA GOMEZ Slow Down 4,040
22 28 BASTILLE Pompeii 3,969
23 19 JASON DERULO Marry Me 3,845
24 26 JOHN NEWMAN Love Me Again 3,581
25 24 BRITNEY SPEARS Perfume 3,518
26 27 ZENDAYA Replay 3,347
27 25 FALL OUT BOY Alone Together 3,282
28 33 KATY PERRY Dark Horse 3,220
29 29 SARA BAREILLES Brave 3,095
30 21 JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE TKO

Rhode Island DJ Music Chart - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

These weekly DJ Music Charts are compiled weekly by MediaBase.

 

Mediabase DJ Music Charts

Mediabase monitors the airplay of over 1,800 radio stations, updated continuously 24 hours daily. Mediabase produces historic and current airplay data for U.S. and Canadian radio stations, satellite radio, and music television.

Formats monitored include Mainstream Top 40, Rhythmic, Mainstream Rock, Active Rock, Modern Rock, Classic Rock, Triple A, Country, Oldies, AC, Hot AC, Urban, Urban AC, Smooth AC, Christian AC, Gospel and Latin.

In addition to providing vital airplay information to radio stations in the U.S. and Canada, Mediabase provides information to every major record label and distributor, as well as concert promoters, artists, managers, music publishers, movie studios, video game developers and more.

Mediabase DJ Music Charts are published weekly in USA Today, and are used on nearly all radio countdown shows and dozens of websites and magazines.

Rhode Island DJ Music Chart - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

I invite you to follow the DJ Music Charts each week for your favorite songs and updates.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

Rhode Island DJ Music Mix – Songs of Home DJ Music Mix

After posting yesterday’s blog posting of Rhode Island DJ Songs of Home, I made a Rhode Island DJ Music Mix including some of the songs in the collection. This collection followed  Rhode Island DJ Songs of JoyRhode Island DJ Songs of Peace and Rhode Island DJ Songs of Thanks earlier this week. I may produce a DJ Mix of them as well soon. The DJ Mix is over an hour but you can listen to parts of it and still enjoy it.

Rhode Island DJ Music Mix - Songs of Home DJ Music Mix - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Rhode Island DJ Mix – Songs of Home DJ Mix

      Songs of Home Mix - DJ Mystical Michael

Rhode Island DJ Music Mix - Songs of Home DJ Music Mix - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Storytelling In A DJ Music Mix

POSTED BY  ON JULY 10, 2013
Stories are a staple of the human experience – from Homer to Dr. Seuss, the greatest storytellers have inspired us, taught us, and even pushed us into action. DJs often want to become something more than just a request-based party-rocker, but as musicians and artists in their own right. Today we dig deeper into the art of DJing and explore how being a better storyteller can dramatically enhance your sets.

Rhode Island DJ Music Mix - Songs of Home DJ Music Mix - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

WHY TELL STORIES? 

It’s important to first understand the difference between what a story is and what a story does. The most gripping stories aren’t just written or told, they are throughly designed with the audience at its forefront.

 “Stories are how we think. They are how we make meaning of life…Stories are how we explain how things work, how we make decisions, how we justify our decisions, how we persuade others, how we understand our place in the world, create our identities, and define and teach social values.”

– Pamela Rutledge, Psychology Today

The key word here is meaning. A good story is designed in such a way to make us empathize with certain point of views and thus change the way we perceive the world around us. Stories, as a result, are merely mechanisms of delivery, crafted in such a way to develop an intrinsic sense of meaning through emotion and metaphors.

We can look to the world of advertising as an industry perfecting the power of the story. Advertisers and marketers use stories to inspire emotions and ultimately bring wallets out:

This tearjerker of an ad not only displays Google’s search feature set (e.g. instant search, query auto-correction, integration with other Google services), but it also works to establish an emotional connection with the viewer through a carefully constructed narrative on love.

Rhode Island DJ Music Mix - Songs of Home DJ Music Mix - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

WHAT’S IN A STORY?

Now that we understand the power and weight of stories, how exactly can we, as DJ’s, harness it? Mechanically, a story can be described as a byproduct of the following narrative elements.

Plot
Characterization
Dialogue
Time / Pace
Setting / Context
These building blocks are used by storytellers to add depth and meaning to their stories. They don’t stand alone – these elements influence and feed off of each other. The characters in your story, for instance, are influenced by their setting in the same way that your story’s overall pace is determined by it’s underlying plot.

The complete post Storytelling In A DJ Mix for further details on DJ Music Mixing as an art form, more than just throwing songs together that match beats and tempo.

Rhode Island DJ Music Mix - Songs of Home DJ Music Mix - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

What did you like best about Rhode Island DJ Music Mix – Songs of Home DJ Music Mix?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Home

This is so much fun! It started as one simple list and now it keeps expanding to new titles and uploads. Today I offer you Rhode Island DJ Songs of Home. Rhode Island DJ Songs of Home are songs that have “Home” in the tittle. Like the other collections, I am not including Christmas songs in this collection. This collection joins Rhode Island DJ Songs of JoyRhode Island DJ Songs of Peace and Rhode Island DJ Songs of Thanks. Who knows where it will stop?

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Home - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Home

      Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

Home” is a song written and recorded by American group Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. It was released in January 2010 as the second single from the album, Up from Below. The song came in at number 73 on Australian radio station Triple J’s 100 hottest songs of the past 20 years

      Hometown Glory - Adele - Adele
      Call Me (Come Back Home) - Al Green - Al Green
      She's Leaving Home - The Beatles - The Beatles
      You're My Home - Billy Joel - Billy Joel
      Phillip Phillips - Home

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Home - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

      My Hometown - Bruce Springsteen - Bruce Springsteen

My Hometown” is a single by Bruce Springsteen off his Born in the U.S.A. album, that was the record-tying seventh and last top 10 single to come from it, peaking at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. It also topped the U.S. adult contemporary chart, making the song Springsteen’s only #1 song on this chart to date. The song is a synthesizer-based, low-tempo number that features Springsteen on vocals.

      Take Me Home - Cash Cash Feat. Beba Rexha - Cash Cash Feat. Bebe Rexha
      You Remind Me Of Home Death Cab for Cutie - Death Cab For Cutie
      Hold On We're Going Home - Drake Feat. Majid Jordan - Drake Feat. Majid Jordan
      Take Me Home Tonight - Eddie Money - Eddie Money

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Home - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

      Can't Find My Way Home (Live 1971) - Eric Clapton w/George Harrison - Eric Clapton
      Home - Jack Johnson - Jack Johnson
      Don't Wanna Go Home - Jason Derulo - Jason Derülo
      You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To - Julie London - Julie London
      Subterranean Homesick Blues - Bob Dylan - Bob Dylan - The Essential
      Bring It On Home - Led Zeppelin
      Home Again - Carole King - Carole King

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Home - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

      Going Home - Leonard Cohen - Leonard Cohen
      Back Home Again [Live] - John Denver - John Denver
      Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd - Lynyrd Skynyrd
      Home - Michael Buble - Michael Bublé
      Home Sweet Home - Motley Crue - Mötley Crüe

Home Sweet Home” is a power ballad by the American heavy metal band Mötley Crüe. It was originally released in 1985 on the album Theatre of Pain, and again in 1991 for the Decade of Decadence compilation album. It has been recorded as a cover versionby several artists, and was released as a single by Carrie Underwood in 2009. The 1991 version had a new music video, different from the original version.

Along with “Wild Side“, “Home Sweet Home” is one of the rare Mötley Crüe hits to have Vince Neil credited with the songwriting, though he did play a part in writing many of their non-hit songs.

      Walking My Baby Back Home - Nat King Cole - Nat King Cole
      Mama I'm Comin' Home - Ozzy Osbourne - Ozzy Osbourne

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Home - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

      Take Me Home - Phil Collins - Phil Colins
      Home - Phillip Phillips - Phillip Phillips
      Nobody Home - Pink Floyd - Pink Floyd
      Home Sweet Home [Album Version] - Russell Howard - Russell Howard

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Home - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

      Bring It On Home To Me - Sam Cooke - Sam Cooke
      Take The Long Way Home - Supertramp - Supertramp
      Take Me Home, Country Roads - Toots and the Maytals - Toots and the Maytals
      Feels Like Home - LeAnn Rimes - LeAnn Rimes

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Home - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

      Homeward Bound - Simon And Garfunkel - Simon And Garfunkel

Homeward Bound” is an American folk song written by Paul Simon, performed by Simon and Garfunkel, produced by Bob Johnston and recorded on December 14, 1965. The song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart on February 12, 1966, peaking at #5 and remained on the charts for 12 weeks. It describes Simon’s longing to return home to his then girlfriend, Kathy Chitty, who was in London. It is uncertain exactly where the song was written: in an interview with Paul Zollo for SongTalk Magazine, Art Garfunkel says that Simon wrote the song in a railway station “around Manchester” while in an earlier interview for Playboy Magazine Simon stated that the railway station was in Liverpool. It is likely, however, that it was written at Widnes railway station during a long wait for a train, when traveling back from Widnes, where he had been playing; a commemorative plaque is displayed on the wall of the Liverpool-bound waiting room

What are your favorite Rhode Island DJ Songs of Home?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

 

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Joy

I have enjoyed creating song lists of song with titles of meaning so much I have continued. Todays list is Rhode Island DJ Songs of Joy, a collection of songs with “Joy” in the title. This week inspired by Thanksgiving, I posted Rhode Island DJ Songs of Peace and Rhode Island DJ Songs of Thanks. This particular list had some fun titles to work with like Sol Seppy “Injoy”, Joni Mitchell ” The Only Joy in Town”, Lustral “Joy On A Stick” and Michelle Shocked “Shaking Hands (Soldier’s Joy)” I intentionally left out the religious song “Joy To The World” typically played around Christmas time, since it will be in a Christmas Collection near the Holidays.

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Joy - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Joy

      Joy - Apollo 100 - Apollo 100

Apollo 100 was a short-lived British instrumental studio-based group that had a hit with the Johann Sebastian Bach-inspired single“Joy” in 1972.

The recording of “Joy” as performed by Apollo 100 is a nearly note-for-note remake of the arrangement of Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (but with modern pop music flourishes like percussion and bass) recorded by the British band Jigsaw on their 1970 debut album Letherslade Farm.

Their first single, “Joy”, based on Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring“, rose to number 6 on the pop singles chart in the US. None of their subsequent efforts were as successful, and they broke up in 1973. “Joy” has subsequently been featured in the soundtracks of the films Boogie NightsOne Day in September, and The 40-Year-Old Virgin.

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Joy - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

      Ode to Joy - Ludwig Von Beethoven - Beethoven
      Enjoy Your Life - Chris Le Blanc ft. Liz June - chris le blanc ft. liz june
      Joy & Pain - Chris Richardson Feat. Tyga - Chris Richardson Feat. Tyga
      Enjoy The Silence - Depeche Mode - Depeche Mode

Enjoy the Silence” is Depeche Mode‘s twenty-fourth UK single, recorded in 1989 and released on 5 February 1990, it was the second single from the then upcoming album Violator.

It is one of the best known Depeche Mode songs, along with “Just Can’t Get Enough“, “People Are People“, “Strangelove” and “Personal Jesus“. It has been recorded by many other artists, including Tori AmosAnberlinBreaking BenjaminSusan Boyle, The Brains, FailureHybridKeaneLacuna CoilNada SurfSusanna and the Magical Orchestra, and Tanghetto. Today, many people consider this as Depeche Mode’s signature song.

      Tears Of Joy - Faith Evans - Faith Evans
      Pride N Joy [Xtra Clean] - Fat Joe Feat. Kanye West - Fat Joe Feat. Kanye West
      George Winston - Joy

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Joy - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

      Enjoy Yourself - The Jacksons - Jacksons
      The Only Joy In Town - Joni Mitchell - Joni Mitchell
      Joy ride (Album Version) - The Killers - The Killers
      07 Joy on a Stick
      Pride And Joy - Marvin Gaye - Marvin Gaye

Pride and Joy” is a 1963 single by Marvin Gaye, released on the Tamla label. The single, co-written by William “Mickey” Stevenson, Gaye and Norman Whitfield, and produced by Stevenson, was considered to be a tribute to Gaye’s then-girlfriend, Anna Gordy.

The song was also the third straight (and last) single to include Martha and the Vandellas in background vocals just weeks before “(Love is Like a) Heat Wave” made the girl group one of the high-tier Motown acts. The song was also Gaye’s first top ten pop single peaking at number ten on the chart and just missed the top spot of the R&B singles chart peaking at number two. When The Beatles first arrived in New York City in 1964, they requested Murray the K play the song on his radio station.

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Joy - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

      Joy Luck Club - Massive Attack - Massive Attack
      Overjoyed - Matchbox Twenty - Matchbox Twenty
      Shaking Hands (Soldier's Joy) - Michelle Shocked - Michelle Shocked
      (Flower Drum Song) I Enjoy Being A Girl - Pat Suzuki - Pat Suzuki

I Enjoy Being a Girl” is a show tune from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Flower Drum Song. It was originally performed in 1958, as the showpiece for the Linda Low showgirl character. The musical was a comedic love story about growing up Chinese in America, and the clash between the traditional values of the old country, and the modern ways of America.

Though Flower Drum Song was among the least successful of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, the song “I Enjoy Being a Girl” has been widely used in other productions. It has become a familiar tune to many, as the song has been recorded by performers including Doris DayPeggy LeePat Suzuki, and Phranc. The song has been parodied by Sarah Jessica Parker in aGap commercial, as well as viral video works as “I Enjoy Being Al Gore”, and works based on Harry PotterXena and Battlestar Galactica. Comedian Rosanne Barr also parodied the song in 1990. Alvin and the Chipmunks performed the song in the 1983 Alvin and the Chipmunks episode “A Dog’s Best Friend Is His Chipmunk” (with new lyrics specifically for the episode).

The lyrics praise the traditional values of being a woman, who longs to be the object of a man’s affection. The song notably lacks in political correctness, especially after the rise of the women’s movement of the 1960s and 1970s. It is often considered to be “camp” or “kitsch“, and has frequently been performed by drag queens.

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Joy - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

      Joyride - Roxette - Roxette
      O' Be Joyful - Shovels And Rope - Shovels And Rope
      Injoy - Sol Seppy - Sol Seppy
      Street Joy - White Denim - White Denim
      Farewell My Joy - Zorgina - Zorgina

Zorgina, the trio has recorded two albums since their founding —

“Polyphonics” released in 1996, and “Triplicate,” released last year.

The group’s debut album, along with their concerts, have won

many international acclaims.

      Circle Of Joy - Lisa Lynne - Lisa Lynne
      Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - Johan Sebastian Bach - Bach

Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring is the most common English title of the 10th and last movement of the cantata Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147 (“Heart and Mouth and Deed and Life”), composed by Johann Sebastian Bach in 1716 and 1723. Written during his first year in Leipzig, Germany, this chorale movement is one of Bach’s most enduring works.

A transcription by the English pianist Myra Hess (1890–1965) was published in 1926 for piano solo and in 1934 for piano duet. The British organist Peter Hurford made his organ transcription for the chorale movement as well. Today, it is often performed at wedding ceremonies as well as during Christian festive seasons like Christmas and Easter Sunday slowly and reverently. This is however, apparently in defiance to the effect suggested by Bach in his original scoring, for voices with trumpetoboesstrings, and continuo.

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Joy - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

      Joy To The World - Three Dog Night - Three Dog Night

Joy to the World” is a song written by Hoyt Axton, and made famous by the band Three Dog Night. The song is also popularly known by its opening words, “Jeremiah was a bullfrog“. Three Dog Night originally released the song on their fourth studio albumNaturally in November 1970 (see 1970 in music) and subsequently released an edited version of the song as a single in February 1971 (see 1971 in music). The song is featured prominently in the film The Big Chill. It is sung by a child character at the beginning and the Three Dog Night recording is played over the end credits.

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Joy - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

I hope you enjoyed Rhode Island DJ Songs of Joy. Which Rhode Island DJ Songs of Joy did you enjoy most?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

 

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Peace

It’s now the day after Thanksgiving and I felt inspired to follow Wednesday’s post of Rhode Island DJ Songs of Thanks with Rhode Island DJ Songs of Peace. The title to every song on this list includes some version for he word “Peace”. There are a few versions of the same songs that stand out like Cat Stevens “Peace Train” and Elvis Costello “What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace, Love and Understand”.

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Peace - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Peace

      Peace Of Mind - Boston - Boston
      Peace Train - Cat Stevens - Cat Stevens
      (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding - David Broza - David Broza

 

(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding” is a 1970s song written by English singer/songwriter Nick Lowe and recorded in the best-known version by Elvis Costello.

The song was originally released in 1974 on the album The New Favourites of… Brinsley Schwarz by Lowe’s band Brinsley Schwarz and released as a single; this version was included on Lowe’s 2002 compilation Anthology (along with the Elvis Costello version), and his 2009 compilation Quiet Please… The New Best of Nick Lowe, as well as 1991’s Surrender to the Rhythm: The Best of Brinsley Schwarz, 1996’s Naughty Rhythms: The Best of Pub Rock 1970-1976, and 1998’s Pub Rock: Paving the Way for Punk.

The Elvis Costello & The Attractions version was first issued as the B-side of Lowe’s 1978 single “American Squirm” credited to “Nick Lowe and His Sound”. At the time, Lowe was Costello’s producer, and he produced this track as well. When the song became a hit, it was quickly appended as the last track to the U.S. edition of Costello’s album Armed Forces. It has appeared on most of Costello’s “Best of” compilations over the years, as well as on the soundtrack to the film “200 Cigarettes”. Live versions appeared on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Volume 7: 2002-2003, and 2012’s The Return of the Spectacular Spinning Songbook, both by Elvis Costello and the Attractions. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked this version of the song as the 284th best song of all time.

      Peaceful Easy Feeling - The Eagles - Eagles
      Peace in The Valley - Eddie Spaghetti - Eddie Spaghetti
      Whats So Funny 'Bout Peace Love and Understanding - Elvis Costello - Elvis Costello

 

In 2004, “(What’s So Funny ’bout) Peace, Love and Understanding” was regularly performed as an all-star jam on the “Vote for Change” tour, which featured a rotating cast of headliners. The October 11 concert at the MCI Centre in Washington DC was broadcast live on the Sundance Channel and on radio. This version of the song featured Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, the Dixie ChicksEddie VedderDave Matthews, and John Fogerty with Michael StipeBonnie RaittKeb’ Mo’, and Jackson Browne.

      Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) - George Harrison - George Harrison

 

When discussing how he wrote “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)”, George Harrison states in his 1980 autobiography, I, Me, Mine: “Sometimes you open your mouth and you don’t know what you are going to say, and whatever comes out is the starting point. If that happens and you are lucky, it can usually be turned into a song. This song is a prayer and personal statement between me, the Lord, and whoever likes it.” “Give Me Love” continued the precedent set by Harrison in his 1970 single “My Sweet Lord“, where he blended the Hindu bhajan with Western gospel tradition, and the song repeats another Harrison hit formula by using a three-syllable lyrical hook as its title, like “My Sweet Lord”, “What Is Life” and “Bangla Desh“. In a further similarity with those earlier songs, he wrote “Give Me Love” very quickly; Harrison biographer Alan Clayson describes it as having “flowed from George with an ease as devoid of ante-start agonies as a Yoko Ono ‘think piece'”.

Harrison had embraced the theme of karma and reincarnation in the songs “Run of the Mill” and “Art of Dying“, both released on his 1970 triple album All Things Must Pass. With “Give Me Love”, the “starting point” that Harrison refers to in I, Me, Mine led to a statement expressing the singer’s vision for life in the physical world, a life devoid of the karmic burden of rebirth:

Give me love, give me love, give me peace on earth
Give me light, give me life, keep me free from birth
Give me hope, help me cope with this heavy load
Trying to touch and reach you with heart and soul

      Peacefully Cinnamon - Jahionz - Jahionz

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Peace - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

      Give Peace A Chance - John Lennon & Plastic Ono Band - John Lennon

 

Give Peace a Chance” is a song written by John Lennon in MontrealCanada (originally under the moniker Lennon–McCartney), released as a single in 1969 by the Plastic Ono Band on Apple Records, catalogue Apple 13 in the United Kingdom, Apple 1809 in the United States. It is the first solo single issued by Lennon, released when he was still a member of the Beatles and became ananthem of the American anti-war movement during the 1970s. It peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the British singles chart.

      I Gotta Find Peace Of Mind Lauryn Hill - Lauryn Hill
      Piece O' Peace - Michael Franti - Michael Franti & Spearhead
      Peace Cry - Various Artists - Reggae Gold 2001
      Path To Peace - Tuck & Patti - Tuck & Patti
      Peace On Earth - U2 - U2
      Love And Peace Or Else - U2 - U2
      Peace Train - 10,000 Maniacs - 10,000 Maniacs

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Peace - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Is there any Rhode Island DJ Songs of Peace that need to be included? What is your favorite Rhode Island DJ Songs of Peace?

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Peace - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

 

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Thanks

I thought it would be fun to make a collection of songs with the word “Thank” in the title. So, I’m calling this Rhode Island DJ Songs of Thanks. Not very original but makes sense due to tomorrow being Thanksgiving. Some songs are traditional songs related to Thanksgiving but some aren’t, or are a little more playful about saying thank you or giving thanks. “Thank You” by Led Zeppelin appears twice, the original and a somber cover by Tori Amos.

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Thanks - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Thanks

      Thank You - Dido - Dido

Dido wrote the song as a tribute to her boyfriend, entertainment lawyer Bob Page; they got engaged in 2001 but split the following year. It remains Dido’s biggest hit single in the USA to date, and her only one to reach the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. “White Flag“, which features on her second album Life For Rent, is about their split.

      Thanksgiving Song - Adam Sandler - Adam Sandler
      Thank You Lord - Alozade - Alozade
      Thank You For Loving Me - Bon Jovi - Bon Jovi
      Thank You - Boyz II Men - Boyz II Men
      Thanks For The Memories - Fall Out Boy - Fall Out Boy
      Thank A Farmer - John Wesley - James Wesley
      John Denver - Thank God I'm A Country Boy
      Led Zeppelin - Thank You

“Thank You” signaled a deeper involvement in songwriting by singer Robert Plant, being the first Led Zeppelin song that he wrote all the lyrics for. According to various Led Zeppelin biographies, this is also the song that made Jimmy Page realise that Plant could now handle writing the majority of the lyrics for the band’s songs. Plant wrote the song as a tribute to his then-wife Maureen.

      Thank God I Found You - Mariah Carey - Mariah Carey feat Joe & 98 Degrees
      Thankful 'N Thoughtful - Robert Randolph & The Family Band - Robert Randolph & The Family Band
      Thank U Mamma - Sizzla - Sizzla

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Thanks - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

      Thank You - Tori Amos - Tori Amos
      Be Thankful For What You Got - William DeVaughn - William DeVaughn
      I Thank You - Sam & Dave - Sam And Dave
      Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again) - Sly & The Family Stone - Sly & Family Stone

Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” is a 1969 song recorded by Sly and the Family Stone. The song, double a-sided with “Everybody Is a Star“, reached number one on the soul single charts for five weeks, and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1970. “Thank You” was intended to be included on an in-progress album with “Star” and “Hot Fun in the Summertime“; the LP was never completed, and the three tracks were instead included on the band’s 1970 Greatest Hits LP. “Thank You” and “Star”, the final Family Stone recordings issued in the 1960s, marked the beginning of a 20-month gap of releases from the band, which would finally end with the release of “Family Affair” in 1971.

The song’s length on the original hit single and the “Greatest Hits” LP is 4:48 and was re-channeled to simulate stereo on the very popular “Greatest Hits” LP. The previously unreleased full length version in true stereo (6:18) was mixed by Bob Irwin and only issued on the 1990 Columbia promotional CD “Legacy: Music For The Next Generation”. On the subsequent (and currently available as of 2013) “The Essential Sly & The Family Stone” 2-CD set, the track is in stereo but is the standard 4:48 length hit version.

Rolling Stone ranked the song #402 on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time“.

      Thank You Lord - Bob Marley - Bob Marley
      Now Be Thankful - Fairport Convention - Fairport Convention
      Thanksgiving - George Winston - George Winston
      A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving - George Winston - George Winston
      Thank You - Keith Urban - Keith Urban
      Thank You - Tuck & Patti - Tuck & Patti

Rhode Island DJ Songs of Thanks - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

What are your favorite Rhode Island DJ Songs of Thanks?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

Rhode Island DJ – 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ

A fairly inclusive article on booking your DJ from Bridal Guide.  Like I’ve mentioned previously about similar blog posts on booking your DJ for your Wedding or Party, I still am surprised by how many of these pieces do not include your Rhode Island DJ offering a Guarantee as a must for booking your DJ. Also, do they have experience as a Multicultural DJ to meet the needs of all your friends and family.

10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ

Interviewing potential vendors is like going on an awkward first date — you both hope there’s chemistry, but it can be confusing to know exactly what to say (even for a Wedding Editor like myself!). Follow our new “10 Questions to Ask…” blog series with experts from each field who will break it down for you step-by-step. I’ll share hard-earned real bride advice along the way, so you know how to spot the best vendor for your needs. This week, contributors DJ Kev Sakoda from Scratch Weddings and Vito Namio at Dash of Class Entertainment show you how to scout an amazing DJ.

1. Is this your full-time business? Are weddings your primary focus? What clubs, lounges, and corporate clients have you performed for in addition to weddings?

Determine whether they are a well-rounded, successful entertainer who can bring a level of expertise and versatility to your event. “You want to ensure that your DJ isn’t a one-dimensional part-timer, but a true performer whose had varied and extensive experience performing in front of different (and tough) audiences,” said DJ Kev Sakoda. It’s fine if your prospective DJ mainly focuses on weddings—DJ Vito Namio performs at well over 100 per year—as long as they squeeze in some time for other types of parties as well.

Beware if a potential DJ bad-mouths former clients (whether they’re corporations or individual brides) or their competitors. My fiancé Jason and I once met with a vendor who told us about an event that “wasn’t his best work” because the client was a huge bridezilla! This made us wonder: Who’s not to say he wouldn’t whisper about that crazy-demanding web editor from Bridal Guide afterwards?

 

Rhode Island DJ - 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Photo Credit: Muriel Silva Photography

2. How do you customize the music experience for each couple? Can you help with song lists and providing suggestions?

Find a DJ who will create a soundtrack for your wedding that is based on your style, taste, and vision for that day. “One size does not fit all—if your desire is to have a mosh pit at your wedding, then you will need to deliver that and anything else you want, for that matter,” said Sakoda.

A skilled DJ will gladly accept your must-play and do-not-play lists, no matter how short or long. Namio tells his brides upfront that they are in control of the music that will be played and they need to allocate time to work with him to ensure smooth timing for their event.

“All of the aforementioned can only be achieved with an entertainer who is flexible and willing to listen. It’s easy to come up with lists of songs to play—determining the placement of the music (e.g. cake-cutting and bouquet toss) and how it fits into unique themes is the real challenge,” said Namio.

 

Rhode Island DJ - 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography

3. How do you get the crowd pumped?

There are all kinds of incentives that DJs use to encourage guests to storm the dance floor, whether it’s asking couples to join the newlyweds for a good-luck dance or playing a meaningful throwback song from the bridesmaids’ college days.

Ask them how to get the crowd pumped, but, more importantly, listen to their music demos or watch wedding performances to get a sense of how they will interact with your guests in person. Interviewing prospective DJs is certainly helpful, but hearing them in action will really seal the deal.

“You want to make sure your DJ understands how to read a crowd, build up the energy and then keep it up. There should never be a lull—your DJ needs to have the ability to blend all sorts of genres to accomodate everyone and keep them on the dance floor,” said Sakoda.

 

Rhode Island DJ - 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Photo Credit: Dash of Class Entertainment

4. How do you handle song requests?

“There could be instances where the client directives are diametrically opposed to the guest requests. How a DJ strikes a balance to deliver on the couple’s desires—while still satisfying the guests’ requests—determines the skill and experience of the DJ,” said Sakoda.

Some DJs (with the permission of the newlyweds) may tell partygoers that they need to stick to their playlist, but they’ll do their best to fit in their song, while others will appoint a bridesmaid or relative to screen particular requests (so that the DJ doesn’t need to interrupt the new Mr. and Mrs. mid-dance).

Read more about song requests here!

 

Rhode Island DJ - 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Photo Credit: Dash of Class Entertainment

5. Can I hear some examples of mixing and blending different tracks?

When mixing is done correctly, you probably aren’t even aware of it. The DJ should be able to blend between songs seamlessly; you don’t want guests to become bored by a ten-minute long Queen rendition! However, when this technique is performed incorrectly, you’ll be able to discern it instantly: “When there is no mixing or blending, there is awkward silence between songs (it’s the same thing as your iPod),” said Sakoda.

6. What sound equipment do you utilize? Do you have back-up equipment?

DJ equipment is just as important as musical instruments. “Turntables allow the DJ to have hands-on control of the music and the ability to manipulate it instantly. A simple touch can change the sound, speed, and tone,” said Sakoda.

Ask if your DJ is certified and knows all of the ins and outs of connecting a system. “We allow our equipment to operate without overdriving it, which is when guests start to complain about it being too loud (sometimes referred to as ‘muffled’ sound). When I play at a wedding, you will hear every word, nice and crisp, at a moderate level; I guarantee guests will still be able to talk at their tables while others are showing off their latest moves on the dance floor,” said Namio.

Backup equipment is also essential: DJs should always have the equivalent of a “flat spare” on hand, whether it be a microphone, computer, mixer, etc. Don’t forget to ask how soon before the reception they plan to arrive and how long it will take for them to set up.

 

Rhode Island DJ - 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Photo Credit: Dash of Class Entertainment

7. Have you played at our chosen wedding venue before? If not, can you make a site visit beforehand?

The sound varies drastically depending on the room where your reception will be held. Don’t underestimate the importance of a site visit: The lighting technician at my wedding reception told me that they’ve had crises with brides who chose DJs that didn’t know how to work the room’s acoustics. The sound on the microphones was so poor that the tech couldn’t understand the garbled instructions through his earpiece!

Namio recommends that brides ask prospective DJs if they can set up appointments to visit such locations. “This allows us to become acquainted with new staff members, learn their rules for vendors, and plan correctly for providing the correct equipment for acoustics and lighting design. At the same time, we offer to provide these establishments with insurance certificates and updated company information. With these steps, they know we mean business,” said Namio.

 

Rhode Island DJ - 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Photo Credit: Dash of Class Entertainment

8. Do we have our choice of DJs to select from, or is one automatically assigned to us depending on date availability? What happens in case of an emergency?

“We believe choice is important: No two weddings are alike! You should have a choice of top DJs that fit your style and personality, and have the proper experience and skill for your wedding,” said Sakoda.

Namio agrees: “I personally spend quite some time with my clients to answer their concerns in detail and make suggestions when called upon. In turn, they learn more about my experience and everything I bring to the table. Now, imagine investing all of this time and not being their MC/DJ on their wedding day!” he said.

It happens more often than you’d think: At one meeting, a sales rep tried to us to sign a contract before we even met with our prospective DJ! He happened to be in the building that day, so Jason and I got to say hello briefly, but the company’s impersonality still rubbed us the wrong way.

9. What other services do you offer (e.g. lighting, HD video screens)?

Some DJ packages come with extra services such as intelligent lighting and video screens. “Next to lighting, video screens are our most requested option. I like to explain it as personalizing your day: Imagine watching memories roll by on the screens while you’re sharing that first dance. Then, you can add a few photos to enhance the parent dances as well,” said Namio.

Remember to get any details clearly outlined in your contract. Also don’t feel pressured into signing up for extra amenities if you don’t need them. When I told one DJ that my venue came equipped with intelligent lighting, he told us their lighting was still necessary for a true “club-like” experience. Next!

 

Rhode Island DJ - 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Photo Credit: Chris Sherburne Photography

10. Why should I choose you as my wedding DJ?

I always like to throw in a curveball to see what they consider to be their best attribute: Is it their amazing sound equipment? Their can-do-anything personality? Or is it their professionalism and dedication towards making your wedding a success? Hopefully, all of the above!

Check out our Ultimate Guide to Vendors to find out what you should be asking your florist, photographer, and more!

Meet The Experts:

Rhode Island DJ - 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Each week, we feature wedding music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation’s leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week’s post comes from Brooklyn-based, Cali-bred DJ Kev Sakoda, who has more than two decades of experience DJing clubs, corporate events, live shows and on radio across the country. He can also be found at a weekly residency at NYC’s Happy Ending Lounge on the Lower East Side. Kev works with couples to create a crowd-pleasing musical vision for every wedding he spins. “Music is such an important part of creating the emotion of the reception; not just for the bride and groom, who are the most important people that night, but for all of the guests.”

Rhode Island DJ - 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

 

Vito Namio is the owner of Dash of Class Entertainment in New York and New Jersey. Has been providing clients with personalized service and high energy entertainment over the last 15 years. Creating memories of a lifetime one event at a time.

Stefania Sainato

Here are other posts that may be helpful to you Top 50 DJ Wedding Last Dance SongsHow To Hire The Best Wedding DJ,  Popular Garter Toss Songs, Wedding DJ Father-Daughter Dance SongsWedding DJ Mother Son Dance SongsTop 50 Wedding Cake Cutting SongsPopular Bridal Party Introduction Songs for Wedding DJs and Popular Bouquet Toss Songs.

 

What do you think about the 10 questions to ask before booking your DJ?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ
Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

Terence Trent D’arby Wishing Well

Terence Trent D’arby Wishing Well was well ahead of its time and still is. Terence Trent D’arby Wishing Well has a luscious, deep sweet melody. I’ve played Terence Trent D’arby Wishing Well at gigs as a Rhode Island DJ like Weddings, Birthdays, Reunions, Anniversaries and any event that aches for a Soulful rhythm that creates a great scene for dance, love and groovin’.

Terence Trent D’arby Wishing Well Music Video

Terence Trent D’arby Wishing Well is a song of Sananda Maitreya (then known as Terence Trent D’Arby) for the album Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D’Arby, and hit number one on both the Soul Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100 on May 7, 1988. The song remained at that position for one week, on both charts, and was Terence Trent D’Arby’s only number one hit.

The song appears in Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City’s fictional radio station Vice City FM.

Rhode Island Wedding DJ with Terence Trent D'arby Wishing Well

Terence Trent D’arby Wishing Well on His Name Change

This song about young love was the first US hit for Terence Trent D’Arby, who changed his name to Sananda Maitreya in 2001. Regarding the name change, he told us: “TTD had died. His psyche had been shot full of so many arrows that he could no longer hold his spirit. After intense pain I meditated for a new spirit, a new will, a new identity. Sananda Maitreya is an opportunity for me, this spirit, to live with a new psyche and use it to continue my work, the work I came to earth for.”

The line, “I want to be your midnight rambler” is a reference to the Rolling Stones song. Says Maitreya: “I am a disciple of The Stones and their fathers the Chicago Blues. I see my work and most of Rock as an evolution of the roots and branches of the Urban Blues.” (We interviewed Maitreya in 2005. Learn more at his website: sanandamaitreya.com.) Song Facts

Rhode Island Wedding DJ with Terence Trent D'arby Wishing Well

Sananda has been an internet presence since the late ‘90s and was one of the first major artist to add credibility to the current explosion and acceptance of the internet music communication and digital world. He believed all along that the Internet would be his path to true musical freedom, without in his words, “the usual gains and compromises”. He presents his music as POST MILLENNIUM ROCK, its main elements are heart and soul, its nature is passion, courage and curiosity and it acknowledges no rules but the goal to lead the listener back to his heart, to provoke his mind and re-approach him to his true feelings. His vision of Post Millennium Rock is a music free of restrictions and marketing pressures. It is a music that combines all the genres that the artist loved since his childhood: opera, country, classical, jazz, blues, gospel, pop, reggae as well as Rock! Sananda Maitreya Website

Rhode Island Wedding DJ with Terence Trent D'arby Wishing Well

Terence Trent D’arby Wishing Well has lost some of its legs over the years but is always a welcomed revival when I cue it up and let the music flow through the speakers to dancers and partiers everywhere. Great music like Terence Trent D’arby Wishing Well finds a way to cross boundaries of age, culture, genre and taste.

What do you like best about Terence Trent D’arby Wishing Well?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

 

Rhode Island DJ Music Chart – Week of 11/19

We have a new Rhode Island DJ Music Chart this week with Miley Cyrus “Wrecking Ball” the new number one. The song had reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts several weeks ago but is top of the DJ Music Charts this week. It replaced Avicii “Wake Me Up” after three weeks on top. Lorde and Lady Ga Ga maintain their positions in the top five with Drake at number five with “Hold On We’re Going Home”.

DJ Music Chart - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

DJ Music Chart – Week of 11/19

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DJ Music Chart – Week of 11/19 Featuring Miley Cyrus “Wrecking Ball”

Wrecking Ball” is a song performed by American recording artist Miley Cyrus for her fourth studio album Bangerz (2013). It was released on August 25, 2013, by RCA Records as the second single from the record. It was written by MoZellaStephan Moccio,Sacha SkarbekLukasz Gottwald, and Henry Russell Walter. It was produced by Dr. Luke and Circuit. “Wrecking Ball” is a pop song which lyrically discusses the deterioration of a relationship; it was speculated to be inspired by Cyrus’ former engagement to Australian actor Liam Hemsworth.

Upon its release, “Wrecking Ball” received generally mixed reviews from music critics, who were ambivalent towards its lyrical content and overall production. Having originally been serviced as a promotional single through the iTunes Store, it debuted on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 at number 50. However, it later became Cyrus’ first number-one single in the United States after the release of its controversial music video. Internationally, the song charted strongly; it topped the charts in Canada and the United Kingdom, and charted in the top-ten throughout much of Europe and Oceania.

DJ Music Chart - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

An accompanying music video for “Wrecking Ball” was released on September 9, 2013. It featured close-up scenes of Cyrus tearfully singing, reminiscent of the clip for “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinéad O’Connor, interspersed with footage of a nude Cyrus swinging on a wrecking ball. Critics were divided in their opinions of the music video; some appreciated its diversity from Cyrus’ previous single “We Can’t Stop“, while others felt it was more provocative than its predecessor. “Wrecking Ball” currently holds the Vevo record for the most views in the first 24 hours after its release, and the record for being the fastest clip to reach 100 million views on the service. Cyrus has performed “Wrecking Ball” during several live performances, including the iHeartRadio Music Festival and an episode of Saturday Night Live.

DJ Music Chart Featuring Miley Cyrus “Wrecking Ball” Music Video

The video was directed by Terry Richardson and released by Vevo on September 9, 2013. The video begins with a close-up of Cyrus standing in front of a completely white backdrop and crying while performing the song. The video also shows Cyrus sitting wearing nothing but dark red Dr. Martens boots on top of a wrecking ball (similar to the single cover) and licking a sledgehammer. On September 24, 2013, a Director’s Cut version of the video was also released, featuring only the footage of Cyrus against the white backdrop singing and crying to the camera.

Cyrus said of the video:
I think the video is much more, if people get past the point that I’m naked and you actually look at me you can tell that I actually look more broken than even the song sounds. The song is a pop ballad. It’s one of these songs that everyone is going to relate to, everyone has felt that feeling at one point. If people can take their minds out of the obvious and go into their imagination a little bit and see kind of what the video really means and the way it’s so vulnerable and actually if you look in my eyes I look more sad than my voice sounds on the record it was a lot harder to do the video than it was to record the songs. It was much more of an emotional experience.”

DJ Music Chart - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

What is your favorite song on the DJ Music Charts this week?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!