Wedding DJ vs. Band for my Wedding Reception | Wedding Planning Blog

Should I Choose a Wedding DJ or a Band for My Wedding Reception?

Wedding DJ vs. Band for my Wedding Reception - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Wedding DJ V Band as a Wedding Performer

As a New Jersey wedding venue that’s hosted countless wedding receptions, we’ve heard the full spectrum of performers, from the smallest wedding DJ to some of the most talented wedding singers, wedding bands and orchestras. We’ve seen first-hand that even similar weddings in size, location, theme, décor, etc. can have an entirely different feel and energy depending on the type of wedding entertainment.  It’s an integral part of setting the mood, whether it’s serene and refined or upbeat and a footloose free-for-all.  The wedding music helps your guests to let go and enjoy the celebration; whether that’s due to the music itself, or the encouragement of the Wedding DJ or band leader acting as the MC.

Wedding DJ vs. Band for my Wedding Reception - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Choosing between a wedding DJ or a live wedding band is often first a matter of budget.  In general, Wedding DJs typically cost less. Of course this doesn’t mean that wedding DJs are any less skilled at what they do. But a live wedding band has more people to pay, more equipment, and of course there’s the added consideration for the talent of incorporating instruments and vocals. Costs will typically increase on the size, experience, and breadth of the skill set of the band as well as the time of year and how long you want them to perform.

Wedding DJ vs. Band for my Wedding Reception - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Once you’ve factored budget into your wedding planning decisions, the next consideration is the overall vibe and feel you’d like to achieve. The type of music you’re shooting for, for example, may affect what works best. Big band and swing music often are more impressive when performed live. And if you’re having a Great Gatsby wedding theme, live performers, especially if they’re playing jazz-age music (and dressed accordingly) can really add to the authentic feel of your wedding theme. Wedding DJs, on the other hand, can much more easily keep up the pace and rhythm of the night without stop or a dip in energy. Live performers can sometimes have an off night, but recorded music is nothing if not consistent.

The decision to select a wedding DJ or a wedding band also comes down to the amount of variety you’re looking for in the music for your wedding reception. Do you and your fiancé have different tastes in music? Do you want to include a mix of traditional wedding music, classic favorites, a little something for the older generations, and some pop music from today? The more varied your wish list of wedding songs, the more difficult it will be for a live band to span the wide variety of genres well. A Wedding DJ with a vast collection of songs can much more easily switch from country to classic, and even fulfill the unexpected requests on the day.

Depending on your preference, each has its own pros and cons. A wedding band can certainly be much more unique and distinctive; and live music always has a more authentic feel and plays a larger role in the overall aesthetic of the night. But a Wedding DJ will deliver the songs, whether slow and romantic or upbeat and fun, just as you and your guests remember them, making it all that much more easy to connect with and enjoy.

Wedding DJ vs. Band for my Wedding Reception - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Whether you opt for a Wedding DJ or a band, be sure you get a true sense of the quality of how they perform, their level of professionalism, how their personalities in person might dictate their personas when performing, and how well they can work a crowd.  At the end of the day, good music, well performed, will get your guests on the dance floor and leave them all with happy, lasting memories of celebrating your special day with you.

via DJ vs. Band for my Wedding Reception | Wedding Planning Blog.

Wedding DJ vs. Band for my Wedding Reception - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

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.

 

Which do you think is better for your wedding, a Wedding DJ or Band?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

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

Wildlight Twirl Me

I was recently sent to find the song Wildlight Twirl Me for a musician friend and when I heard it, WOW! What an interesting and magical tune! It’s rare to hear artists that can meld and shape a song with such grace and flow as Wildlight Twirl Me. Every time I hear it I want to get up and move as if floating on a cloud. Hope you have a similar experience.
Wildlight Twirl Me is music producer David Sugalski aka Polish Ambassador and vocalist Ayla Nereo.

Wildlight Twirl Me with Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ

Wildlight Twirl Me Music Video

Wildlight Twirl Me Featuring Ayla Nereo

“Can you fall in love with a sound? Can love itself be expressed in sound? Because if so, this is surely that sound…” ~ Collapse Board

Ayla Nereo’s voice hits straight to the heart. With an array of loop-pedals by her side, she layers vocal melodies into majestic, sweeping harmonies and weaves magical threads of guitar, kalimba, piano, and percussion into each live performance. Her lucid storytelling and lyrical imagery are water for the thirsty soul; sounds embodying the many folds of our own selves. Ayla’s music is both timeless and modern; circle songs and roots music meet folktronica. Crafting an immersive soundscape we can rest in, her gentle intention guides us into a more open and receptive state. Each performance is a journey: an inspired, wondrous experience that holds you by the heart and doesn’t let go. www.aylanereo.com

Wildlight Twirl Me with Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ

Wildlight Twirl Me Featuring The Polish Amassador

For the Polish Ambassador project, born on the richly-colored streets of Chicago and San Francisco, infectious melody is paramount. However, this never overshadows the depth and harmonic complexity that have made the Ambassador a favorite amongst festival curators and beat aficionados worldwide.  Over the course of 6 years, his sound has dipped and swirled through a staggering range of styles, with each album exploring uncharted sonic territory.  Warm, analogue dreamwave; mind-altering glitch; world-infused groove; bass-fueled breaks; sexified down-tempo; electric lullabies; and psy-fi funk are just a few of the genres that have poured from the Ambassador’s soul into earbuds and ghetto-blasters across the galaxy.

Despite the political connotations of his name, the Ambassador is not a political partisan. Rather, he is a diplomat for a new paradigm rooted in creative joy, radical self-expression, and ecological principles.  As part of this mission, the Ambassador has committed to carbon-neutral touring, instigating exploratory dance, and igniting fan participation.

Flanked on the Ambassador’s left is visual artist Liminus, a master of translating dynamic, sonic landscapes into breathtaking video projection.  Liminus’s improvisational abilities are a perfect complement to the Ambassador’s custom-tailored audio transmission, and his presence on stage allows for an audio/visual synergy rarely witnessed in electronic music performance. Together, the duo will take you on a voyage that leaves you drenched in sweat, with a smile slapped on your face, and a heart busted wide open.

The Polish Ambassador

Wildlight Twirl Me with Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ

Please share Wildlight Twirl Me with others!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

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

Jack Johnson Better Together

With Wedding Season as a Rhode Island Wedding DJ mostly resting until Spring, I wanted to share with you some of the less mainstream songs that made it into Wedding Ceremony, First Dance, Cake Cutting and Last Dance songs at Weddings this past year. This review will feature one of my favorite artists, Jack Johnson Better Together!

Jack Johnson Better Together MP3 Free Stream

      Jack Johnson - Better Together

Jack Johnson Better Together with Rhode Island Wedding DJ - Rhode Island Rock DJ

Jack Johnson Better Together Story

Jack Johnson Better Together is a song written and performed by Jack Johnson. As well as being the first track on Johnson’s album In Between Dreams, which was released in February 2005, “Better Together” was released as a single in January 2006. It charted at #24 in theUnited Kingdom. In the United States, a live version from the En Concert live album was released as a single in 2009, peaking at #23 on the Mediabase Triple A chart. It was also included in a Cuban remix of the song which was included in Rhythms del Mundo. An edited version of Better Together featuring a ukulele was included in the album, The Mango Tree.

The song samples from the Hoagy Carmichael song Heart and Soul. Wikipedia

Jack Johnson Better Together with Rhode Island Wedding DJ - Rhode Island Rock DJ

Jack Johnson Better Together with Jack Johnson Story

Jack Johnson (born May 18, 1975) is an American folk rock singer-songwriter, surfer, filmmaker, musician known for his work in the soft rock and acoustic genres. In 2001, he achieved commercial success after the release of his debut album, Brushfire Fairytales. He has since released five more albums, a number of EPs and surfing movies/soundtracks. He is also known for organizing an annual event, the Kōkua Festival. Notable songs from Johnson’s repertoire include “Upside Down“; “Flake“; “Sitting, Waiting, Wishing“; “If I Had Eyes“; “You and Your Heart“; “Taylor“; and “Better Together

Jack Johnson Better Together with Rhode Island Wedding DJ - Rhode Island Rock DJ

On July 22, 2000, Johnson married his college sweetheart Kim. They have three children, two boys and a girl. Johnson lives on the North Shore of the island of Oahu in Hawaii. In an interview with Johnson, Ann Donahue from Billboard described Johnson’s family life by saying “There is often trouble in balancing the life of an artist, environmentalist, and family man, but Johnson seems to have the niche for such a challenge. This time around, he’s found a pace that agrees with him…bringing his family along so he can spend mornings with them sightseeing.” Both Johnson and his wife refuse to talk about or release any intimate information concerning their children

The song was chosen by Rob Brydon as one of his Desert Island Discs.

Jack Johnson Better Together with Rhode Island Wedding DJ - Rhode Island Rock DJ

In 2008, Johnson and his wife Kim created the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation, a non-profit public charity supporting environmental, art, and music education worldwide. Jack and Kim Johnson also founded the Kokua Hawai’i Foundation in 2003. Johnson and his family work hard every year at festivals and concerts alike, to raise money for causes they feel are most important. Johnson recorded a cover of John Lennon‘s “Imagine” for the 2007 benefit album Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur, which was also included on the 2009 benefit album Rhythms del Mundo Classics. In talking about Johnson and his career choices, Rolling Stone wrote: “It is a typically generous move from Johnson, who has used his multi-platinum success to support causes he cares about.” Although the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation is a non-profit organization that “focuses on environmental, arts and music education,” it has raised more than $750,000 from 2009 to 2010 to give away. Johnson was in OsakaJapan on his To The Sea 2010 World Tour at the time of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan. He was in a hotel with his family when it struck. After having to postpone the rest of his tour, he donated $50,000 to GlobalGiving‘s Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.

On September 22, 2012 he donated his time to play a few songs at Farm Aid 2012 in Hershey,PA. Later in 2012, Jack donated $50,000 for Hurricane Sandy relief and added links on his website for others to donate:

After years of touring and surfing along the East Coast, I have made so many great friends. It is heartbreaking to see the images and hear their stories. I just made donations to help recover and relief efforts for Hurricane Sandy. Below is a list of groups you can support. If you can’t donate money, you can donate food, supplies or your time. Our East Coast family, friends and neighbors need our help. Aloha- Jack

Jack Johnson Better Together Live Music Video

Jack Johnson Better Together is such beautiful, sweet and peaceful song. Jack Johnson is one of the few acoustic guitarist, signer and songwriters that reaches such a wide audience with soulful lyrics, vocals, guitar and melodies.

Jack Johnson Better Together with Rhode Island Wedding DJ - Rhode Island Rock DJ

What do you like best about Jack Johnson Better Together?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

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

Rock & Indie First Dance Songs – Wedding Music

ROCK & INDIE FIRST DANCE SONGS, POSTED BY WEDDING MUSIC ON MAR 8, 2013 IN FIRST DANCE.

For those of you looking for ideas for rock or indie first dance songs – something romantic and heartfelt with some good old fashioned guitars and drums, here is your list of Wedding Music. This is an excellent List of Rock & Indie First Dance Songs & Wedding Music from Wedding Music Ideas.

Rock & Indie First Dance Songs - Wedding Music - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Rock & Indie First Dance Songs – Wedding Music

All My Love (Led Zeppelin)

All My Days (Alexi Murdoch)

My Little Corner of the World (Yo La Tengo)

All the Right Reasons (The Jayhawks)

Better Together (Jack Johnson)

Brighter than Sunshine (Aqualung)

Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Queen)

Crazy Love (Van Morrison)

Do You Realize (Flaming Lips)

Fade Into You (Mazzy Star)

Falling Slowly (Glen Hansard & Martina Iglova)

Finally Forever (Chris Cornell)

First Day of My Life (Bright Eyes)

Forever (Walter Meego)

Forever (Ben Harper)

For You (Sharon Van Etten)

Golden (My Morning Jacket)

Heartbeats – Jose Gonzales (Jose Gonzales)

How Sweet it Is (James Taylor)

I Will Follow You Into the Dark (Death Cab for Cutie)

I Will Keep the Bad Things From You (The Damnwells)

The City of Blinding Lights (U2)

The Luckiest (Ben Folds)

Last Night on Earth (Green Day)

Love Will Keep Us Alive (Eagles)

Love and Some Verses (Iron and Wine)

Luna (Smashing Pumpkins)

Never Tear Us Apart (INXS)

Perfect Day (Lou Reed) (Susan Boyle)

Songbird (Fleetwood Mac) (Glee)

Such Great Heights (Postal Service) (Iron and Wine)

The One I Love (David Gray)

This Sweet Love (James Yuill)

We are Stars (The Pierces)

We’re the Same (Matthew Sweet)

When the Stars Go Blue (Ryan Adams)

Wildflowers (Tom Petty)

Watercolor – Willy Porter (Willy Porter)

Rock & Indie First Dance Songs - Wedding Music - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

via Rock & Indie First Dance Songs – Wedding Music.

Rock & Indie First Dance Songs - Wedding Music - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

What are your favorite Rock & Indie First Dance Songs & Wedding Music?

 

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.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

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

Create The Perfect Wedding Playlist With Your Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Creating the Perfect Wedding Playlist with Your Wedding DJ

So you found the right DJ for your wedding? Great! Now you need to work together to create your perfect wedding playlist. Here are some tips for making the most of your music:

Find your favorite tracks.   Note the genre and style; are you looking for a more classic vibe, prefer Top 40, or want a balance of both or want a variety of genres or something completely different?  Think about the following questions as you put your favorites together.

What is in your top 25 most played playlist on your iPod?

What’s the one album that is a must have if you were stuck on a deserted island?

What songs have special meaning for you?

Create The Perfect Wedding Playlist With Your Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Discuss with your DJ. Having a conversation beforehand with your DJ and outlining your must haves, do not play songs and pointing to a few select themes will help your wedding DJ build a cohesive playlist.  The best wedding DJs will be equally as accommodating if you have a list that’s 50 pages long or one with a couple of songs on it.

Create The Perfect Wedding Playlist With Your Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Trust the experts.  The right wedding DJ is there to make YOU happy and will play the songs you’ve asked to hear but can also take requests from your guests if you have approved it and throw some surprises in the mix that fit your preference and theme.  They know what they’re doing, I promise.

Create The Perfect Wedding Playlist With Your Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Get some song suggestions.  Ask your friends, Finally, if you’re stuck, view this music guide which is a great starting point for ensuring both your grandmother AND your 16 year old niece are on the dance floor all night!

Create The Perfect Wedding Playlist With Your Rhode Island Wedding DJ

via WeddingDJ.com Create The Perfect Playlist With Your Wedding DJ.

Wedding Planning Facts

  • During wedding planning, brides said entertainment is among the least of their priorities…Yet, within one week after their WEDDING, nearly 80% said they would have made the entertainment their highest priority.
  • 72% of brides surveyed say they would have spent more time choosing their wedding entertainment, and nearly 100% of brides say that they would have spent more of their budget on it.
  • When asked, 81% of guests said what they remember most about a wedding is the entertainment.

*Source: The Wedding Report 2012

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 ideas do you have to share with other Brides and Grooms planning their perfect wedding playlist?
DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ
Ask about my Wedding DJ & Party DJ Guarantee!

Rhode Island DJ Offers A DJ Guarantee!

I get asked very often the same question by new Brides, Grooms and Party Planers. “Why do you offer a DJ guarantee and other professional Wedding DJs and Party DJs do not offer a guarantee?”

Rhode Island DJ Offers A DJ Guarantee - Rhode Island Wedding DJ Guarantee

Why do you offer a DJ Guarantee?

I know I excel as a Rhode Island DJ and MC. I want you to have that same assurance so you can focus your attention and energy on other areas of your Wedding or Event. You worry about getting your guests there and feeding them. I’ll make sure they have a great time and remember your Wedding or Party long afterwards. They will have fun and I am certain of that, so I can offer a guarantee since I am confident you will want to pay me. You are investing in me by hiring me and sending me a deposit. I am investing in your Wedding or Event by offering the following guarantee: if you are not happy with my performance, you do not have to pay the remainder of the balance. Period.

Rhode Island DJ Offers A DJ Guarantee - Rhode Island Wedding DJ Guarantee

Examples of Guarantees, Similar to a DJ Guarantee

  1. The washer comes with a guarantee against major defects.
  2. They wanted a guarantee that the document was authentic.
  3. They want the new contract to include a guarantee of job security.
  4. The U.S. Constitution includes guarantees against unreasonable searches.
  5. He cited the First Amendment guarantee of free speech.
  6. And as key pieces of the infrastructure are knocked out, there is no guarantee that they will be repaired or rebuilt, at least not as they were before. —Naomi Klein, Harper’s, October 2007
  7. It might be no bad thing if the Constitution’s guarantee of“equal protection of the laws” was interpreted to outlaw the vagaries of voting … —Michael Kinsley, New York Times Book Review, 5 Nov. 2006
  8. Collecting can be a sort of love-sickness. If you begin collecting living things, … even if you manage to find them and then possess them, there is no guarantee they won’t die or change. —Susan Orlean, New Yorker, 23 Jan. 1995

Rhode Island DJ Offers A DJ Guarantee - Rhode Island Wedding DJ Guarantee

guar·an·tee

Transitive verb \ˌger-ən-ˈtē, ˌgär-,ˌga-rən- also ˈger-ən-ˌ or ˈgär-ən-ˌ, ˈga-rən-ˌ\

: to make a usually written promise that whatever you are selling, doing, etc., is what you say it is

: to promise to pay for (something) if another person fails to pay for it

: to say (something) with great confidence

Rhode Island DJ Offers A DJ Guarantee - Rhode Island Wedding DJ Guarantee

Related to GUARANTEE, I offer A DJ Guarantee

Synonyms
bondcontractcovenantdealguarantysurety,warranty

 

Rhode Island DJ Music Mixes on Mixcrate

I am finally getting around to posting some of my DJ music mixes on Mixcrate. As a Rhode Island DJ, promoting my DJ music mixes and diversity is important. I also appreciate the opportunity to share DJ Music Mixes with others. I will add some of the links below to make easy for you to listen to these DJ music mixes. I invite you to add comments and feedback!

Rhode Island DJ Music Mixes

Rhode Island DJ Music Mixes on Mixcrate – Fall 2013 Pop Mix

Rhode Island DJ Music Mixes on Mixcrate - Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Rhode Island DJ Music Mixes on Mixcrate – NON-TRADITIONAL ROMANCE (SLOW JAMS) MIX

Rhode Island DJ Music Mixes on Mixcrate - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Rhode Island DJ Music Mixes on Mixcrate – Spring 2013 Pop Mix

Rhode Island DJ Music Mixes on Mixcrate - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Rhode Island DJ Music Mixes on Mixcrate – Classic Rock Mix I

Rhode Island DJ Music Mixes on Mixcrate - Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Rhode Island DJ Music Mixes on Mixcrate – Teen Dance Party Mix Part I

Rhode Island DJ Music Mixes on Mixcrate - Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Mixcrate is an online audio distribution platform based in CaliforniaUnited States that enables its users to upload, promote and share their DJ music mixes to a worldwide audience and to help DJs promote and grow their careers as a professional DJ. It is a community-based platform aimed at DJs to promote their mixes and for fans to follow the work of their favorite DJs, but also caters to music listeners, club promotersradio stations and event organizers to discover new talent.

Mixcrate was founded and launched by Chris Yee in November 2009. The idea for Mixcrate came about after Yee mentioned the idea to Genghis Mendoza while at their Silicon Valley tech job. Both Yee and Mendoza are from San Francisco and grew up within the mobile DJ scene of the Bay Area. They realized their passion for DJing and web development could create a user-focused destination that would build on the idea of a community. After the development of the site, it was launched to twenty DJ friends and family members to help test. The site gained international viewership from many countries around the world even during the testing period.

The service is described as “the premier platform to enable DJs to share their talent with a worldwide audience while connecting with their peers and fans.”

Rhode Island DJ Music Mixes on Mixcrate - Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Mixcrate allows users to browse and listen to DJ music mixes on the site. Registered users can “like”, download (if enabled), save a mix to their playlist, and comment on a mix. Users can also “follow” other users, both DJs and listeners, to be notified of their recent activities on the site such as newly uploaded mixes (by DJs), recent likes and comments etc., which is displayed on the activity feed on the homepage. Registered DJs can upload an unlimited number of mixes, with a file size limit of 190MB for each mix.

Rhode Island DJ Music Mixes on Mixcrate - Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Which DJ Music Mix did you like the most?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

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

Mumford & Sons I Will Wait

It has taken nearly a year since its original release but Mumford & Sons I Will Wait is finally getting the commercial success it deserves!

“We wanted to do something unashamed,” says Ben Lovett. “We’re confident and happy to be where we are as a band — everything that’s happened with us has exceeded expectations, and it’s all been a surprise, it’s all much bigger than what we were prepared for. So when we came to recording this record we had a choice: to shy away from that, or to realise that people dig what we’re doing, and make something robust, with that energy.” Mumford & Sons Website

Mumford & Sons I Will Wait with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Mumford & Sons I Will Wait Critical Response

The song has received generally favourable reviews. Grady Smith of Entertainment Weekly gave the song a positive review, saying how the song “hearkens back to their Grammy-nomination-festooned single “The Cave” with its shouted refrain, triumphant horns, a driving kick drum, and an earnest lyric about a relationship so perfect it has Marcus Mumford kneeling down in reverence, raising his hands, and wishing for his mind to be “freed from the lies.”” Stephanie Middleton of The Celebrity Cafe said, “With untouched vocals and harmonies, the boys manage to create yet another genuine Mumford & Sons track.”

Katie Hasty of HitFix gave the song a B+, saying “Marcus is a softie, but he’s got a problem with repetition,” but also said “they bring it home when they jump up an octave and beat the hell out of the chorus.” She concluded with, “This song could be really huge.” Liv Carter of Urban Country News awarded the song a ‘thumbs-up’. Reviewing the song after it started receiving airplay at country radio, she called it “a perfect piece of folk-rock that more than deserves to be introduced to the wider country radio audience.” Rolling Stone magazine named the song the 13th best song of 2012.

Mumford & Sons I Will Wait Music Video

The Mumford & Sons I Will Wait Story

During the year, the band had been releasing new songs from their second album online or performing them at concerts. Marcus Mumford told MTV that the song “reflects the band’s hectic life on the road – which shaped the new album’s sound.” Ted Dwane told Rolling Stone, “Being away so much for the last couple of years is inevitably a theme on the record, because it’s something that we’ve all shared.” The song was played live in various forms through 2010-2011 under the working title ‘Nothing Is Written’.

What is your favorite part of Mumford & Sons I Will Wait?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147

Great Night at Hoboken International Film Festival

Last Thursday Night was my fourth year as festival DJ for the Hoboken International Film Festival. It was a very fun night supporting an outstanding film festival. As usual, the Hoboken International Film Festival Awards Gala was filled with celebrities, which always adds to the excitement.

Hoboken International Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

Along with playing a hard-driving set of 80’s Rock Music beforehand, the Hoboken International Film Festival music of choice, I played the music that each presenter and award recipient walked to and from the stage. This year, although present, Robert Loggia did not present any awards, so, the Frank Sinatra I usually play for him was left out of the night’s entertainment. His film roles include An Officer and a GentlemanMercy Mission: The Rescue of Flight 771, based on the Air New Zealand Flight 103 incident, ScarfacePrizzi’s HonorOver The TopIndependence DayNecessary RoughnessReturn to MeArmed and Dangerous, and Big (for which he won a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor).

Robert Loggia at Hoboken International Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

Great Night at Hoboken International Film Festival

Kenneth Del Vecchio, Founder and Chairman of Hoboken International Film Festival  entered the stage to Rush “Limellight”, which was his personal choice. The Hoboken International Film Festival Host, Gilbert Gottfried was brought to the stage by several songs, the first was Joe Walsh “Life’s Been Good”. Joyce DeWitt ran up to present awards with The Beatles “Magical Mystery Tour” echoing through the beautiful, historic Paramount Theatre. She is such an amazing woman and still rocks the stage like few others. Nina Transfeld, a friend and talented, beautiful woman, bounced up to the stage with her lively presence to Queen, “Now I’m Here”. I recalled how much Nina enjoys Queen from festivals past.

Queen at Hoboken international Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

Jeff Davis, lead Producer of the Film and Broadway hit, “Rock of Ages”, entered the stage to Offspring “Self-esteem” smiling from ear-to-ear. Always feels good to get a man who makes shows and films about Rock Music to appreciate your music.  Film Editor Ron Kalish was beaming as Joe Jackson “I’m The Man” filled the theatre. Rachael Robbins, Playboy model, stand-up comedian and actress, lit-up the stage with her strut to Lenny Kravitz version of “American Woman”. She is so much fun and enjoys the spotlight more than most. Michael Rivera, who does not have the same fondness of 80’s Rock Music as the rest of the team, was pumped-up when Run-DMC “Rock Box” was his selection. Robert Bogue, best known as A.C. Mallet on The Guiding Light for 338 episodes, was playing the air guitar to Heart “Barracuda” across the stage, it was hilarious!

Robert Bogue Rocks the Hoboken International Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

 

As the night was closing, Kenneth Del Vecchio was called back to the stage to present the award for Best Narrative Film to his favorite song, another one from years past, Peter Gabriel “Solsbury Hill”. As the theater began to empty to Uncle Kracker “Follow Me”, Joyce DeWitt came to the DJ station with arms wide open offering a hug and these words to complete an amazing night, “Wow! That was the best music at any event I have ever been at! Thank you so much for making this such a great night!”. Trust me, I am one the needing to thank you Joyce for all the laughs and fun you gave me growing-up watching Three’s Company!

Joyce DeWitt star of Three's Company at Hoboken International Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

What a fun night to be the Festival DJ!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147

DJ Classic Rock Mix III

This is the third download in the DJ Classic Rock Mix series, DJ Classic Rock Mix III. This DJ Classic Rock Mix begins with The Kinks, includes The Rolling Stones and a medley by The Who and finishes with The Allman Brothers, and a host of other Classic Rock songs. As all these DJ Mixes have been, so much fun to make and hard to leave-out songs that would work great. My definition of Classic Rock is more expansive than any listed below, but thought you might appreciate some of these.

DJ Classic Rock Mix III

      Classic Rock Mix III - DJ Mystical Michael

Classic Rock. There are usually few people who would deny that this genre has some of the best music ever, especially with legendary bands like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and The Doors.

Definitions of Classic Rock

But one debate about classic rock still lingers on… and that is about the actual definition of classic rock. Some people say it’s a style of sound. Some people say it’s rock music that is older than 25 years old. Its often mentioned on this site, and people often ask my opinion. So I thought I would shed some more light on this long standing debate regarding the definition of classic rock.

To quote Wikipedia, here is their rather too detailed definition of classic rock

Classic rock is a radio format which developed from the album-oriented rock (AOR) format in the 1970s. The first station to broadcast the format full time, and the first station to use the term “classic rock” on the air was KRBE-AM (Houston) in 1983. Program director Paul Christy designed the format to play only early album rock, from the 1960s and early 1970s, without any current music or Top 40 material. In the United States, this rock music format now features a playlist of songs ranging from the 1960s and 1970s. The traditional classic rock genre usually ends in the early 1980s, with mid-80s additions from the hair metal genre only recently being considered “classic rock.” Some stations continue to (wrongly?) include a limited number of current releases.

Unfortunately in my opinion this doesn’t address a few key issues with this definition, which I have attempted to address with my very own definition of classic rock.  From, the Classic Rockers Network

DJ Classic Rock Mix III with DJ Mystical Michael - Rhode Island Rock DJ

A definition of classic rock which helps clarify things

‘Classic rock is a genre of music that combines a particular guitar-driven rock sound with a particular era of time. The classic rock era began in early 1960’s with rock n’ roll based bands like The Beatles and Rolling Stones, diversifying into bands like Led Zeppelin and The Doors.

The classic rock era ended in the early 80s, with the rise of modern pop music. It should not be confused with other rock genres like glam rock (e.g. David Bowie), heavy metal (e.g. Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica) and hair metal (e.g. Poison and Motley Crue). Even though new bands sometimes mimic the classic rock sound (e.g. The Black Crowes), they are not considered a true classic rock band because they are in the wrong era (not early 60s to early 80s). However, classic rock bands from the original era who still produce new music outside of that classic rock era (like The Rolling Stones) are grandfathered in and are still defined as classic rock (as long as their style hasn’t changed).

There is an entertaining debate about what is and what isn’t classic rock on this forum on Classic Rockers Network. Worth reading if you have the time.

If you would like me to send you a CD copy of the DJ Classic Rock Mix III or any of the DJ Classic Rock Mixes, I invite you to send e an email and I will mail it to you free of charge!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147