Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Catching Up

January was a calm month for us and much needed too. I got a chance to, one, relax and, two, to get the year in order – yes I plan that far ahead! Revisions have come to our planning form, our play list and I am also working on mixes for your listening pleasure. Their will be a series of mixes available to download, stream and/or burn that will incorporate Hip-Hop, R&B, Top 40, 70’s/80’s, Remixes and Electronic music. I’m super excited as it will not only display our style but will also be a great way for you to get an audible preview of SoCal-DJ! They should be complete by the end of February (at least 2-3 of them) so be sure to look out for the announcement.

This month we’ll be back at Castle Green and the Anaheim Sheraton for a couple of weddings! Can’t wait…

Friday, January 16, 2009

Cinderella's Ball (the dj version)

Well not quite, but to each their own right? For 4 days, the Anaheim Convention Center will play host to the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchents) Convention. People and businesses from all over the world come to display, sell and push the next hottest music equipment, instrument, software and more. Simply put, it will be a DJ's/Musician's euphoria! I will be attending tomorrow and possibly Sunday... I'll come back to share the experience and pics - enjoy your weekend.


Friday, January 9, 2009

Green Light

Happy New Year all! We have much to be excited about with SoCal-DJ. There is a lot in store for this year with regards to events, equipment, lighting and more. Spring cleaning is starting a little early for me as I’ve already begun reorganizing and updating equipment and music. Newest song that is on constant rotation is John Legend's "Green Light" featuring Andre 3000. I can't get enough of this song - very upbeat with a good vibe. Be sure to check it out when you have a chance.

In addition, I want to also mention a quick tip for the couples getting married – have a plan. The plan does not need to be grand or incredibly detailed but I find that couples who have a plan tend to get what they want, whether its regarding pictures, music or the overall flow of the night! It really does work and yes your vendors do listen! I’m a firm believer in communication and meeting customer expectations. So at your upcoming consultations be sure to lay out the various details between you and your vendor.

Lastly, I want to share a few pictures (from the cell phone - better pics to come) from the last two weddings I played in December. The first was at the Kyoto Grand Hotel in Downtown LA and the second took place at the Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo.

Kyoto Grand Hotel



Spanish Hills Country Club

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

The Best Is Yet To Come

We’re coming to the last days of 2008 and as the year comes to a close I can only reflect on what an amazing year we have had at SoCal-DJ. I want to especially thank my assistants (Ramon, James, Ryan and Raul) who have helped me at several events and helped us ensure all things ran smoothly and consistently. I also want to thank our past clients and vendors for continuing to refer us and spread the good word of SoCal-DJ. If it wasn’t for you we certainly wouldn’t be where we’re at. For that I’m very grateful and honored.

I am looking forward to 2009 and continuing to put our best foot forward. I can’t wait to play at new venues including Casa Romantica, Movie Colony Hotel, Long Beach Museum of Art, as well as play at favorites like Summit House and Rancho Las Lomas. Lastly and most humbly, I want to mention that SoCal-DJ has been selected as a Best of Project Wedding 2008 Vendor. We are extremely proud of this accomplishment and could not have picked a better way to end the year… Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!


Best of Project Wedding 2008

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

We're Back...

Yes, it has been quite some time since I’ve posted, in fact, it has been too long! I have had every intention on posting but hours turned into days and days into weeks and now months – yikes! Well a lot has happened in the last 2 months but more than anything we’ve just been working away and getting ready for 2009!

At the end of October, the wife and I along with my parents set out on a mini-vacation to an area called June Lake . It was the perfect for some much needed R&R, fishing, eating and picture taking. Here's one shot I was able to take during our trip.


June Lake, CA


Following our vacation, the wife and I moved to another part of Irvine . It was much more of a process than expected as it took us a good 3-4 weeks to get settled in but we were ready just in time to host Thanksgiving dinner! Just prior to Thanksgiving we took a weekend to celebrate my 30th Birthday. I entered this new chapter with grace and pride and am not looking back. 20's were great but everyone says 30's are the best!


Lately, we have been gearing up for Christmas and the New Year, buying gifts, planning the menu and decorating our Christmas tree. Between the vacation, the move, Thanksgiving and getting ready for Christmas, I have done some djing (of course)! In early November I played at Castle Green, an old world and very unique venue in Pasadena . Everything about this place is eye-catching and picturesque, if you have a chance check out their website at http://www.castlegreen.com/

Interior - Castle Green


The last two events I dj’d took place the weekend of the 5th of December, with a company holiday party at the Manhattan Beach Marriott and a wedding which was held at the Atrium Hotel in Irvine. The wedding was a daytime (11am to 4pm) wedding which are sometimes a challenge, but this group did not hold back. They filled the dance floor and keep things moving and shaking...

Atrium Hotel - Hibiscus Room




Tuesday, October 7, 2008

October

Greetings! Halloween is weeks away and fall is on the horizon, a very far horizon, as it was near 100 degrees today. For October, I'll be taking a step back from DJing as I'll be celebrating my dad and brother's birthday and taking a mini-vacation up north for fishing, good eating and getting this city slicker out to the woods. I'll be sure to share some pics. The holidays and new year are closing in so this month I'll be taking it easy and getting ready for more weddings and events in November and December.

Here's a quick view of some places I'll be kicking up my feet this month:






In other news, I'll be moving soon. I'll still be in OC (of course) and I'm looking forward to the move and getting cozy in the new place - can't wait.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

MUSIC RECS!

Ok so beyond lagging on posts I've actually been busy. Wedding season is still here for us (not complaining) but it leaves us little time for blogging. We played at Marvimon (LA) and at the Faulkner Winery (Temecula) but this past weekend we were at the Riveria Country Club - and it was done up right...







For this week, I wanted to share some music ideas and wasn't sure where to start. Music is so limitless but - well, we thought we'd start with cocktail/dinner music. I've played various music for cocktail and dinner. Music would vary from Frank Sinatra to Coldplay to Norah Jones to Queen. But with time comes change, and so I wanted to offer some other suggestions, or better yet, a different look at cocktail and dinner music. Enjoy!


Indie
Indie music is great because most people are not familiar with it, so you're giving them something new to listen to. At the same time indie is something that can still be appropriate in the sense that it is mellow, rhythmic and refreshing. Personal faves include Frou Frou, Tegan & Sara, Feist, Nouvelle Vague and Theivery Corporation.


Nouvelle Vague "Melt With You"
Feist "1234"


Latin
Latin in the non-traditional sense has come a long way. Some of my top picks include artists that infuse latin music with heavy rhythm and simple beats - something that keeps people attentive and feeling vibrant. Be sure to check out Gotan Project, Bebel Gilberto and Federico Aubele.


Gotan Project "Whatever Lola Wants"
Federico Aubele "Esta Noche"


Remixes / Covers
This is sort of the "best of both worlds" look at music. Remixes and covers have popped up over the last 5-7 years - rearranging and reimagining classics of jazz, soul, latin and rock based music. This does get a little tricky as many remixes do more damage that justice to the song, but when a good one is found, it's hard to go back to the original. Here are some favorite remixes and covers of mine...


Billie Holiday "Glad To Be Unhappy"
Marvin Gaye "Sexual Healing"