My musical influences are widespread. My Mom & Dad were huge into music! I spent my childhood listening to Dad play acoustic guitar and sing to the likeness of Billy Joel, Elton John & Paul Simon, who were huge musical influences throughout my childhood. My first concert at age 6 was the Beach Boys so really anything “feel good” and tropical has a special place in my heart. My first album was Michael Jackson, Dangerous and I can remember singing along to it on repeat for a year straight. These days I’m very open to new music. I love when genres collide and something new is created. No matter the genre, I believe that if music has a great beat, creativity, and touches the soul, it’s great music!
I always strive to bring a sense of ease to someone’s most important day. The timing of music and being warm & inviting on the microphone are essential in making the most beautiful moments perfect. I love to create a smooth flow and transition where friends and family are feeling led from one moment to the next. This is crucial in creating a truly memorable guest experience. There is such a science behind providing the perfect amount of energy. If guests need to chill and catch up with family, I provide that, If they need to dance the night away without a care in the world, then get ready! If they need a little of both, I take them on a journey. It really is all about creating an experience by meeting the needs of everyone attending. This makes a couples wedding the most talked about event of the year.
It would have to be my first boombox and all of the CD’s that came with it when I was 9. I remember the feeling of how it opened up a whole new world to me and how for the first time, I could control the music. I DJ’d my uncle's wedding at 15 using 2 CD/Tape players and was asked to work at the mountain venue for various events over my summer break.
This is a tough question to answer! I love anything with a groovy bouncy beat that you can’t help but bob your head to. If I had to choose just one it would be Queen's, Bohemian Rhapsody. No matter where you are or who you are with, people just join i! Galileo! For me, it is all about the right music at the right time. I love the science behind music and how it has such an impact on emotion. If used the right way, you can control the energy, emotions and over-all vibe of guests.
There are sooo many but if I had to choose one, it would be dutch electronic music producer, Armin Van Buuren. For decades he has made beautiful music with entrancing melodies, unforgettable bass lines and the perfect soul touching lyrics to go with them. He just understands the power of music and the ability to make people present. In an interview he once said “It's not love for music, it's a passion, and it goes beyond liking, and beyond a hobby, it's about a way of living... Music is essential for life.” I love that.
I Love taking people on a journey with music. Seeing their faces as I subtly mix in the next song and their reaction when they figure out what it is. At times life can be filled with stresses and anxiety and it’s when guests are all in sync with the music. It’s in that moment they are truly present. We all need more of that.
For me it would be Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver, Co. The venue holds 10k people and sits nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The Denver skyline is the stage’s backdrop while partygoers are under a million stars. I have seen so many amazing shows there and had the opportunity to work backstage for artists such as Diplo, Flume, Deadmau5 and many more. The guest and artists experience at this venue is unlike any other place in the world.
Camping trips with my wife & kids, at the movies, Yoga, hiking trips to the mountains and In the studio recording creating new mashups!
For me it’s after a couple has tied the knot and they are being introduced into the event for the first time. These moments are SO MUCH fun, it is an honor to be a part of that. I love when I get that subtle nod and smile from a couple and/or their parents. It lets me know that I’ve hit them right in the feels and that’s what it’s all about.
Creating a truly memorable guest experience