Our Recommended DJ/MC Service in Knoxville
Posted on October 27, 2009
Being a Wedding DJ for many years, i know what it takes to be successful at a wedding. While we no longer are in this business, I did want to introduce a company here in Knoxville that I highly recommend. The company name is Knox Wedding DJ, and the owner Clayton is doing a fantastic job! One of the best DJ’s I’ve seen. I asked him to tell me a little more about his company, so I could share it with my readers.
Q: Clayton, can you tell me how you got started, and a little about the history of your company?
A: Of course. I’ve been DJ’ing for 14 years now. I started out in radio washing the radio station’s company vehicles. I paid my dues and did anything I could to learn everything about the radio business. I worked my way from the ground up, from car washing, to studio board operations, and finally up to on-air talent. From there I began working in clubs and bars, doing stints in Nashville, Memphis, and Jackson TN. From there I transitioned over to a mobile business, where I have been doing primarily wedding receptions for the past 12 years. Each part of my experience has helped me get where I am today. Working in clubs I learned how to read a crowd and interact on a personal level with hundreds of people. Working for mobile disc jockey companies has taught me event planning and how to perform as a Master of Ceremonies. I think I have a unique DJ background that a lot of people in this business have never had the opportunity to explore.
Q: What’s your favorite part of DJ/MC’ing?
A: My favorite part of DJ’ing an event is seeing people of all ages get up and dance. I love to watch older couples lead the way and dance to swing or old standards. I’m what you could consider rhythm handicapped. I can’t dance to save my life. But I know what has a good beat and is easy to dance to. Reading a crowd is so critical to being a great entertainer.
With no prior knowledge of the preferred musical tastes of the guests, I have literally only a few songs to get it right or risk losing the crowd for the evening. Anyone can go online these days and download 10,000 songs and go to radio shack and buy a couple of speakers and open up shop as a disc jockey. What separates the hobbyist versus the professional is the ability to know what will make a group of people of all ages, demographics, and races come together under the lights and dance the night away.
Q: What is your advice for newlyweds?
A: My advice for newlyweds is to take a deep breath and let the professionals do the job you have paid them to do. I don’t know too many people that worry whether the roofer or the plumber is going to do the job right. Why do the newly married (or newly engaged) spend so much time worrying if the cake will look just right or will the photographer take the right photos, or if the food is going to taste good? Do your homework, set a realistic budget and priortize what is important, hire the best professional you can afford, and take the time to enjoy your special day. If you are worrying about the people you hire then maybe you should reconsider who you are hiring? There is a prominent national wedding planner that I heard speak once that said, “Why do couples go all out to get the $2000 vegetable plate yet think they can get great entertainment for under $500?” I think that statement speaks volumes about priorities.
Q: Is there an event that you remember more than anyother?
A: The one event that sticks out more than all others happened back in 1997. I was hired by a father to by the entertainment for his son and fiance’s wedding reception. What I didn’t know until I showed up was that the son and the new bride were Korean and spoke no English. They brought CD’s for me to play featuring authentic Korean music. Amazingly enough, the event went very well, though I had to have a translator nearby to help me with any announcements. I learned a couple of things that night. First, I learned to spend significant time getting to know the clients and their specific needs. I assumed it would be English speaking since the parents spoke English. Secondly, I learned to make sure I understand the traditions and customs that each family wants or needs at their event.
And lastly, I learned that good music transcends all nationalities. At one minute I am playing a traditional Korean song and the next I am playing Brown Eyed Girl!
Q: One more question: How much should a DJ cost?
A: According to the American Disc Jockey Association, a professional disc jockey will average $750-$1500 for services that include delivery set-up, tear-down of a professional sound system, emcee services, coordination, music programming and 3-6 hours of entertainment. Whatever your spend on your disc jockey, I would remind you to READ YOUR CONTRACT before signing an agreement. Understanding the terms of agreement will help you avoid disappointment on the day of your event.
I had a great time speaking with Clayton, and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for Top-notch entertainemnt at their event. Visit him Here at knoxweddingdj.com. There is alot mor information in his website, and of course, he is easy to reach!
