Today I will be highlighting a Tacoma, Washington DJ/MC, known as DJ Dane, who will create a fun atmosphere for your next event or wedding.
I met DJ Dane a few months back and we were scheduled to work together on a Couple’s Retreat Event in Bellevue, WA.
Well, due to Covid-19, that event had to sadly be canceled unexpectantly, like many other events and weddings. However, throughout the whole process of speaking with DJ Dane, he was very professional and responsive, and I would totally call him again when we need another DJ or MC.
Let me introduce you to DJ Dane
Please introduce yourself
DJ Dane
Tell me about your DJ business
Wedding and Event DJ
What made you decide to open up your own DJ business?
A friend talked me into using my DJ equipment for weddings and events, and after 3 months it became my main job.
What’s your favorite memory from an event or wedding?
Playing one of the couple’s favorite songs to dance to as their “last dance.” They had forgotten to request it but had mentioned a week prior that that was their favorite band. Really cool moment.
Let’s hear it! Tell us a funny or (embarrassing) memory that happened at an event.
Sadly, funny and embarrassing moments are part of the learning curve with feedback from microphones, to the wedding coordinator giving you the wrong last name to announce at the reception.
What is your favorite part of the process in your DJ business?
Putting together the playlists for each wedding. I love learning the different types of music couples are into!
Do you have a specific genre of music that you play at weddings and events, or can you accommodate all styles?
I accommodate all styles. I’ve done country-themed weddings, Hispanic, Arabic, even Bulgarian!
What’s the process of working with you?
Very simple. After the introduction, we basically just wait until the month of the wedding. Then the couples send me music requests and a “day of” itinerary. Then the week of, I buddy up with the coordinator and we usually just tag team the wedding together.
DJing makes it easy to act as the Coordinators backup, with helping move groups of people to certain areas and making sure everything is still on schedule. I also have my alcohol service cards and have even been known to help pass out drinks for toasts or spell the bartender.
Do you offer clean versions of songs, for those who want a more, “family-friendly” atmosphere?
Absolutely. If the clean version exists, I can find it!
What’s your starting price for a wedding?
$150 covers the first 2 hours.
How far will you travel for a DJ gig?
Up to 100 miles, and a gas charge is added to weddings outside of 40 miles.
Do you have an ideal couple or group to play for?
The Arabic wedding I did was a really fun learning experience, from the food to the music. I would say that it has been my favorite wedding, so far.
When hiring a DJ, what should the person look for?
A lack of stubbornness. A lot of DJ’s I have met really try too hard take control of the song selection, or refuse to take requests, when one of the main skills a DJ should possess is the ability to adapt with the crowd and know that even with the best playlists, sometimes you need to play more requests than songs you had planned.
Do you offer any add-ons such as lighting, or?
I do offer lighting at an additional charge.
Why should someone hire a professional DJ, as opposed to using their own playlists from a phone or computer?
I don’t think people realize the importance of having someone there as familiar with the flow of weddings as the coordinator.
DJ’s are the face and mood of the wedding and even though it may be easy to put together a playlist and use your phone, you will always have awkward pauses when cueing songs for certain moments.
You will have someone at the wedding who likes to think they can MC, but then gets stage fright when they pick up the mic.
From a guests standpoint, DJ’s are the biggest “visual down-grade” for weddings… and what I mean, is you can have a buffet with no servers, or a self-serve bar, but the absence of a DJ is noticeable from the start of the ceremony to the end of the reception. Having no dead noise during the span of a wedding reception is vital to dodging awkward silences.
Learn more about DJ Dane
Click here to check out DJ Dane’s website and learn more about his DJ and MC services.
Thank you DJ Dane for taking the time to be interviewed for all our Tacoma – Seattle, WA (and surrounding areas) brides, grooms, and others looking for an event or wedding DJ!
