Music History-Cab Calloway

Cab Calloway was born on Christmas Day in 1907 was a successful jazz singer and band leader.

His mother was a teacher and Church musician while his father was a lawyer. His interests as a singer and musician started early in life. He actually had private voice lessons while during his younger years. After high school, he began performing with his older sister Blanche. This was the start to his success! In 1930, Cab became very well known; this was during the period where he took the failed “Missourians” band and changed its named to “The Cab Calloway Orchestra”. He performed at The Cotton Club in New York and continued to gain fame during that time. One of his well known hits include "St. Louis Blues."

Music History-Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington was a well-known pianist, songwriter and conductor from 1916 until the 1960s. He was born in 1899 in Washington, DC from two musical parents. At the age of 7, he started piano lessons and by the age of 15, Duke wrote the “Soda Fountain Rag”, his first composition. It was by age 17 that his professional career began. In the 1920s, Duke moved to New York City and became an influential figure during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. He had a passion for the genre of ragtime. As a bandleader, he started the big band era of jazz, and played in Broadway nightclubs, especially The Cotton Club.  He introduced the white clientele to jazz and other unique styles of music. One of his well known hits include "The Flamingo". 

Music History-October 20, 2013

In music history, singles and albums are released, as well as other events taking place. Take a look at the following:

In 1961, Bob Dylan's self-titled debut album was recorded. One of his top hits include "Every Grain of Sand"

In 1962, The Four Seasons released "Big Girls Don't Cry." 


In 1980, U2's first album, "Boy", was released. One the songs from that album included "I Will Follow". 

                             

2014 Bookings!

As the end of the year approaches, we have been busy booking for 2014 already!

DJ Sensations DJ Company also has the following options available for your event: 

Up-Lighting

Customized Dance-floor(s)-Available in a variety of colors and sizes

Nimbus "Dancing in the Clouds" effect

Color Wash

Pin spot Lighting

Custom Gobos 

Songs to Energize Your Events!

As DJs we strive to provide phenomenal entertainment to our clients and work hard to plan their event, but are we really providing them the BEST? There is a difference between a DJ and one who can get the crowd moving and create energy for the event. A DJ who can entertain and get the crowd moving will have the following skills: reading the crowd, knowing how to hype the crowd at the appropriate times without being cheesy, mic work, etc. That being said, the following songs are just a few you should already have in your playlist for your event:


Billie Jean-Michael Jackson

Boogie Shoes-K.C. & The Sunshine Band

Celebration-Kool & The Gang

Cha-Cha Slide- Casper

Cotton Eyed Joe-Rednex

Electric (Slide) Boogie-Marcia Griffiths

Footloose-Kenny Loggins

Gangnam Style-P.S.Y.

Harlem Shake-Baauer

I Gotta Feeling-Black Eyed Peas

Jump Around-House of Pain

Let Me Clear My Throat-DJ Kool

Let's Get It Started-Black Eyed Peas

Play That Funky Music-Wild Cherry

Shout- Isley Brothers

You Should Be Dancing- Bee Gees

Super Freak-Rick James



These songs + reading the crowd, hyping the crowd and knowing mic work and when the play the following songs= A Fantastic event!



DJ Sensations DJ Company is an Upscale Entertainment company specializing in a variety of events to include weddings, proms, school events, Church events, holiday and birthday parties, school events, and more! Should you be seeking Professional entertainment for your special day, give us a call at (919) 675-0113. We would be happy to lead you in the right direction!

Pickney Reception-2012
Photographer: Michel Berda, King Street Photography

www.DJSensationsOnline.com

Call Us: (919) 675-0113

Pioneer DDJ-S1 vs. SX. What is the Difference?

Pioneer DDJ-SX (Serato DJ based)

Many DJs are using Pioneer controller based systems. As Pioneer continues to expand, 2 of their well known products include the DDJ-S1 and DDJ-SX. What is the difference? The Pioneer DDJ-S1 is a simple, yet robust 2 channel system. This allows you to cue, mix and blend two songs together. It has many effects built in for more complex mixing and is a great system! The big brother to the DDJ-S1 is the SX which has 4 channels, enabling you to mix 4 songs at once. This system has added even more effects and EQ options than the S1. Keep in mind however, the S1 does not have the digital platters like the SX. Personally, I recommend the S1. It is simple, professional and a great platform to use. I never mix 4 channels, so I only use my SX as backup equipment. Either way, you can't go wrong!

Pioneer DDJ-S1 (Serato Itch/DJ based)

Chandler Collins
Owner/Professional DJ
DJ Sensations DJ Company
www.DJSensationsOnline.com

Let's Talk Social Media! (Using HootSuite)

Social Media is an important aspect to your business. It lets you promote your brand and let others know who you are and what you are promoting. If you are like us, finding the time to post on Social Media sites is very hard. That is why we use the online site called "HootSuite". HootSuite allows you to preschedule and auto schedule your posts. This enables you to stay connected and up to date while having a busy schedule. You may check out HootSuite at www.HootSuite.com.

DOs and DONTs of Events!

So you've been DJing for years, working events and you want to make sure you are being represented well and with professionalism at every occasion. So now, let's discuss the things you should and shouldn't be doing at events:


                            DO'S

*Always arrive early! Being "on time" or "late" doesn't work in this industry. You must be able to setup properly and allow time for sound check. It's that important! Being dependable will carry you a long way in your career, so make sure you communicate with your client(s) and the venue to ensure they understand what time you are arriving.

*Next, always dress accordingly! I stress this a lot, because while company t-shirts look amazing and are great to use they should only be worn on certain occasions. After all, it's the client's day, not yours and it isn't about advertising at an event! For me personally, I wear a nice long sleeve button down shirt, a tie, nice dress shoes and dress pants. A suit is not required, but if you feel the need to wear one, that works too. :-)

*Hide your cables!! Make sure your wires are properly hidden. If your coffin case is not prewired, I recommend hiding your cables underneath your coffin case. Make sure to cover the table with a nice white or black tablecloth or use a DJ facade. For your speakers, use velcro cable ties to tuck your cables nice and neat. Lastly, add your business cards in front of your case (facing the audience). This will make for a nice, clean and professional setup.

*COMMUNICATE! Yes, communication is key! This includes talking with your client(s), venue staff, and all vendors involved. It allows you to make sure everyone is on the same page for event details and meet new friends in the process.

*Read the crowd!! This is the most important aspect of an event. You must know how to read the crowd. It allows you to make sure you play the appropriate songs at the right time. You want to create a mood that your client and guests will enjoy while captivating the dance-floor.

*Know Mic Work- Knowing how and when to talk on the mic is essential! This is how you will hype the crowd and get them excited to be at the occasion.


                  DONT'S

*Don't bring banners or anything that draws the attention to yourself or your company. This will make you look as if you are there for yourself, not the client. This will give others a bad impression!

*Don't have your wires everywhere. This looks unclean and unkept!

*Please don't be the DJ who consistently announces cheesy announcements, just to hype the crowd. It will just frustrate and anger others and make you look bad! Announcing at the appropriate time will not stress out and frustrate others at the event. It will make you look much more professional too! :-)



By following these basics, you are sure to have a spectacular event! Never stop learning, growing and improving yourself and you can become a great DJ!


DJ Sensations DJ Company consistently strives to improve quality and service to everyone we serve! We are an Upscale Entertainment Company in the Raleigh, NC area. If you should seek Professional entertainment for your special day, give us a call at (919) 675-0113 or email us at info@DJSensationsOnline.com.


-Chandler Collins ~Owner of DJ Sensations DJ Company
 www.DJSensationsOnline.com

The Voice vs. X-Factor? Which Show Are YOU Watching?

With the launch of the top shows, The Voice and X-Factor, many have been tuned to their TV to watch the auditions. As months go by, time will tell who will win on both shows. We have been watching The Voice, and we have posted a video clip below. This is Malford Milligan who has formed his own band. He had the courage to audition and he did a phenomenal job! Take a look:

*Courtesy of YouTube.com (All rights owned by The Voice)

Tune in to The Voice to hear his upcoming performances!

The X-Factor has been a good week, as many talented performers took the stage. You can tune in to the show and continue to watch who makes the cut. 

Does Your Event Have Energy?! Let Us Kick It Up A Notch!!

Does your event have energy?! Do you desire your DJ to interact with the crowd and get them going? We're all about taking your event to the NEXT level! Below we have listed song hits that are sure to get your crowd going! Take a look:

Owner & Professional DJ
Chandler Collins

ABC-Jackson 5

Apache-Sugarhill Gang

Billie Jean-Michael Jackson

Boogie Shoes- KC & The Sunshine Band

Celebration-Kool & The Gang

Cha-Cha Slide- Casper

Cupid Shuffle-Cupid

Footloose-Kenny Loggins

I Gotta Feeling-Black Eyed Peas

Jump Around-House of Pain

Let Me Clear My Throat-DJ Kool

Love Shack- The B-52s

Play That Funky Music-Wild Cherry

With a few of the following songs, your event is sure to be a success, but it doesn't stop there! Hire DJ Sensations DJ Company and we can tie your event into taking it to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL! Give us a call at (919) 675-0113 or email us at info@DJSensationsOnline.com for booking information. 

What Do Our Client's Have to Say About Us?

"Chandler did a wonderful job recently as DJ at my 50th Wedding Anniversary, 

70s Birthday party! His selection of music was perfect for every moment of the party,

 from easy listening during Mingling Time and Dinner, to finger-popping, 

hand clapping tunes during Dancing Time! I highly recommend him to anyone 

seeking DJ services. He was professional and bent over backwards to 

accommodate and fulfill all my requests and needs!"

Billie Jeffers

Raleigh, NC 

"We recently held a very large fundraising event at Cameron Village and asked Chandler 

if he would be interested in donating some time to us to help make the event that 

much more fun. Chandler did not hesitate to say Yes and he actually worked 

both weekends and helped to create the fun and festive atmosphere we were 

hoping for! He knew exactly the kind of music to play for the crowd gathered 

there, and he was most respectful to the Shop Owner's as well 

with volume control! We were so impressed, not only with Chandler's talent 

and professionalism, but especially with his enthusiasm for our cause; 

Chandler fit right in as a Team Player, and made friends for life with his 

hard work ethic, and of course, his wonderful personality! We would 

recommend Chandler to anyone!"

Rhonda Misciagna
Volunteer for the Frankie Lemmon Foundation

"I have experienced working with Chandler at several events. He is professional, 

mannerly and very dependable. He has a wide variety of tunes and will play 

what his client asks to hear. I would recommend him for his services, 

You won't be disappointed!"

Lynn Pearce

Raleigh,NC

"DJ Chandler Collins comes highly recommended! He has done a fabulous 

job the last 2 yrs at our client appreciation event and we look forward to 

seeing him next year."

Rhonda Allen
Aspect Financial, Smithfield, NC

"We hired DJ Chandler Collins, to DJ our Celebration Fun Day at our school. 

The kids and parents had a fantastic time! He did a wonderful job playing 

the right music at the right time! He got all ages involved from Kindergarten 

to Adults. We had a blast dancing and playing musical chairs! 

I would like to make him our official DJ for all our school events. 

I am looking forward to all the events we will have planned for the 

2012/2013 school year!"

Elaine McCraw-Principal
Celebration Christian Academy and Performing Arts, Inc.

"Chandler is one of the most impressive DJs I have met/worked with! 

He has been the DJ at our first and second client appreciation event 

and we will be using him again as well as some of our clients. 

I highly recommend if you need a DJ, to give him a try!” 

Top Qualities: Personable, High Integrity, Creative"

Rhonda Allen
Aspect Financial, Smithfield, NC

"Chandler did a wonderful job DJing my daughter's 14th birthday party. 

He is such a professional, and it was a joy working with him. 

I will be calling on him again in the near future. Great job Chandler!"

Terrance, Latesha & Shayla Howard

"Chandler was the DJ at our wedding. He did a great job! I would recommend 

him for any event! :)"

Debbie and Mercer Pinckney

"We recently hired Chandler Collins to DJ our daughter's 13th birthday party. 

He did an excellent job and was a pleasure to work with! He played all the 

songs my daughter had requested and even suggested others to play while 

keeping the kids entertained. We enjoyed getting to know Chandler and 

will definitely use him again in the future, if in need of a DJ!"

Ron and Kristen Bagwell

"Chandler was our DJ for our daughter's 16th birthday party! He is very 

professional! We were very impressed with the light show and the 

flow of music that he arranged! I will definitely use him again 

for our next event!"

Christine Greco
Raleigh, NC

"Did a great job with my friend's 30th birthday party. He played a great mix 

of music and kept the party going until midnight! Very professional and 

accessible!- I enjoyed working with him."

Erin McNamera

"Chandler was the DJ that I chose to play at our church life class picnic. 

What a great job he did! There were all ages there and he addressed 

everyone's musical desires from the very young to the very old. He is a 

true professional! I would recommend Chandler at any get together 

you might be planning. He was awesome! Thanks Chandler :)"

Cheryl Chaslin

Today in Music History-October 2nd

Today in Music History for October 2nd:

In 1976 - "Tonight's The Night" by Rod Stewart was released. 

In 1977 - Gene Simmons of the famous band, Kiss, received a platinum record for his solo album. 

In 1982- Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones began a world tour. 

In 1985-Prince released their single "America" and Bruce Springsteen ended his "Born in the U.S.A." tour. 

In 1986 - The Everly Brothers were given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

Finally, in 1995 Journey announced their plans to reunite for an album and possible tour. One of their well-known hits includes "Don't Stop Believin

What is BRANDING? How Does It Affect Your Business?

Branding is an important aspect to your business and that is why many companies spend a large amount of time on it. From their website, to the look and feel of the company, those are important aspects to the entire process. People often ask us "How did you choose the look of the company?" Our reply is this: "We are 5 1/2 years established and our target is upscale clientele. Therefore, we must brand ourselves in a way that shows WHO we're targeting and WHAT we're trying to accomplish or sell. When DJ Sensations DJ Company was established in 2008, we had a very bland logo. We felt our look became one that many did not remember after quite some time. Recently we decided to rebrand ourselves completely. The rebranding process included our new logo, new business cards, new shirts, new social media backgrounds and a fully redesigned website. People want CHANGE! After 5 years of our old logo, we began to feel as though many had forgotten about our business. There was not much change or upscale vibe to our look and having our 5 year plan allowed us to reconsider who we're targeting and how we want to present ourselves." Take a look at our old and new logos:

                                         DJ Sensations DJ Company-2008 Logo

      DJ Sensations DJ Company- Fully Rebranded

 

Contact Us:

www.DJSensationsOnline.com

info@DJSensationsOnline

919.675.0113