OUR PROCESS:
Your event is unique, and the music should be, too. We get to know you as an individual and we discuss music, logistics, and the overall vision you have for your event. You feel confident about the DJ and relaxed knowing that the entertainment is taken care of. Our general process is:
FIRST CALL
Booking coordinator reaches out to confirm preliminary details of your event and schedule a call with DJ Dern.
DISCOVERY
Questionnaires and a 45-minute phone call to discuss the details of your event.
CURATION
After we get a sense of your music preferences, DJ Dern gets to work downloading new music and preparing crates and a master setlist. We reach back out to you with a setlist that you can add to and revise as your event approaches. Some of our clients prefer to articulate their overall music preferences and then leave the song selection up to DJ Dern. The process is as hands-on or hands-off as you’d like.
SITE WALKTHROUGH & LOGISTICS
Two weeks before your event, we correspond with you or your event planner to confirm day-of logistics that were outlined in the discovery phase. If necessary, we complete an on-site walkthrough.
FINALIZE & REFINE
One week before your event, you make any last-minute song requests and finalize your “do not play” list. We refine the setlist and double-check speakers, wiring, mics, and lighting.
LET’S PARTY
Sit back, relax, and enjoy your event! DJ Dern handles all equipment setup, DJing and MCing for the duration of your event, and equipment breakdown after your event. Your guests go home proclaiming, “Damn, I couldn’t get off the dance floor!”
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Creativity, professionalism, quality, and versatility. Based on my roots in music, I bring a high degree of creativity to my DJ work. To me, DJing is more art than science and more heart than head. I enjoy feeling out the vibe of a crowd and tailoring the music to them. I exhibit professionalism, both in terms of clear communication throughout the booking process and being a source of positivity and reliability on the day of your event. In addition to creativity and professionalism, I am committed to quality, and uphold this commitment by investing in top-of-the-line equipment and music. Lastly, I’m versatile in terms of my song selection and my overall repertoire as a DJ. I am obsessed with music, and relish the opportunity to deliver creativity, professionalism, quality, and versatility to my clients.
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Whatever moves the people! I pride myself on my versatility and breadth of music knowledge. Genres I spin include: hip-hop, R&B, soul, pop, reggae/dancehall, funk, rock, disco, alternative and international music. I consider myself an “open format” DJ - I strive to play the right music, at the right time, with minimal constraints from genre or style.
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I use professional-grade DJ equipment by Apple, Audio-Technica, Numark, Pioneer, Shure, Chauvet, Yamaha, and other manufacturers. For software, I rely on Serato and VirtualDJ. I source my music from a variety of fee-based sites that ensure excellent sound quality.
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During the consultation, we will discuss the details of your event, your music preferences, and your vision for how music fits into the event. The conversation is tailored to where you are in the planning process (just starting out, weighing multiple options, or ready to book the right DJ), and will help you determine if I’m a good fit to spin at your wedding or private event. At the end of our consultation, I will offer to send you a quote based on the details you provided. Consultations take place by phone for off-island clients, and can take place by phone or in-person for clients on Martha’s Vineyard.
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My rates are competitive and depend on a number of factors, including the size of your event (and therefore the amount of equipment needed), the time of the event (# of hours), and the amount of preparation necessary.
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Absolutely. Get in touch, and let’s talk about what cool stuff you're planning.
-FAQ’s-
“I have known and worked with DJ Dern for five years in various capacities. As a DJ, I have worked with him side-by-side. As a promoter, talent buyer and festival producer, I have booked him. He is hands-down my favorite person to work with. Always professional, an absolute pleasure to work with, and most importantly, he can read and rock any crowd, keeping them happy, dancing, and drinking.”