Coterie Spotlight: New York Celebrity DJ – DJ Carl

If you’re like us, then there are two things you probably remember most about a wedding…aside from the ceremony itself. Food and music.  So it comes as no surprise that one really important part of the wedding planning process is your entertainment. This week, we’re turning the spotlight on DJ Carl.  He’s not just a dj, but a true expert at getting all types of crowds going.  In our interview, DJ Carl explains what the newest trends in wedding music are this year, and why brides are eager to book him.  Enjoy!

I was born in New York from West Indian parents.  My Mom is from Antigua and my Dad is from Jamaica. I have a younger brother. I started playing music at fraternity parties when I attended Penn State. 

After I graduated from Penn State, I was a corporate employee. One of the best marketing jobs I had was programming music videos for ETV Network now owned by Promo Only. I would love to get another opportunity where I can market or program digital music for a major entertainment brand again.

What are your dreams for your company?

I hope that DJCarl.com Entertainment will become recognized for making professional DJs, emcees or hosts more relevant and respected in the American culture.

I really love educating planners and brides how people engage at parties and events. I like to tell real stories how different cultures and groups are entertained differently and how one’s experience, knowledge of all types music, space, moods can determine the types of experiences that people can have in attendance at my events. My success comes from my hard work preparation.  

The most requested song for Black brides is “The Wobble” by V.I.C. or any song that they can do a line dance to. The most requested song for a Caucasian bride is any Michael Jackson song. As-a-matter-of-fact, every culture loves Michael Jackson if they want to dance. Today, Asian groups love Psy “Gangnam Style” and Latino folks just love great Salsa and Merengue songs.     

What advice would you give to brides-to-be about hiring a DJ?

The biggest advice I would give a bride-to-be when hiring a DJ is to go with an individual who they trust. If your DJ meets these five criteria then you should be in good hands. 

First, Your DJ should be able to play all types of music. Every wedding and party has a variety of people who will appreciate different genres of music. Your DJ should be able to play the most popular and danceable tunes from popular genres so that most of your guests will have an opportunity to dance. 

Second, This point is extremely important for a wedding. You need a DJ who can make announcements that are crisp and clear for your guests and the other professional vendors. It is very hard to find an individual who can play great music and speak professionally on the mic. If one person embodies those talents then book him/her on the spot. 

Third, Your DJ must be a team player who wants the other vendors to do their jobs well. No Ego-trippers please. 

Fourth, Though I love working with many planners, it is the dee jay’s job to ensure that the reception or party flows to keep guests engaged and not them checking their Twitter feeds all night long. 

Lastly, I would tell brides to ask their potential DJ if they guarantee their guests will dance. If they cannot guarantee that individuals at your event will dance then it is time to find another DJ/MC for your once in a lifetime event. If the DJ does his/her homework, then the right music will be played to ensure people dance and have a good time. 

Brides book me because they trust and can afford me. I am professional, experienced and their diverse guests will dance all night long guaranteed.

Now let’s have some fun!

Top 3 songs that pop in your head right now.

“Harlem Shake” by Baauer, “Thrift shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and “Adorn” by Miguel

Avengers and Flight 

iPhone 

MAC and PC 

Any authentic West Indian Restaurant 

London, England or Australia 

Chocolate Chip Cookies

[divider]

Visit DJ Carl on his website here and his Coterie page here, and follow him on twitter @music_djcarl.  Also, listen to his podcasts! You will definitely enjoy these:)

iTunes Urban Podcast

iTunes Dance Podcast