WEDDINGS
I’ll be honest: when I started DJing in 2010 I had no interest in doing weddings. Not my scene, I thought. I don’t play wedding music. I ain’t livin’ on a prayer.
But it wasn’t long before I agreed to do one. A friend asked me to DJ her reception. Then one of her friends got engaged and wanted my number. Before long I had strangers reaching out and, somehow, each wedding was more fun than the last.
Guess I do play wedding music after all.
NOT A TYPICAL WEDDING DJ
SOUL DEEP is an alternative to the traditional Top 40 wedding DJ. It’s admittedly not for everyone, but over the years I’ve connected with a lot of cool and interesting couples who want to do things a little differently on their wedding day.
Soul records (Motown 45s in particular) are the original party-starters, universal in their appeal.
When I drop my first record at a wedding, I get to see kids, grandparents and every generation in between laughing and dancing together by the time the first chorus hits. Most of them have probably been celebrating with this music all their lives.
Though I’ve enjoyed a lot of these moments to Aretha and Marvin Gaye, you definitely are not limited to Soul music at your reception.
YOUR WEDDING. YOUR SOUNDTRACK.
One of the best parts of this job is working with couples to build their wedding soundtrack.
You can give me as much or as little direction as you’d like. Send only a handful of requests or an endless playlist, a list of artists you love or a list of artists you never want to hear. Or leave most of it to me. Requests can come from any genre or era. If something important to you isn’t in my record collection, I can play it digitally.
WHAT TO EXPECT
I’ve been DJing weddings for more than fifteen years, and I take the responsibility seriously.
After you book me, we’ll arrange at least one in-depth call or meeting to discuss your vision for the event, music needs, announcements and emceeing, and other logistics. I’ll arrive at the venue two hours before my first song to set up equipment and check in with your other vendors.
Then, showtime. I’ll help keep your reception itinerary moving as planned and make sure all the right songs are playing as I do it.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you only play Soul music?
No. Soul and Motown are at the heart of what I do, but my record collection spans Rock ‘n’ Roll, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz and plenty more from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. Requests from outside those genres and eras are welcome, too.
Do you take requests?
Absolutely. Couples are welcome to provide as much or as little direction as they want. When it comes to requests from guests, I honor them when I can. But if I don’t have the request in my record box, I’ll politely decline.
Does everything have to be on vinyl?
No. The vast majority of what I play comes from original records, but I’d never make you miss a meaningful song because I can’t find it on a seven-inch piece of plastic. Anything I can’t source on vinyl for a couple can be played digitally.
Do you stream music from Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, etc.?
No, never. When needed, I play couples’ requests digitally using uncompressed audio files loaded onto a device in advance. These files are compiled and screened beforehand to ensure high-quality playback and stored locally, so I’ll never be at the mercy of buffering or a spotty internet connection.
Can we give you a “do not play” list?
Please do.
Can you handle our first dance and other special songs?
Yes. We’ll identify any important songs beforehand so there’s no question about having the correct versions ready when they’re needed.
Do you provide your own equipment?
Yes. I provide all necessary professional DJ and sound equipment. I ask that the venue provide a suitable table and access to electricity, but I’ll bring the rest. We’ll discuss the specifics of your venue and setup beforehand.
Will you work with our venue and other vendors?
Yes. I’m happy to coordinate with your venue, planner, photographer and other vendors when necessary to make sure your event goes according to plan.
Do you travel?
Yes. SOUL DEEP is based in Detroit but I routinely DJ outside of Michigan. Travel accommodations depend on the location.
Are you the right DJ for every wedding?
Definitely not.
If you want to hear the hits of today at your wedding, there are plenty of people who will do that job better than I will. SOUL DEEP is for couples who want their wedding to sound a little different from every other wedding.