SOUND SPECIALIST DJ ENTERTAINMENT

This week Stephen Crandall with Sound Specialist DJ Entertainment has graciously taken a time out to answer a few questions for Something Blue Collective's Blog, Blue Envy Weddings. Sound Specialist DJ Entertainment & Event Lighting is a boutique style entertainment and production firm. They pride themselves on working one on one with their clients to design their entertainment approach around their clients styles, tastes and vision. At Sound Specialist, there is no average, they constantly look to deliver the finest and most well rounded entertainment service in the Kentuckiana area.

Thanks Stephen!!

Sound Specialist DJ Entertainment & Event Lighting

502.541.5015 – 1.888.209.8014

www.SoundSpecialistDJs.com

SBC:  How did you get your start in the DJ profession?

Stephen:  I've always been involved in music, even from a young age, playing instruments in band in middle & high school, etc. Having a passion for music and entertaining; in 1992 I sought out professional entertainers to learn from and it all progressed from there.

SBC:  What are some of your favorite reception venues to work?

Stephen:  There are so many great venues in Kentuckiana it's hard to choose really. A couple of traits that make a great reception venue is uniqueness and a great staff. A few that come to mind are:

The Olmstead,  The Seelbach, The Brown

SBC:  What are the top five songs clients are currently requesting?

I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas

Don't Stop Believing by Journey

Single Ladies by Beyonce

Sexyback by Justin Timberlake

Livin' On A Prayer by Bon Jovi.

SBC:  What are three songs that are great for the cocktail hour?

Stephen:  There are so many great choices for the Cocktail Hour. I like to keep things a little more upbeat for the cocktail hour as the cocktail hour sets the mood for the entire event. I like to keep things cross-generational; a little old, a little new, nothing but great tracks.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Michael Buble

Waiting On the World to Change by John MayerI

Get a Kick Out of You by Frank Sinatra

SBC:  What three “first dance” songs would be a good choice for couples wanting a unique song that is not overplayed?

That's How Strong My Love Is by Otis Redding

God Only Knows by the Beach Boys

Someone Like You by Van Morrison

SBC:  What songs do you suggest to open the dance floor with to entice all the guests to dance?

Stephen:  I typically recommend to open the dance floor with something that is cross-generational, something that will be recognized and popular with all the guests no matter their age. Every Reception is different; I may open with an upbeat song, a slow song, a new or an older song. It just depends upon the crowd. This is where the ability of your DJ to understand what your guests will react the best to is so important.

SBC:  What options do you provide for décor lighting?

Up Lighting

Wall/Ceiling Washes

Custom Monograms

Table Pin Spotting

Paper Lanterns

Italian String Lights

Dancing Under the Stars

SBC:  Each wedding reception is unique and there are many different choices for organizing the timeline of events. In your experience, what order of key reception events make the reception flow smoothly?

Stephen: Cocktail Hour, Introduction of the Bridal Party, Introduction of the Bride & Groom, First Dance, Welcome by Bride/Groom or Parents, Dinner, Toast, Cake Cutting, Father/Daughter Dance, Mother/Son Dance, Bouquet/Garter Toss, Open Dancing, Last Dance.

SBC:  What are three questions a couple should ask when interviewing a wedding DJ?

Will you be my DJ? If not, why is my DJ not present at this meeting?

Can you show me videos & photos of recent Weddings you have done?

Are you insured?

SBC:  Sound Specialist DJs is one of the most popular DJs in Louisville. How far in advance should couples contact you to increase their chances of their wedding date being available?

Stephen: The sooner you can reserve our services the better. Prime dates are usually booked a year or more in advance. At the minimum prospective clients should look to reserve our services 6 months in advance.