As a professional DJ, especially in the wedding and event space, versatility is key. Every event is unique, and one of the most important aspects of my job is adapting to the tastes of my clients and their guests. Weddings often call for a blend of pop, classics, and crowd-pleasers that ensure everyone has a great time. However, every so often, I get the chance to dive back into the music that originally sparked my passion for DJing—underground dance music.
Recently, I had the opportunity to do just that. The event called for a set rooted in deep, underground sounds—genres I don’t often get to explore when playing weddings or corporate events. In that moment, behind the decks, surrounded by throbbing basslines and driving beats, I was reminded of the days when I cut my teeth in the nightlife scene, DJing in clubs. It brought back memories of late-night sets, packed dance floors, and that indescribable energy that only comes from spinning music that resonates on a deeper level.
While playing top 40 hits, classic anthems, and pop favorites is a huge part of what I do—and it’s incredibly rewarding to see people of all ages having a blast—there’s something special about staying connected to your musical roots. It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of what the event requires, but it’s essential to find moments where you can reconnect with the styles and sounds that shaped you as an artist.
Why Staying Connected to Your Roots is Important
For me, playing that underground set wasn’t just about revisiting old tracks; it was about re-energizing my creativity. When you love what you do, it’s important to keep that fire alive by returning to the music that first inspired you. Whether it’s house, techno, or drum and bass, these genres remind me why I became a DJ in the first place.
As DJs, we evolve, and our styles broaden as we adapt to the various types of events we play. But maintaining a connection to your roots helps to keep your sets fresh and authentic. It also allows you to bring a unique flavor to every gig, no matter the genre or audience.
Balancing Versatility with Authenticity
One of the biggest challenges of being a DJ who plays a wide variety of events is balancing the music people want to hear with the music that you’re passionate about. But I’ve found that by honing my craft and expanding my library, I can bring elements of underground music into mainstream sets—subtly weaving in tracks that still get the crowd moving, while staying true to the sounds that define me as a DJ.
For those who book me for their weddings or corporate events, I know that playing a mix of pop hits and feel-good classics is exactly what they want. And I love delivering that. But it’s experiences like the underground dance gig that remind me of the importance of versatility. It’s about being able to transition between different styles seamlessly, while always staying true to who you are as an artist.
Final Thoughts
I’ve just released a brand new DJ mix on SoundCloud that reflects my old-school roots from my club DJ days. It’s a tribute to the underground dance music that continues to inspire me, and I’m excited to share it with you. If you’re a fan of deep, driving beats and classic club sounds, this mix is for you. You can listen to it here:
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