Talent Spotlight: DJ John In Real Life

Meet JOHN.

Known for his upbeat energy, musical knowledge, and seamless transitions; let us introduce you to John. One of the newest DJs at Cleveland Music Group.

In this blog, get to know the man behind the turntables: what drives his passion, his approach to crafting unforgettable events, and the little things he does that clients rave about. He connects with his couples, their guests, and the vibe of each unique celebration. With words from John himself, you’ll see why DJ John in Real Life lives up to the hype. Read more about DJ John below!

Q & A with DJ John

What’s your favorite part about being a DJ?

My favorite part of being a DJ is the connection. Connection to each other, through love, dancing, acting a fool and not caring. Even reminiscing upon good times, and being able to immerse yourself, with your loved ones, in the moment. 

Connection to yourself, finding your groove, feeling free and enjoying time with people on the same mission. 

I love that music can help express so many feelings, and allow us to even gain perspective. First Dance songs, Last Dance songs, songs about a father and his daughter, a mother and her son. Recently I ended my set with P.Y.T. by Michael Jackson and a man came up to me at the end of the set bawling his eyes out to tell me that was his parents’ first dance song. Come to find out his father was a backup singer for MJ, and had recently passed. He continued saying he felt hearing that song tonight was a sign, as tomorrow was the funeral. Those types of stories make doing what I do so incredibly healing and rewarding on so many levels, at times it can be difficult to describe what I do.

I like to say I’m a servant of the party or event. I like to help, in any way I can.

What inspired you to pursue a DJ career?

My mother, without a doubt, well actually both my parents in a way. My mom always had music playing in the house since before I could remember. At this point, I feel lost without it. She was a classically trained pianist as well as a bit of a stage actress. She has this light about her, especially when she performs – I can feel it inside me when I perform as well. My father has always been charismatic and extroverted, he’s able to share the job and give you space to learn. I try to bring that space with me to my DJ sets to allow everyone to rest for a moment, even if it is a moment, to reflect and appreciate the moment, before ripping back into dance.

Feeling connected brings me more joy than I could express, so DJing, producing, playing music… it all just makes sense.

If you could perform at any venue, what would it be?

This one is going to take a left turn for some, and going to make sense for so many.

Space Miami, without a doubt. It is the pinnacle for me right now. That club, the energy, the idea of purpose of being there to dance and enjoy each other’s company, while an incredible artist is throwing down one of the grooviest sets you’ve ever heard in your life? Heaven.

Can you share one of your most memorable or favorite stories from an event where you performed?

Man, it’s going to be hard to top that one from the first question. 

I’ll do my best, it’s kind of a funny story.

My first ever solo wedding I booked for myself was a work colleague of mine, and she happens to LOVE the type of music I am into. I was already DJing weddings part time and knew how to do all of the prep work involved, so we decided I would play her wedding for her. The couple is truly one of the most lovely duo’s you’ll find, and the Bride knew EXACTLY how she wanted her reception, and essentially, gave me a playlist and said “here, have fun!”

and man I did… The day was beautiful, the setting was perfect, the wedding was so moving. 

After we had our dinner and did our dances, we all went over into the next room which was designed for the reception.

That, is where I had the pleasure of spinning for 4 hours for some of my dearest friends and man did all the prep come out because we had a movie like night.

That is what I aspire for every time I work with a client, to give them THEIR version of the perfect evening.

What’s your approach to working with people to plan their event?

My approach is simple and open. I love meeting in person and getting to know the couple on their level, where they feel comfortable. We have a series of meetings between booking, prep, and month of to make sure we are aligned throughout the entire process. I send a questionnaire over to you to fill out at your own time, you send that back before our last meeting, and we have everything settled and your mind at ease the day of, so you may enjoy the day to the fullest.

Connection to you and how you want the day to feel, throughout the entire night, is what I strive to achieve.

There are no cookie cutter weddings. There are many different human beings out there who want to share their love with their friends and family, biological and non, in THEIR own way. And there are many different tempos and big drops to happen throughout the night, almost like planning out a DJ set, and it’s important to me that we find your groove so you may dance the night way.

What is your best advice to someone planning their wedding entertainment?

My best advice always is to follow your heart, as silly and obvious as that seems. This is an emotional process, and that’s why you invite people like myself in to assist in the planning, prepping, and day of magic, so you don’t have to. Follow your heart, if you want to hear that Miley Cyrus jam, let your DJ know. If you’re feeling weird about a certain dance and want to have a signal for a graceful early exit? I hope you trust me enough to let me know. I’m on your team here, and everyone else involved is as well. Follow your heart and make sure to create the environment you desire for your perfect day, and allow others to help, when needed. 😉

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Check out John’s feature video here and follow him on Instagram here!