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Comparison / Contrast for DJs Way back when, as a freshman in college, my first writing prof introduced me to the wonders of the "comparison/contrast" essay: It's where you take a look at the similarities and/or differences between two things or subjects as a way to express some interesting truth about them. This Mobile Beat issue, which I originally thought would be a bunch of unrelated articles, actually offers a pretty good helping of comparisons and contrasts: competition/teamwork, cutting-edge quick mixing/crowd-pleasing classic song lists, how to build company culture/how NOT to build company culture, and so on. We even profile a solo operator... [read more]

There are a lot of different things that make your blood pump harder and your heart beat faster. However, live music is often left out of the conversation when it comes to impacts on our perceptions of love. Even for all its power to unite and please people, music is wrongfully disregarded in this respect. That’s why it’s important to take a look at several ways that music can impact your love life, just to show you its significance to people. You Tend to Find People that Enjoy the Same Things As You When you really love a certain kind of music, band, or other musical elements, you really can’t keep it to yourself. After all, music is a group activity and a share experience that is meant to bring people together. In fact, music has such a profound influence on the way that people meet one another that... [read more]

Last week we covered the "A" letter of the acronym H.E.A.R.T., with the “H” standing for Hugs, the “E” standing for Emotion, and the “A” standing for Attitude. We continue today with the final 2 letters of the acronym, Reality and Thoughtful and a final Thought. Reality Kenny Chesney said it best “Reality, yeah, sometimes life ain’t all that it’s cracked up to be.  So let’s take a chance and live this fantasy. ‘Cause everybody needs to break free from reality.”  OK so maybe I’m in a bit of the island spirit here right now but this is a truth in mundane, everyday life as well.  Reality can somet... [read more]

The Music Issue Welcome to our yearly expanded spotlight on the music you play. Along with some great practical performance ideas, some music history and some thoughts about controversial music, we're featuring the Mobile Beat Top 200 music lists, now powered by DJ Event Planner. Enjoy! ~ Dan Walsh, Editor-in-Chief ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PLAYLIST: A Fresh Coat of Musical Paint - Jay Maxwell Five Easy Wordplay Song Transitions Any DJ Can Do - Staci Nichols Controversy - Steve Sharp To Play or Not to Play? - Matt Martindale The Mobile Beat Top 200 - Now Powered by DJ Event Planner A Heartfelt Father-Daughter Song - Matthew Campbell Set... [read more]

MOBILE BEAT #203 - FEBRUARY 2019 MBLV23 in the Spotlight While we have been including material by or about Mobile Beat Las Vegas presenters in last few mags, this final issue before the event features an extra helping of MBLV23 goodness. Also, some gear news in the form of a NAMM report (part 1 of 2) and a look behind the scenes at the development of Denon DJ's Prime 4. See you in Las Vegas! ~ Dan Walsh, Editor-in-Chief ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PLAYLIST: SPOTLIGHT ON MBLV23 How to Social Media in 2019 - Vanessa Joy Phil Morse of Digital DJ Tips - Ryan Burger and Dan Walsh The Truth About DJ Prices - Matt Martindale “Ask Ben Stowe... [read more]

MOBILE BEAT #202 - JANUARY 2019 Get It Started Well, here we are at the beginning of a brand new year. Seems like an appropriate time to look at the idea of "getting started." In this issue you'll find: - Key things for beginning DJs to think about - What first-time Mobile Beat Las Vegas attendees need to know - How beginning with thorough music preparation helped a DJ truly rock a major event - A look at new vehicles for mobiles - because you have to get there first - An insightful analysis of audience dance floor behavior So...let's get this party started! ~ Dan Walsh, Editor-in-Chief ( PS: Yes, I appreciate the irony of an issu... [read more]

MOBILE BEAT #199 - OCTOBER 2018 What's In Your Toolbox? So, my nightmare is over... OK, that may be an overly dramatic way of saying that this issue is out AFTER Halloween due to difficult circumstances for this one-man magazine production team. It's no reflection on my great freelance writers, who work very hard to hit the deadlines I give them and do their best to make my job of editing a lot easier than it could be. If only I had a personal clone or two in MY toolbox... In this issue, some of those writers answer the cover question, with either actual physical implements or tools of the more metaphorical kind. I'm sure that, despite its tardi... [read more]

Last week’s article we dug deeper in regards to how music can move people emotionally and how that can be used for maximum impact at your events.  Now let’s get into a little nitty gritty for application. For example, when you're transitioning out of dinner and into dancing, play a beat. Use sing along songs that aren't necessarily danceable, but they're definitely moving the party forward in the night. If you have a younger demographic couple you might be dropping some early 2000s like Maria Maria or Hey Soul Sister or something similar. Play songs that are g... [read more]

Last week we talked about how the time you have at an event to affect a client and their guests with music is finite.  Now your clients may or may not care about the choices you play for music but I can assure you this, at least a few people on their guest list in your audience do.  It’s been said before and it’s a true statement. If you’re not booking at least one event on average per event you do, it’s time to step up your game on the performance side.  On this, one of the more jubilant days of someone’s life, do you want to evoke not so good memories? ... [read more]