Top Songs of 2017

This year was a fantastic year and it was a blur. Something I noticed with each year time goes by faster. I do appreciate every minute. Also with time I appreciated the new music that came out this year.  I did notice that hip-hop songs became slower. Back in the 90s, the beats per minute were about 90 to 100 bpm but this year a lot of the hits were 65 to 75 bpms.

Feel it Still by Portugal the Man

It does have an old school feel and at times it is hard to tell if a man or woman is singing it. It is very catchy. Band is based from Alaska.

Despacito by  Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee

This song was always on. It crossed borders and made many folks dance to the Latin rhythm.

Humble By Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar can write bars and is a genius when it comes to writing meaningful lyrics. Throw in a dope hip-hop beat and you got a hit.

Bodak Yellow By Cardi B

Its great to see Female on the hip hop charts. She flows like a river on this song and its her break through hit that put her on the map.

Wild Thoughts by  DJ Khaled ft Rihanna and Bryson Tiller

Santana’s  Maria Maria was reincarnated into this 2017 hit. Brought to life by Rihannas catchy hook, made this a club favorite.

Mi Gente By J Balvin and Willy William

This song was made with  Willy William beat from another William song  Voodoo Song. There is a remix with Beyonce on the vocals that also was popular

Lemon By N.E.R.D ft Rihanna

NERD is reunited to produce this fresh dance hit.  In the video, Rihanna shaves dancers hair off. Song is such a it I would do the same too. 

1. Is my wedding date available?

   This is the most important question.  This should be the first question asked. If they are booked than ask if there is anyone else they recommend. A lot of djs have other djs that they trust and know that they do good work.

2. How long have you been doing this professionally?

We have been in the dj business since 2004.  We have done over 50 weddings.

3. What sets you apart from your competition?

 I believe in making the couple comfortable. Communication is key. I try to make the wedding as custom as possible. I am able to reedit songs to fit first dances. I believe in having a google doc to create a living document that can change at any time at the discretion of the couple.

 

4. Are there any other services that you provide, such as lighting or a photo booth?

We do provide lights for our dj events. Unfortunately we do not have photo booths but I do highly recommend a photo booth operator that does awesome work.

5. Do you have a CD of your music or a site where I can hear your music?

 Back in the door, I would make cds galore. Now I put all my mixes on mixcloud.

I have a wide arrange of music ranging from old school to current hits.

Mixcloud.com/wingmansj

 

6.  Can you help me choose the music for my processional, recessional, father-daughter dance, etc.?

I do not believe in a cookie cutter wedding. Every detail should be custom based on the couple. If they have no ideas then I can suggest prior songs that are typically used. But I encourage them to use songs that mean something to them. If they cannot pick between two songs, I can edit it to fit the time period that they want to play it.

7. How do you keep your music collection up-to-date?

 I do belong to a digital pool, which provides me with about 500 new songs a month.  I do keep up to date but I am most proud of my original collection. I do love the older stuff but every day I get the new music so I am up to date.

8. Do you take requests from our guests?

I always welcome requests from the guests. A lot has to deal with what is going on with the time. For example if someone wanted a classical song during the dance portion of the wedding I would give him or her a few choices that would fit the vibe.  But if someone wanted the classical song during the dinner hour then that would be an easy fit.

9. Can we submit a "Do Not Play" list?

The wedding is the night for the couple. If they do not want the Chicken Dance or anything by Britney Spears then so be it. This is your night and lets make it memorable.

10. Do you set up a sign or banner with your equipment?

No, Black and White affair does not post signs or banners with equipment. This day is for the bride and groom and not about Black and White affair. We keep it professional and classy.

How have I changed over the years of Djing.

When I first started I was part of a duo. With my Dj partner we would load up his truck and set all the dj equipment up. I would be in total ease while we were setting up since my dj partner was an engineer so he could fix any issue. He would be sort of stressed while we set up. But we always had everything up and ready. I would be the music man on the turntables and he would Emcee. I could easily stand behind the decks and play music nonstop. I would not want to speak on the microphone. I would be focused on the music and the smooth transitions.  Occasionally I would speak on the mic but I felt like it was not my bag of tea.  I would worry about feedback and how my voice would sound amplified.  Microphones have to be held a certain way to sound better. Also when you stand too close to the speakers it can cause feedback.

 Later my Dj partner moved away and I had to bring all the equipment myself in my own vehicle.  I had to load everything myself and unload and set up. I make sure I show up an hour or more before an event to set everything up. I still do not stress since I bring back ups to my back ups and never have to worry about something not working. I at first was reluctant to speak on the mic. But with practice, everything becomes easier. I never had issues in front of a crowd but there is something different with speaking on a microphone.  A few times I month I do monthly presentations for 45 minutes so speaking aloud is not an issue. I actually enjoy doing announcements for events.

Of course, there has been technology advances. Back in the day, I would make mix cds and hand them out. Now I can post mixes online and folks around the world can preview it.  Now, I can send a link in case someone wants to hear a mixing sample. 

The Importance of a Mentor (in Business or in Life)

It is the end of the year so folks start making their New Years Resolutions. Unfortunately most resolutions are not completed.  People are so gung ho with joining a gym and losing weight. Or the resolution maybe saving a percentage of the income to go on a trip somewhere. If one can only have one resolution s/he want to accomplish getting a mentor should be the only one that s/he needs. A mentor is someone who has been where you want to go. They have failed and succeeded.  Why make the same mistakes they have?

When I started to learn to dj, at the time I bought top of the line gear. I felt that I had to go all in.  I started off with some Technic 1200s with a mixer and an amp with one speaker. While spending hours learning how to match beats, I did not know how to throw the next song on the first beat. I did not know how to manipulate the record accurately. One day my business partner brought over his brother who was playing at nightclubs and really good at his craft. With a quick tutorial I was able to mix at the right time.  He showed me how to hold on to the first beat and throw it in at the beginning of the chorus. Back then there was no YouTube, so dj skills had to be taught or learned solo. Once I was able to do that, then I could play publicly. No more bedroom dj status.

Often at  times we are afraid to ask for help. Pride gets in the way and progress will not be made.

Find a skill that one wants to improve on and then find someone who has experience in it.  Mentors are out there but they have to be found and asked. No need for pride but the rewards outweighs any embarrassment of asking. Often times, mentors are honored that that are asked to help out. It shows that they are appreciated. Find someone that one looks up to in your field and ask for their assistance. If they say no, then ask another person who has experience. At the end, one becomes better with a mentor.

DJ Myth Busters

1. It is just music and anyone can be a dj.

Music does have the a small part for Djs. A pro dj goes beyond the fact that they are playing music but works as the MC and planner for the event. Music is just one tool in their arsenal to make your event that much better.

2. DJ will play cheesy music.

A good dj is prepared and plans the playlist for each event. The client has sent a list for the DJ to follow. If the client wants cheesy music then cheesy music will be played. The client can also request that certain songs not be played.

3. I have a band at the event so a dj is not needed.

Having a band at a function can be exciting. There are more members of a band thus can be more expensive than a dj. Dj can play in between  the bands breaks and also can be the emcee of the event.

4. Set up takes only 15 to 20 minutes.

Just to take the equipment out of the vehicle may take 10 to 15 minutes. Then everything needs to be uncased and cables need to be unwound.  For myself the longest part of the set up is lifting the heavy speakers on the stand and put in the power cord and speaker cable.  What also takes a long time is setting up the lights which are individual lights attached to the light tripods. There has to be microphone checks and sound checks to see how loud one can go.

5. All djs are the same.

No two djs are the same. Everyone has their own style and own music collection. No two collections are the same with some many different remixes.

6. Everyone needs to be dancing the whole time.

Sometimes the music masestro needs to play background music while people eat. Loud dance music makes it hard to talk to neighbors at the table. 

7. The Dj will not take requests.

Best way to ask for them.  A dj is not a juke box. They have a mind of their own.  Some people demand songs and it makes it awkward for the dj. It is good to have two or three songs you can suggest to ensure the dj has it.  Best way to ask for it: Hi DJ, you are doing great. If you get a chance can you play this song?

1977 40 year Reunion Playlist

I love doing all sorts of events. Sometimes the events that are different make us grow as djs. I had the opportunity to do a 40 year reunion. I loved every minute of it. It was more a rock themed event. I spoke with a graduate that day and she said there were the rock kids and the disco kids. Apparently most of the rock kids were there.

Below is the playlist:

Eagles:  Hotel California,Take it Easy, Heartache Tonight

America:  Ventura Highway, Tinman, Sister Golden Hair

Bad Company:  Can't Get Enough, Feel like Makin' Love

Earth, Wind, and Fire:  September, Boogie Wonderland

Boston:  More than a Feeling

Pablo Cruise: Love Will Find a Way, Whatcha Gonna Do

Marshall Tucker Band:  Fire on the Mountain, Desert Skies, Heard it in a Love Song

Frankie Valli: Grease is the Word

Star Wars Theme

Elvis:  Burnin' Love

Chicago:  Colour My World

Pointer Sisters:  We are Family, I'm so Excited

Rolling Stones:  Brown Sugar, Honky Tonk Women, Start Me Up

Linda Ronstadt:  You're No Good, It's So Easy

Lynyard Skynyrd:  Free Bird (short version), Sweet Home Alabama

Loggins and Messina:  We May Never Pass This Way Again, (Loggins) Danger Zone, Foot Loose

Willie and Waylon:  Don't let your babies grow up to be Cowboys

Doobie Brothers:  Takin it to the Streets, China Grove 

Cool and the Gang:  Celebrate, Ladies Night

Commadores: Brick House

Bee Gees:  You Should be Dancing, Stayin' Alive

James Taylor:  Carolina, How Sweet it is, Fire and Rain, Mexico

Gordon Lightfoot:  Sundown

The Who:  Summertime Blues, My Generation

Elton John:  Crocodile Rock, Philadelphia Freedom

Fleetwood Mac:  Rhiannon, Go your own way, Don't Stop

Led Zeplin:  Stairway to Heaven (short version) Whole Lotta Love (short version)

Donna Summer:  Last Dance

Jimmy Buffett: Margaritaville

Peter Frampton:  Baby I love your Way

Steve Miller Band:  Jet Airliner

Supertramp:  Give a Little Bit

Crosby, Stills and Nash:  Just a song before I go, Southern Cross

Heart:  Barracuda

Jefferson Starship:  Miracles

Wild Cherry:  Play that Funky Music

Paul McCartney:  Live and Let Die

Bellamy Brothers:  Let Your love Flow

Thin Lizzy:  The Boys are Back in Town

BTO:  Takin' Care of Business

Rod Stewart:  Tonight's the Night

KC and the Sunshine Band:  Shake your Booty

ABBA:  Dancing Queen

David Bowie:  Golden Years

Beach Boys:  California Girls, Little Deuce Coop, Surfin' Safari

Hamilton, Joe, Frank, & Reynolds:  Fallin' in Love

10cc:  I'm not in Love

Gerry Raferty: Baker Street, Right Down the Line

Foreigner:  Hot Blooded

Jerry Reed:  East Bound and Down

Kenny Rogers:  The Gambler

Deep Purple:  Smoke on the Water

Three Dog Night:  Shambala

Cool and the Gang: Celebration, Ladies Night, Jungle Boogie

Stevie Wonder:  Superstition

Aretha Frankin:  Respect

The Brothers Johnson: Strawberry Letter 23

LTD:  Everytime I turn around Back in Love Again

Rose Royce: Carwash

Aerosmith:  Walk this Way

Daryl Hall and John Oates:  Rich Girl

Barry Manilow:  Looks Like we Made it

The Emotions: Best of My Love

Firefall:  Just Remember I Love, You are the Woman

The Evolution of DJ Wingman to BWADJ:

Changing with the times

When I was 21 I had my first taste of spinning records. Of course I did not know what I was doing but I enjoyed having the power of selecting the songs at a social gathering.  I did not know what it meant to beat match or anything about playing the same genre together. All I knew what how to put a record on a technic turntable and use the mixer to pick which record would be heard aloud. That is when I started collecting vinyl. Just In case, vinyl maybe a foreign word, it was what djs would play on their turntables. For one record, it would cost 6 dollars to 12 for one song. So it was quite an expensive hobby.

Half the fun was scouring record crates to find a hidden gem.  Eventually with the accumulation of these gems I felt confident enough to play in public again. No longer did I not know what to do but I had the skill and confidence to play in public.

With a high school buddy, we formed Dj Wingman. It had a nice ring to it.  A buddy of mine created a Wingman shirt and the name stuck. Our philosophy is “We are Wingman because we always have your back.” We designed Wingman T-shirts and people would love them.  The first few years we played the mobile circuit playing private parties and weddings. We carried  heavy records in cases to our events. In 2008, we started playing at night clubs in downtown San Jose.  Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday we were playing the top hits of the day. At Midnight, we would play the midnight mix which would be the heavy hitters of the day such asBlow the Whistle, Goodies, and Yeah.  One song would feed into another song to keep the vibe up. At 1:25 we would go with a song like Lets Stay Together

At that time there were two of us so we could do multiple events at one time. Then my dj partner moved to Florida so I had to do all the events solo.

I was not marketing DJ Wingman as before. I did like the brand but realized brides do not want a Wingman to do a wedding so I had rebranded the name to Black and White Affair. Now its Bwadj for short. I still believe in the Wingman mentality that we have your back but now incorporated the Black and White aspect.  

Before while playing at a night spot people would ask for our cards and want us to do their weddings and birthday events. But now since I do not play at the night scene I had to include other types of marketing.  I revamped the website.  Once started paying different companies to do my site but opted to go with a professional template and incorporated Social Media, so I can keep everything current.

Today’s age everything has to be current since the times are changing.The Evolution of DJ Wingman to BWADJ:

Changing with the times

When I was 21 I had my first taste of spinning records. Of course I did not know what I was doing but I enjoyed having the power of selecting the songs at a social gathering.  I did not know what it meant to beat match or anything about playing the same genre together. All I knew what how to put a record on a technic turntable and use the mixer to pick which record would be heard aloud. That is when I started collecting vinyl. Just In case, vinyl maybe a foreign word, it was what djs would play on their turntables. For one record, it would cost 6 dollars to 12 for one song. So it was quite an expensive hobby.

Half the fun was scouring record crates to find a hidden gem.  Eventually with the accumulation of these gems I felt confident enough to play in public again. No longer did I not know what to do but I had the skill and confidence to play in public.

With a high school buddy, we formed Dj Wingman. It had a nice ring to it.  A buddy of mine created a Wingman shirt and the name stuck. Our philosophy is “We are Wingman because we always have your back.” We designed Wingman T-shirts and people would love them.  The first few years we played the mobile circuit playing private parties and weddings. We carried  heavy records in cases to our events. In 2008, we started playing at night clubs in downtown San Jose.  Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday we were playing the top hits of the day. At Midnight, we would play the midnight mix which would be the heavy hitters of the day such asBlow the Whistle, Goodies, and Yeah.  One song would feed into another song to keep the vibe up. At 1:25 we would go with a song like Lets Stay Together

At that time there were two of us so we could do multiple events at one time. Then my dj partner moved to Florida so I had to do all the events solo.

I was not marketing DJ Wingman as before. I did like the brand but realized brides do not want a Wingman to do a wedding so I had rebranded the name to Black and White Affair. Now its Bwadj for short. I still believe in the Wingman mentality that we have your back but now incorporated the Black and White aspect.  

Before while playing at a night spot people would ask for our cards and want us to do their weddings and birthday events. But now since I do not play at the night scene I had to include other types of marketing.  I revamped the website.  Once started paying different companies to do my site but opted to go with a professional template and incorporated Social Media, so I can keep everything current.

Today’s age everything has to be current since the times are changing.  

Weddings are amongst the few life time memorable events. And to make it truly memorable and fascinating, it is important to plan for an appropriate entertainment. Underestimating the power and effect music on a wedding ceremony and reception is not ideal because music is essential in order to create an appropriate backdrop and the desired tone for your event. Thus, hiring a professional DJ offers you a diverse selection, authentic versions of songs, better volume control and for usually a much lower cost than a band.

Furthermore, the presence of a DJ will tremendously enhance the success of your wedding. The DJ runs the music for the reception, and if the music or announcements were to stop, the reception would come to an awkward halt. The DJ also guides the mood of the event and works with the schedules of all other vendors and staff at the event. However, discussed below are the best reasons why you need to hire a professional DJ for your wedding ceremony:

1. ADAPTABILITY

Event DJs are brilliant at adapting to both the needs of their event coordinators as well as those of the guests in attendance. They are skilled at reading their audiences and easing them out onto the dance floor. Their vast music collections make it possible for them to fulfill most song requests. Also, their fun personalities, language skills and confidence at handling microphone make them terrific emcees for guest introductions, video presentations, contests, etc.

2. DEPENDABILITY

A DJ will always provide their own sound equipment, even lighting and video in some cases, and you can count on the fact that they will have all of the current hits available upon your request. They will provide you with a written quote, ensure all of your song requests are played and avoid any songs that might offend your guests.

3. PRESENTATION

Great DJs are often equipped with sanity, humor and the ability to emcee guest introductions, provide live narration for video or slide presentations, ease the crowd and coax reluctant guests out onto the dance floor, and even offer toasts. To further enhance the visual experience, many can also provide their own LED lighting equipment and  shiny disco balls.

4. THEY ENSURE PEACE OF MIND

Furthermore, the greatest reason for hiring a DJ for your wedding ceremony is the peace of mind you'll get at seeing that your guests are constantly entertained. Unlike a band in need of breaks, a DJ can spin the all through the day without interruption.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HIRING A TIME KEEPER

A designated time keeper ensures that the wedding ceremony goes as smoothly as planned. He does not fasten or delay other events planned in the schedule.

Lastly, your wedding event would only be successful if you and your guests are able to have fun and remain present and in the moment. Hiring a professional DJ will guarantee you just that!