Mobile Disc Jockeys

Mobile Disc Jockeys, also known as Mobile Discos in the UK, are an extension of the original Radio Disc Jockeys. Today there are a variety of Mobile Disc Jockey business models, including full-time, part-time, multi-operator, and single-operator companies.

What do mobile disc jockeys do?

Mobile Disc Jockeys (or Mobile DJs) travel or tour with mobile sound systems and play from an extensive collection of pre-recorded music for a targeted audience.

In the past, Mobile DJs utilized formats such as vinyl records or cassettes. During the Disco era of the 1970s, demand for Mobile DJs soared. Top Disc Jockeys in this era would have hundreds of vinyl records and/or cassette tapes. The equipment used in this era was enormous and usually required roadies (similar to those who work for bands) to set up. While many Club Disc Jockeys still use vinyl, most Mobile DJs currently use Compact Discs, computer-based files (such as MP3s), or a combination of sources. In addition, professional-grade equipment created by a variety of companies expressly for Mobile DJing has allowed for faster set-up and break-down, as well as improved quality of performance.

The audiences Mobile DJs play for may be at one of many different types of events including wedding receptions, bar and bat mitzvah receptions, company parties, school dances, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. Mobile DJs also perform in public at bars / taverns, nightclubs, or even at block parties.

The definition and responsibilities of a Mobile DJ have changed since Bob Casey's first two-turntable system for continuous playback was utilized for sock-hops in 1955.

Bands had long dominated the wedding entertainment industry, but with the advent of the less expensive and more versatile Mobile DJ, their market share dwindled. Mobile DJs offer the advantage of being able to play music in a wide variety of styles by a wide range of artists, as they use the artists’ own original recordings. In addition, audiences or planners that formerly could not afford music for their event are now able to hire a Mobile DJ while still staying within their budget.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Mobile DJs began to form and expand associations and create professional business networks, which now include annual trade shows and Internet discussion forums. Today, many Mobile DJs also promote themselves as an event’s planner, organizer, and MC (Master of Ceremonies). Working closely with their customers, their guests, and other vendors (such as venue staff and photographers / videographers), today’s professional Mobile DJs strive to provide quality entertainment that fits the event in question in terms of style and performance.

In addition, a good Mobile DJ should be able to play a client’s specific requests by incorporating them into a repertoire of party favorites. This is called "reading" the crowd.

Today, a large selection of music, professional-grade equipment, good organizational skills, vocal talent as an MC, mixing skills, quality lighting, insurance for liability, and on-site back-up equipment are all essential customer expectations when purchasing Mobile DJ services.

Some current topics of debate within the professional Mobile DJ community include moving from CDs to MP3s, full-time vs. part-time DJs, pricing, and multi-ops vs. single-ops (A multi-operator company offers several different DJs on staff for an event, while a single-operator company is owned and run by one DJ). The chief argument between most of these positions in the professional Mobile DJ community is that of quantity vs. quality, but the debate itself indicates a thriving professional business community attempting to continually redefine itself for its customers’ ever-changing needs.

Mobile DJ Associations are Formed

To improve the industry's image and create networking opportunities, Mobile DJs have formed professional associations. The Canadian Disc Jockey Association (CDJA) was one of the original associations formed in 1976 as a not-for-profit Trade association for Disc Jockeys across Canada. It was joined by a much broader online association called the Canadian Online Disc Jockey Association (CODJA), founded by Glenn Miller and Dennis Hampson. Additionally in the United States, the American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA) was formed in the 1980s, followed by the National Association of Mobile Entertainers in the late 1990s. In the UK there are 2 main DJ Associations: SEDA (South Eastern Discotheque Association) - founded in 1974 and the TVDJA (Thames Valley Disc Jockeys’ Association) - founded in 1978 and rebranded in 2004 to NADJ (National Association of Disc Jockeys).

Technology, Information Helps Make Mobile DJing More Professional

As the late 1980s turned into the 1990s, new technologies emerged. Compact Disc collections were becoming the standard. Many equipment manufacturers realized the potential market that existed for Mobile DJs and raced to make equipment that was smaller, easier to use, and of better quality. The introduction of dedicated Mobile Disc Jockey Trade publications such as DJ Times magazine, followed by Mobile Beat magazine were founded in this era as well. Manufacturers joined with computer DJing pioneers to offer professional endorsements, the first being Professor Jam, who went on to develop the industry’s first dedicated computer DJ convention and learning program, to help spread the word about the advantages of this emerging technology.

21st century Challenges

In the 21st century, the role of the Mobile Disc Jockey has expanded. Many Mobile DJs have assumed additional responsibilities to ensure an event's success. These responsibilities include the roles of MC, event organiser and coordinator, lighting director, and/or sound engineer. It is important to note that with their professional training and years of experience the professional Mobile DJ is an important part of any party or event where a crowded dancefloor is desired.