What for you are the key cornerstones of a great DJ set?
For me, it's the connection with the crowd. Music is obviously so important, but it's that relationship with the people in the room which matters the most. It doesn't matter if it's a huge set to thousands or an intimate gig to only a handful, the ones that stick out in my memory the most are the ones where the DJ and the people in the crowd are absolutely on the same page. When you get that trust, when you know what to expect from each other and you share that energy, those are the best DJ sets, hands down.
What 5 artists best represent your variety and diversity of musical tastes?
Limp Bizkit, Chic & Sister Sledge, Fred Again, Billy Joel, Ultrabeat!
Do you think DJing a wedding differs in any way from a regular DJ set - and if so, how? - or do the core principles remain the same?
Interesting question! I think the core principles are the same - DJing is, and has always been, about knowing the right music to play at the right time, and telling a compelling story. But with weddings, versus say a club gig or a festival set, that story is about the couple. My job as a wedding DJ is to take the music you love, and stitch it together in a way that tells your story over the course of the night. That's the challenge, and one of the parts of the job I love the most.
What one track is your surefire guaranteed floorfiller?
I'm a big fan of keeping things familiar and fun, without being cheesy. But this one has to be a go-to in most wedding DJ's sets: Earth Wind & Fire - September. Just a solid, well-loved disco classic, that's as much a hit with the younger age group as it is with the 'oldies'!
Fundamentally, what can a couple expect from you as their wedding DJ?
For the 15 years prior to focusing on weddings full-time, I played at all sorts of different spaces and events - from dubstep and drum 'n' bass raves, to hip-hop and r'n'b spots, and from upmarket lounge bars to filthy little dive clubs playing rock and metal! I always try to bring some of that energy to the dancefloor. For me, your party should be how you want it. No genre is out-of-bounds. No era or vibe should be off the table. I've got plenty of experience to help guide you as to what will work (and what might not), but what's most important to me is that we work together so you get to hear the music you want at your wedding.
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For the full interview with Tom, head over to our Meet the DJ blog to get to know him even better!
