Have You Noticed that Everyone Wants to be a DJ?

by June Hoffman of Megasound

First, I shook my head when people said that the I-pod would make a great DJ replacement.

Then I saw the advertisements for the new “DJ Hero” game. I thought this might be good training for the next generation of disc jockey hopefuls. You know - really give them an education for what it would be like in the real world of spinning tunes, creating awesome segues and mixes, and packing the floor with throngs of dancers.

Now, I am unsure if I should be honored or fall on the floor in laughter at the news that Jay-Z wants to be an expensive “wedding DJ” with a really cool DJ name. Jay-Z is talking about offering video and dancers and on-queue champagne and music. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, has a whole plan and once he perfects this plan, he intends on finding out what the top-priced DJ charges and then wants to double that price. Maybe some people would be excited at the idea of having Jay-Z as the reception entertainment and shelling out $10,000+.

Jay-Z wants to perform at Bar-mitzvahs and weddings and tour. He said: “I’m definitely going to go by a different name. I want people to hear it and be like, DJ Wow!’. It’s got to look good in lights.” Hello?!? Has anyone mentioned to Jay-Z “who” the focus is at weddings?

Jay-Z might be a real boost for the wedding DJ market though. He said that when he gets better at the craft, he would charge more. Nationwide, most disc jockey rates have been artificially low and have not even kept up with the cost of living or the real costs of doing business.

I see both sides of the appeal of Jay-Z being a wedding DJ. I have my doubts as to whether many brides and grooms would actually want to pay for Jay-Z to DJ their wedding. Now, if Jay-Z wants to learn the ropes of being a quality wedding disc jockey, he can always intern in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I am pretty sure there a quite a few excellent wedding entertainment directors in California, Las Vegas, Atlanta, and beyond, that would spend some worthwhile time assisting Jay-Z in perfecting his DJ skills as well.

I even came up with a catchy business card for Jay-Z on his new venture.