Because I love to shoot solo and typically do so, it is always so nice to arrive to the reception space after many hours of shooting a wedding day and see a friendly, familiar face. This is why I get so excited when a couple tells me that they’ve booked Mike Reilly as their wedding DJ. Mike and I go back a couple years and when I walk into a ballroom and see him standing behind the deck, I get absolutely pumped for the amazing night that I know is sure to lay ahead. Mike can read the energy of a room with serious skill and I’ve never shot a wedding that he’s DJed in which the dancefloor isn’t packed from the very first song that’s played until the very last. Mike is simply a kickass DJ, but beyond that he is a genuinely kind guy – he truly, truly cares about his couples and their guests and when he arrives on location to it is with a clear and passionate objective in mind: to make sure every single person in the room has the night of their lives, most namely the couple who’s being celebrated! It’s an honor and a pleasure to work beside him – every wedding he DJ’s is more fun because of his presence!
How did you get your start in DJing? How did your business take shape? Can you share a little bit about the journey that brought you to where you are today?
I have been in the DJ industry since 1992. I got started by some not so happy circumstances. My cousin Tony was the owner of local DJ business with a good friend of his, when he was killed in a car accident in March of 1992. I was in my senior year of high school at the time. Shortly thereafter, I took over for him and worked with his partner, Jeff, for about 10 years. We did everything from wedding, parties, bars, proms, you name it. We played records, tapes and CD’s. This was way before laptops and the digital MP3 era. You either had it with you or you didn’t. We would roll in with four crates of vinyl. It was so much fun spinning records – I miss it. I’ll never forget my first gig; I was so nervous I didn’t want to talk on the mic at all. My partner Jeff was the MC and I did most of the DJ’ing for quite a while until I overcame my fear of the mic. Now it comes second nature. Around 2000 we decided to take a break and stop for a while. In the mid 2000’s I got back into it myself and built the business back up. Today I do about 60 weddings per year and a bunch of other events as well. I even have a Mirror Photo Booth division that just debuted last spring.
What factors do you think every couple should take into account when choosing a wedding DJ?
This is a great question….First put price in the back of your mind if at all possible. There are DJ’s out there from 200 dollars to 3000 dollars. And there is a huge difference as to why they charge what they do. Make sure you are comfortable with the DJ you choose, you like him or her, and trust them. The DJ you choose will lay the soundtrack and foundation for the day, serving as your Master Of Ceremonies as well as your DJ. They will be your spokesman. Ask your DJ how long they have been in the business. Ask about their qualifications. Ask if they attend regular industry professional training throughout the year. Any professional DJ should do all of these things. The average cost of a wedding DJ in the Capital Region is around 1200. Make sure you are spending around that or more. Don’t trust your wedding day to someone for 200 dollars, there are no do-overs in this business. And if the DJ starts talking about how great they are, it’s all about them and they think they are the best, run away fast.
What do you think sets you apart from other local DJs? What unique experiences/services/etc do you offer your couples?
This need to be all about your couples…Its not about the DJ. It all happens because of them. And this is how I approach each and every event. As I have said, I have been in this business for over 20 years. I have done over 1000 events. I do a great job of reading the crowds and making adjustments on the fly throughout the day. I use my experience to create amazing moments for my clients. I pride myself on being there for my clients 24/7. In today’s world people want answers to their questions right away. And with me that’s what they get. I always tell my couples they can call, email, FB message, text or come by my office. I am here for them for whatever they need, even if its not music related. We start as strangers and end as friends. Customer service needs to be 110% in this business. I offer my clients DJ services, lighting, sound for ceremonies, customized monograms, online planning tools and my newest offerin — the Mirror Me Photo Booth. It’s a monster hit so far!
Can you talk a bit about what inspired your recent rebrand? How do you think the new face of your business reflects your energy and objective?
I am one of those people who are never satisfied with where I am. I am always looking for ways to better myself and my business. This all leads to a better client experience. In this particular re-brand, I changed my business name. I went from CT Productions, which was the original name from years ago, to DJ Mike Reilly Entertainment. I found that most people know me as DJ Mike Reilly and recognize me as such. So I felt that it would be best to make it easy for my clients to find me. I started with a new logo, followed by a whole new website. I am super happy with the way it came out! As a business owner you always need to be pushing the boundaries of creativity. No one wants to see the same thing over and over, year after year. You need to re-invent yourself once in a while and push forward. Always be learning!
Tell us about what inspires you…
My family. My wife is a cancer survivor. She has incredible strength and determination. She is a remarkable person who never quits. And my daughter, Grace, who is my world. She is so smart and caring. I try to learn from both of them. I am also inspired each and every week when I have the honor to share in my couple’s special day. There is no greater honor then being chosen by a couple to be their DJ one one of their biggest days of their lives.
Find, follow, and contact Mike of DJ Mike Reilly Entertainment
Website: DJ Mike Reilly
Wedding Wire: DJ Mike Reilly Entertainment
FB: DJ Mike Reilly Entertainment
Instagram: @djmikereilly
