Jacobsen has been able to master running his own company, A2R Entertainment, while adapting to new local-music preferences.
Cumming, Ga. – Darryl “Jake” Jacobsen has been surrounded by music for his entire life. So, it was no surprise when Jacobsen, 58, decided to turn his love for music into his full-time job. After breaking through in the competitive New Jersey market, Jacobsen, in 2018, re-located to suburban Atlanta, where he performs for a brand-new audience.
Since moving to Cumming in Forsyth County, about 40 miles north of downtown Atlanta, Jacobsen has been able to master running his own company, A2R Entertainment, while adapting to new local-music preferences. In addition to running his own DJ company, he also likes to teach others his skills. Accordingly, at DJX in Atlantic City, N.J., this August, he’ll present his ultra-popular “Games” seminar for the 17th consecutive year. Additionally, he’ll co-host DJX’s “Millennium Mixtape” party on Aug. 7 at The Balcony venue inside the Hard Rock, where several performers will spin music from 1990 to 2010. Here’s his story:
DJ LIFE: What first got you interested in music?
Jacobsen: I have been around singing and music since birth. I come from a very musical family. My whole family were/are musicians. My dad was an amazing piano player and organist, among other instruments. He even had his own orchestra.
My mom played piano and my brother, sister, and I all play various instruments. I was literally born into music. When I’m not in DJ mode, I play guitar and sing in several bands. I also do a great deal of solo acoustic singing work at bars and parties.
DJ LIFE: Where did you decide to take your love for music into DJing? What equipment were you using?
Jacobsen: I started DJing in the mid-1980s and I remember playing through a series of different equipment at times. I worked for a multi-op. I think I was playing through a Numark mixer with old Crown amps and Peavey speakers. Oh, and I had Gemini turntables until I got my Technics 1200s.
DJ LIFE: When did you start your own company and why? What was the competition like?
Jacobsen: I went out on my own in 2003. I had lots of ideas on how I would do things if I were running a DJ company, and I wanted to give it a shot. The competition in New Jersey was incredibly heavy. There were, and are, so many talented individuals and highly successful companies. Trying to break through all the competition was quite daunting, but I made a good name for myself.
DJ LIFE: I know you have moved from the Jersey Shore to the Atlanta area. How has your new market impacted your performance and the way you run your company?
Jacobsen: Well, as you may have guessed, there is quite a bit more country music that needs to be played down here. I’ve always considered myself to be a pretty chill person, who can turn it up a few notches when it’s time to get things cooking. That vibe has worked quite well for me here.
DJ LIFE: How does your new market differ from your previous one?
Jacobsen: There is a little more nepotism here. There are DJs whose families have been in the area for a long time, and they can get parties just based on that. But I consider myself in the Atlanta market, which is a lot like the New York City market. It also does take a little longer for songs to hit it big here, compared to up north. I’m always seeing DJs on Facebook talk about new bangers in my old area, and they just don’t hit here as fast.
DJ LIFE: How does your company market itself these days?
Jacobsen: Most of what I do these days is all website, social media, and a few bridal shows thrown in to keep it interesting. I do advertise on several DJ-related websites. Since I don’t have to keep an entire staff working anymore, I don’t have to bring in as much work.
DJ LIFE: What factors do you think have helped make you and your company successful?
Jacobsen: I’ve always been an above-average MC and I have a gift for thinking along with a crowd when it comes to music selection. I do consider myself to be an outside-the-box thinker and am always wondering what I can do to give my clients a different, cool experience. I’m always messing around with how I present things on the mic to make whatever I’m saying more pleasing or “get-on-the-floor”’ inspiring. Creating different song combinations to create a desired effect is also something that never gets tiring for me.
DJ LIFE: What’s your usual DJ gear set-up these days?
Jacobsen: I still love my Denon DJ MC7000. I’m so comfortable with it. I use Virtual DJ for software, Sennheiser and Shure mics, Electro-Voice and QSC speakers, and Pioneer headphones. I have Eternal up lights and I’m still quite fond of Chauvet Gig Bars for basic lighting.
DJ LIFE: What do you think is the most common mistake DJs make, and how can people avoid it?
Jacobsen: Doing everything the same way for your entire career. Even if it works, you should shake it up just for your own sanity. I went to a wedding and saw a DJ I used to work with many years before and I was lip-syncing to everything he was saying, as I knew exactly what he was going to say next since it hadn’t changed at all in 30-plus years. I would be in a mental ward.
There’s no part of anything I do from the beginning of my career that I still do now, except create a great party. There are lots of paths to that. I also think DJs get caught up in copying other DJs instead of coming up with how to be their best selves. I may not be the greatest entertainer in the world, but I know in my heart that I’m original.
DJ LIFE: How has the business changed in the past few years? How do you think events have changed?
Jacobsen: I think couples have become programmed to micromanage every aspect of their wedding these days and don’t leave a lot of space for “cool surprises.” I used to love to surprise my couples with interesting things I came up with that they loved. Now, if it’s not listed on some kind of agenda, it feels like you’re doing something unwanted.
DJ LIFE: You’ve been involved with DJX for quite awhile, since your days working the Jersey Shore. What can DJX attendees expect from you in Atlantic City this August?
Jacobsen: This will be my 17th year running the “Games” seminar for DJX. I usually do one or two games myself, but I think the joy of the seminar is watching the various presenters I use. I have a knack for finding other awesome game people, who have amazing imaginations and like to educate their fellow DJs. It’s always the most-fun seminar of the conference, for sure. I’ll also be co-hosting the Mobile Party on Wednesday night with my good friend Mike Alevras. We already have a cold lineup of performers we think the show attendees will love.
DJ LIFE: Where do you see yourself/your company in five years?
Jacobsen: Honestly? Probably still doing this exact same thing. As I’ve gotten older, I don’t need to be a market leader or some incredibly sought-out entertainer. I just like going out and rocking parties for whoever is lucky enough to hire me. And one thing I can always do is rock a party.
Jake’s Picks: Summer Hits ’24
- “Houdini” by Eminem (Shady/Aftermath/Interscope).
- “Carnival” by ¥$ feat. Rich the Kid & Playboi Carti. (YZY).
- “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter (Island).
- “Yes, And?” by Ariana Grande (Republic).
- “Texas Hold ’Em” by Beyoncé (Parkwood/Columbia).
By: Danielle Johnson
