This week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday DJ spotlight brightly shines on Jaymie Perez, who has nearly 10 years of experience in the industry.
As a knowledgeable and qualified event specialist with nearly a decade of experience, DJ Jaymie Perez has earned a proven track record of success with regards to event planning, developing customized timelines, and providing professional help with fun and ease wrapped into one phenomenal experience.
Jaymie Perez performed at the very-first Sunset Sessions, presented by QSC, which made its debut this past August at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Whether private events, corporate gigs, expos, weddings, nightlife, and more, Jaymie truly does it all!
DJ LIFE recently caught up with Jaymie Perez to discuss all things mobile DJ and more, and here’s how it went down…
DJ LIFE: What does being a mobile DJ mean to you?
Jaymie Perez: Being a mobile DJ means everything to me. I get to share in people’s most magical and memorable experiences of their lifetime. Sometimes that means someone’s wedding or their Mitzvah. It can mean celebrating a milestone anniversary or unveiling something awesome for a major corporation. Putting forth all of my passion and energy into the success of these events from concept to creation is not only extremely rewarding, it also fills my heart with special memories. My clients’ moments are my memories too. It is an indescribable feeling walking into someone’s wedding or event, and they run to you with open arms SO THRILLED that you are a pivotal part of their big day. Being able to allow hundreds or thousands of people at a time forget the trials and tribulations of real life for a few hours and just let loose and create wonderful experiences together is such a blessing and a gift.
DJ LIFE: What can you share with us about your current/preferred DJ setup? How about your perfect or dream DJ setup?
Perez: I personally own and use a pioneer FLX10 with my custom molded Ultimate Ears (UE11s) with my QSC sound system. Certain gigs provide equipment for me which usually consists of CDJs but it’s always different depending on who books the gig and the style of event. My preferred set up is up on a stage platform elevated from the crowd and since I’m only 5 foot tall – it’s nice to be able to able to see the crowd and have the crowd see me!
DJ LIFE: Do you have any favorite/go-to or new gear that you’ve been utilizing lately?
Perez: My UE11s are my latest investment, and I am OBSESSED. So comfortable… I don’t leave gigs with my ears ringing or fatigued from the heavy headphones weighing down on my ears for several hours. My next investment after I close on my home is going to the latest Bunn Booth. Our company owns a few but I need my own personal one. I love the style – so sleek! And I mentioned – being very small in stature I stand out more with a Bunn Booth than hiding behind a large facade.
DJ LIFE: What are some of your biggest pet peeves as a DJ?
Perez: Biggest pet peeves would be the lack of respect when people assume I only party for a couple hours on a Saturday. They have no idea how much planning goes into each event. They also have no idea that some gigs end up being a 16–20-hour days with the traveling, setting up, performing, breaking down, driving back to the office, etc. We work so hard in this industry, but most only see the fun party action and not the hustle. Another pet peeve would be the rude way of receiving requests during gigs, such as getting someone’s phone shoved in your face. Or the incessant tapping on your shoulder while you’re mid transition… we don’t show up to their office and tap them while they’re on a phone call, do we?! The complete disregard for our equipment also goes without saying as a biggest peeve. This past weekend someone threw a drink and fried my controller… Lastly, being discredited as a professional for being a female. There’s times when women get booked specifically for being women but those are few and far between. The ladies have to work twice as hard to get recognition. On more than one occasion I have been told I am not capable of doing the job because I am a woman… Hold my drink real quick, let me prove them wrong! 
DJ LIFE: Share the pros and cons of being a mobile DJ with us…
Perez:
Pros: So many pros but I would say the most stand out ones are meeting new people all the time and celebrating life every week. It’s also really special to be such a huge part in someone’s milestone event. Traveling the world and working with high profile clientele and artists is a pretty fabulous perk as well! It’s also pretty cool that being a mobile DJ allows me to travel the world and sprinkle happiness everywhere I go!
Cons: Well, this list is a little longer but I’ll try to keep it in a positive tone… SUPER late nights are tough especially when you have to be up the next day early and rock out for another event. Another con has to do with the lifestyle it tends to force me to live. I don’t have a regime or set schedule and the late-night crappy food isn’t always ideal but you also can’t be on the road with your healthy food. I try to eat clean and cook my food during the week but that can get difficult to manage at times when I’m always on the road. Living out of suitcases/hotels and the incessant laundry gets out of control sometimes too…. Lastly, the sacrifices we make to be in this industry. Being a weekend warrior means sacrificing a lot of personal moments in my friends and family’s lives, meaning you miss a lot. It leads to be a little lonely at times but luckily, I have an amazing support system around me! I truly am blessed!
Visit Jaymie’s website for more information at jaymieperez.com.
