This week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday DJ spotlight shines on DJ Gaetano of DJ Gaetano Entertainment, based out of Philadelphia, PA.
Philadelphia-based mobile DJ Gaetano of DJ Gaetano Entertainment is this week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday spotlight. Offering award-winning and exclusive entertainment & events, DJ Gaetano Entertainment is a full-service exclusive entertainment company that specializes in weddings, corporate production, college & high school events, and more. While they may be based out of Philly, they’re available for events nationwide.
From what being a mobile DJ means to him, to his experience as a DJ, Gaetano specializes in not only DJ entertainment, but all things that come along with it. Whether it’s types of lighting, media screens, indoor fireworks and pyrotechnics, custom monograms, photo booths, marquee lettering, or dancing on the clouds, DJ Gaetano Entertainment offers live fusion/hybrid entertainment.
We recently caught up with Gaetano to discuss all things mobile DJ, and here’s how it went down…
DJ LIFE: What does being a mobile DJ mean to you?
DJ Gaetano: Having the freedom to travel to different venues, adapting to the needs of various clients and audiences. Being able to bring my skills, equipment and an entertainment experience wherever I am needed- whether it is for a wedding or corporate event.
DJ LIFE: Can you tell us about your current DJ setup? What would your perfect or dream setup look like?
DJ Gaetano: My main setup is the Pioneer DJ S9 and CDJ 2000 Nexus with Toad video booth. RCF sound from the Evox 8’s to the NX series with RCF 18 & 15-inch subs. I have the ability to be able to walk into any room and decide which sound I want to use based on room size, acoustics and crowd size.
DJ LIFE: Do you have any favorite or new gear that you’re currently using?
DJ Gaetano: My favorite gear is my live fusion musicians. I know it’s not gear but in my 15 years of experience incorporating musicians during my sets have been more valuable than a fancy new lighting fixture. That being said, I do love my S9 and CDJs. My Allen & Heath ZED60-14FX sound board is amazing.
DJ LIFE: Do you have any DJ-related pet peeves?
DJ Gaetano: Venues that still think vendors should get fed last. Venues that double book events giving the next DJ coming in little time to set up. Venues that perform ceremony services in the same room as the reception and you have to wait till they flip the room to get fully set up. I hate handling my gear twice.
DJ LIFE: How did you get started as a DJ?
DJ Gaetano: I was in love with music at a young age. At school I was always introducing my classmates to new music. When I was 15 I saved up enough money to buy a pair of turntables and a mixer leaving me just enough money for a few records. Little by little my record collection grew enough to where I was able to start DJing small teen parties which eventually led me to getting a job with a DJ company. That is where I honed in on my skills and became more open to all genres of music. The rest is history…
DJ LIFE: What is the most important life lesson you have gained from your experience as a DJ?
DJ Gaetano: Spend the money on good, high-quality gear and you’ll only have to buy it once or as often as you like to have new toys. Never let anyone set your pricing or tell you how much they want to pay. You know your worth. Build a brand and stick to it. Trust the process.
Photos by Sarah Canning Photography