This week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday DJ spotlight shines on Andres Carrera a/k/a AYOREY! of LB Productions.
Andres Carrera is this week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday spotlight. Based out of New York, he’s best known as AYOREY! and Vice President of LB Productions.
In our recent Q&A sit-down with Andres Carrera, he fills us in on all things mobile DJ, dives deeper into the pros and cons of his job, DJ-related pet peeves, and also some of the valuable lessons he’s learned during his time as a mobile DJ. As a DJ, AYOREY!, who works with and serves as VP of JB Productions out of New York, Rey also provides a weekly podcast that specializes in different genres and styles of music.
When DJ LIFE spoke with Carrera regarding all things mobile DJ, here’s how it went down…
DJ LIFE: What does being a mobile DJ mean to you?
Andres Carrera: Being a mobile DJ to me means the ability to utilize your skills, knowledge, and experience as a DJ and applying it to a larger scale production such as someone’s event whether that’s a wedding, sweet 16, anniversary, or corporate party in order to curate the type of party they anticipated. From being a “bedroom DJ” to a nightclub DJ, radio DJ, and then a mobile DJ, you learn the different requirements of each category and I can tell you that Mobile DJing is the most intricate. This not only requires your technical skills as a DJ, the knowledge of the equipment required, but having the ability to interact and communicate with others to understand their needs and vision for their event, while at the same time trying to convey who you personally are as the talent that they are hiring for their event. Not to mention all the preparation and planning that goes on behind the scenes to make it all happen. I would say that being a mobile DJ is the full package because you need to know all aspects of the event from the music, lighting, and production.
DJ LIFE: Can you tell us about your current DJ setup? What would your perfect or dream setup look like?
Carrera: My current DJ setup in my home studio is two Technic SL-1200MK5s and a DJM-S7 mixer. I currently run the Technics with PHASE but occasionally I still run my Serato Timecode Vinyl’s with the Shure M44-7 cartridge and JICO stylus. When it comes to my mobile gigs, I still run the Pioneer SRT-1000 for the majority of gigs because of its versatility, features, and mobility. In my opinion it’s still one of the most solid controllers available and I’m looking to pick up the Pioneer REV-7 because of the layout and moving platters. I’m a vinyl guy at heart so that controller provides the perfect mix in my opinion. Lastly, when it comes to sound, my current setup consists of a complete RCF system. Running the 700 series for the tops and 8000 series for the subs. I combine different setups depending on the size of the crowd and dimensions of the venue/room.
Dream setup would be my home studio setup but with the Pioneer S11 mixer on custom DJ furniture.
DJ LIFE: Do you have any favorite or new gear that you’re currently using?
Carrera: I must say that the PHASE integration into my setup was truly game changing. Those PHASE remotes completely eliminated the need for needles and the issues that arise with them. Also, they are very accurate, and it allows me to still scratch, mix, and record on my Technics while not having to worry about skipping or issues with the vinyl. I love new innovative technology, and this is hands down my favorite DJ gear to use.
DJ LIFE: What are some of the biggest pros and cons of being a mobile DJ?
Carrera:
PROS: You are in full control of the production of the event. From the planning, to curating the music, it all comes down to you and your preparation. Clients rely on your expertise to help them create and execute the vision they had for their event. It’s a completely different ballgame than a nightclub DJ, since the experience there is more correlated to the venue itself and the owner’s expectation.
In relation to having full production control of an event, you also have full control of your own work schedule and growth as a DJ. The mobile DJ business has amazing growth potential for any DJ looking to expand further in their career since the income is substantially higher than most resident Club or Lounge gigs. You truly can turn this into a full-time business, as I have, and expand it to becoming something much bigger than yourself.
As a DJ, having the ability to incorporate your style and creative skills to curate the music and entertainment for someone’s event is a dream come true. Every DJ can tell you that the worst part of the job is when you’re either limited or when DJing itself becomes boring because you have to play the same music week in and week out. Mobile DJing provides a mix of different types of events on a weekly basis that keeps you on your toes and your skills sharp. At the end of the day the client chose you because of your talent and style.
This one here can be both on the PROS and CONS list depending on how you look at it but your equipment and setup. Almost all of us DJs nerd out when it comes to gear and being able to build your own setup that represents who you are as a DJ and utilize it at an event is truly fun. As you expand in your mobile DJ business, you get to constantly upgrade your equipment and personalize your presentation which adds to the creativity aspect of this career. Who doesn’t love to purchase and try out new gear?!
CONS:
The first CON on my list is the financial barrier that exists when it comes to fully becoming a mobile DJ. Not to say it isn’t possible since nowadays you can borrow equipment from a friend or rent it out from a local DJ store but nonetheless more equipment is required to be a mobile DJ than any other category. From the laptop, headphones, controller and/or mixer with turntables, cables, speakers, microphones, and the list goes on. I can see how from an entry point, it can seem overwhelming. But just like with anything in life, everything takes time, and you’ll build your setup one piece at a time.
The second CON would be the level of responsibility you hold for someone’s event. For the most part, mobile DJing requires you to be part of someone’s most memorable and/or important event which a DJ can make or break. Your client is heavily investing on their event and you’re an integral part of it. Many of these events, especially weddings, are a one-time show so there is no room for error. As the saying goes “you’re only as good as your last event”.
My third CON on this list would be related to one of my PROS which is having full control. While being able to work on your own schedule and having a more lucrative income is great, all the behind-the-scenes tasks that are required to work an event is definitely taxing. There is so much work that goes into an event that you have to do your due diligence and that’s not to mention your personal work that is required to keep elevating your brand. Such as with any entrepreneur, you have to work around the clock to keep your brand and business moving forward. From promoting your brand, meeting and booking a client, planning the music and entertainment for their event, and actually working the event itself, there are so many moving parts of the process that you truly do work 24/7. I still technically wouldn’t put this on my CONS list but for many people this type of workload and pressure is a make-or-break deal when choosing to become a mobile DJ.
DJ LIFE: Do you have any DJ-related pet peeves?
Carrera: I think many DJs can relate to this one but it’s when someone is inconsiderate of others and DEMANDS a request. I for one do take requests at an event but of course I would only play the track if it’s suitable and fits within the mix of the night. Unfortunately, there is always someone who “knows better” what the crowd wants and demands a request but really it almost always comes down to just their own needs.
DJ LIFE: How has being a DJ impacted your personal/family life?
Carrera: Oh, this is a really good question. This one here ties into one of the points I touched upon in my CONS list of being a mobile DJ, which refers to the amount of work that goes into this career. Any mobile DJ can agree with me that we’ve missed out on many family and personal events due to the nature of the business. Although we are part of many other people’s life events, in return we tend to miss out on our own. Most of our gigs are on weekends, which also happen to be the days our own family and friends tend to throw their own events and due to scheduling conflicts we often miss out. In addition, in regard to personal life, I’m fortunate enough to have such an amazing partner that luckily I haven’t had to endure some of the hardships I’ve seen some of my other DJ friends go through when it comes to relationships. Like I mentioned, this is a 24/7 job, and our main work is at parties so I can see how this can greatly impact someone’s relationship with a significant other, so please keep that in mind. Lastly, when it comes to family, I was also fortunate enough to have supportive people around my side. When I first started DJing wasn’t considered a “real” job let alone a career but just like with anything, if you put your mind to something you can make it happen.
DJ LIFE: How did you get started as a DJ?
Carrera: Ah yes the good old “how did it all begin” question. I grew up in a Spanish household listening to Salsa, Merengue, Reggaeton, Latin Pop, and more but it was the Hip-Hop culture that got me into DJing. I was fascinated by all aspects of the culture from the music, graffiti, breakdancing, and fashion which led me to creating my own mixtapes and designing my own cover art for them. It was in high school where many of my friends and others requested a copy of the mixtapes that I was creating which resulted in people advising that maybe I should look into DJing the school formals and parties. Just like any other person I didn’t know where to start or if it even was a possibility but after doing some research into the craft I began to get involved. What truly kicked things off was heading over to a friend’s house to watch him practice a routine on his turntables that captivated my attention, and I was introduced to turntablism. This for me made DJing such a fun and creative way to mess around with music that I never thought possible. Long story short, this evolved from showcasing some of my own routines, to DJing some of my friend’s parties to where I am now which is truly mind-blowing.
DJ LIFE: What is the most important life lesson you have gained from your experience as a DJ?
Carrera: To be quite honest there are several but for me personally is the ability to always give more of yourself to others. This career has allowed me to learn so many cool tricks, discover great music, buy and use fun equipment and learn many new skills but at the end of it all it goes to making someone else’s day or event memorable. In addition, from growing as a DJ to owning a multi-OP company, it allows me to pay it forward by sharing my experience and knowledge in the game to other DJs, especially ones that are up and coming in the field, so they can become even better DJs. At the end of the day, you should always take everything you learn and experience in life and pay-it-forward.
Photo Credit: Verma Photography