This week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday DJ spotlight shines on DJ Rell E Rell, founder of Rell E Rell Productions.
DJ Rell E Rell is this week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday spotlight. Based out of Twinsburg, Ohio, Darrell Newsom is the founder of Rell E Rell Productions.
Specializing in events of all kinds, Rell E Rell Productions is available for upcoming weddings, private events, sporting events, graduations, birthdays, 360 photo booths, and uplighting opportunities. Upon our sit-down with Newsom, he reveals what being a mobile DJ means to him, elaborates on his current DJ setup, dream DJ setup, life lessons learned from being a mobile DJ, the impact being a DJ has had on his personal and family life, and some of the biggest pros and cons of working in the space.
When DJ LIFE spoke with Darrell Newsom regarding all things mobile DJ, here’s how it went down…
DJ LIFE: What does being a mobile DJ mean to you?
Darrell Newsom: I love moving around and having the opportunity to do different types of events in different locations. I never like being stuck in one genre of music. So, when you hire me you are not just getting a good DJ but you’re getting an EXPERIENCE! I am going to take you on a ride!
DJ LIFE: Can you tell us about your current DJ setup? What would your perfect or dream setup look like?
Newsom: Currently I am using QSC K-12’s as my tops paired with QSC KS118 Subs. I run them through my Allen & Heath mixing Board and use Shure Mics. I have Chauvet lighting, ILS Gig Bar Move and Bar light, and Glow tube lighting as well, and I’m using the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7.
The ultimate setup would include everything above along with my turntables and Pioneer DJ S-11 Mixer, a large video wall and video DJ Booth, and more lighting for the entire room!
DJ LIFE: What are some of the biggest pros and cons of being a mobile DJ?
Newsom:
Pros: Well, the pay is great! I love the independence of working when and where I want to, and I am not stuck in one location or venue. Being able to travel is great.
Cons: There is a lot of work to set up and tear down for events. Events typically can be 12–16-hour days. It’s also hard to take vacations because of the schedule. Summer months are the peak wedding season for me so it’s hard to get time off.
DJ LIFE: How has being a DJ impacted your personal/family life?
Newsom: Being a DJ has helped me realize my purpose and that is healing people through music! Music is the one universal language that everyone can relate to. It can make you feel all the emotions from happy to sad and everything in between. To be able to help people get through something they are dealing with by playing music is powerful. I am a therapist in a lot of ways. I provide Musical therapy that soothes the soul. Music is also the center of my family life. There is literally music playing in my home 24 hours a day and you will hear all genres and everything my wife and kids do is centered around music.
DJ LIFE: What is the most important life lesson you have gained from your experience as a DJ?
Newsom: To enjoy every moment to the fullest and do not take anything for granted. People hire me to be a part of the most important events in their lives and I do not take that lightly. They could have gone anywhere else, but they chose me. I have been a DJ for over 34 years, and I am still honored and humbled anytime someone hires me to DJ an event for them.