DJ Jennie Smith [Mobile Monday Spotlight]

This week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday DJ spotlight, presented by QSC, shines on DJ Jennie Smith of Our DJ Rocks from Orlando, Florida.

Jennie Smith is this week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday spotlight. Presented by QSC, DJ Jennie Smith of Our DJ Rocks is based out of Orlando, Florida. When it comes to being a mobile DJ, Jennie admits: “At first, it was all about the excitement of live events and the thrill of the dance floor. But over time, my perspective shifted.” Her mentality towards DJing has since become more client-focused, especially having been in the Orlando event industry for 25 years. The relationships you build as a mobile DJ are special and go beyond the event itself.

From DJ Jennie Smith’s current DJ setup to dream setup, new and favorite gear, pros and cons to her profession, DJ-related pet peeves, getting started as a DJ, and how being a DJ has impacted her personal and family life, our conversation with Jennie covers all these topics and more.

When DJ LIFE spoke with Jennie Smith regarding all things mobile DJ, here’s how it went down…

DJ LIFE: What does being a mobile DJ mean to you?

DJ Jennie Smith: My family always jokes, “Of course Jennie found a job where she gets to party every day!” It’s very TRUE! But in reality, being a mobile DJ is so much more than that. I’ve been in the Orlando event industry for 25 years, dabbling in photography and event planning before finally finding my true home in the event world… behind the decks at Our DJ Rocks.

At first, it was all about the excitement of live events and the thrill of the dancefloor. But over time, my perspective shifted. Now, it’s about my clients, helping them celebrate life’s biggest moments and building relationships that go beyond the event itself. Every event is personal and unique, and seeing a vision come to life. Knowing I played a role in someone’s most special day is what keeps me going.

DJ LIFE: Can you tell us about your current DJ setup?

DJ Jennie Smith: I use a Pioneer SRT-1000 DJ controller with Virtual DJ and my absolute favorite speakers, the new QSC KC12s. They’re sleek, powerful, and a total game-changer in both sound quality and aesthetics. With a 3-way design and 3000 watts of peak power, they deliver crystal-clear audio that makes a massive difference for my clients.

Since I DJ events ranging from intimate 100-person gatherings to massive 2,000-guest ballrooms, my setup needs to be flexible. I use line arrays for Indian weddings, K12.2s, K8s for ceremonies, and even the CP series for smaller spaces, they all have a time and place depending on the event!

DJ LIFE: What would your perfect or dream setup look like?

DJ Jennie Smith: Give me an all-white setup any day of the week—I love the clean, classy aesthetic. But beyond looks, my dream setup would be effortless to transport, quick to set up and break down, and packed with cutting-edge wireless technology.

I also love thinking outside the box when it comes to setups. One of my favorites? We once produced a full DJ experience… in a hot tub!

DJ LIFE: Do you have any favorite or new gear that you’re currently using?

DJ Jennie Smith: I’m OBSESSED with the new QSC KC12 speakers—they’ve totally changed how I approach sound at different types of events. They’re sleek, powerful, and deliver that next-level clarity that my clients didn’t even know they needed!

I’m also experimenting with the Pioneer FLX10 for some of the DJs on our team, and my new ceremony rack setup has been an exciting addition to my workflow.

DJ LIFE: What are some of the biggest pros and cons of being a mobile DJ?

DJ Jennie Smith:
DJ Pros: Creating moments where people can let loose and celebrate life’s biggest milestones. Watching a packed dance floor, seeing a couple completely lost in their first dance, or feeling the energy shift when you drop the perfect song, it is all pure magic. My weekends aren’t just fun, they’re unforgettable! Also, watching grandmas Drop it Low at 10PM is definitely a plus.

DJ Cons: The only time I question if I love this job? Breakdown at 2AM! Packing up after a high-energy night is rough! But on a deeper level, this job comes with high stakes. We’re creating moments that cannot be remade, which means perfection is the expectation and standard. That pressure is real, and it’s both mentally and physically and emotionally demanding. Pro tip… hydration is key, even if currently it’s a little more Dr. Pepper than water.

DJ LIFE: Do you have any DJ-related pet peeves?

DJ Jennie Smith: Oh, 100%! Where do I even start?

• Skies getting dark 20 minutes before the ceremony, and there’s no backup rain plan.
• Venues – If your building can barely power a toaster, we have a problem. I have definitely played a bride’s processional from my car speakers before!
• If I never hear the “Cha Cha Slide” again, it’ll be too soon.

That being said, I’ll always find a way to make the night epic, come rain, bad power, or group dances included.

DJ LIFE: How has being a DJ impacted your personal/family life?

DJ Jennie Smith: My word of the year for 2025 is “intention.” I’m prioritizing my family, kids, and making sure those moments don’t get lost in the hustle. My family also knows the golden rule: if it’s not on the calendar early, an engaged couple might steal the date!

Being a DJ, a wife to my amazing husband Tim, and a mom of four has taught me the importance of balance. Late nights and weekends mean I’ve missed some personal milestones, but I’ve also become fiercely intentional about making time for the people who matter most. From family to friends.

I also have to give a huge shout-out to Our DJ Rocks here—this isn’t just a “gig job” for me. It’s a full-time career that provides for my family, with real benefits like insurance and a 401K. That kind of stability in the DJ world is something I’m incredibly grateful for!

DJ LIFE: How did you get started as a DJ?

DJ Jennie Smith: I never planned on becoming a DJ—it kind of found me. I’ve always been drawn to the event industry, starting out in photography and event planning. I also grew up singing  and playing the piano, so music was always a part of my life.

I had no idea where to start, but I knew I wanted in. So, I walked up to Kristin at Our DJ Rocks and said, “I want to work for you. Will you teach me how to DJ?” That bold move changed everything. She told me to go apply, and I told her “I already did last night!” The rest is history.

Learning to DJ was challenging, but I loved every second of it. I spent months practicing, studying music and programming, and understanding the flow of an event, and how to MC. Now I do about 70 events a year and am the full time Sales Director at Our DJ Rocks. I know this is exactly where I was meant to be.

DJ LIFE: What is the most important life lesson you have gained from your experience as a DJ?

DJ Jennie Smith: Love. Lead. Excel.

At Our DJ Rocks, our motto is to love what we do, lead by example, and exceed our clients’ expectations. Over the years, these have become personal words that I carry into every part of my life.

More than anything, DJing has taught me to be authentic, trust my instincts, and never stop learning. Music connects people in a way nothing else can, and I’m grateful every day that I get to be part of that magic.