This week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday DJ spotlight, presented by QSC, shines on Christina LaRocca (DJ LRocktheParty), based out of SoCal.
Christina LaRocca is this week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday spotlight. Presented by QSC, LaRocca, known as DJ LRocktheParty, is a mobile DJ and artist hailing from NYC and now based out of Southern California.
As we dive deeper into the world of mobile DJing with DJ LRocktheParty, the face behind the DJ, Christina LaRocca – award-winning DJ, singer, musician, and producer – fills DJ LIFE in on her adventures as a traveling DJ and artist. For LaRocca, being a mobile DJ means “[she] brings the party to YOU!” and means so much more than just spinning tracks. We break down the many elements of being a mobile DJ, including what the profession means to her, current DJ setup, the pros and cons to being a mobile DJ, some DJ-related pet peeves, and so much more.
When DJ LIFE spoke with Christina LaRocca (DJ LRocktheParty) regarding all things mobile DJ, here’s how it went down…
DJ LIFE: Where are you based?
Christina LaRocca: I was born and raised in New York City, moved to Los Angeles in 2014, and am currently based in Orange County, CA.
DJ LIFE: Can you tell us about your current DJ setup?
LaRocca: I’ve recently upgraded to the brand-new QSC KC 12 speakers in white, which have completely transformed both the sound quality and aesthetics of my mobile DJ setup. The difference from my previous equipment is remarkable. Normally, I take my time to research before making any significant purchases, but when I heard these speakers at NAMM, I instantly knew they were the right choice for me. They’re also quick to set up and easy to manage, which is a huge plus.
In addition to the QSC speakers, I’m using the Pioneer DDJ Rev-7 as my DJ controller, and it’s truly an outstanding piece of equipment. Since I am also a musician, with a Top 40 cover band named Modern Highway, I also supply an array of other gear depending on the event. One standout is my Behringer X Air XR18, which has significantly improved the sound management for the band.
DJ LIFE: What does being a mobile DJ mean to you?
LaRocca: In short, it means I bring the party to YOU! But being a mobile DJ encompasses so much more than just spinning tracks. Whether you’re a solo operator or the owner of a multi-op business, you often wear many hats: sound engineer, planner, roadie, MC, lighting technician, and more. Not to mention, they are many facets of the event and the business that require your attention.
You are also usually being entrusted with some of the most significant moments in people’s lives—memories they will cherish forever. If anything goes wrong, they’ll remember that too. Let’s be realistic: most mobile DJs are not cheap, and there’s a good reason for that, even if clients don’t always understand. The pressure to deliver a perfect experience is immense, so having reliable equipment, like the KC12s, is crucial to ensuring that you can provide the best service possible.
DJ LIFE: How did you get started as a DJ?
LaRocca: Music has always been my life’s calling, a way to bring people together. Growing up, my mother and her siblings sang in wedding bands in New York City, so there was always music filling our home and family gatherings.
Before diving into DJing, I toured the world as an original artist under my name, Christina LaRocca, as well as performing in various bands as well as being a booking agent and promoter. From 2017 to 2019, I was on stage nearly 200 times a year, became a voting member of the Recording Academy, and had even garnered an official 2020 SXSW Showcase. Then the pandemic hit, and we all know the impact it had on live music.
Coming out of it, I started receiving inquiries for small backyard weddings after many venue cancellations. Having primarily played music venues, I hadn’t done many private events before. However, after a year of sewing and selling face masks on Etsy to survive, I thought it was worth exploring this new opportunity.
As I pondered the shift, it struck me that I could also offer DJ services as part of an all-inclusive package for couples, allowing them to avoid searching elsewhere. I initially thought about how simple DJing might be—like many musicians do—but I quickly realized it requires much more skill and effort than anticipated.
I have two cousins in NYC who are successful techno DJs— Avision and Victor Calderone—who have previous experience in weddings and private events from earlier in their careers. I turned to Anthony (Avision), who’s like a younger brother to me, for guidance. He provided valuable music recommendations and advice, which helped me see how much fun this could be (P.S. – go check out his tracks on Spotify). Despite it being the male dominated industry it is, I was determined to make my mark and thought to myself, “I can do this too.”
My first paid DJ gig was in May 2021 for a five-hour backyard birthday party. I played all my favorite hip hop, reggaeton, pop and house tracks, music you don’t usually play in bands. They were really happy, and I was immediately hooked. I threw myself into booking gigs, eager to learn and grow. The learning curve was steep—DJing is vastly different from being in a band, and private events bring a whole new dynamic. In a band, success relies on collaboration with multiple musicians, whereas DJing often feels like a solitary pursuit. The culture and business aspects have similarities but also significant differences.
Over time, I attended DJ events like the Mobile Entertainment Expo in Las Vegas and networked with groups like the Orange County Wedding Professionals (OCWP), which led to amazing connections, friendships, and mentorships that have been instrumental in my journey.
Looking back at how far I’ve come in just four years, I feel incredibly proud. I know there’s much more to learn, and I continue to seek mentorship, take lessons, and gain knowledge from those who have been in the game much longer than me. I’m grateful for the partnerships and friendships I’ve forged in this business and am very much looking to see what the future brings.
DJ LIFE: What are some of the biggest pros and cons of being a mobile DJ?
LaRocca: One of the biggest pros is the ability to set my own schedule, which offers a great deal of flexibility. However, I’m often working weekends, which can lead to missing out on time with friends and family who have traditional weekday schedules.
On a positive note, I have a passion for audio equipment and all aspects of bringing events to life, and being a mobile DJ gives me the perfect opportunity to invest in exciting gear. But on the flip side, that passion can get quite expensive. Whenever I consider making a significant purchase, I always ask myself, “Do I really need this?” and “Am I getting the best value for my dollar?” However, to thrive in this industry, it’s essential to stay on top of trends and ensure that all my equipment can perform well in any environment.
DJ LIFE: Do you have any DJ-related pet peeves?
LaRocca: There are too many to mention – but if I had to choose….
One of my biggest pet peeves is when I’ve just played a song from a particular artist, and someone immediately approaches me to request that same artist. I think it’s a subconscious reaction; they’re passively listening and assume it’s their original idea. It is so strange, but it happens all the time.
Another major annoyance is poor cable management by DJs or bands. There’s nothing worse than seeing cables strewn all over the place at an event. You’re on stage, and the audience is looking at YOU—keep it clean party people 🙂
