This week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday DJ spotlight, presented by QSC, shines on DJ Annalyze from Los Angeles, California.
DJ Annalyze is this week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday spotlight. Presented by QSC, Anna is a mobile DJ based out of Los Angeles, California. With two and a half decades of experience as a DJ, Anna is based out of SoCal, but has been able to tour the world doing what she loves – from China to Australia to Sweden to the Caribbean, and so much more.
We break down what being a mobile DJ means to Anna, her current DJ setup versus dream setup, favorite new gear, the biggest pros and cons of being a mobile DJ, DJ-related pet peeves, and the impact her profession has on her daily, personal, and family life – and then some.
When DJ LIFE spoke with Anna regarding all things mobile DJ, here’s how it went down…
DJ LIFE: What does being a mobile DJ mean to you?
DJ Annalyze: Being A DJ is everything I encompass. I have been doing it for two and half decades and couldn’t imagine having another trajectory. I started DJing at such a young age and have been able to tour the world from China to Australia to Sweden to Caribbean to name a few. Having an opportunity to share my musical taste and making sure the vibe and energy is on point is so incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s a club, A festival, a cruise ship or a wedding, deejaying is something I’m incredibly passionate about.
DJ LIFE: Can you tell us about your current DJ setup?
DJ Annalyze: It depends on the event, But my setup of Choice is two Pioneer CRSS-12 turntables, a Pioneer S11 mixer and two QSC k12 speakers. My mobile gigs are always a Pioneer REV-7 and my QSC k12’s. The goal is to have KC-12 columns by next year
DJ LIFE: What would your perfect or dream setup look like?
DJ Annalyze: I feel like I already have my dream setup for DJ gear, But I would love to add more sound to my already solid DJ setup. The QSC kc12 are the goal and something I see in my near future. The sound is impeccable like anything QSC does, They’re perfection!
DJ LIFE: Do you have any favorite or new gear that you’re currently using?
DJ Annalyze: I’d have to say the Pioneer CRSS-12 turntables. I was one of the DJs that had the opportunity to work on the design of them with Pioneer. They are by far my favorite piece of gear and something I absolutely treasure.
DJ LIFE: What are some of the biggest pros and cons of being a mobile DJ?
DJ Annalyze: I feel like the list of pros is endless. Vibing and creating energy to let people let loose and get lost for a few hours from their stressful lives has always been the biggest reward.
Cons:
Setting up and tearing down is def not my fav. Realizing you forgot a cord or something important. Having a sound tech that doesn’t take you seriously because your female. Or even when you get very aggressive request when you’re trying to set a vibe and already have a vision. When someone comes to request and then says, “let me think about it.”
I don’t mind request, as long as you’re not aggressive and you know what song you want, I’m all for it.
DJ LIFE: Do you have any DJ-related pet peeves?
DJ Annalyze: People’s awareness of having drinks. Whether its near my gear, Near me, Or even holding it over my gear, I’m always terrified of a spill. Broken DJ gear and people not respecting equipment. Sound techs that talk down to me because I’m female. When people clearly see you with DJ headphones on and ask you for something clearly not related to deejaying (i.e. directions, reservations, the location of the bathroom), it can mess up your whole entire vibe.
DJ LIFE: How has being a DJ impacted your personal/family life?
DJ Annalyze: I started fresh out of high school. My first set of turntables were my part of graduation gift. This career has taken my partner and myself around the world and back. It’s been nothing short of a blessing. Free vacations haha!! I’ve been thankful that my partner has always been respectful of the long hours and some of its time-consuming prep. I think my only worry ever is my hearing. In which I always wear do my best to wear musician earplugs each set.
DJ LIFE: How did you get started as a DJ?
DJ Annalyze: I was a 90’s club/raver kid. It started out as something fun to do in college. I gradually started getting booked for more shows, concerts and clubs. Before I knew it, I gained sponsorships with some pretty high end DJ gear companies and was able to make this a full-blown career.
DJ LIFE: What is the most important life lesson you have gained from your experience as a DJ?
DJ Annalyze: Patience. It’s a whole lot of patience. Having thick skin and learning not to take things personal.
