This week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday DJ spotlight, presented by QSC, shines on Jeremy Bates a/k/a DJ Jer Bear.
Jeremy Bates is this week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday spotlight. Presented by QSC, Bates a/k/a DJ Jer Bear is a mobile DJ with 20 years of experience as a motivational speaker. Using live music to engage audiences and teach life lessons, for Bates, being a mobile DJ serves as an additional outlet for him to facilitate meaningful emotional memories. Given the opportunity to further use his expertise to read a room and adapt on the fly, Bates admits that being a DJ means the world to him.
Upon further discussion with Jeremy, we touch on his current DJ setup, the biggest pros and cons of being a mobile DJ, his biggest pet peeve, the impact his chosen career path has on his personal and family life, the most important lesson he’s learned thus far as a mobile DJ, and more.
When DJ LIFE spoke with Bates regarding all things mobile DJ, here’s how it went down…
DJ LIFE: What does being a mobile DJ mean to you?
Jeremy Bates: Having spent 20 years on stage as a motivational speaker who uses live music to engage audiences and teach life lessons, being a mobile DJ gives me another musical outlet to facilitate meaningful emotional memories that never dissipate. It’s also another opportunity to use my expertise in reading a room, adapting on the fly, and creating an environment where everyone feels included. Because of those things—along with my passion for working with people and exceeding expectations—being a DJ means the world to me.
DJ LIFE: What does your current DJ setup consist of?
Bates: My current setup includes a MacBook Pro, Rane 4 Performer, Command Center Booth from Bunn Gear, and QSC KC12 speakers.
DJ LIFE: Can you share some of the biggest pros and cons of being a mobile DJ?
Bates: The biggest pros are getting to play and listen to music every hour you work, being a part of the most formative and important days in people’s lives, and having a fun, creative outlet to express your style. The biggest cons are the physical toll of loading in and out, and that peak work hours often conflict with personal and family time. When you are the party, you miss a lot of parties.
DJ LIFE: What’s your biggest pet peeve about being a mobile DJ?
Bates: My biggest pet peeve is when clients want to get too involved in curating playlists, ultimately handcuffing you while you’re performing.
DJ LIFE: How has being a DJ impacted your personal and family life?
Bates: After traveling the country for the last 20 years for work, it’s actually been a refreshing change. Yes, I work a lot of nights and weekends, but now I get to come home—which is incredibly important to me. DJing has also brought more music into our home, as I dive deep into new artists and songs. That’s a pretty great side effect.
DJ LIFE: What’s the most important life lesson you’ve learned thus far as a mobile DJ?
Bates: The most important life lesson I’ve learned—or more accurately, had reinforced—is that preparation is critical, but it’s not everything. Knowing your music and having solid mixing skills is essential, but equally important is your ability to be aware, flexible, and in tune with the energy of your audience. Life is about being present and meeting people where they are, and DJing is no different. We just have an amazing tool to create that connection.
