This week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday DJ spotlight, presented by QSC, shines on Alex Dingmann of 3rd Shift DJs from the Chicagoland area.
Alex Dingmann is this week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday spotlight. Presented by QSC, Dingmann, owner of 3rd Shift DJs, is based out of the Chicagoland area, and services IL, WI, MN, IN & MI.
Upon our sit-down with Alex, we break down how he first got his start as a DJ, which all began during the first week of the pandemic in March of 2020. Since then, the rest is history. With a love for DJing, creating music and memories, Dingmann likes to create new, fun, and unique experiences for each event or party he and he his team host.
The discussion continues with his current DJ setup, favorite and new gear he’s currently using, and diving deeper into some of the biggest pros and cons of being a mobile DJ. Like many fields, the profession comes along with plenty of benefits and upsides but also has its downsides. We wrapped up our conversation with some of his biggest pet peeves, the impact being a mobile DJ has on his personal and family life, and the most important life lesson he’s gained thus far in his career as a DJ.
When DJ LIFE spoke with Dingmann regarding all things mobile DJ, here’s how it went down…
DJ LIFE: How did you get started as a DJ?
Alex Dingmann: It all started the first week of lockdown in March of 2020. I turned to my wife and said, “if we don’t leave this thing with a new skill, this is just wasted time.” I reached out to my buddy Nick Schnider in MN who is a dang good club DJ there and he’s also the DJ for the MN Wild Hockey team. He set me up and the rest is history.
DJ LIFE: What does being a mobile DJ mean to you?
Dingmann: I love DJing, creating music & memories. Each and every event or party we host I try to create a new, fun & unique experience for everyone.
DJ LIFE: Can you tell us about your current DJ setup?
Dingmann: All of our DJs have amazing setups. I jumped on the QSC KC12 bandwagon and I am absolutely LOVING IT! These are the best speakers I have ever had. I have two other DJs on my team that are getting them as well.
DJ LIFE: Do you have any favorite or new gear that you’re currently using?
Dingmann: I have a lot of gear both new and classic, that I use. I personally love using the Pioneer DDJ SRT 1000.
DJ LIFE: What are some of the biggest pros and cons of being a mobile DJ?
Dingmann: The pro to being a great mobile DJ is that you can create a party anywhere. It has taught me to be even more prepared for everything. The downside… man… this stuff gets heavy after a while. That’s another reason why I like the QSC KC12s. I can grab and carry both subs at the same time.
DJ LIFE: Do you have any DJ-related pet peeves?
Dingmann: Without a doubt, my biggest pet peeve is when I spend hours making my setup look amazing, only to have a photographer dump all their junk near my table and then make it look like trash.
DJ LIFE: How has being a DJ impacted your personal/family life?
Dingmann: The DJ life can be challenging for a family of 5. With 3 young kids, their time with me is now. I only have a short period with them in this stage where they think dad is the coolest thing ever. My wife Lindsay is a huge encouragement to me to help keep me focused on my priorities, and I am lucky to have her.
DJ LIFE: What is the most important life lesson you have gained from your experience as a DJ?
Dingmann: You’re not as cool as you think you are. People don’t love you like you think they do. They love the experience that you’re helping create.
