This week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday DJ spotlight, presented by QSC, shines on Norah Utley of MODERN LOVE DJS from Chicago.
Norah Utley is this week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday spotlight. Presented by QSC, Norah is a mobile DJ with MODERN LOVE DJS, based out of Chicago. As a lifelong music enthusiast, Norah’s journey from the city’s punk scene in the ‘90s to becoming a thriving wedding and event DJ is as inspiring as it is authentic.
With deep roots in record collecting, live performing, and nearly every corner of the music industry – from working at record stores to running her own label – Norah has built a career that perfectly blends passion and purpose. After nearly a decade honing her craft with a local multi-op, she launched her own company, MODERN LOVE DJS, in 2024. Since then, she’s been on a mission to bring energy, connection, and creativity to every celebration she spins for.
When DJ LIFE spoke with Utley regarding all things mobile DJ, here’s how it went down…
DJ LIFE: How did you get started as a DJ?
Norah Utley: I got started DJing in the punk scene, back in the 90s! I would spin punk, garage, and rock on vinyl at various bars in Chicago. I did that and hosting karaoke for years. I always was involved in music in some way, from working at record stores, doing sales for record distributors, working at venues, being in bands, even running my own tiny record label. But the one constant was DJing. I’m a huge music nerd and record collector.
I started as a mobile DJ focusing on weddings about 10 years ago, when the owner of a local multi op asked me if I would be interested. I worked their full time up until April of 2024, when I left to start my own company, Modern Love DJs. It took off right away, and I’m so excited for the future!
DJ LIFE: What does being a mobile DJ mean to you?
Norah Utley: You know that phrase “Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life”? I’ve never truly understood that until I became a mobile DJ. It combines all my natural skills- connecting with people, curating music selections, organizing a schedule, all while affording me more time with my kids than a traditional 9 to 5. Plus, it’s fun and creative.
DJ LIFE: Can you tell us about your current DJ setup?
Norah Utley: I use a REV 10 controller, which looks totes adorbs in my Danny Max Booth, Shure microphones, and QSC KC12 speakers. I’ve upgraded all my gear in the last year and a half and I am so happy I did, especially with KC12s. No more ugly speaker poles!
DJ LIFE: Do you have any favorite or new gear that you’re currently using?
Norah Utley: The aforementioned KC12s have made my life so much easier!
DJ LIFE: What are some of the biggest pros and cons of being a mobile DJ?
Norah Utley: Pros – it’s a fun, creative, challenging environment that never gets old. I love the hustle, I love connected with people, I love learning about new music and digging for deep cuts, I even love making social media posts! Cons – my feet hurt!
DJ LIFE: Do you have any DJ-related pet peeves?
Norah Utley: When people make a request and then don’t dance to it! When people ask for a song by an artist while you are playing a song by that artist. Weird uncles.
DJ LIFE: How has being a DJ impacted your personal/family life?
Norah Utley: Honestly, I have nothing but positives here. People ask me if I hate giving up my weekends, but honestly, I don’t. I plan out trips and special occasions far in advance, so we still get to enjoy travel together, and we have so much time together during the week. Who wants to go to the beach on a Saturday? Not me, give me a Tuesday beach trip any day!
