This week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday DJ spotlight, presented by QSC, shines on Nate Jones of Nate Jones Entertainment from Champaign, Illinois.
Nate Jones is this week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday spotlight. Presented by QSC, Nate Jones of his own Nate Jones Entertainment is based out of Champaign, Illinois. What’s ironic is that Nate Jones never planned on becoming a DJ. What began as filling the silence at a high school house party with a pair of CD players quickly snowballed into paid bookings, eventually growing from a handful of weddings each year into a thriving business.
Along the way, Jones added experience in broadcasting, radio, theater, television, and film, skills that now complement his work as a full-time mobile DJ and MC. Fast forward to today, Jones is known for taking a hands-on approach to every event. When he’s not behind the decks, he works closely with clients on timelines, room layouts, lighting, and vendor coordination to create seamless celebrations. Equipped with a polished mobile setup and fueled by a passion for helping people celebrate life’s biggest moments, he believes the best events are built on preparation, authenticity, and a genuine love for entertaining.
We sat down with Jones to discuss all things mobile DJ, and here’s how it went down…
DJ LIFE: How did you get started as a DJ?
Nate Jones: By accident! In 1997, I was a frontman and guitarist in a high school garage band playing grunge rock. When we ran out of music to play at a house party, I hooked up my CD player and my dad’s CD player to our PA and played all sorts of music from my eclectic collection. One of the parents there hired me to come back the next weekend for a family cookout they were having, and then someone at the cookout hired me for their wedding a few weeks later. Taking inspiration from my dad, who was also a DJ in the Air Force in the 1970s, I kept practicing in my bedroom, improved, and gained bookings for events through word of mouth, growing from two to three weddings to 40 weddings a year. I studied broadcasting in college, worked in radio, and spent years as a professional actor in theater, TV, and movies. All of that came together a few years ago in 2023 when I decided to pursue my dream of being a full-time DJ and started my company.
DJ LIFE: What does being a mobile DJ mean to you?
Jones: Being a mobile DJ is wearing a bunch of different hats and having the job of doing more than just the music. Most of my events are weddings, so I’m often heavily involved with the planning process. I’m working out the timeline with couples, helping make song and vibe choices, discussing room layouts, and coordinating with building staff, photographers, videographers, and caterers. We’re also expected to provide lighting and MC work as well. I always go above and beyond to make sure guests are happy. To me, it’s more than entertainment. It’s creating a memorable experience people won’t find anywhere else around here. My creed is: “Do good, be good, and don’t forget to have fun!”
DJ LIFE: Can you tell us about your current DJ setup?
Jones: My current setup includes a pair of QSC KC12s in white, a Pioneer DDJ REV5 running VirtualDJ on a Dell XPS, a white Bunn Gear Command Center with a custom patch panel routed through a Yamaha 10-channel analog mixer, a Phenyx Pro microphone system, and Both Lighting products with a Wolfmix to control it all.
DJ LIFE: Do you have any favorite or new gear you’re currently using?
Jones: My KC12s without question. They are so versatile, have incredible sound, are SUPER easy to set up, and complement the rest of my setup. I’ve played in department stores, fashion shows, and of course weddings. Everywhere I go, I get compliments on how great they look! A close second is my Bunn Command Center. Put those together with the KC12s and… it’s a pretty sexy setup!
DJ LIFE: What are some of the biggest pros and cons of being a mobile DJ?
Jones: The biggest advantage is the variety. No two events are ever alike. Today I could be at an elegant ballroom wedding playing jazz music, tomorrow I could be celebrating a Bat Mitzvah, then a barn dance the day after. I like that variety. Everyone has different stories, traditions, and visions. I like helping clients realize their goals and enhancing them.
The hardest thing is that people only see the few hours you’re performing. The music prep, finances, travel, equipment maintenance, marketing, and content creation are often unseen. I probably work more than 80 hours a week, but when you love what you do, it’s worth it.
DJ LIFE: Do you have any DJ-related pet peeves?
Jones: Oh boy… The biggest is when people think you’re their own personal jukebox. They’ll request a song, then 30 seconds after it starts they come back asking, “Can you play these five next?” I always tell people I’ll do my best, but reading the room is just as important as taking requests.
DJ LIFE: How has being a DJ impacted your personal/family life?
Jones: I’m married with two little girls who are my world. They see their dad chasing his dreams and coming home happy, so they’re always encouraging me to do more of it. They’re my biggest supporters. We always make time for family dinner at least once a week, and my wife and I make date nights a priority. I can’t be there for every big milestone, but I’m there for almost all of the little ones.
Find more info at natejonesdj.com.
