Friday, April 15, 2011

Meet Our DJs - Updated Bios

A mobile DJ entertainment company is only as good as its talent. Ambient DJs' lineup is stacked with talented and experienced entertainment professionals.   Just five years ago, Ambient DJ Service was a one man show!  As demand for its services exploded, our company's owner opted to bring on additional staff who shared his vision of musical entertainment.

Given the continued growth of the company, we always look forward to meeting our next Ambient DJ "music mixologist"!  Key attributes of past successful hires include:  a love of music, broad music knowledge, client-focused attitude, good team player, professionalism, reliability, humility, attention to detail and a strong work ethic.  Being located within 30 minutes of Princeton is a big plus.  To be considered, e-mail  info@ambientdj.com to the attention of Human Resources.

Gregg Hollmann 

Ambient DJs’ Founder and Owner, Gregg Hollmann, has formal musical training on several instruments, including the piano and alto saxophone. He is known for his creative mixing and chameleon-like ability to play in different musical styles. His musical knowledge allows him to excel in environments ranging from elegant wedding receptions to convivial dance parties. Gregg's specialty is weddings.   A multi-faceted performer, Gregg also mixes music videos and emcees karaoke parties.

A graduate of the College of New Jersey, he holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration and has lived and worked abroad in Japan and the Philippines. He enjoys working with clients and personalizing events to their tastes. Gregg was the subject of a feature article in the January 2011 issue of DJ Times magazine titled 'DJ Takes Stock in Niche Wedding Market.'  

Gregg resides in East Windsor, New Jersey. His hobbies include international travel, writing, bodyboarding, tennis, listening to music and recording mix CDs. A recent career highlight was meeting his idol Grandmaster Flash at the International DJ Expo in Atlantic City.



Chris Smith (aka DJ Spinz)

Chris began DJing as a sophomore in high school, and spent the next decade perfecting his craft.  Chris joined Ambient DJs in 1997 and quickly proved himself as one of the company’s best-reviewed performers across a wide variety of event types.  Chris often works at Ambient’s most demanding events, where performance and attention to detail are a must.  

Chris has an extensive music library and diligently follows trends in the music industry. He specializes in Disco, Pop, Alternative Rock, Hip Hop, R&B, Club, Electro and Top 40 hits. His portfolio of work features Sweet 16s, Corporate Functions, Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Family Parties and School Dances.

Chris enjoys mixing tunes on his new MacBook Pro using Serato Scratch Live.


Greg Lambiase (aka DJ Greg Nice)

Greg Lambiase has nearly 20 years of experience in the DJ/Entertainment industry, having performed at thousands of private and corporate events.  A "DJ's DJ," Greg was born in Manhattan and developed a passion for music at an early age.

A well-rounded performer, DJ Greg Nice, has received client accolades in events ranging from Weddings, Bar/Bat mitzvahs, Sweet 16s to Kids Parties.  Greg joined the Ambient DJ team in 2010 to focus on high profile events, particularly weddings and mitzvahs.

Greg believes strongly in providing clients with the highest quality entertainment possible.  His people skills, outgoing nature, warm smile and hands-on experience cannot be duplicated!  Greg continues to elevate his craft by participating in continuing education and annual DJ conferences. 


Brian Dzbenski (aka DJ Extreme)

As a professional DJ, MC, and dance motivator for over 18 years, Brian has the knowledge and experience to make certain your affair is exactly the way you want it.  A polished and articulate Emcee with a strong stage presence, Brian is the perfect front man for important celebrations. His specialties include Weddings, Sweet 16s and Corporate Events.

In the past, Brian has worked closely with the 94.5 WPST DJs including Mozes, Chris Rollins, and Mark at Kat Man Du in Trenton.  DJ Brian is also Ambient's technological wizard, and an expert in intelligent lighting.


Mike Bacon (aka DJ Iron Mike)

Mike began DJing in 1996 while attending West Windsor-Plainsboro High School. His passion for DJing grew while spinning monthly Firehouse Teen Nights over 1997-2000. Thereafter, he spun live sets on stations such WPRB 103.3 FM and WMCC 107.7, also serving as Station Manager at WMCC 107.7.

DJ Iron Mike is a well-rounded performer with a deep passion for the music that he plays. His portfolio of past events including weddings, high school dances, bar/bat mitzvahs, corporate parties, family parties and various nightclub appearances. His musical specialties are hip hop, R&B and reggae.  His deep music collection also includes liberal doses of pop, classic rock, Motown and soul.  Mike is Ambient's Sweet 16 and Teen Dance specialist, bringing a night club environment to these special celebrations. 

For those preferring an “old skool” party atmosphere, Mike is the perfect choice, performing on the legendary Technics 1200 turntables.


Larry Sargent

DJ Larry Sargent has been a DJ/Entertainer for over twenty years, That doesn't make him old - it makes him experienced!  A graduate of The Connecticut School of Broadcasting, Larry has performed at over 1,000 private events, including 500 weddings.

Larry has a great knowledge of all genres of music, and knows how to create a compelling mix that keeps people dancing. He interacts with his audience as needed and can instruct all of the traditional and modern party dances. Larry’s unmatched level of professionalism proves that he loves what he does, and it shows!




DJ Irwin Cox (aka DJ All Day)


Irwin was born and raised in New Brunswick and holds an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts (English).  From 2004-2009,  Irwin worked at Prime Time Entertainers based out of Edison, NJ, where he was one of Prime Time’s star performers.  Irwin performs under the stage name “DJ All Day”, punctuating his total dedication to the DJ craft.  With over 500 performances under his belt, Irwin’s performance specialties include Weddings, Sweet 16s, Corporate Affairs and Bar and Bat Mitzvahs.  DJ All Day’s performance skill set includes refined music mixing, video mixing, interactive emceeing and dancing.



Anthony Ferretti ( aka DJ Anthony F ) 

Anthony Ferretti is a relative newcomer to the Disc Jockey profession.  Trained by Ambient DJs’ senior staff members, Anthony has been performing for over two years.  Full of energy and charisma, DJ Anthony’s passion for the DJ craft is visible from all angles.  His specialties include Weddings, Teen Dance Parties and Family Parties.

Anthony is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice at Rutgers University.  In the summer months, he enjoys attending the International DJ Expo held in Atlantic City, sharpening his performance skills and mingling with industry colleagues.


Jamie Herman (“The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Queen”)

Jamie Herman has been dancing, emceeing and assisting the DJ at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16’s, Father/Daughter dances and Weddings for over 18 years.  Jamie’s career began in the early 90s with a professional dance troupe called “Party Shooz.”  Subsequently, she went on to maintaining a busy performance schedule with some of the Northeast’s top companies.  Jamie has also enjoyed success as a dance choreographer and staff trainer.

Jamie takes her roles at parties very seriously, ensuring that the event runs smoothly and that you are able to celebrate with friends/family and have a fantastic time!   


Gary Giarretta (aka DJ Gary G)

Gary began his mobile DJ career in 1995. His appreciation for music began much earlier during elementary and high school where he played the sax in various orchestral and jazz bands. Gary maintains an extensive selection of music ranging from oldies to the current hits, and welcomes requests to keep guests involved in the party. Gary's specialties include Weddings, Sweet 16s, School Dances and Corporate Affairs.  

His relaxed and responsive nature make Gary a great choice for planning and performing at your event. Gary's equipment includes EV speakers, Denon CD players, various lighting effects and a video projector/portable screen. A recent career highlight for Gary was DJing a corporate party for a pharmaceutical company in a packed ballroom at the Trump Taj Mahal - plugging into the Taj's monster sound system.


Jesse Lambros (aka DJ Stav the Greek)

Jesse has been a DJ entertainer ever since graduating from the College of New Jersey.  Now, coasting into his late 20s, Jesse is a valuable asset to the Ambient DJ team, specializing in Weddings, Teen Dance Parties and Family Parties. His equipment rig includes Pioneer CD players, Bose speakers, intelligent lighting and a portable projector and screen.  With a music library exceeding over 75,000 songs, Jesse is sure to have the right song to get your dance floor moving! 

Jesse applies himself beyond everybody's expectations, making sure that your special event is fun-filled and an everlasting memory.



Tom Costagliola (Tommydrums)

Tommydrums is a seasoned percussionist who performs with Ambients' DJs during dance sets, providing a unique party experience.


Emm Pakdee (DJ Emm Bangkok)

Based out Manhattan, Emm was born in Thailand before moving to the United States during his teenage years.  Emm built his reputation in Washington D.C. where he promoted and DJ'd a series of successful parties.  DJ Emm Bangkok currently spins at various Manhattan lounges, also performing at private parties across the New York Tri-State area. Emm owns a record music label and, interestingly, is a highly accomplished karaoke performer.


To book any one of these fine professionals, please contact us today to discuss your party and how we can make it special!   Visit us on the web at http://www.ambientdj.com.  

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

A Musical Celebration of "Yuri's Night"

Today, April 12th, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the human exploration of space.  Russian astronaut Yuri Gagarin was the first human being to journey into outer space, when his Vostok spacecraft completed an orbit of the Earth on April 12, 1961.  Sadly, Gagarin was killed during a jet accident in 1968.

To honor Yuri and his accomplishments, every April 12th global dance communities celebrate "Yuri's Night."  For 2011, 217 such parties are being held in 57 countries across the world.   For more information, visit www.yurisnight.net


It is amazing to marvel at the progress man has made in just 50 years.  Currently Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic is booking trips for the public to travel into outer space!  While fares ain't cheap, this is an exciting development.  To make a reservation, visit www.virgingalactic.com.  



If asked to DJ a "Yuri's Night" party, here are some tracks that I might put into the evening's mix.  Many of these selections are futuristic electronic productions.  Richard Branson, if you're reading, I'd love to be your resident DJ on Virgin Galactic!  Thanks.

Ambient DJs' Top Fifteen Songs to Celebrate Yuri's Night

1) Space Oddity (Munk Machine Remix) - David Bowie

2) Deep in Space - Korsakov

3) Space Walk - Lemon Jelly

4) Landing Dubby Style - Peter Munch

5) Space Manoeuvres - Stage One

6) Exploration of Space - Cosmic Gate

7) Mars (from the Planets) - Gustav Holst (composer)

8) Set U Free - Planet Soul

9) Resurrection - P.P.K.

10) Welcome to the Future - NOVA

11) Intergalactic - Beastie Boys

12) Rachel's Song (from BladeRunner) - Vangelis

13) Summerbreeze (Universal Religion Mix) - Dido & DJ Tiesto

14) Star Wars (Main Title) - John Williams (composer)

15) Rocket Man - Elton John

Top Freestyle Tracks of All-Time

"Freestyle" or "Latin Freestyle," also called Latin Hip Hop in its early years, is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in the early 1980s. Mostly popular during the mid-to-late 80's, its following declined as it was displaced by house music.  It continues to be produced today and enjoys some degree of popularity, especially in urban Hispanic and Italian communities, as it did when it first came on to the scene.

Freestyle music is almost always between 110 and 130 beats per minute, with most songs residing at 118 beats per minute for a nice, danceable party groove.  The songs are typically about love and relationships.

Notable performers in the Freestyle genre include Stevie B, Shannon, Cynthia, Collage, Lil' Suzy, Sa-Fire, Johnny O, Judy Torres, Information Society, Exposé, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, La India, TKA, Corina, Nocera, Company B, The Cover Girls, Noel, Pajama Party, Shana, Will to Power, Sweet Sensation, Seduction, Linear, George Lamond, Lisette Melendez, Laissez Faire, Coro and Rockell.


While not frequently requested, freestyle music evokes a sentimental feeling among those who grew up with these danceable jams.  Ambient DJs' freestyle hound, DJ Greg Nice, suggests these 20 songs for your freestyle playlist or DJ crate: 

DJ Greg Nice's Top 20 Freestyle Tracks of All Time

1. TKA - Louder than Love
2. Debbie Deb - When I Hear Music
3. Nice & Wild - Diamond Girl
4. Giggles - Love Letter
5. Val Young - If You Should Ever Be Lonely
6. Latin Rascals - Arabian Nights
7. Connie - Funky Little Beat
8. Stevie B - I Wanna Be the One
9. George Lamond - Bad of the Heart
10. Nu Shooz - I Can't Wait
11. Judy Torres - Come Into My Arms
12. Pretty Poison - Catch Me I'm Falling
13. D'Zyre - Forever Amo'r
14. & More - You'll Never Find Another Love
15. Hanson & Davis - Hungry For Your Love
16. Cynthia - Change on Me
17. Coro - Where are You Tonight
18. Nocera - Summertime, Summertime
19. Johnny O - Fantasy Girl
20. Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam - Can You Feel the Beat

To request a copy of DJ Greg Nice's latest freestyle mix or book him for your next party, contact gregnice@ambientdj.com.  

For even more Freestyle favorites, check out this Top 100 list provided by Digital DreamDoor.

Please comment with your own freestyle favorites!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Photos from Catalina & Michael's Wedding - Lake Valhalla Club

Here are a few photos from this evening's wedding reception celebrating the marriage of the new Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Catalina Kowal.  The wedding reception was held on a beautiful early Spring day at the Lake Valhalla Club in Montville, NJ - a Tudor-style structure rich in character.  

The Ambient DJ team featured DJ Gregg on the 1's and 2's, DJ Greg Nice as emcee, and percussionist Tommydrums.  We also projected a custom monogram designed by the bride (!) onto the dancefloor.  Guests were in great spirits and danced all night long to a variety of Latin styles and modern dance music.

Key tracks:

* Little Heaven - Toad the Wet Sprocket (first dance)
* Tu Guardian - Juanes (Father-Daughter dance)
* Your Song - Elton John (Mother-Son dance)
* Clavado en un Bar - Mana (dedication to Catalina's cousins)
* El Preso - Fruko y Sus Tesos (salsa party starter)
* La Gota Fria - Carlos Vives (massive Latin hit)
* Rain or Shine - Matthew Perryman Jones (cakecutting song)
* I Like It - Enrique Iglesias (peak hour dancefloor fire)
* P.D.A. (We Just Don't Care) - John Legend
* Lovesong (cover) - Adele 
* You are the Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne (first song in final set)
* Forever - Chris Brown (closing song)

Stay tuned for additional narrative, photos and video footage later this week!















Saturday, April 9, 2011

American Cancer Society, Relay for Life - Rutgers University

In 1971, when Richard Nixon launched the "War on Cancer" just one in three of those diagnosed with cancer survived.  Fast forwarding to the present, two in three of those diagnosed are survivors!  This massive stride forward is thanks to advances facilitated by the American Cancer Society. 

One of the ACS's key programs is its Relay for Life community events held across the country.  Teams of walkers get sponsored and must walk for 12 hours to show their support for those fighting cancer, or in memory of those who have lost the battle.  Ambient DJ has had the honor of providing musical entertainment services to various Relay for Life events in the past.  Last night, we returned to the Sonny Werblin Recreation Center at Rutgers University's Busch Campus to help keep 50 teams and some 700 participants pumped up throughout the evening!  The Rutgers event has been growing fast - while 2009's event raised $12,000, 2010's raised $50,000!  Through the years, the ACS has donated some $9 million to institutions at Rutgers towards basic research in the cancer field.

This year's theme was Pirates of the "Cure"-a-bean.  Get it?  Activities for the evening included DJ entertainment, a live band (the Melillo Brothers), bellydancing entertainment and a beauty pageant (by male contestants in drag!).  The student organizers at Rutgers led by Theresa Bartone did an awesome job planning this ambitious event.

Enjoy the photos below, and for more info about Relay for Life, visit http://www.relayforlife.org      

P.S.  Don't forget to get your recommended cancer screenings!  Early detection is a key to survival.










Tuesday, April 5, 2011

The Controversial Topic of Disc Jockey Pricing

What is an appropriate rate for professional DJ services?  Using weddings as an example, rates can range from several hundred dollars to $10,000.

I've always been fascinated by this topic at multiple levels:  as a holder of a degree in finance, as a fan of economics, and as a working mobile disc jockey.  On disc jockey chat boards, pricing is typically a controversial topic with full-time professional DJs branding part-time, lower-priced DJs as "bottom feeders."

The market for disc jockey services is a dynamic, competitive market, just like any other!  Pricing is determined by supply and demand factors.

At the most fundamental level, pricing should be related to the cost of providing the service.  Owners are not in business to lose money, so at a minimum they must charge enough to recover their costs.  Expenses for a typical mobile disc jockey include equipment, music, labor, transportation, insurance, advertising and taxes.  Full-time professional companies may also need to pay office rent, fund health insurance premiums and allocate funds for retirement.

Barriers to entry for the industry are low.  No license is required to to call oneself a professional DJ.  Gear - whether laptop computers, external hard drives, LED lighting or audio components is inexpensive and widely available.  In fact, major retailers such as Best Buy now offer DJ sections, with affordably priced gear to allow just about anybody to become a "DJ."  Back in the 1980s, DJs were relatively rare, and it was not an inexpensive endeavor in the pre-internet and pre-MP3 era to build a sizable vinyl music collection.

Regarding music, while professional mobile DJs purchase their music legally, many unscrupulous DJs opt to use filesharing sites or copy entire hard drives, thereby foregoing the tens of thousands of dollars to collect a well-diversified and updated music library.  These providers' music cost is effectively zero, giving them an unfair competitive advantage and the ability to discount prices.  For example, assume that DJ A spent $4,000 a year on music, while DJ B spent nothing.  If each DJ performed 100 parties, then DJ B would be able to charge $40 less per party and still earn the same profit.

I estimate that it would take about $1,500 for an individual to enter the mobile DJ industry, utilizing a set of cheaper powered speakers, a basic laptop computer, controller, cheap wireless mic, one LED light and a free music library (obtained by filesharing).  Clearly, this DJs' breakeven point is low.  For those DJs who hold a job during the week (and health benefits), income from this primary job can be used to subsidize pricing in his or her weekend DJ operation.  These low barriers to entry are helping to spawn a new wave of competitors in our home state of New Jersey where the supply of disc jockeys seems  virtually unlimited.

Within the private party market, there are various segments running the gamut from basic private parties to elaborate weddings or corporate events.  The meat-and-potatoes private parties are generally treated as commodities.  Clients booking these events are seeking a "professional" DJ who can get the job done.   After meeting this criterion, bookings are determined primarily by the lowest price.  One of my industry colleagues describes this phenomena as the "race to the bottom."

For formal, once-in-a-lifetime events (e.g., weddings), differentiation becomes important.  Clients are willing to spend more for the perceived benefits of their unique mobile DJ entertainer.   These unique benefits may include experience, personality, talent, skill and equipment.  Yet, similar to the world of fine wines, prices for these differentiated DJ services are scattered across a very wide range.  Prospective clients are often baffled by the large gaps in price quotes received for a wedding, for comparable packages.  These differentials can span thousands of dollars.  Back to the analogy of wines, prices for the finest vintages can range from $100 a bottle to $10,000 a bottle; surely both vintages taste really good, but the price gap is extreme.  Some consumers will opt for the best wine (DJ service) regardless of price, while others will select the best wine (DJ service) that they can afford.

Using our company Ambient DJ as an example, we have won bookings where clients simply couldn't afford another company that they liked.  Recently, we won a wedding booking where our quote was more than $1,000 lower than a competitor company's for an identical package.  However, we have also lost jobs in the past to more expensive competitors who were able justify their level of differentiation.  And of course, we've lost jobs to a family friend who offers to perform the job for a nominal fee.

As a Disc Jockey, what should you charge?

* For beginning DJs, we recommend that you research local market rates and price your rates at a 10%-20% discount below the market average;

* For intermediate DJs, we recommend that you charge the market rate, and perform at as many parties as possible until demand for your services outstrips supply;

* For the most sought-after DJ entertainers, we recommend that you charge a premium, capping prices at a level where your quantity of bookings does not drop off dramatically;

* It's all about supply and demand!  If you feel that demand for your services is abundant, then raise prices and give yourself a raise.  However, if your calendar has more holes than Swiss Cheese, then you must step up your marketing efforts, reduce prices, or both!

* Educate prospective clients on DJ pricing.  Most have never shopped for a disc jockey and will appreciate the tutorial.   Gain their trust and you may book the party;

* Charge what you're worth.  There are many successful professionals in the mobile DJ industry who consistently earn top dollar for their services;

* For those who are not booking many parties due to higher pricing, ask yourself if it's better to book one party a weekend at $700, or two parties a weekend at $500 each?  Depending on personal circumstances, DJs will answer this question differently;

* Try to place yourself in the shoes of your prospective client.  How much money do they earn and what can they afford for DJ services?  If you were booking a DJ for a private party, how much would you be willing to spend? (some DJs live in a fantasy world where they believe that every family has thousands of dollars to drop on DJ entertainment).  

* Implement annual price increases to reflect the higher cost of living;

* Don't be ashamed to discount rates in off-peak periods if it helps you financially and serves your long-term interests;

* For bar/club engagements, your fee is ultimately determined by revenues at the venue.  Be flexible when business is soft, but be assertive in asking for more money when times are good!  Long-term bar/club engagements are possible only when all parties are happy (bar owner, DJ and patrons);

As a Client, what should you pay for DJ services?

* We recommend hiring the best DJ that you can afford.  Revisiting the wine analogy, there will be some great buys - excellent DJs at a very good price; there may also be some overpriced DJs who are not worth their hefty fees.  Focus on "value" - the benefits received against the price paid;

* If your prospective DJ is the low-rent variety with old equipment and an illegal music library, realize that this individual may be less professional than the more expensive alternatives;

* Do not automatically assume that a lower-priced DJ is a weekend hack, or that an expensive DJ is the best DJ.  Recall that rates are in part determined by the level of overheads being carried by a particular DJ.  Regarding part-time or weekend DJs, consider that there are many talented part-time DJs who have great gear and deliver a top notch party experience! 

* Realize that the majority of Disc Jockeys are dedicated professionals running legitimate businesses and supporting their families through their work.  Do not insult a professional mobile DJ by asking them to perform a party for free food or drinks!  

* Do not compute an hourly rate for your DJ and assume it to  be ludicrous.   "What, a DJ earning $200 an hour? " Keep in mind that this rate includes the myriad costs of running a business, as well as preparing for and getting to and from the party;

* Take joy in rewarding deserving artists such as Disc Jockeys who spread happiness to the world, making your guests dance and smile!

By, Gregg Hollmann, President, Ambient DJ Service (www.ambientdj.com)

2011, All Rights Reserved



Review of Sweet 16 DJ Services

On April 2, 2011, Ambient DJ's head honcho Gregg Hollmann was hired to DJ Sarah's Rock n' Roll-themed Sweet 16 party in East Windsor, NJ.  Sarah is an electric guitar player whose musical tastes gravitate towards punk, alternative, hard rock and metal.  To round out the entertainment, a karaoke package was added, allowing guests to perform their favorite songs by bands such as Green Day.  The final hour featured a modern dance mix.  The party ended with ABBA's 'Dancing Queen', an appropriate pick given the Svensson's Swedish heritage!


"I don't have much experience in party planning, so I was somewhat nervous about how my daughter's Sweet Sixteen party would turn out. Was I ever relieved that Gregg Hollmann of Ambient DJ Service showed up armed and dangerous with the hottest music and coolest light effects and kept the kids dancing and singing karaoke throughout the night. Thank you for making Sarah's night a very special and memorable one! You practically rocked the high heels off." - Anneli Svensson, East Windsor, NJ



Key Tracks:

MGMT - Time to Pretend

Daylight - Matt & Kim

I Love Rock n' Roll - Joan Jett

London Calling - The Clash

Du Haste - Rammstein

Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana

Dancing Queen -  ABBA

Sarah - Starship (performed karaoke-style by DJ Gregg!)