DJ James Hayes
About Me
Parties
Special Events
Corporate Events
Weddings
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
School Dances
Live Sound
My History
I got my start DJ’ing in high school when our marching band wanted to host a dance, but we couldn’t afford a DJ. My friend Terry and I decided to take the DIY approach so we hooked up some old speakers to a computer and DJ’ed the dance ourselves. I had so much fun hosting the dance that I started practicing DJ’ing in my spare time. In college, I volunteered again to DJ for student groups looking to throw dances. During my last summer at home while at school I landed my first ever DJ job at the Lockview Bar and Grill in Akron. It was a fun summer as their resident DJ so when summer ended I landed a job as a mobile DJ working for Audio Extremes Entertainment. Ever since then I have been out DJ’ing most every weekend and have enjoyed it from the beginning.
My Experience
I have been working as a professional DJ for five years now with a further three years as an amateur ahead of that. Beyond working on my own I also DJ for several top-rated Northeast OH Entertainment Companies including A Bride's DJ, Buckeye State Entertainment, and Audio Extremes Entertainment. I have DJ'ed hundreds of events including weddings, birthday parties, bar/bat mitzvah's, holiday parties, halloween events, charity functions, new year's eve dances, school dances, University club functions, and corporate events including many for the NFL, New Era, Aflac, and the Make a Wish Foundation. Throughout my journey as a DJ I have taken my work as seriously. I take pride in what I do and do it well. My commitment to make every event a success has transformed me from an amateur DJ into a talented professional who is both recognized and respected by others in the entertainment industry.
My Philosophy
Every DJ has their own style. Over the top DJ's who act like mini-celebrities, button-pushers who are technical mixers of music, gear-heads who bring all kinds of crazy speakers and lights to a party. I know many DJ's and we are as unique as snowflakes. My personal DJ philosophy that makes me unique is that I am first and foremost a communicator. I get ready for an event by being in constant contact with my "boss" for the event planning face to face and e-mail trying to find out as much as I can about my audience. I arrive early to not only scope out the electrical outlets but get a sense of the guests and people at the event itself. During the event I become a selector of music choosing the tunes that will get the best reaction from the audience. Beyond music, as a host I try to identify with the audience as much as possible. I don't try to become the center of attention nor do I try to fade into the background to become a glorified jukebox. Instead I try to get invested and involved in what is going on as much as possible to be the life of the party without stealing the show.
