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Many times, the people that work behind the scenes making the scene rarely get recognized for their work. SociaLifeChicago will spotlight the amazing people that make you, your organization and your event look great.
Megan Taylor Connoisseur of Fun- DJ Multimedia music
How long have you been working as a DJ?
I have been djing for 5 years now.
How did you get into this industry?
Immediately after college I took up an internship at Fig media. Fig Media specializes in video, music, events, and photography. Initially, I really wanted to work on editing music for videos and films. I am very creative and I really like editing music. Through the internship I was offered a position at Fig, from there, I worked my way up starting with editing videos, doing sales, then moved on to managing projects this was all within 4 years. I began growing with the company. I absolutely love music but never really considered DJing but one day Fig was hired to DJ a function for Latin High School. I was asked to assist the DJ, because I liked what “16 year old music” and after assisting I thought it was so much fun. I assisted with a couple of other events and naturally James and Michelle encouraged me and after a while I warmed up to the idea. I worked really hard at it, I pursued other DJ’s to make connections.
What’s the biggest misconception about your job?
People often times think it’s easy, that you just show up and play music then go home. Part of my job is to pay attention to detail. You have to be in tune with the mood, audience, age, the way people interact and relationship with client. I work really hard to make that work and maintain a great relationship with my client. Being a female DJ people think it’s easy and I get booked strictly based on looks but that is definitely not the case there’s so many more dynamics at play behind the scenes. Another misconception is that DJ’s are so competitive they don’t help each other, but really everyone is super awesome and we help each other out. If a DJ colleague is unable to take a gig, there’s an abundance of business because we don’t all do the same thing. I have had several DJ’s help me out, and I try to pay it forward as well.
How have mentors influenced your career path?
James and Michelle Gustin, owners of Fig Media they have been fully instrumental in mentoring me, investing in me and giving me feedback. They care about my growth. I’ve learned not to be afraid to ask for help. I look at people who I aspire to be like and I ask them a lot of questions. I am a huge fan of paying it forward the best I can, not long ago I had a girl email me and she wanted to interview me because she wants to be a DJ as well. Her saying that was so affirming and I’ve been in that position before and I’ve had so many mentors I am so grateful for
Is it tough being a female DJ?
(laughs) I don’t know since I don’t know any different, I’ve never been anything different
What are you listening to currently?
Hotchip, Gossip, the weekend, the Grimes, the XX, i’m really excited about their new album coming out in September.
How did you market yourself and make people aware of you and your services?
Initially it was through referrals, and word of mouth. A lot of my friends who also happen to work in PR and Marketing have helped open doors for me which I am so grateful for. With that I became strategic. For example I was at an amazing fashion show and I thought that it would be a really great event to DJ and I wanted to do it. I did my research on who the decision makers( who books talent) were and who I would need to be in contact with. You have to be very aware of who the decision makers are. It helps that I am outgoing and I stay connected with social media.
It is based on networking, the relationship you’ve built with your client is so important. I’ve developed a good niche but I definitely hustle.
How do you usually determine what music to play at an event?
Most of the time I will ask a client what kind of music they want me to play, but because they are aware of my DJing style they empower me to play what I want because they get my DJing style and sound and that’s always satisfying.
If you do a good job and you’re a good person, people root for you
Do you practice daily?
When I first got started I practiced daily but not anymore. I built up my technique by investing in tables and the right equipment. I bought a technique table and mixer for a steal of a price. It was enough for me to practice with and it really helped. If you are really motivated and serious and this is what you want to do I would advise making the investment in getting the right equipment, it is worth it. Though you can never rely on your equipment because its more about you and how yo u interact with the guests, getting that learning foundation with equipment is key.
How do your typical client meeting go once you are booked for a gig?
A lot of times I try to find out what the flavor of the event is, what kind of guests, what the brand stands for, what season it is, I imagine what is is to be in the space the guests will be in. Some clients will already have something that they are looking for, at that point we come up with something. I always prepare my events by creating something to play off, something I’m excited about and new.
Djing is so in the moment, that’s the thing I love the most about it
What advice can you give someone that wants to follow in your path?
My advice would be don’t worry too much about the long term. Iif you are passionate, the best thing for you to do is to go for it and engage. You don’t have to have all the answers figured out right now. Sometimes we have a tendency to create excuses for ourselves for doing things.
What DJs or creative types do you admire?
Mia Moretti, I love her style. DJ Whiteshadow is such a great DJ. Dani Deahl who is based here in Chicago. DJ Gem, Kid Color.
If you weren’t in music is there something else you see yourself doing?
Probably something in business or marketing I have the urge to go to business school. Something that involves running a business or entrepreneurship.
What acts are you looking forward to seeing at Lollapalooza?
Florence and the Machine, Little Dragon, Frank Ocean, Calvin Harris.
I love Megan Taylor!