Rush Entertainment DJ Service, Racine, Wis.
www.rushentertainmentracine.com/

1. How and when did you get started as a DJ? What types of events do you do?
Growing up music was – and still is – a big part of my family. One of my uncles had a recording studio in his house and I remember going over there as a kid checking it out and messing around with the equipment. The first time I got to use professional DJ equipment was in high school. It was set up like a radio station DJ booth and we played music for the class, and for me that felt like heaven. I started as a mobile DJ about six years ago, kind of small, only doing family and friend parties, charging very little to nothing. I DJ-ed for the first year without pay, just to gain some experience and after that people started to hire me. I knew I was on the right track, and after that Rush Entertainment DJ and Lighting service was born, strove to provide quality entertainment at a reasonable price. The types of events I DJ for are weddings, birthday and school parties.

2. Is this a full-time job or something you do on the side? If it’s a side job, please let us know what you do full time.
DJ-ing for me is a side job; I have been working for 11 years for InSinkErator, a manufacturer of garbage disposals and hot water dispensers in Racine, Wis.

3. What fixtures are included in your setup? What are you looking to add?
For CHAUVET® products I have five COLORstrip fixtures, four LED Techno Strobe RGB, four LEDsplash 86b, two old school Kinta lights, a Vue 2.1 and a Vue 3.1, a Mini Line Dancer and I work in ShowXpress. I’m not sure what I want next, but I really love all the nice new lasers you are coming out with – very cool!

4. What is your favorite fixture and why?
I love my five COLORstrip fixtures. They are easy to use and program in DMX with many cool chase effects.

5. Best advice you can give someone just getting started in the DJ industry?
Get lots of music before even thinking of going out in the real world. Work with another DJ to gain experience and don’t buy junk, stick with name brand equipment that will last, like CHAUVET®.

6. What are your top three most requested songs?
“Cupid shuffle” by Cupid, “Electric slide” by Neville Livingston and “Yeah” by Usher.