{Get To Know Us Monday} Shawn

Shawn is one of our second DJ's and also sets up production jobs. He's been with Synergetic for a few years now, so some of you may know him. For those of you who don't, meet Shawn.

Becky: Where are you from?
Shawn: Warminster, PA.

B: Do you have a “day” job? What is it?

S: I work at World Wide Stereo installing custom home theaters.

B: What’s your favorite type of music? Do you have a favorite song?

S: Rock and hip hop. I really like hip hop for the beats and rock for the instruments. My favorite song is Poison by Bell Biv Devoe.

B: How’d you get into DJing? What’s your favorite thing about it?

S: Chris got me into it when I got out of the military. I love getting people dancing and making sure they have a good time.

B: What did you want to be when you grew up? Is it still an option?

S: I wanted to be a professional football player. It's absolutely an option - I’m just waiting for my call from Andy Reid.

B: What’s your favorite type of event to DJ, why?

S: A wedding because it’s a happy time and everyone just wants to have fun and dance.

B: What are your favorite things to do/hobbies?

S: I play golf, football and hockey and I'm a big movie buff - I go to the movies with girlfriend all the time.

B: How long have you been a DJ?

S: 3 years.

B: What's your favorite movie?

S: That’s a tough one. I’d have to say Braveheart.

B: Do you have any pets?

S: Skylar, and 11 tear old golden retriever.

Make sure to check back every Monday for another Q&A. If you have anything you'd like to know about us, leave us a comment with your question, post it on our Facebook page or email it in to beckyd@synergeticsounds.com.

A Different Perspective

Most people work in their chosen profession every day and never get to see things from "the other side." People tend to get deeply imbedded in their work and forget what it is like to be the beneficiary of that work. When a painter paints a house he does it to the best of his ability, collects payment and sees the satisfaction on his clients faces when they see their house for the first time. The painter doesn't get to experience that since he would be painting his own house. The Wedding industry is no different.


Back in November I had the honor of being invited to my close friends wedding. Frank and Tara met a long time ago and I cannot remember a time when I saw one without the other. It was a unique experience for me to attend their wedding as a guest. Jason and Ed were the DJ’s, and they also designed the room with up lighting, a dance floor wash, and the couple’s monogram. Frank and Tara held their wedding at the beautiful Blue Bell Country Club and Jen and Gina from Artistic Imagery were there to capture the day.

The reception was full of great food, drinks, music, and friends - but that is not what made this wedding different for me. Working weddings just about every weekend, I tend to be the painter who seeks satisfaction through his client’s reactions. So when I see a client’s face “light up” when they first see their reception room, or I mix in a perfect song that takes them back to middle school - it’s gratifying to know that I helped create that reaction. At Frank and Tara’s wedding I had no part in the design, setup, or execution of their wedding, however I was in the reception room when they first walked in. I was so glad to see both of their faces light up with happiness when they noticed every detail of the room. This time was different. I was witnessing two of my closest friends experience their wedding reception for the first time - and that moment will forever be embedded in my memory.

Tara was as stunning as a bride can be on her wedding day; and it wasn’t because she had her makeup done, and her hair “did.” It was because the love of her life was standing right next to her and they were experiencing their entire relationship bundled together in a series of moments throughout their wedding day. The moment I most remember is when they walked into the room, however I’m pretty sure their moment was when they said I do. Good Luck guys, I look forward to many years of health and happiness with the two of you.

-Matt

{Tune in Tuesday} Justin

Justin is one of our second DJ's. We'll get to know him better in a few weeks. For now, here's what he's listening to.

Right now I am listening to a few different types of music. I have been listening to 30 Seconds to Mars, Deftones, Underoath, Usher, Lloyd, Wiz Khalifa, Joe Buddens, T.I., Mac Miller, Wale, Curren$y and J Cole. Some of my all time favorite albums that I can listen to over and over are, Fabolous- Losos Way, Korn- Korn, Linkin Park- Hybrid Theory, Notorious BIG- Ready to Die, and 30 Seconds to Mars- Beautiful Lie. I have a very eclectic taste in music.

What we're up to

This has been one of our best January’s yet and we owe it to some new friends we have made in the industry. Thank you for allowing us to work with you and trusting us to make sure your events end up better then you ever expected.

What we're up to-

-Unloading from a very cool Mitzvah and a 900 person gala. Both of which we did lighting and/or A/V for.

-Prepping sound and video for the, “The Unexpected Boys.”

-Putting together some lighting designs for a few property open houses and tastings.

-Working on a lighting and draping bid for an event in Cincinnati over the summer.

-In the middle of our new office design with Creg Oosterhart.

-Prepping for all the networking events that are coming up over the next two weeks - and there are a ton of them!

-Meeting with awesome prospective clients that want us to DJ their weddings.

-Waiting, desperately, for pitchers and catchers to report …

Till next time.

-Jason

{Get To Know Us Monday} Pat Boyle

Pat is one of our second DJ's and is also Mr. May in our Calendar.



Becky: Where are you from?
Pat: I was born in Northeast Philadelphia, but moved out to the suburbs (Bucks County) where I have lived for the most of my life.


B: Do you have a "day job?"
P: I am currently a full-time student at Temple University.

B: What's your favorite type of music? Do you have a favorite song?
P: Right now I’m loving House Music - reason being that everything else gets overplayed on the radio, and it is something different to listen to. My favorite songs are “Take Over Control” and “No Speak Americano.”


B: How did you get into DJing and what is your favorite thing about it?
P: My friend Mike Kelleher who also works for Synergetic and introduced me to it. My favorite thing about it is the fact that you get to play music for somebody elses wedding and be part of a night that they will remember for the rest of their lives.


B: What’s your favorite type of event to DJ and why?
P: Weddings because they are usually a very pleasant event to be a part of, and when everyone is having a good time, the dance floor stays packed.

B: WHat are your favorite things to do/hobbies?
P: I love going out to new places with friends and dancing to all sorts of music. I love sports and most things sports related, but I also like time to myself to just relax and do absolutely nothing on days where I have no agenda.


B: How long have you been a DJ?
P: About a year and a half.


B: What's your favorite movie?
P: Dumb and Dumber


B: Do you have any pets?
P: I have three dogs. Chance is 13, China is 4 and Lexus is 2.

Thanks to Casual Candids for the image.

Make sure to check back every Monday for another Q&A. If you have anything you'd like to know about us leave a comment here, post it on our Facebook page or email it to me at beckyd@synergeticsounds.com.

Floor Plans

Every event we do is unique. Even if we have back to back weddings in the same room, the events will be drastically different. Not just because there is a different bride and groom, but there will be a different type and size crowd and most likely, a different room layout or set up. This is why we need a floor plan or layout from the venue or caterer. It isn't something our clients need to worry about, because we generally reach out to them to get one, but it is a necessity.

It helps us to be better prepared for your event. We can correctly plan out what we need and where it needs to go - this expedites the set up and ensures that everything goes smoothly. Having a floorplan also helps us create a rendering, if we need to do one, that we can work from and potentially show you a mock up of the design we have in mind.

Floor plans also help us with the scale of the room and getting a good idea of where particular pieces of gear may need to go. This allows for a very unobtrusive looking room - a very clean looking room. The last thing you want is for us and our equipment to stand out.

As with everything we do, the smallest of details can play the biggest part.

{Tune in Tuesday} Matt Bowyer

Matt is one of our DJ's. We'll get to know him a bit better in a few weeks, but for know, here's what he's listening to. (Oh, and scroll down for another calendar sneak peek).

Rock:

-Counting Crows
-Dave Matthews Band
-Good old war
-Person L

-Pearl Jam
-Barenaked Ladies
-Hall & Oats

Hip hop:

-Nas

-Naughty by Nature

-Jay z

-Big Pun

Albums:

-Get rich or die tryin
-Illmatic

Jazz:

-Dave Brubeck

-Cannonball Adderley

Joy Moody Photography

{Tune in Tuesday} Dave Stocklos

We got to know Dave last week. This week, he's sharing his current favorites with us.

During the day at work I mostly listen to 104.5 or PST.

At night I switch between wired 96.5, q102, and 92.5.

I LOVE dance music and always blast it during my workouts.

David Guetta, Bob Sinclair, Pitt Bull and Usher are some of my favorite artists.

{Get To Know Us Monday} Dan Isayev

Good morning! We hope you had a great weekend!

This morning, we'll get to know Dan Isayev. Dan is our primary school dance DJ.

Becky: Where are you from?

Dan: I grew up in the Somerton area of Philadelphia. I attended Baldi Middle school on Verree Road then William Tennent for high school.

B: Do you have a "day"? job?

D: My day job is being a student. I am a Biology major at Rider University.

B: What is your favorite type of music? Why?

D: I have an extremely eclectic taste in music. I believe that music is truly the strongest aspect of life, which can captivate feeling and emotion. So the music I listen to is solely based on what type of mood I am feeling that day or perhaps what activity I am involved in while I listen. One day I'll be listening to Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder and Ain't No stopping us - Mcfadden and Whitehead. The next I could possibly be getting into some classical piano by Sergei Rachmaninov or Fredrick Chopin. Then I could get into some current hip-hop music by artists such as Kayne West, Lupe Fiasco, Eminem and Common. I could also transition into some newer genres of music such as Drum N Bass, Dubstep and Trance. Some artists include ATB, Armin Van Buuren, Deadmau5 (pronounced dead-mouse) and Steven Angello. I listen to all sorts of jazz, contemporary as well as really modern fusion jazz, such played by the band Soulive. Bare with me, but I also like to listen to Phish, 311, Sublime, Kaskade, Bob Marley, The Gorillaz, Linkin Park, De La Soul, Dave Matthews, and of course other fellow Deejays, music producers and musicians. Music is a large part of my life and I could not possibly imagine humanity without it.

B: How did you get into DJing?

D: I got into DJing at the age of 13 when I coincidentally sat across from then unbeknownst to me an owner of an entertainment company. It was my cousins 25th birthday and I was obviously the youngest person there. So of course in an atmosphere full of adults a little kid sitting at the table might be somewhat awkward. However, my interaction with the other guests made them not only comfortable but extremely amused. My calm, mature, however playful demeanor caught the eye of that owner and as the night began to wind down, he offered me his business card and the chance to work for him. That was the beginning.

B: What's your favorite thing about DJing?

D: At the end of the night, when everything is said and done - I love that feeling of accomplishment. That feeling like "Wow, I just made that party happen. I made it a success."

B: What did you want to be when you grew up? Is it still an option?

D: I am currently in school for what I wanted to do as a child. Interestingly enough - I wanted to be a dentist. It might sound a little corny, but I just like to make people smile. It is still an option for me. The last thing I have to do is take the DAT (Dental Aptitude Test) and then I will apply.

B: What's your favorite type of event to DJ, why?

D: I don't necessarily have a favorite type of event to DJ. I enjoy DJing all events, even the really strange ones. I like the different individual tasks and challenges each event has to offer.

B: What are your favorite things to do/hobbies?

D: Playing the piano and learning new instruments in general. I am working on playing the drums and the violin. Snowboarding, skydiving and meeting new and interesting people.

B: How long have you been a DJ?

D: Almost 8 years.

Make sure to check back every Monday for another Q&A. If you have anything you'd like to know about us, leave a comment with your question, post it on our Facebook page or email it in to beckyd@synergeticsounds.com.

{Video} Homecoming

Every year we get asked to help design lighting for and DJ high school homecomings. One of the schools this year wanted to bring the theme of "Candyland" to life. So we did just that by making actual candycanes out of truss.

This type of truss set up allows the lighting to be "in the crowd" instead of over the DJ/Band. The students really liked this set up - it makes it feel more like a club or lounge.

Give Kelly a call to see how we can turn your next homecoming, formal or prom into something like this!

{Tune in Tuesday} Mark

Today, Mark is sharing his current favorites with us. And as I bonus, we're sharing the January picture from our calendar with you. If you're interested in purchasing one to help the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, email me, beckyd@synergeticsounds.com.

Stereo Love - Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina

DJ Got Us Falling In Love – Usher

Only Girl – Rihanna

Yeah 3x – Chris Brown

Hey Baby – Pitbull

No Americano – Yolanda Be Cool & DCup

Club Can’t Handle Me – Flo Rida

Memories – David Guetta

Hold My Hand – Michael Jackson Duet with Akon

Stevie B

Kenny Chesney

Tim McGraw

Toby Keith

Rascal Flatts

Sugarland

As many remixes as I can get my hands on.

Oh, and every Kidz Bop remake of today’s Top 40 thanks to my boys.

{Get To Know Us Mondays} Dave Stocklos

This week, we're getting to know Dave Stocklos.

Becky: Where are you from?

Dave: I was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Holland, PA and attended Council Rock High School.

B: Do you have a day? job? What is it?

D: I work with my step-dad at his company. We're general contractors who specialize in renovations and building custom homes.

B: What is your favorite type of music? Do you have a favorite song?

D: I like Dance music - I have alot of energy, and its fun. My favorite song is, "World Hold On."

B: How did you get into DJing? What's your favorite thing about it?

D: I got involved in music when I was very little. There are pictures of me during my 6th grade dance standing next to the DJ - that was my first real contact with the industry and I spent the entire night talking about what it would be like. I became obsessed with owning as much music as possible and was always the first to have anything new. As I got older I started going dancing at clubs with friends. I first DJ'd when I was 17 and working at a bowling alley. The DJ called out sick and I did the music for cosmic bowling. A few months later I joined a DJ company as a Dancer. I danced at three parties before I went out as an assistant DJ. I did two parties as an assistant and then went out on my own. Over the next six 6 years I was the most requested next to the owner himself and performed at weddings, Mitzvahs, school dances, bars, birthday parties, etc. I even did some parties for Wired 96.5 and Q102.

B: What did you want to be when you grew up?

D: I wanted to be a Veterinarian

B: What's your favorite type of event to DJ, why?

D: Weddings are my favorite. I like helping to make such an important day so memorable.

B: What are your favorite things to do/hobbies?

D: Some of my hobbies include shooting billiards - I competed in a national competion in Vegas in 2008 - reading, running, biking, working out and playing poker.

B: How long have you been a DJ?

D: Over 10 years

B: What's your favorite movie?

D: Dragonheart

B: Do you have any pets?

D: Harley, he is a 5 year old Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso mix.

My wife Kristen and I were married January 16, 2010 - Matt Blank DJ'd our wedding. We're expecting our first child, a son, in March and spend our spare time working on our house and getting the nursery ready.

Make sure to check back every Monday for another Q&A. If you have anything you'd like to know about us, leave a comment with your question, post it on our Facebook page or email it in to beckyd@synergeticsounds.com.

The Men of Synergetic

We're finally ready to spill the info on the thing we've been hinting at for a few months now.

A few of our photographer friends mentioned that it could be fun to do a calendar featuring the “Men of Synergetic.” After a few laughs, we figured, why not? So after some brainstorming and getting some friends involved, we decided to do the calendar and donate all of the proceeds from the sale of it to a charity.

After getting the ball rolling and putting the key players in place, we took some time and put some serious thought into where we wanted the money to go. We try to give back multiple times a year and we always make sure to do so locally. We ultimately decided that we wanted all proceeds to go to the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. Every one of us is a kid at heart and want to do everything we can to help others enjoy a safe, happy and healthy childhood. We love what the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House provides and stands for and we are thrilled to be able to help them in their mission.

The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home for families of children with life-threatening illnesses receiving care at local Philadelphia hospitals. The House also runs the Ronald McDonald Camp in the Poconos for oncology patients and their siblings as well as two Family Rooms in the Oncology and Cardiac Centers at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to provide respite space for families away from the bedside. For more information please visit their website.

For a $10 donation ($13 if you'd like us to ship it to you), you can have your very own calendar! Checks can be made out to Synergetic Sound and Lighting or you can call with credit card information. Our ultimate goal is to donate $2500, so please help us to reach that goal! If you have any questions or are interested please email me, beckyd@synergeticsounds.com.

-Becky

{Tune in Tuesday} Dan Isayev

Dan is one of our DJ's and our most requested school dance DJ. He's a nice guy and we'll get to know him better in a few weeks. Here's what he's listening to.

-Kayne West's new album - My beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

-Chopin Fantasie Impromptu - Played by Lola Astanova

-Soulive Albums

-The Beatles' last album - Abbey Road

{Get To Know Us Mondays} Dan Spangler

We hope you had a wonderful weekend and enjoyed the holiday!

This morning we're getting to know Dan Spangler. Dan is one of our second DJs - although he is working hard at becoming a main DJ.

Becky: Where are you from?

Dan: South Media, PA

B: Do you have a “day” job? What is it?

D: I'm the director of a before and after school program in Media, PA, as well as an assistant teacher at KinderCare Learning Center in Brookhaven, PA.

B: What’s your favorite type of music? Why?

D: Hip-Hop is my favorite type of music because of the way it tells the story of life - mostly from an African-American point of view. It has become our voice and our form of expression.

B: Do you have a favorite song?
D: The Micstro - by RC LaRocz.

B: How did you get into DJing? What's your favorite thing about it?

D: I became a DJ because of my brother, DJ Flow - Power99 FM. I would go to different clubs with him and spin and see the control the DJ had on the crowd. I realized that's what I wanted to do. To be able to control a crowd and make that many people, in a positive way, do what you tell them to and watch them enjoy their night because of you, is probably the most gratifying experience a DJ can have.

B: What did you want to be when you grew up? Is it still an option? Is it what you do now?

D: Honestly, all I've ever wanted to do besides be a pro athlete, is DJ - just a few kinks here and there to iron out, but it is very much an option. I'm trying to make it the only thing I do!

B: What’s your favorite type of event to DJ? Why?

D: Clubs. Nothing beats the independence a club brings. At the club I can play, do and say whatever I want to in order for folks to enjoy themselves and that's where I excel.

B: What are your favorite things to do/hobbies?

D: Besides work and DJing, I enjoy playing basketball and football in my spare time.

B: How long have you been a DJ?
D: I started DJing my freshman zear of high school in the fall of 1998 at the age of 14.

B: What's your favorite movie?

D: Rudy! Rudy! Rudy! Rudy!

B: Do you have any pets?

D: Yes, an 8 month old York-terrier named Juicy.

Make sure to check back every Monday for another Q&A. If you have anything you'd like to know about us, leave a comment with your question, post it on our Facebook page or email it in to beckyd@synergeticsounds.com.