March 2007 - Star DJs
Recently we caught up with some of the guys from star djs, Irelands largest DJ agency and asked some of their core Wedding DJs some questions about their wedding experiences.
Star DJs Profiles
Read about Darragh Roberts, Fergal Rigby, Graham Mulcahy, Ronan O'Brien, Garvan Rigby and Tim Harrington
 | Name: Darragh Roberts Hmmm, well I like and play everything from 50s to funky house. So try and play all sorts for everyone. |
How long are you a DJ?
18 wonderful years! Yes, we had our ups and downs, and sometimes the relationship has been strained but I love it!!!
Did you ever DJ for anybody Famous?
Adam Clayton was really cuffed when I played about 4 U2 songs at a wedding he was at. I didn’t know he was there. Also Garth Brooks was at a gig I was playing in the Berkley Court a few years back. Plus, they may be great rugby players but the Ireland team can’t dance for nuts!
Ever had any strange requests?
Oh yeah loads; walking into a wedding at the Station House with ALL older guests!!! The bride wanted Groove Armada’s “I see you baby shakin that ass” as first song!!!! Its amazing the reaction you can get from a crowd of 50-60 something’s to a song like that!
What has been the most popular first dance song used by couples?
Well the first song is always unique and it should stay that way, pick something that means something to you. BUT, the more popular choices in the last year or so include Van Morrison Someone like you, Paul Weller You do something to me and Andy Williams, cant take my eyes off you.
Have you always played at weddings?
NO I do all types of events, but I’m most happy when I’m working at a wedding. I know it makes me sound corny but I don’t care, I love being able to play a part in a couple’s special day!
Have you notice any trends in Irish weddings over the last 10 years?
The 2 or 3 day wedding.
What is the craziest thing you have ever witness at a wedding?
NO WAY could I reveal any of that. It’s a bit like what goes on tour stays on tour!
 | Name: Fergal Rigby DJ style: How long are you a DJ?: |
Did you ever DJ for anybody Famous?
Yes, but I was sworn to secrecy!!
What makes a great party venue?
A good acoustically designed intimate venue, a top of the range sound system and a Star DJ!
Ever had any strange requests?
Thin Lizzy requested by a 5 year old.
Any Advice for Brides and Grooms?
Discuss the schedule of your day with your Star DJ, as he has probably seen more weddings than hot dinners! This is where he will wow you with his ideas, and not just on the entertainment! Also, it’s useful to have a wish list of some songs you want to hear, and also some songs that you DON’T want to hear! If he knows the songs you like, then he can build on this, ensuring a day and night to remember.
Have you ever been asked to DJ when you were not expecting or prepared for it?
Sometimes not expecting it, but ALWAYS prepared for it!
Have you ever DJ’d outside of Ireland?
Sydney, Italy and beside the Pacific Oceanon the Californian coast.
 | Name: Graham Mulcahy DJ style: How long are you a DJ?: Did you ever DJ for anybody Famous? Yes, but signed a confidential contract!! |
What makes a great party venue?
A place that fits the size of your event, with good lighting and sound.
Ever had any strange requests?
Yes there is always one person whose music taste is a little strange. A grandmother wanted the Macarena.
Any Advice for Brides and Grooms?
Always use a professional DJ for your wedding. Because you can be assured that you have a professional working with you to organise an event that you will never forget. Music selection is very important with selecting the music you want and don’t want.
Have you ever been asked to DJ when you were not expecting or prepared for it?
As a Star DJ we have been trained to expect the unexpected an over the years we have learn to deal with any situation that present it self.
Have you ever DJ’d outside of Ireland?
England, Spain, Italyand America.
Have you always played at weddings?
No, have worked many different types of events from weddings to corporate, promotions and club nights.
Have you noticed any trends in Irish weddings over the last 10 years?
Not really every couple is different and have their own special needs, which at star dj’s we like to accommodate everyone.
 | Name: Ronan O'Brien DJ style: Party and Fun dance floor classics How long are you a DJ?: 8 Years |
What makes a great party venue?
A big dance floor, a decent sized bar near to the dance floor and no neighbours to limit the noise of the party.
Ever had any strange requests?
Ronan Keating – When you say nothing at all. Not in itself a strange request for a first song… but so appropriate since through the whole consultation and any during interaction I had with the couple or could see them having with others, literally the groom said “nothing at all”. I couldn’t help but think the bride was using the first dance as a warning!
Any Advice for Brides and Grooms?
Think back to when you first got together and remember those songs that capture your first few months together, pick at least one song from that period. Make three lists for the DJ, songs your definitely want to hear, songs you like a lot and songs you definitely don’t want to hear. Arrange time for a consultation with your DJ prior to your event – your DJ will have been to more parties thanParisHilton and as a result has a wealth of ideas as to how to make your night perfect.
Have you ever been asked to DJ when you were not expecting or prepared for it?
I once was having dinner in a hotel when someone I went to school with came over to me in a bit of a state. His friends wedding was taking place in the function room and they had hired “a friend of a friend” to play music in an attempt to save a few Euro. This “part time” DJ had called in sick two hours before he was due to start, leave the couple high and dry without entertainment for the night, which by then needed to start in 40 minutes. Luckily I had my records in the car and used STAR DJS back up service to provide the necessary equipment; the night was a huge success.
Have you ever DJ’d outside of Ireland?
Spain, LA, UK and once in Kenya
Have you always played at weddings?
No I started off on radio. Then began playing in bars and private functions such as 21st’s. Eventually I had played in nearly every nightclub in Dublinand surrounding area. It was only then I started playing weddings, which require the most experience out of any type of DJing gig.
 | Name: Garvan Rigby DJ style: Classic Contemporary floor-fillers with classic tunes How long are you a DJ?: 16 years |
Did you ever DJ for anybody Famous?
U2, Beautiful South and a few other acts and sports stars.
What makes a great party venue?
A venue with a room designed for the right amount of people with a well-proportioned dance-floor size. Never have a big room for a small wedding.
Ever had any strange requests?
To “play New Order’s Blue Monday” while I was actually playing the song! It’s only when the same guy came back up later and asked me to play some killers while I was playing them that I realised he was trying to be funny!
Any Advice for Brides and Grooms?
Keep it mainstream if you want everybody at your wedding to enjoy themselves. You don’t have to go cheesy but if you go too “credible” you may alienate the older guests completely.
Have you ever DJ’d outside of Ireland?
UK and Australia when I lived there for a short spell.
What has been the most popular first dance song used by couples?
It has varied greatly over the years from the obvious to the album track. Sade has been a popular artist over the years although I once played a hard rock track for a couple who were heavy metal fans.
Have you always played at weddings?
I have done all types of DJ events. Radio, clubs, bars and mobile DJ events. I specialise now in Weddings and Corporate events
Have you ever been asked to DJ when you were not expecting or prepared for it?
I have had to use a telephone box to change into my costume on a few occasions over the years to rescue somebody’s day, but luckily not too often! It’s amazing how some people can let others down on their wedding day.
Have you noticed any trends in Irish weddings over the last 10 years?
I used to DJ more often after a band. Now most of the weddings I do are at full night DJ-only weddings. It’s a mixture of taste and budget I guess.
 | Name: Tim Harrington DJ style: Old favourites blended with today’s floor-fillers How long are you a DJ?: 10 years Did you ever DJ for anybody Famous? Now that would be telling! |
What makes a great party venue? A must would have to be having the bar in the same room as the reception and if possible having the smoking area close by as well!
Ever had any strange requests? Not really, I think I’ve heard it all at this stage
Any Advice for Brides and Grooms? Having married in June of last year I now have a unique understanding of the big day from both sides of the fence. Many couples don’t spend enough time discussing their entertainment. Use your meetings with your Star Dj to get what you want out of your big day, remember we’re there for you.
Have you ever been asked to DJ when you were not expecting or prepared for it?
I tend to always have my music collection close to hand and there have been occasions when the cds have been pulled out of the bag.
Have you ever DJ’ed outside of Ireland? London and does Northern Ireland count?
What has been the most popular first dance song used by couples? Lou Reed, Perfect Day
Have you always played at weddings? Not always, I still do a regular slot in a well known nightclub on the Southside of Dublin
Have you notice any trends in Irish weddings over the last 10 years? The Groom is far more involved in the planning of today’s weddings.
What is the craziest thing you have ever witnessed at a wedding? A classic air guitar competition
For more information on star dj’s – visit www.stardjs.ie or call 1800 stardj (1800 782735)
Web hosting by Tibus Dublin
