DJs - Vince Cottone
- Business: Music By Vince
- Location: Jacksonville, Florida FL
- Experience: 20+ Years
- Profile: Music By Vince
- Website: musicbyvince.net
1. Introduction: What's your story?
Hi my name is Vince Cottone, Owner and DJ of Music By Vince DJ services also known as DJVince. A long time ago I went to broadcasting school with a plan to work on the radio. I found myself working for a few local radio stations after graduating like, WQIK 99.1, WJXR 92.1 and ARROW 100. From a country station to a rock station I enjoyed the experience and talking to callers, then I discovered the wedding industry and fell in love. I left the airwaves 20 years ago to pursue a career in making a brides dream wedding come true (or at least doing my part). People don't realize just how important the entertainment plays into making that day, the one most brides start dreaming of from an early age, the best it can be. I like to think of myself as more than just a DJ, I am a complete entertainer. Being a professional DJ is more than simply playing the next song at a party, so much more goes into providing a memorable evening, that will last in memories forever.
2. What's your experience as a wedding DJ? How many weddings have you done?
I still remember my first wedding on my own, my hands sweaty, my mind racing with thoughts of not missing up someone's wedding day. Rehearsing the bridal party names so many times and going over the planning forms to exhaustion. Understanding from the start how important it is for me to get everything right! Looking back now some 25 plus years later and thousands of weddings under my belt. I may not get the sweating hands anymore, however, you can still hear me practicing names and going over the planning forms prior to every wedding. With so many weddings and receptions performed it is not uncommon to see a previous bride or attendee at our events. it always makes me feel great to hear them remark to guest what a wonderful job we did at their reception.
3. How far in advance do couples need to book your services?
Typically Booking our services at Music By Vince is 8 to 14 months in advance during a normal year, however, due to COVID 19 and having to move a lot of weddings from 2020 and early 2021. I am expecting that time frame to extend past 24 months, as everyone is trying to catch up as everything begins to reopen.
4. What's your rate? What does that include?
Our rate, Music By Vince has a standard rate of 899.00 for a four hour wedding reception, this includes a profession DJ system, dance floor lighting, an online client portal with reception planning forms, wireless microphones, and instant cell phone access for questions or concerns. Every wedding is different and unique to each bride and customized to their personal needs and ideas. Overtime rate is billed at 150.00 for each additional hour, however, additional hours can be contracted at a reduced fee during the planning stages. Music By Vince never charges for set up and breakdown of the equipment, you only pay for performance time.
5. Are you available to travel if needed?
Music By Vince is available for your special day almost anywhere you plan to have it. We have preformed in Miami, Tallahassee, Daytona, Jekyll Island Ga., Atlanta Ga., Kings Bay GA., Bryson North Carolina, and Pelham Alabama. Destination weddings are great and we bring the party to you, so keep us in mind no matter where your reception takes place.
6. How would you describe your style?
Our clients tell us what they want in a DJ and we provide them with that style of MC work. I have the ability to be full on interactive teaching dance moves, getting the most suborned guest up to dance, or more moderate with just a push here and there. I've had events where they request no interaction at all simply playing lo-key music with no dancing (COVID 19 protocols). Personally I enjoy interacting with guest and getting my dance on with them when possible, however, our clients are the boss and making their event the most memorable time for them is always our #1 goal.
7. What's your backup plan if there's an equipment malfunction? Do you bring backup equipment?
Music By Vince uses digital technology to DJ (laptop) so we always bring a back up system (just incase). We also have more than one DJ system incase something goes wrong with the hardware. All the paperwork and planning for each event is done through on on-line portal making any lost planning forms are instantly retrievable.
8. What's your sick day policy?
When you book with Music By Vince you get DJ Vince, over the many years of DJing I have made many contacts with other DJ's and have a vast pool of talented stand in's if needed. This past year and pandemic has taught us one thing and that is you need people on stand by, we have gone to great lengths to ensure should something happen that someone will be at your event.
9. How do you motivate a shy crowd to dance? What do you do to motivate the crowd if nobody is dancing?
There are many "tricks" of the trade that can be used. I like to coax a so called non-dancing crowd out to the dance floor with a slow song, everyone can dance to a slow song. Then depending on the age of the crowd a line dance they might know, or a seventies popular disco song. Every crowd is different and what works with one group of people may not work with another, so being able to read the crowd is very important. I find it very rewarding when the dance floor is full during a middle of the day reception, these are considered more difficult when the sun is still up and all the lights are on.
10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
Music By Vince has a thirty day cancelation policy for all events.
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