Questions For Your Dallas DJ: Mark Ridlen

 

Mark, can you tell us about being a DJ in Dallas?

My first wedding DJ assignment was for a couple of close friends. The groom was a fellow musician who I’d played with in various bands and his wife was a published author and illustrator. The sheer variety of music they requested was a surprisingly welcomed change of pace from the 4/4 dance beats I’d been expected to play continuously at clubs since I began DJing. Since we three shared similar tastes and were surrounded by mutual friends and their families it was a completely organic fitting. This led to a few more peer commissioned wedding gigs and then I realized that this was my new calling – playing an eclectic mix of music custom designed for a diverse group who were united in sharing a once in a lifetime celebration.

Since that time I have performed at hundreds of ceremonies and receptions. The sometimes various and unique bridal themes requested from my clients (Goth, Western, Big Band Swing, Halloween, Polynesian, Sports, Karaoke, etc.) and ethnic cultures involved ( Hindi, Japanese, Chinese, Hispanic, Ethiopian, French, Italian, Greek) continue to enrich my appreciation and enjoyment of wedding entertaining.

~ Mark Ridlen, DJ Deluxe Productions