The entertainment at a wedding is a top priority for many couples and one of the most remembered aspects for guests — for better or for worse! That’s why Harmony DJ commits to pairing couples with the right DJ to create an incredible, memorable experience for everyone. We chatted to Josh McClure, CEO, about why he started this company and what sets them apart from the rest. Plus, find out who his most-streamed artist is!
Q: Let’s get to it, what’s your business’ specialty?
A: We provide talented DJs and engaging MCs for weddings! We also offer lighting and photo booth services.
Q: Where can we find you?
A: Anywhere in the Twin Cities where there is a wedding celebration! We love to travel as well, and have done a handful of destination weddings.
Q: Tell us when and how Harmony DJ began.
A: Our company began in 2016 when my wife Shanna and I were planning our own wedding. We realized that the ideal DJ is someone who is passionate, experienced, and talented. Ultimately, what we were searching for was peace of mind, so we could be present and celebrate with our loved ones while dancing all night!
Q: How long have you been in the industry? What do you think has changed the most since then?
A: Some of our DJ’s have been performing at weddings since the early 2000’s. With new technology and equipment it has gotten easier and easier to start DJing, which is phenomenal! As countless couples attend concerts and bars and see DJs mixing live more frequently, one of the biggest changes that I’ve noticed is the desire for seamless transitions. Couples want their DJ to not just play the right song, but entertain their guests with real mixing that drives the momentum of the evening forward.
Q: What makes your Harmony DJ unique from others?
A: By focusing on quality and care, we’ve been able to grow into a modern boutique with a talented team that has thousands of events under our belt. We aim to pair couples with their DJ early in the planning process so that who shows up feels more like a friend than a stranger. Lastly, every one of our lead DJs are full-time in the music industry. We take our work seriously, it is much more than just a weekend hobby.
Q: What would you want couples searching for their DJ to know?
A: The hardest part about hiring a DJ is that many people have never seen their DJ perform before. Listen to your intuition, listen to the DJ’s mixes, read their reviews, ask other vendors who they trust, and think about what you’ve seen at weddings that you love, to really make this decision. Ultimately, you should be able to meet your DJ early in the planning process as well so that on the day of your wedding, you have someone you trust.
Q: How far in advance should a couple book with you?
A: As soon as possible. As a boutique of DJs focused on quality over quantity, our most requested DJs get booked 9-12 months in advance. That being said, we’ve had folks hire us in a pinch just a few short weeks before their wedding (although we don’t recommend that)!
Q: What’s your favorite song to play at a wedding? Least favorite song?
A: I love all genres of music and love at weddings that you really can play a little bit of everything. My current favorite right now is “Friday” by Riton, but it changes pretty frequently! While we try not to hate on any music, let’s just be honest, most DJs do not enjoy playing the Chicken Dance.
See their favorite song choices for a wedding reception in our Wedding Song Guide Series!
Q: What’s the most unique wedding you’ve ever DJ’d for?
A: The most unique wedding we’ve DJ’d was when an Irish Catholic Minnesota girl married an Iraqi gentleman with Assyrian roots. We live for the opportunity to unite families through the art of DJ’ing and this one was such an incredible hybrid and multicultural experience!
Q: Any cool first dance stories?
A: So many! My first dance at my wedding will always hold a special place in my heart. We chose “Hey Pretty Girl” by Kip Moore. That song feels like it was written just for us and anytime we hear that, we tear up with joy. First dances always warm our hearts, but there’s something to be said about the couples who spend a few months choreographing a dance, and we’ve seen some amazing moves!
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Q: Do you have any favorite podcasts?
A: The PhDJ Podcast, ClubLife by Tiesto, Above & Beyond – Group Therapy, and The Tony Robbins Podcast.
Q: Who’s your most played artist on your streaming service?
A: Dua Lipa
Q: Favorite place you’ve traveled to?
A: Tulum
Q: Go-to cocktail (or mocktail)?
A: I love a good Margarita but will always be a hoppy beer guy.
Q: When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: An NBA Player
Q: You’re at brunch. Are you going for something sweet or savory?
A: We have two hands for a reason, both!
Q: Go-to comfort food?
A: Ice Cream
Q: Duck Duck Grey Duck or Duck Duck Goose?
A: As a proud Minnesotan, Grey Duck.
Thanks for chatting with us, Josh! Your talented team would definitely have us on our feet at any celebration.
All images courtesy of Harmony DJ
