Beyond the DJ Booth

Joe Bunn and Brian B
  • 5.0 (7)
  • MUSIC
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Brian B and Joe Bunn tackle questions about the private event DJ industry, share music, gear/gadgets, and stories from their events.

  1. Tricky Intros, Tough Venues, and the DJ Skills That Keep Crowds Moving

    14H AGO

    Tricky Intros, Tough Venues, and the DJ Skills That Keep Crowds Moving

    Send us a message Season Six opens with a true DJ gauntlet: impossible song intros, broken grids, and venues that think bass is optional. We start by dissecting one of the hardest count-ins in rock history - The Rolling Stones’ Start Me Up - and break down how phrasing, hi-hat patterns, and cue-point choices determine whether your floor lifts off…or looks at you like you’re insane. If you’ve ever had a track refuse to land on beat, this segment is your new cheat code. From there, we zoom out to Spotify Wrapped and the gap between what DJs love and what their data says they actually play. Cocktail playlists inflate your minutes, client requests warp your genre map, and yet trends emerge: Teddy Swims for tone, Giveon for texture, Boy & Bear for mood, and the Nashville storytelling that keeps finding its way into 2025 weddings. We turn those insights into real programming ideas for dinners, corporate events, and mixed-age dance floors. Gear Corner brings a small upgrade with a huge quality-of-life payoff: the Gator tripod shelf that solves cluttered ceremony setups and keeps lav receivers, remotes, or iPad notes clean and elevated. And then comes the high-stakes part: venues with hard dB ceilings, meter-triggered shutdowns, or outright bans on subs. We walk through red flags to spot early, questions to ask before signing, the parking-garage wedding that pushed every limit, and why being honest with couples about volume rules is essential to protecting your reputation. If you’re a working DJ who wants better mixes, smarter setups, and a roadmap for sound-restricted venues, this episode gives you tools you can use this weekend. Share it with a DJ friend, subscribe for more weekly takeaways, and drop a review with the hardest track you’ve ever tried to count in. Support the show RESOURCES & LINKS Our website. Please leave a review! - https://www.beyondthedjbooth.com/ To book Joe Bunn: https://bunndjcompany.com/ To book Brian B: https://djbrianbofficial.com/ Joe’s Gear Finds on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/djjoebunn Brian’s Gear Finds on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/djbrianbofficial DJ Event Planner free demo: https://www.djeventplanner.com/signup.php Brian B's Coaching Options: Https://www.thdjscreativeedge.com

    36 min
  2. When DJs Should Raise Their Rates (And When They Shouldn’t)

    DEC 17

    When DJs Should Raise Their Rates (And When They Shouldn’t)

    Send us a message Raising your rates isn’t about confidence — it’s about capability. In this episode, Brian B and Joe break down exactly what it takes for a DJ to step into a higher price tier and stay there.Using a real New Year’s Eve wedding that booked at $26,000, we pull apart every ingredient behind a premium fee: travel costs, gear decisions, prep time, performance structure, and the expectations that come with working at that level. We start with the numbers behind the headline. First-class flights for a family of three, extended lodging, car rental, meals, and local rentals: your net rate only makes sense once you understand the true COGS. But the real value isn’t logistics. It’s the show. Brian breaks down his “mini-set” strategy: prebuilt, 60-minute routines across genres that can be sliced, stacked, and rearranged so the dance floor never dips. That’s how a DJ turns four hours into a controlled surge rather than a slow fade. We also get honest about pricing psychology. Small bumps keep you in the same client sphere. A true leap requires a different circle entirely: new planners, new expectations, and a more sophisticated discovery, communication, and contract process. When your prep is deeper, your sequencing sharper, and your delivery consistent, the rate starts to make sense to you first…and then to your clients. On the wellness side, we share a simple recovery tool every DJ (especially the traveling ones) should carry: a non-elastic stretch strap that undoes flight stiffness and load-in fatigue in minutes. Your body is part of the rig so you should maintain it like one. If you’re a private event DJ ready to charge more or trying to decide if you should, this episode gives you the blueprint: upgrade the work, articulate the value, understand the math, and build a performance that earns the tier you want. Follow the show, share it with a DJ friend, and leave a review so more Booth Heads can level up alongside you. Support the show RESOURCES & LINKS Our website. Please leave a review! - https://www.beyondthedjbooth.com/ To book Joe Bunn: https://bunndjcompany.com/ To book Brian B: https://djbrianbofficial.com/ Joe’s Gear Finds on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/djjoebunn Brian’s Gear Finds on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/djbrianbofficial DJ Event Planner free demo: https://www.djeventplanner.com/signup.php Brian B's Coaching Options: Https://www.thdjscreativeedge.com

    35 min
  3. When the Dance Floor Disappears: Hard Lessons for Working DJs

    DEC 10

    When the Dance Floor Disappears: Hard Lessons for Working DJs

    Send us a message Sometimes the dance floor tells you a truth you don’t want to hear. In this episode, Brian B and Joe break down a tough wedding where everything - the room layout, the guest mix, the cultural split, and even the flow of the night - worked against a high-energy dance set. From navigating a Latin-heavy request list with older Russian Orthodox guests to watching the floor migrate toward the photo booth, we unpack what really happens when even your best instincts aren’t enough. But the story doesn’t end there. A planner on-site remembered seeing Brian at a free showcase two years earlier and vouched for him at full rate: proof that long-tail reputation still converts when you least expect it. Joe shares a parallel moment at an elite country club where no video was allowed, yet a quiet observer in the back led to a brand-new booking. Even when you’re not collecting “content,” you’re always being evaluated. We also bring practical tools: Gear Corner: the ultra-simple desk cushion lap desk that saves your neck during marathon prep daysCrate Finds: refined cocktail-hour and early-set picks, including Coleman Hawkins’ Body and Soul, Glen Campbell’s Southern Nights, a dreamy Dreams → Frank Ocean blend as well as a tasteful God’s Plan cover and a Temperature × Le Freak blend that keeps older guests engagedBusiness Talk: Should you join an exclusive venue package? We break down rate erosion, payment risk, and how to test the waters without sacrificing brand or team qualityThis episode is part honesty, part strategy, part toolbox built for working DJs who know that the rough gigs often teach more than the flawless ones. Tap follow, share this with a DJ friend, and drop a review with your go-to track for bridging a culture gap on the dance floor. Support the show RESOURCES & LINKS Our website. Please leave a review! - https://www.beyondthedjbooth.com/ To book Joe Bunn: https://bunndjcompany.com/ To book Brian B: https://djbrianbofficial.com/ Joe’s Gear Finds on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/djjoebunn Brian’s Gear Finds on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/djbrianbofficial DJ Event Planner free demo: https://www.djeventplanner.com/signup.php Brian B's Coaching Options: Https://www.thdjscreativeedge.com

    36 min
  4. What the Charts Don’t Tell DJs

    DEC 3

    What the Charts Don’t Tell DJs

    Send us a message The charts are loud but the dance floor tells the truth. In this episode, Brian B and Joe break down one of the biggest gaps working DJs face: what people stream vs what people actually move to at private events. Billboard, Spotify, TikTok, Apple Music, Shazam - they all paint a picture. But it’s not the picture that keeps a room dancing at 10:30pm. We dig into why certain chart monsters like Taylor Swift dominate listens but don’t always land in peak moments, while catalog cuts like Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” and Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” keep sneaking their way back into emotional singalongs. We also unpack why the “big crossover party rap records” of the 2010s have all but vanished and how that flips the modern DJ playbook on its head. You’ll hear how we use chart data for smarter programming without getting trapped by it: What TikTok trends can teach you and what to ignoreWhy Shazam spikes matter more than streamsHow seasonal revivals (Janet Jackson?!) can surprise your setsWhich covers and edits refresh ceremony + dinner without killing vibeThe remixes that bridge decades without wrecking energy or keyWe also talk business. Brian shares a hospitality hack every working DJ should keep in their bag: individually wrapped earplugs that turn complaints into gratitude (and sometimes gratuity) instantly. And for owners dealing with the nightmare of losing a key team member, we map a calm, practical path forward: internal promotion, admin support, and avoiding the panic hire. If you’re a private event DJ who wants to read the room, not the rankings, this episode will give you the tools to select smarter, respond faster, and build dance floors that don’t lie. Subscribe to our Patreon for early access, grab our weekly banger lists, and drop a review with the track that’s unexpectedly crushing for you right now and we’ll test it live. Support the show RESOURCES & LINKS Our website. Please leave a review! - https://www.beyondthedjbooth.com/ To book Joe Bunn: https://bunndjcompany.com/ To book Brian B: https://djbrianbofficial.com/ Joe’s Gear Finds on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/djjoebunn Brian’s Gear Finds on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/djbrianbofficial DJ Event Planner free demo: https://www.djeventplanner.com/signup.php Brian B's Coaching Options: Https://www.thdjscreativeedge.com

    24 min
  5. Mike Walter Finds the Greatest Song Ever

    NOV 26

    Mike Walter Finds the Greatest Song Ever

    Send us a message What is the greatest song ever? A chart-topping classic? A perfect lyric? A groove that flips a room from murmurs to full-on chorus? In this episode, Brian B and Joe sit down with one of the most respected voices in the private-event DJ industry, Mike Walter, to unpack a deceptively simple question that reveals everything about how DJs listen, select, and shape emotion on the dance floor. Mike pulls back the curtain on his new book, a bold and deeply thoughtful journey through forty songs that matter. He explains why he limits himself to one track per artist, why some sacred staples don’t make the cut, and how real greatness often shows up on the 20th listen, not the first. Expect spicy takes on iconic tracks like Stairway to Heaven and Bohemian Rhapsody, surprising praise for overlooked writers, and a candid breakdown of how lyrics function like modern poetry. Then we bring it back to the booth. Brian, Joe, and Mike trade: Gig-proven tracks that have crushed in 2025 with our music in reviewHooks-only edits that turn transitions into momentsThe 110–116 BPM ladder that moves a room from hip-hop to house without losing the floorWhy doors-open programming is a brand statement, not a throwaway warm-upHow to stack “double pops” to create late-night peaks with intentionIt’s equal parts music theory, DJ psychology, and in-the-trenches perspective...exactly the kind of conversation that makes working DJs better. We close with Mike’s next chapter: selling Elite Entertainment to his longtime right-hand man, staying active behind the decks, and focusing on the work that lights him up: books, travel, and thoughtful, legacy-level sets. If you care about music, programming, or building a sustainable career in the private event DJ world, this episode will give you new ways to listen and new ways to lead a room. Share it with a DJ friend, follow the show, and leave a review with your pick for the greatest song ever (we might read it on a future episode). Support the show RESOURCES & LINKS Our website. Please leave a review! - https://www.beyondthedjbooth.com/ To book Joe Bunn: https://bunndjcompany.com/ To book Brian B: https://djbrianbofficial.com/ Joe’s Gear Finds on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/djjoebunn Brian’s Gear Finds on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/djbrianbofficial DJ Event Planner free demo: https://www.djeventplanner.com/signup.php Brian B's Coaching Options: Https://www.thdjscreativeedge.com

    50 min
  6. When Wedding Planners Act Like Partners: Lessons for Working DJs

    NOV 19

    When Wedding Planners Act Like Partners: Lessons for Working DJs

    Send us a message Ever had a planner ghost right when the dance floor opens? We’ve all been there. In this episode, Brian B and Joe Bunn unpack the night-and-day difference between vendors who simply “show up” and planners who actually partner with DJs to create seamless, unforgettable events. Brian shares three back-to-back gigs that illustrate how strong communication changes outcomes: A Disney-themed ceremony-to-dinner sequence that demanded a mid-set rescue to reignite the room.A 290-guest after-party where sharper sequencing was the fix after a band’s dated closing numbers.A 30-guest outdoor dinner where five dinner courses became five distinct genres, each keeping the mood fresh and intentional.Brian spotlights planners who do it right: vendor-specific timelines, shared drives, and quick pre-event check-ins that prevent “he said, she said” chaos later. The takeaway? Collaboration isn’t just nice, it’s a professional advantage. From there, they pivot into practical business strategy: How to structure your team for consistency during multi-event weekends.What to do when photographers and videographers leave early.A quick gear pick and a Patreon update with new coaching tools, weekly Top 10 bangers, and early-access drops.Whether you’re a working DJ, planner, or creative pro in the private event DJ industry, this episode is your blueprint for smoother collaboration and better nights on every level. 🎧 Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a vendor who actually gets it. Support the show RESOURCES & LINKS Our website. Please leave a review! - https://www.beyondthedjbooth.com/ To book Joe Bunn: https://bunndjcompany.com/ To book Brian B: https://djbrianbofficial.com/ Joe’s Gear Finds on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/djjoebunn Brian’s Gear Finds on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/djbrianbofficial DJ Event Planner free demo: https://www.djeventplanner.com/signup.php Brian B's Coaching Options: Https://www.thdjscreativeedge.com

    30 min
  7. Beyond the DJ Booth: How Spotify Auto Mix Changes the Game

    NOV 12

    Beyond the DJ Booth: How Spotify Auto Mix Changes the Game

    Send us a message What if Spotify’s Auto Mix feature could actually hold its own against a live DJ? We put it to the test (sorta)...and the results might surprise you. In this episode, Brian B and Joe Bunn break down how Spotify’s newest Premium feature blends transitions, keys, and BPM alignment in ways that feel surprisingly natural. From bar-length filter sweeps to smooth key-matched intros, Auto Mix delivers a level of polish that’s hard to ignore. But it’s not about replacement, it’s about opportunity. Learn how DJs can leverage pre-mixed playlists for cocktail hours, lounges, and branded activations, turning curated programming into scalable revenue. Joe also shares a behind-the-booth story from a small farmhouse wedding that turned into a programming masterclass: 40 guests, no “safe” tracks, and a floor that stayed packed through genre-hopping pivots between syrupy Southern hip-hop and festival-ready EDM. The takeaway: bold musical choices reward DJs who read energy, not trends. Later, they dive into the real-world applications of Auto Mix for working DJs: Where it shines (cocktail hours, ambient sets, travel playlists).Where it fails (crowd-reading, energy shaping, emotional pacing).How to build a paid, passive product from smart programming.And because no episode is complete without a music drop, Brian reveals five fresh floor-killers you can use this weekend - from a funk-laced One Direction flip to an Anxiety x Gimme Gimme hybrid that crushes after-hours. Whether you’re a working DJ, a tech enthusiast, or someone curious about how AI is reshaping performance, this episode hits all the right notes: part strategy, part story, and all signal. No noise. 🎧 Subscribe, share with a DJ friend, and leave a review if this helped you rethink your next set. Want early access, bonus episodes, and our weekly Top 10 bangers? Join our Patreon and step into the backroom. Support the show RESOURCES & LINKS Our website. Please leave a review! - https://www.beyondthedjbooth.com/ To book Joe Bunn: https://bunndjcompany.com/ To book Brian B: https://djbrianbofficial.com/ Joe’s Gear Finds on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/djjoebunn Brian’s Gear Finds on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/djbrianbofficial DJ Event Planner free demo: https://www.djeventplanner.com/signup.php Brian B's Coaching Options: Https://www.thdjscreativeedge.com

    24 min
  8. When the Planner Disappears: DJ Stories and Boundaries That Work

    NOV 5

    When the Planner Disappears: DJ Stories and Boundaries That Work

    Send us a message The dance floor is finally open and the planner vanishes. In this episode of Beyond the DJ Booth, Brian B and Joe Bunn pull back the curtain on a trend that can make or break an event: vendors leaving before peak moments hit. Joe vents, Brian offers fixes, and together they build a simple system for smoother weddings and private events - clear pre-dance expectations, quick text check-ins for logistic cues, and a friendly nudge for planners to stick around long enough to see the floor build. It’s not about hovering; it’s about protecting the couple’s experience and preventing the dreaded “he said, she said” after the night ends. From there, Brian recaps a relentless triple-gig weekend that tested his resilience - complete with a Turo cancellation, a hijacked Uber ride, and a seatmate who warned of seizures at takeoff. The takeaway isn’t chaos; it’s control. You’ll learn backup rental strategies, smart time buffers, and the minimalist travel kit that saves your night when plans fall apart. Then comes the soundtrack. They share their go-to vibey cocktail-hour toolkit - mid-tempo grooves that keep guests nodding without drowning conversation. Expect a Curtis Mayfield classic, a Leon Bridges and Odesza moment, an Afrobeats flip, and edits that glide perfectly into open format. You’ll even hear how they program corporate holiday parties, balancing subtle seasonal cues with energy that feels natural, not forced. The episode closes with a reminder: every vendor at an event contributes to the experience. Boundaries aren’t barriers, they’re collaboration tools. If you’re a working DJ, planner, or event pro, this one’s packed with lessons that’ll tighten your systems and elevate your events. 🎧 Hit play, share with a vendor friend, and tap follow so you never miss the next deep dive. Want bonus episodes, early access, and our weekly top-10 bangers? Join the Patreon and step into the backroom with us. Support the show RESOURCES & LINKS Our website. Please leave a review! - https://www.beyondthedjbooth.com/ To book Joe Bunn: https://bunndjcompany.com/ To book Brian B: https://djbrianbofficial.com/ Joe’s Gear Finds on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/djjoebunn Brian’s Gear Finds on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/djbrianbofficial DJ Event Planner free demo: https://www.djeventplanner.com/signup.php Brian B's Coaching Options: Https://www.thdjscreativeedge.com

    41 min
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Trailer

5
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About

Brian B and Joe Bunn tackle questions about the private event DJ industry, share music, gear/gadgets, and stories from their events.

Information

  • Creator
    Joe Bunn and Brian B
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Beyond the DJ Booth
  • Show Website
    Beyond the DJ Booth

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