Today we’d like to introduce you to Jermaine Everett.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My musical journey started quite early in my life as a child and son of a DJ. I won’t bore you with the details of childhood but it goes without saying that music has played a major role in my life. Upon graduating from high school and looking at myself in the mirror to decide what I was going to do next, I knew I wanted to pursue a career as a DJ. Without dating myself, I will say that was over 10 years ago.
During my journey, I first started DJ’ing local parties in the Virginia, Maryland, DC area and simply relied on word of mouth. I was in love from the start and new I had a special gift but I didn’t quite pursue a true career as a DJ but rather did it on the side as I worked full time.
A few years later I decided to move to Atlanta for corporate opportunities but during that transition to Atlanta I didn’t pick up the turntables right away. Frankly, I considered DJ’ing as something I did early on as a hobby and needed to focus on making “real” money climbing the corporate ladder. However, as the years went by my original love continued to grow and fester inside of me to get back to what I was born to do. I did, however, battle constantly with the optics of trying to leave a steady career with benefits to be a DJ. It sounded crazy as I said it aloud but If I didn’t get back to it I knew I would regret it for the rest of my life.
As I gathered the nerve to finally reinvest into getting the new equipment I was also hit with a reality check by my company that hundreds of people were being laid off. This news only strengthened my core belief that I was made to start up my DJ company and get serious this time around. Fast forward about a year and Press Play Productions is now born. As I researched competitors I soon realized that technology allowed many low skilled DJs to flood the market and made it difficult for brides and grooms to really get a true professional DJ sound and know the difference between mediocre and excellent.
My goal is to bring a club like an experience to weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, and private events from Atlanta to Alabama to North Carolina to anywhere possible. We bring the party to our clients and leave them in amazement.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road hasn’t been smooth but it short hasn’t been quick. As I’ve started down this path to build a steady infrastructure for my company the amount of time and reinvestment required has been much higher than initially anticipated. From understanding the sound and lighting equipment required to host the type of events that leave a wow factor has not been a cheap endeavor. Networking with vendors in the same industry has proven to be the most vital tool for success in the event & entertainment industry.
My journey continues and we are not quite where we want to be but our road is clear ahead of us with plans clearly laid out for the next 5 years. Planning has been the key to building a strong foundation for a sustainable product that will be able to grow on its own as I continue to build a positive reputation.
One thing I learned in the past is you only get one chance to make a first impression. I have to constantly remind myself of this point as my natural tendency is to rush for results but that rush may lead to a lost contact forever. We’ve taken our time to identify the right partners and invest in marketing materials to ensure I can keep up with the demands that are soon to come.
The future is very bright and I’m excited about the upcoming ride.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Press Play Productions – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
At Press Play Production we specialize in bringing the sweat to your dance floor while creating a jaw-dropping atmosphere with our high-end lighting. We realize there is a unique capability to be able to bring professionalism to the presentation of your event which starts with the planning but also allowing your party goers to experience an event that will have them dancing all night long. As the DJ I bring over 15 years of experience to be able to rock a party for any crowd.
Whether I have a room full of teenagers or an older crowd who can appreciate the sounds of the 70s 80s, the dance floor will be packed with people singing along and screaming all night.
A number of times when I speak to perspective clients they often ask “are you going to MC as well?”. The answer is a resounding YES. As a matter of fact, you can have a great DJ but he if doesn’t say a word all night it can get kind of awkward. Your DJ needs to be your MC and MC very well. I make sure to bring the full entertainment value so my clients have nothing to worry about. Whether it’s a wedding or prom, you need to know that your MC is controlling the crowd.
With Press Play you get the full package, a fashionable DJ, exquisite lighting, a live MC, and a packed dance floor. What more can you ask for?
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I have a few large events coming up that I plan on using for our online commercials and promotional materials. The plans for the company in the near future is very simple…promote, promote, promote. I am very excited to be working with publications like VoyageATL and a few others to spread the word of Press Play Productions.
I have a few interviews scheduled in upcoming months as well which should be a good way to continue making connections in the metro Atlanta area.
Pricing:
- $895 for Basic Wedding Package – no lighting included
- $1195 for Standard Wedding Package (most popular) – Including uplighting
- $1495 for Premium Wedding Package (recommended) – Includes uplighting & intelligent lighting
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pressplayga.com
- Phone: 678-237-2180
- Email: contact@pressplayga.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/pressplayga
- Facebook: facebook.com/pressplayga
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
