Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnathon “DJ J-SMOOV” Allen.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Since day #1 I’ve always been the life of the party, had a love for music, and enjoyed entertaining others. So that’s where it really started. Back in 2010 my cousin asked 2 of my childhood friends and me to DJ and host her husband’s surprise birthday party. At that time we were known for making great mix CDs but had absolutely no real dj experience. It’s funny, we actually rocked the party and requested to be paid in liquor. From there, things SLOWLY grew one event at a time. Over the years I learned more about the industry, how to DJ and was given opportunities such as dj’ing a friend’s family reunion and weddings here and there. It took a lot of free and low paying gigs just to gain exposure, but I knew it would eventually pay off. In 2016 J² Entertainment was formed and I haven’t looked back ever since.
Has it been a smooth road?
There have definitely been struggles in the past. I can remember dj’ing backyard parties for FREE just to get my name out there. I’ll never forget the times when I’d go months without any gigs. I often wondered if all the time and money I invested would ever pay off. I mean, what good is dj equipment if I never get the chance to use it. There were also past experiences I’ve had with club promoters with either low wages or no payment at all that taught me valuable lessons. Though this may have been discouraging at times, I never gave up. It actually motivated me more and forced me to focus on building my brand and figuring out my lane. I truly didn’t understand and grasp the business side of DJ’ing until 2015. Since then I can say that I’m truly headed in the right direction while pursuing my passion.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the J² Entertainment story. Tell us more about the business.
My name is Johnathon (DJ J-SMOOV) and I make up one half of J² Entertainment which is a full-service DJ and Entertainment company. Our team consists of our MC, better known as Jay “on the mic” and myself. We can be best described as an In-Sync, HIGH Energy, and Engaging Tag Team Duo that’s sure to make your event Epic and Memorable! Over the years, we’ve figured out the formula and artistry of bringing people together through music. Our clients have even given us the nickname “Shaq and Kobe.” We specialize in weddings, corporate events, private parties, church events, and school functions. Something that sets us apart is the level of diversity that we’re able to offer our clients. I’ve served as the resident DJ at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Oconee, we dj’d Nigerian weddings, and worked with clients such as Coca-Cola, Dobbins Air Force Base, Teach for America, and The Pink Hotel. We cover genres ranging from Hip-Hop & R&B, Old School, Soul, Top 40, and even Country. We offer lighting, photo booths, custom gobo, and videography services. We recently were booked for our first international destination wedding in Jamaica. It was truly an awesome experience to be able to take our talents to Jamaica to give the bride, groom, and all of their guests a night that they’ll never forget. I’ll also be serving as the official DJ for the Duluth High School boys and girls basketball team for the 2018-19 season.
I’ve always had a passion for music and entertaining people, so being able to create memories that will last a lifetime for our clients is why I do what I do. I look at every gig as a new opportunity to bring people together and create a special vibe through music. It’s humbling to know that people will place their trust in us for their weddings, birthday parties, and corporate events. I feel we’re obligated to put on a great show so that everyone can have the time of their lives.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The DJ and entertainment business are always changing and evolving. One thing I’ve noticed with our wedding clientele is that couples with larger budgets (100k or more) aren’t settling for something standard. Weddings are no longer weddings; they’re productions. In the next 5-10 years expect more light shows, live performances, pyrotechnics, and next level futuristic dance floors, etc.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jsquaredent.com
- Phone: 470-891-8524
- Email: info@jsquaredent.com
- Instagram: @djjsmoov82
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/djjsmoov82/
- Other: soundcloud.com/dj-j-smoov
Image Credit:
Fotos by Fola, Joshua Dwain
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