Welcome to our newest blog feature: vendors we love! Please meet Luke Joachim, AKA DJ CoolHand. This sharp-dressed, hard working cat always impresses us with his fresh beats and professionalism. Let’s learn more…
How did you discover your talent?
I started DJing back in high school as a way to throw parties. My first paid gig was a wedding and I was hooked ever since.
How did your business blossom?
I went to college in New Orleans for music. During my time there I started DJing for major acts and touring the country. It added clout to my wedding and corporate events so my business grew rapidly. Not to mention, it taught me how to deescalate the most stressful situations which has been helpful for all my events, especially weddings.
Do you work alone, or do you lead a team?
On the wedding day, I’m the DJ and MC. I may bring an assistant to help me setup and takedown my equipment, if I think it’s necessary. Our agency, Remixologists, is a team of the best DJs in New York and beyond.
What is your process with wedding clients before the wedding?
Couples that want a “non-cliche” wedding DJ contact me either via my website or Remixologists. We schedule a phone call and possibly a time to meet in Manhattan. If I’m the perfect fit, clients usually book within 6-18 months before their wedding. We make planning and music requests easy by using an online portal and including a sample timeline template that’s easy to fill in. Clients can send me music requests, however is most convenient for them via a playlist from their favorite music service or writing it directly into the template. There are specific songs for special parts of the night like the first dance, must-plays for dancing, a general playlist, and a do-not-playlist,which usually includes group dances like the YMCA. I have a full spectrum of clients from people that want to choose every single song and couples that leave it up to me to read the room. Both are creative challenges that keep my job interesting. My favorite part of my job is mixing the music live and making the party rock.How do you continue to grow as an artist?
I love DJing unique weddings that want the best DJ service in NYC. Clients often expand my music knowledge via their request for non-traditional and non-American tunes. I also run a podcast called DJ for Hire that promotes professionalism in the DJ industry by sharing my tips and interviewing other pro DJs.
