I’m not sure anyone sets out to become a mobile DJ…you just kind of fall into it, and fall in love with it over time, and eventually you realise that it makes you way happier than the drudgery of your 9-5 office job. And people actually pay you a wage for doing it. So, where did it begin…?

For me, it probably started in a front room of an Edwardian terraced house in East Ham, circa 1982. It was my aunt’s place, and my cousin and I would make a beeline for his older brother’s 12″ record collection, which was pretty much all soul and jazz funk. Up went the lid of the Hitachi stack system and we’d spend hours listening to his latest purchases (often before he did!) Somehow, and definitely influenced by East London culture at the time, we progressed to buying hiphop singles and albums of our own, including the incredible StreetSounds series of ‘Electro’ tracks. My cousin was a pretty adept body-popper and breakdancer, whereas I was more of an enthusiastic spectator, although I did achieve a fairly good moonwalk. Well, I thought so…

Professional Music Equipment For DJ, Live Performance, Scratch and Playing Vinyl Records

My cousin managed to get hold of a couple of vari-speed hi-fi turntables and a little two channel DJ mixer and that pretty much sealed our fate. Whilst he was clearly the frontrunner in mixing and scratching (with a 2p piece on the stylus arm to stop the track skipping), I was interested in building a set using more than just hip-hop and electro tunes. I dug deeper into his brother’s collection, and that’s probably where my affection for all things Disco comes from. Earth Wind & Fire, Dan Hartman, Chic, Candi Staton…all dance floor fillers even to this day.

Fast-forward to 1988 and a chance meeting with a mobile DJ from Walthamstow gave me the leg-up and inspiration I needed to start my own journey in professional DJing. Within just 18 months, I’d managed to buy myself a pair of Technics 1210 Mk2 decks (thanks, credit card!), a decent mixer and some basic lighting. Every night after work, I’d be slaving over a pair of hot decks in my bedroom, practising my technique and taping the results for the car stereo the next day!

And that’s it, really. Totally hooked. And still loving it 44 years later.

The post This DJ Life: Where It All Began… first appeared on DJ Ian Scott.

I’ve been very fortunate to reconnect recently with a very dear friend, someone whom I helped along the way in his younger years and he is now the most in-demand club DJ in Norfolk & East Anglia. Introducing Jon Holder, the most energetic and charismatic DJ that I know! His enthusiasm behind the decks is unrivalled, and he has the mixing chops to really set the dance floor on fire! Combined with my technical skills and vast equipment collection, we’re teaming up for 2026 to give clients the perfect blend for their party or wedding. Two DJs, awesome sound system, dazzling light show!

Also planned for me this year is to pull away from doing so many gigs for other DJs…I’ve neglected my own branding for a few years whilst helping others improve theirs. All the great feedback from the events that I’ve done ends up on their websites, not mine! I’ll be taking steps in the next few months to really push my own services.

On the equipment front, I’ve made big changes regarding my regular sound system. I sold off my largest PA kit in October (simply wasn’t getting used) and reinvested in the very latest active system from ElectroVoice. Without getting too geeky, it’s a real top quality sounding array speaker system, with 15″ subwoofers to reach those lovely deep bass notes! I’ve also bought two ElectroVoice battery-powered PA speakers for garden parties, wedding ceremony music, etc. Incredibly portable and surprisingly loud, these small speakers offer endless possibilities. Finally, in order to squeeze into smaller venues and tight spaces where my standard DJ booth won’t fit, I’ve added a Denon Prime Go+ controller to the kit roster. Completely self-contained music player, it can perform all the DJ mixing tricks without a laptop or even a power lead!

That’s all for my January 2026 update. Thanks for reading!

The post Everybody Dance…into 2026! first appeared on DJ Ian Scott.

On behalf of a DJ colleague, I was hired to host the music for a whole wedding day at the beautiful Essex wedding venue, Houchins. Situated just off the main road near Coggeshall, Houchins is a dedicated wedding location, using converted farm buildings and gorgeous landscaped gardens to create a first class space in which to get married and celebrate afterwards. The whole place looked fresh, very clean and stylishly decorated, particularly the main dance room with its dark tones and subtle lighting.

I arrived at 11.30am to begin my day. With the wedding ceremony due to take place in the marquee outside at 2pm, I gave myself plenty of time to set up the three sound systems required…one for the ceremony music, one for the background music at the wedding breakfast, and of course the bigger kit for the evening disco.

As you can see from the image above, it’s just a small battery-driven but mightily powerful speaker, positioned away from the wedding congregation, unimposing but loud enough for the Bride’s entrance music, Register Signing music and of course the Bridal Couple’s exit song. All the music is controlled by me with perfect timing! The invention of such powerful professional battery speakers has been a real game-changer for outside events, and I’m lucky enough to own a couple of these excellent units.

Following the wedding ceremony, I then headed into the main dining area to check on the Wedding Breakfast system, which includes radio microphones for the Speeches. This particular day, the speeches took place prior to the meal which is often the case if the people standing up to talk are nervous. The Speeches were very well received, although I was quietly annoyed when the Best Man refused to use the microphone and everyone subsequently struggled to hear him! As soon as the Speeches were done, I kicked off the low level background music (chosen by the Bride & Groom in this case) and went for a chill in the gardens before the evening festivities began.

Finally at 8pm, the assembled guests made their way in the main room for the traditional First Dance. I try not to post too many ‘rig’ pictures of DJ equipment because it’s not ordinarily interesting to anyone other than fellow DJs, but I thought this particular set-up looked perfect against the dark colours of the panelled walls. I never ‘over-egg’ the light shows or wheel in speakers that resemble wardrobes if the venue doesn’t need it. Classy is the best word I can think of!

At 11.30pm I played the last tune of the day to a truly fantastic crowd, and by 12.15am I was fully packed in the van and saying my goodbyes to the happy couple and their guests. Phew! A twelve-and-a-half hour day of sound engineering, hosting and DJing! And that’s the life of an All-Day Wedding DJ!

The post The All-Day Wedding DJ…what do they do? first appeared on DJ Ian Scott.

Below are a few tips to ensure your big festive shindig is the best it can possibly be!

Book A Professional!

I know it sounds a bit obvious, but around Christmas time there are a lot of have-a-go DJ heroes prepared to step up behind the decks and give you their version of a good time! Handing over the responsibility of hosting the party to someone who usually looks after the client accounts probably isn’t the best option. Booking a professional gives you someone who is unbiased in both their music selection and any connection with the staff. I’ve heard many horror stories of inappropriate behaviour over the microphone once a few drinks have been imbibed! And of course, a professional Christmas party DJ won’t be drinking!

Eat A Decent Lunch Beforehand!

A light salad and a diet coke from M&S really won’t work if you’re planning to have a skinful at the Christmas Party! Make sure you eat a hearty lunch…loads of carbs and protein in preparation for the long haul ahead. If you don’t, one bottle of wine later and you’ll be crying/singing/falling asleep before they’ve even started playing the Christmas bangers!

Dress To Impress…But Keep It Classy!

We’ve all been there. The outfit in the wardrobe that you’re dying to wear but it’s not your usual style…a bit daring or a bit loud…DON’T DO IT! Turning up at your staff party in something way out of your comfort zone will leave you massively self-conscious all night, not to mention the reaction and gossip of colleagues for weeks to come afterwards! Stick to what you know best, with maybe a bit of added glitter!

Social Media – Have A Black-Out On Your Night Out!

Take a well-deserved break from documenting your every move on social media by keeping your phone in your pocket or your bag and have a great time without the need for validation from the outside world. Toilet selfies, uncomfortable poses with the boss or naff blurred pictures of colleagues dancing are of no benefit to anyone! If you really want decent photographs, ask the boss to bring in a pro photographer and you can all review them in the office next week before they get as far as social media! There’s also the risk that you’ll capture some ‘inappropriate’ shots that could get colleagues in hot water back home! Finally, definitely do not post your pics to the official company Facebook or Insta page…at least until you’ve cleared them with the right people!

Don’t Talk Shop!

There are a helluva lot of promises made at office parties that have no substance in the workplace when you return! Wine & beer does wonderful things to the ego so please avoid talking about any employment grievances, pay rises or workloads and just dance the night away! If you’re the boss, it’s even more important to reel in your grandiose position and the temptation to impress the youngest staff members with your big plans for growth in the next twelve months, all whilst spilling bubbly down yourself and trying to remember the steps to ‘Candy’ by Cameo!

Leave The Friends Comfort Zone & Embrace The Fun!

See that quiet and shy colleague sitting alone? Invite them into your circle of fun, even if it’s just for one night…it is Christmas after all! Talk to everyone, dance with anyone, lose yourself on the dance floor and join in some of the silly games – you never know, you might actually start having fun! Cast your working life aside for one night, sing at the top of your (magnificent) voice and soak up the Christmas spirit!

Call or email me today for your best Staff Christmas Party ever!

A Brief History of Christmas Jumpers

The Christmas jumper has become a December staple. Once just a knitted winter layer, it’s now a festive tradition that mixes charm, chaos, and comedy. But this seasonal fashion favourite didn’t start off with flashing lights and dancing reindeer.

Woolly Beginnings

Long before they were covered in tinsel and puns, jumpers were simply about staying warm. In colder parts of Europe, people wore thick, patterned sweaters with wintry designs like snowflakes and deer. These weren’t made with Christmas in mind; they were just practical and cosy.

1950s and 60s: Festive Hints Appear

When television became part of everyday life, Christmas-themed knitwear quietly started showing up. Entertainers and singers sometimes wore jumpers with a subtle nod to the season. Think soft wool, snowflake patterns, and just a hint of sparkle. These were more about feeling snug than making a statement.

1980s: No Holding Back

By the 1980s, subtlety disappeared. Funny Christmas jumpers became louder, brighter, and proudly tacky. TV presenters and celebrities wore them with gusto. Red, green, and gold ruled the day, and novelty designs took centre stage. What started as a cosy tradition turned into full-on festive fashion.

1990s: The Cringe Phase

By the 1990s, the jumper had lost its cool. It became the punchline of Christmas photos, something your mum insisted you wear for family dinner. They still existed, but were mostly associated with dodgy gifts and forced smiles.

2000s and 2010s: The Ironic Comeback

Then came the revival. This time, people wore them for laughs. “Ugly Christmas jumper” parties became a trend, and the more ridiculous the design, the better. Shops caught on and started making jumpers designed to be over the top. Lights, sequins, and cheeky slogans were all fair game.

What was once cringeworthy became fun again, with people leaning into the silliness.

Today: A Festive Staple

Now, Christmas jumpers are everywhere. They’re worn at work parties, school events, and charity fundraisers like Christmas Jumper Day. There’s one for every personality, from traditional fair isle to full novelty chaos.

What started as practical knitwear has turned into one of the most recognisable signs that the festive season has arrived.

The post Christmas…time to start booking your Festive DJ! Tips and Tricks for the Best Parties! first appeared on DJ Ian Scott.

Oh boy, the way times have changed! My final days at school were marked with a low-budget disco in the draughty assembly hall, hastily put together by the woodwork teacher. There was nothing glamorous about it at all!

In 2023, a classy venue is hired for the evening, a three course meal is served, exceptional pupils are gifted Amazon vouchers and certificates, and professional entertainment is hired (me!) Every single guest is wearing classic evening attire, with some of the girls sporting dresses running into many hundreds of pounds. And they arrive in limos!

I was very lucky to be given the job of hosting a prom last night at Channels Barn in Essex, courtesy of their resident DJ Mitch Fisk, who was unable to be there. Once the meal and the speeches were done, I have to say that I was totally blown away by the enthusiasm and sheer energy of the crowd…they filled the dance floor from the first to the final tune. Unlike some that have gone before, I did not receive one single piece of bad attitude from any of the students, they just seemed to completely seize the moment for the joyous occasion that it was. My only regret is that we had to finish promptly at 11pm, and I, along with all the revellers, would’ve happily partied on into the small hours!

I doubt I would’ve looked good in a tuxedo at sixteen anyway…

The post School’s Out! The Prom Season is here! first appeared on DJ Ian Scott.

This is a question I always ask of my clients…a rousing finish with family & friends in a group hug or just let it end however it ends, depending on who’s left?

Certainly in more recent times, staying until the very end of a wedding reception is quite rare for the entire crowd…I have experienced occasions when I’m left trying to muster a grand finale with just six people! I do, however, offer the ‘false ending’ whereby we can assess the guests on the night and create a dynamic send-off before the actual curfew time. It’s a great way bring everyone together for a final time, before they head home to check on the dog or pay the babysitter!

The post The End Of A Long, Emotional Day! first appeared on DJ Ian Scott.

Finally, two years on and Pioneer have started shipping again! My eager mitts couldn’t wait to unpack this superb mixer! So many great features onboard, including the ability to break a song down into drums, melody and vocals. No idea how they do it, but it’s musical sorcery and I love it!

Coming to a party near you soon!

The post Box Fresh! The latest DJ kit first appeared on DJ Ian Scott.

Is this your year to finally tie the knot? Or maybe you’re planning that huge birthday party you’ve always wanted? Well, I’m your man for all your music needs on such special occasions! I’ve got the experience, the skills and the equipment! Call me today!

There’s no resolutions here for the coming 12 months, but lots of action points in the diary…including a brand new look for the website! I’ve been pretty naughty (according to my web administrator) over the past few years, neglecting the site when it needed new images, videos and written content. But now, I’m heading to each gig armed with a decent camera to capture lots of special moments. With so much new kit at my disposal, the images on this site are quite often out of date within a year because I’m always investing in more advanced and higher quality lighting and sound stuff. I can’t wait to get started!

If you need me, you know where to find me! Happy 2023 everyone

The post 2023 and all that… first appeared on DJ Ian Scott.

More and more wedding clients are looking for extras to complement the DJ services I provide. Lots of these ideas originate from the US, where they place great importance on the aesthetics of the function suite, using mood lighting and personalised projections. I have always resisted going too far with supplying some of the more extreme ideas, such as pyrotechnics and dry ice, as my focus still remains firmly on the fantastic sound quality, lighting and the music for the event….I am a DJ after all! But there are little touches that I can provide to change the room and truly make it yours for the day!

Personalised Projections – As you will see from the images below, I can provide a dance floor or a wall projection of your names, written large for all to see! The gobo (small glass disc custom-made with your details on) is placed within my high-powered white light projector and then shone upon the floor or a wall. The image can be up to 1.5 meters across so it’s certainly an effect hard to ignore! The photos below were taken in daylight hours, with the venue lights still on, so you can see the power of the projector. There are many designs to choose from, and whilst the custom gobo is quite expensive to buy, it guarantees a visual impact for your guests.

Curtain Backdrops – Also featured in the images below is one of my stage curtain backdrops. These are essential in venues that don’t have a particularly picturesque setting behind the DJ. In these photos, we were in a golf club and whilst the venue was really lovely and well-presented, the DJ stage area was right in front of the Roll of Honour awards board, with hundreds of previous golfing winners’ names! The client chose the silver ‘cabaret’ curtain, but I also have plain white and plain black non-pleated curtains to hide any unsightly walls or inappropriate decor. The cabaret curtain is an acquired taste, admittedly, but it does look superb with uplighters!

If you’d like to more about the wedding extras, please get in touch!

The post Your Names Up In Lights! – Personalise your Wedding dance floor! first appeared on DJ Ian Scott.

My job as a Wedding DJ and Host means that, 90% of the time, my clients are aged between 25 & 35 years old. This weekend just past (Saturday & Sunday), both couples were a more ‘mature’ age…but it actually made the events even more enjoyable in many ways.  Firstly, for two of them, it was the second time around taking the plunge so they knew what to expect of the big day, making them far more relaxed about the finer details, etc. Then, there is the huge accumulation of friends & family that comes with getting older, thus making the wedding receptions very busy indeed. Finally, the laid-back approach to the music for the evening, essentially leaving it to me to fill the floor with revellers without feeling the need to hand me a script!

Like the title heading says, it really is never too late for a big day! I’m now taking bookings for 2023/24, but please be quick as I have Recommended Supplier status at a number of top venues and the dates are going fast!

The post ‘Never Too Late To Live Happily Ever After’ first appeared on DJ Ian Scott.