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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.

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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

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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

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A purple suit, a mansion party, and one question every DJ faces: how much does the room layout actually matter? Brian B and Joe Bunn open this week’s episode with full Halloween energy — yes, a Heath Ledger Joker outfit — to explore smart seasonal programming that stays fun without slipping into novelty. From candy experiments on the porch to dance-floor reads inside, it’s a study in human behavior and how small environmental cues shape big dance moments.

The musical heart of the episode is an unexpected obsession: a Yacht Rock documentary on HBO Max that turned into a crash course on genre storytelling. Beyond smooth grooves and Michael McDonald cameos, it’s about learning your lineage — understanding where songs come from so you can bridge generations on the floor with confidence and taste.

Next, Joe recap the DJs Assemble conference in Syracuse — tight production, standout sessions, and a surprising talk from coach Jim Boeheim on NIL as a cap-management issue. That clarity mirrors Joe's own moves with The DJ’s Vault, where new leadership and coaching programs are focused on real professional ascension, not just content uploads.

Then comes story time: a Thursday wedding that stalled mid-reception when guests drifted outside. The fix? Kill lawn games after cocktail hour, keep bars inside when you want a packed floor, and align every vendor choice with the night’s true goal — dancing. It’s a reminder that design, logistics, and flow matter as much as music.

They close by debating a new “Skip This DJ” watchdog site — good intent, risky optics — and offering a cleaner, client-friendly framework for destination-wedding pricing, gear sourcing, and adding welcome parties to extend value (and referrals).

If you’re a working DJ looking to improve crowd control, sharpen set design, and build a healthier business, this one hits all the right beats.

🎧 Subscribe, share with a booth friend, and leave a review if this helped you book smarter or mix better. Want weekly banger lists, giveaways, and coaching access? 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

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An email can change your month...and your mindset. Joe's arrived with a “pursuant to your lease” assessment that nearly doubled the rent on a 600-square-foot office in a 100-year-old building. We unpack what that clause really means, how to demand transparent line-item accounting, and why negotiating caps on pass-through costs might be the most valuable sentence in your next contract. If a landlord’s endgame is clearing tenants for redevelopment, we share the leverage plays and exit strategies that keep your business solvent instead of squeezed.

Then the conversation cools (…barely) to the real-world pain of summer gigs without functioning air-conditioning. From portable fans to backup gear placement, we trade music-gear-gadget fixes that keep you alive through triple-digit heat and outdoor weddings.

From there, it’s all about music that saves dance floors. We spotlight K-pop crossovers that work even in crowds who “don’t do K-pop,” anchored by universal pop backbones. You’ll also hear the 80s flip that instantly reignited a dinner crowd, the wordplay transitions that turn recognition into momentum (think Glamorous → No Broke Boys), and the subtle meme-sample that had an entire cocktail hour smiling. Plus, a Johnny Cash bootleg that proves you can honor a request without killing your set’s flow.

Traveling to make those moments happen? We review the TRTL travel pillow plus and talk about why the redesigned support finally let us sleep on flights, and when investing in travel comfort is worth every penny for working DJs constantly on the move.

Finally, we tackle a listener question: what counts as a “decent living” as a DJ? Instead of throwing out a single income number, we define sustainability: covering bills, taxes, and a healthy buffer without needing a second job. We break down real regional differences and show how to build event DJ business advice that keeps you stable year-round.

Whether you’re negotiating leases, refreshing playlists, or trying to survive another wedding in the heat, this episode blends humor, real-life DJ stories, and strategies to help you run a stronger, smarter, more profitable business.

Hit play, then drop us your best edit, your

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

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Weddings in triple-digit heat, iPads overheating, and handheld fans aimed straight at the DJ’s face: sometimes the smallest tools make the biggest difference. In this episode, Brian B and Joe Bunn share real stories from the road, starting with outdoor summer weddings where even your tech needs shade. You’ll hear practical, field-tested ways to keep your setup cool, your sound consistent, and your head clear during marathon days in the sun.

Then the conversation turns to gear buying mistakes every DJ can relate to. From “as-seen-online” gadgets that promised convenience but delivered pain, to travel accessories that flopped under pressure, Brian s reveals what to look for before spending your next dollar — and how to evaluate music gear gadgets beyond slick marketing.

The travel chaos continues when Brian’s compact controller triggers a customs duty at the airport - no gig, no invoice, just a bill. You’ll learn how to prep for international gigs with documentation, how to minimize scrutiny at customs, and what kinds of gear setups travel best. On the flip side, Brian highlights a small but mighty utility DI/adapter box that turned a random train ride into a playable rig:  the kind of smart, portable insurance every working DJ should have in their bag.

Finally, Joe and Brian break down one of the most misunderstood topics in the event DJ business world: COGS (Cost of Goods Sold). Their no-BS framework simplifies it:

• Include every gig-specific expense except the performer’s fee.
• Treat wear and tear as depreciation, not micro-expenses.
• Budget repairs and maintenance annually, not per show.
  This simple structure keeps your P&L accurate and your pricing confident, so you can invest in tools that truly move your business forward.

Whether you’re dealing with airport headaches, battling the summer heat, or trying to make sense of your financials, this episode delivers practical lessons for private event DJs, packed with real DJ stories, gear talk, and event business advice you can use this weekend.

If this helped you avoid a bad buy or rethink your workflow, share it with a DJ friend and drop a review with your favorite piece of utility gear - we might

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

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A perfect set can’t save a broken signal path.. and that’s exactly where our night in Peru began. After a marathon climb to Cusco and a day at Machu Picchu, the after-party kicked off with the wrong rig, a cryptic “In Use” input, and five minutes on the clock. We walk through the split-second choices that kept music on and panic off: deploying a tiny travel controller, rethinking routing, and choosing simple and certain over fancy and fragile.

If you play on the road or rely on provided gear, this breakdown will change how you prep.

From there, we pivot to programming with purpose: cocktail and dinner covers that land across generations without killing the vibe. Expect field-tested picks like “Fast Car” and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” plus clever mashup blends that spark recognition without stealing attention from conversation.

We also unpack a recent weather-battered outdoor wedding that tested our gear prep and adaptability, plus a story from Joe’s throwback arena night with Ja Rule and Nelly that sparked a conversation about nostalgia, tempo control, and how to balance genres to keep diverse rooms engaged.

Booth Heads, you’ll love the candid talk on upgrades, backups, and hearing protection - and how a simple “faster, better, or profitable” test keeps your setup bulletproof. Plus, we reveal why we returned a powerful digital mixer to prioritize reliability over bells and whistles.

And for community builders, we’re opening the doors to our Patreon with weekly Top 10 bangers from real events, bonus episodes, coaching, and record-pool hookups to sharpen your sets without losing hours to digging.

Whether you’re refining your travel rig, rethinking your programming, or just here for some good DJ war stories, this episode is packed with takeaways for every working DJ.

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

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What’s the hardest event you’ve ever played?  And how did your body feel the next day? In this episode, we unpack the reality of five-hour dance sets: why they happen, how to design them smarter, and the recovery hacks that keep you in the game. Along the way we cover everything from music strategy (yes, even September), gear hacks, a Patreon announcement and a $69 foot massager that might just change your post-gig routine.

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

Send us a message

What’s the secret sauce that keeps your wedding DJ sets unforgettable and your podcast thriving? Join hosts Joe Bunn and Brian B as they dive deep into the vibrant world of DJs in this engaging episode of Beyond the DJ Booth. From the nuances of maintaining momentum in podcasting to the excitement surrounding the upcoming DJ Collective event, this episode is packed with insights that every wedding DJ and private event DJ needs to hear. 

Have you ever wondered how songs like 'Mr. Brightside' and 'Don't Stop Believin'' shape our cultural landscape? Joe and Brian engage in a lively debate that explores the profound impact of these anthems, offering a unique perspective on music trends for DJs. They also tackle the ever-important topic of branding as a DJ—should you promote your personal brand or the company you represent? The discussion is rich with DJ tips and tricks that can elevate your presence in the private event DJ industry. 

As the conversation flows, the hosts share their personal anecdotes and travel tips, revealing the ups and downs of the DJ life. From wedding DJ advice on using microphones during ceremonies to sharing event success stories, listeners will gain valuable knowledge that can enhance their own DJ setups and performance experiences. The episode is not just informative; it’s filled with humor and camaraderie that makes you feel like part of the conversation. 

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, tune in for practical DJ performance tips and insights into the latest music gear and gadgets. Joe and Brian also discuss music playlist strategies that can help you keep the dance floor packed, along with DJ equipment reviews that ensure you’re always prepared for any gig. Plus, they share entertaining stories about DJ disasters and event mishaps that remind us all of the unpredictable nature of live events. 

So, if you're ready to elevate your DJ game and learn the ins and outs of DJ

If you're a true Booth Head (super fan of the pod), join our Patreon for all the extras and one-off goodies. You can get there by going to: patreon.com/BeyondTheDJBoothPodcast

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

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What do K-pop, wedding DJs, and stylish suits have in common? They're all part of the vibrant tapestry that makes up the DJ life, and in this season finale of Beyond the DJ Booth, hosts Joe Bunn and Brian B. dive deep into the nuances of the private event DJ industry. As they wrap up Season Four, they reflect on their journey, the challenges they've faced in podcasting, and how the growth of the podcasting industry parallels the evolution of the DJ scene. 

Excitement fills the air as they gear up for an upcoming podcast convention in Dallas, an event that promises to be a hub for DJ tips and tricks, and a melting pot of ideas for enhancing your DJing skills. The conversation takes a fun turn as Joe shares a charming story about his daughter belting out a popular K-pop hit, illustrating how trends can emerge from the most unexpected places and dominate the music charts, including the Spotify Top 50 in the U. S. 

As the hosts tackle listener questions, they delve into essential wedding DJ advice, including the dos and don'ts of wedding attire. Should you wear white shoes as a wedding DJ? What’s the value of a custom suit? They stress the importance of dressing professionally and how your appearance can significantly impact your success as a DJ. With practical insights and style tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the DJing for private events scene. 

But it doesn't stop there! The episode wraps up with an exciting gear segment that discusses the latest music gear and gadgets, including a sleek white fan that seamlessly integrates into any DJ setup. From DJ equipment reviews to music mixing techniques, Joe and Brian cover it all, ensuring that you’re equipped with the knowledge to elevate your performance. 

Join us for a blend of humor, personal stories, and invaluable insights tailored for wedding DJs and private event DJs alike. Whether you're looking for music playlist recommendations, event planning tips, or just a good laugh, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in to hear

If you're a true Booth Head (super fan of the pod), join our Patreon for all the extras and one-off goodies. You can get there by going to: patreon.com/BeyondTheDJBoothPodcast

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

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What would you save if your DJ gear was engulfed in flames? This episode of Beyond the DJ Booth dives deep into the heart of the wedding DJ experience, where hosts Joe Bunn and Brian B. share their own personal anecdotes and invaluable DJ tips and tricks that every DJ should know. We kick things off by urging our listeners to spread the word about the podcast, highlighting the unique challenges we face in the podcasting world compared to the instant gratification of social media. Your support helps us continue to bring you the best insights from the wedding and private event DJ industry. 

As the conversation heats up, we explore a hypothetical scenario that every DJ dreads: what if your precious DJ equipment was on fire? Joe and Brian emphasize the significance of a DJ's laptop and gear, sharing their own harrowing experiences of losing laptops and the panic that follows. They discuss the lengths they went to recover their equipment, revealing behind-the-scenes stories that will resonate with every DJ. This episode is packed with wedding DJ performance stories that highlight the emotional rollercoaster of our craft. 

We also delve into gear recommendations, including the must-have wireless CarPlay device that can make DJ road trips tolerable. Presentation is key in wedding DJ life, and we talk about how to make your setup visually appealing while maintaining functionality. Plus, Joe introduces a 'guilty pleasure' playlist, featuring tracks that DJs love to spin at gigs, showcasing the music trends for DJs that keep the dance floor alive. 

As we wrap up, we tackle a listener question about handling requests for group photos during high-energy dance sets. Both hosts advocate for being a team player while keeping the energy of the event intact, offering practical DJ performance tips that can help you navigate these common scenarios. 

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is filled with DJ industry insights that will h

If you're a true Booth Head (super fan of the pod), join our Patreon for all the extras and one-off goodies. You can get there by going to: patreon.com/BeyondTheDJBoothPodcast

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