In Conversation With: Advantage DJs
For Brendan of Advantage DJs, music isn’t just a job, it’s a lifelong passion that’s carried him from childhood drum sets to dance floors filled with unforgettable wedding moments. Drawn to the personal connections and electric energy of weddings, he’s built a reputation for blending skilful mixing with genuine care for each couple’s story.
How did Advantage DJs come to life, and what inspired you to focus on weddings specifically?
Since I was a kid, I’ve been obsessed with music. Starting with piano, then the clarinet (I was in the school band…and yes, I went to band camp).
When I was about 11/12, I went to a friend’s birthday party, and his older brother had a drum set. I remember being really antisocial and playing the drums the entire weekend. When Dad picked me up, I asked him if I could learn the drums. He said no! After nagging Mum for a few weeks, I got a drum set!
Fast forward to around 25, I’d been playing in various bands, and I noticed some of my drummer friends were becoming DJs (like…everyone is a DJ, right?). So I started DJ’ing at weddings for an agency. He basically taught me the ropes, which inspired me to create Advantage DJs.
The name actually turned out to be a good choice, because a lot of online directories were organised alphabetically! I should have just gone with AAA DJs.
Anyway, I really enjoyed the more personal approach to weddings. Pubs were just like “hey, show up and play a few songs”. At a wedding, you get the chance to really impact people in an amazing way. I still love it for this reason!
What sets your approach apart from other wedding DJs in the industry?
I guess I’ll repeat what my Couples tell me.
First, I’ve got plenty of valuable content showing me doing my thing at weddings. They especially like my mixing style. I try to be creative and musical. I honestly can’t stand long, irritating (but complex) DJ transitions. It’s just wanky, tbh!
Second, I genuinely take an interest in every wedding. I call every enquiry, I get to know my couples. I learn people’s names! I make friends with the vendors. I just do my best to make people feel special.
I guess the third main point is, I’m a pretty experienced MC. This has taken me a lot of practice. But it’s a pretty valuable add-on for any wedding DJ. I really focus on striking the right balance between formal and casual. Like, you won’t see me swearing like a pirate. But I’m not going to stare at a prepared script and read from my iPad all night.
Oh, and maybe number four is, I’m pretty good at reading the room and creating a fun party vibe. Song selection is probably the most important part of being a DJ.
How do you get a feel for a couple’s music taste and translate that into the perfect soundtrack for their day?
Everyone gets a questionnaire that is solely focused on music. They can pretty much go as far as they want. This includes multiple playlists, do not plays, must plays and key moments.
Of course, whenever I speak with my couples, I’m always asking them about music. And we always have a final catch-up about a week before their wedding. You just need to ask the right questions and take notes.
A little tip for DJs: listen to the ceremony and the speeches at the reception. You might get some good intel! Like, if they mention something a bit random, e.g. High School Musical, then play “Breaking Free”! Nostalgia is a powerful dance floor builder.
Can you describe a moment at a wedding where the energy on the dance floor was unforgettable?
Omg…so many.
There have been so many times where it’s literally chaotic. Your mind goes into fight or flight, and it’s all adrenaline!
On the flip side, some of my couples get a bit anxious about their slow dances (e.g. father-daughter or first dance). Sometimes they ask me to just play 30 seconds or so. But honestly, when the time comes, most people connect and get into the moment. It’s really beautiful.
What role do you think music plays in shaping the overall atmosphere of a wedding?
Oh, it’s essential. From what people tell me, most people remember the tunes, food and the people. I have to agree with this.
Some people get so carried away with the dress, styling, flowers, etc. The last thing you want to do is regret your entertainment because you went for the cheap option.
How do you navigate diverse crowds and keep all generations entertained throughout the night?
Yeah, it’s not always easy! I get some hate for this online, but I often do a mashup of “Low” by Flo Rida and “YMCA”. It literally hasn’t failed me yet haha!
After the first dance, it’s usually best to start with songs that most people know. Then you move into the dirtier, newer stuff a bit later.
If you’ve got a tough crowd, try throwing in a few different tunes util you find something that works. For example, if R&B isn’t vibing, try ABBA, if that doesn’t work, how about some modern country?
Always read your crowd, stay positive, be fun, and you’ll usually get the party going. And of course, I always ask my couples plenty of questions, so I get some additional intel.
What advice would you give to couples when it comes to curating their wedding playlist (or do-not-play list)?
Haha the infamous “do not play list”!
I tell every couple the same thing: When it comes to the day, most people just want everyone to have a great time. So I recommend picking some tunes that most people will know. And the honest truth is, most people will not dance to music that they don’t know (even if the song is amazing).
I also advise my couples that I’m happy to flesh out their playlist. There’s no pressure to try and pick the ‘ultimate dance playlist’. I’m very happy to help in that area.
When it comes to “do not plays”, honestly, if you really don’t like a song (or artist), why the hell should you have to hear it at your wedding?? Just ban it. It’s all good, there’s literally so much music out there.
What do you love most about being part of someone’s wedding day?
After 10 years, I can honestly say the number one thing that keeps me going is the way I impact people.
For example, last year I was at the airport, getting ready to go overseas. I saw two familiar faces and realised it was the mother of the groom and her partner. They recognised me and we had a nice chat. She really enjoyed my DJ/MC style, and it was just one of those moments!
They even asked for a photo with me so they could send it to the couple. When that stuff happens, it reminds you that this is the best job in the world.
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