A mobile disc jockey is a person who brings mobile sound systems to a special event or party and usually entertains the audience playing music from a large collection of pre-recorded music. A mobile disc jockey can work part-time or full-time, and they frequently work with wedding planners and event management companies. The mobile disc jockey service is known as a mobile disco in some countries, such as the United Kingdom.
Most aspiring disc jockeys (DJs) prefer to learn volunteering as an assistant to senior mobile DJs rather than taking formal classes. A mobile disc jockey who is up to date on current music and dance trends has the ability to motivate a wide range of people to get up and dance. A mobile disc jockey may have the expertise and experience to assume the additional responsibilities of an event organizer, lighting director, or sound engineer, in addition to good organizational skills, vocal talent as a master of ceremonies (MC or emcee), and mixing skills.
Sound recordings, a playback device, sound systems to amplify the music, and a mixing device are some of the basic equipment required to run a mobile disc jockey business. Previously, most mobile disc jockeys toured with a large number of vinyl records and cassette tapes, but these days, they usually bring CDs or MP3s. Most mobile disc jockeys purchase a touring vehicle that can accommodate a CD or MP3 player, a mixer, and microphone, as well as speakers and amplifiers. A mobile disc jockey may also carry high-quality lighting and on-site backup equipment, in addition to professional-grade music equipment and an extensive selection of old and new music. Because most disc jockeys travel frequently with expensive equipment, they usually purchase liability insurance as well as a policy to cover their sound systems while on the road.
The demand for mobile DJs grew during the disco era of the 1970s. By 1990, mobile disc jockeys had formed a slew of professional organizations around the world and published a slew of trade publications. Most DJs began to rely heavily on laptop computers and MP3s for sequencing and mixing in the 2000s, as digital technology stimulated the music industry. The new technology allowed a mobile disc jockey to finish mixing well in advance of an event, reducing the DJ’s on-the-road equipment load significantly. Many mobile disc jockeys now use computer software to replace hardware like samplers and effect processors.