When I started my professional DJ career, I did it the old-fashioned way: I worked the lights for other DJs. A good lighting designer is just as important as they are responsible for setting the visual ambiance for the night.
Leroy Washington, the proprietor of Club Lovelite, believed that this experience would significantly enhance my understanding of orchestrating a visually captivating night in tandem with the music.
A solid grasp of music proved imperative for a lighting designer. Knowing precisely when to unleash strobes or coordinate specific colors with particular songs (such as the effective pairing of yellow and reds with Prelude Records) was crucial.
Lovelite boasted two seasoned lighting designers, Tom Kosalka and Cat Joy, both of whom had honed their craft at Studio 54 under Leroy’s guidance. Before each event, meticulous preparations were undertaken, from changing filters and inspecting bulbs to cleaning every light fixture and ensuring our mirror ball sparkled with a generous application of Windex.
Apprentice to New York’s Best DJ’s
My role in managing lights afforded me the opportunity to work alongside esteemed DJs like Kenny Carpenter, Timmy Regisford, David Morales, Larry Paterson, and even Larry Levan (once Morales had Larry finish a night for him). Each of these luminaries imparted valuable lessons, showcasing unique approaches to presenting music and its accompanying energy. They graciously answered my inquiries and shared some exceptional musical insights.
Being both a light designer and a DJ positioned me perfectly for the roles of the opening and emergency DJ. The opening DJ had a distinct set of unspoken guidelines, commencing the night with slower tempos, refraining from playing chart-toppers, and maintaining a sound volume conducive to conversation while ensuring patrons still enjoyed the music.
Reflecting on those formative days, I express gratitude for the invaluable experience of working with and being mentored by these exceptional DJs. Those early experiences played a pivotal role in shaping my success in the music industry.
