If you’re not Crazy in Love, don’t @ me, bro ;)
I’m all about top-notch tunes, the best sound system, and smooth transitions from classics to today's hits
Everyone will remember 3 things about your wedding: the dress, the food, and the music. Music is the power and energy of the party. My clients don’t want a corny DJ who tells dad jokes and plays the Chicken Dance. My clients want a professional DJ who can read the room and has the talent to fill the dance floor. An eclectic mix of top 40, 80’s motown, 90’s hip-hop, a sprinkle of early 2000’s pop, EDM, oldies, and everything in between.
From classics to contemporary, I pack the dance floor!
About DJ CoolHand
Fast Facts:
- I’m unapologetically a child of the 90s and “Mo' Money, Mo' Problems” and “I Want It That Way” are basically required tracks at any wedding I spin. (You may be inspired to singalong on your knees BSB-style. Just sayin.)
- You may find me "Drake-ing and driving" in between TED Talks and audiobooks.
- Deadpool is my favorite Rom-Com
Growing up in Oakland during the hyphy movement, Luke started DJing on vinyl as a hip-hop DJ. He speaks fondly of the days of digging for E-40 and Nelly vinyl at Amoeba Records in Berkeley and the local radio station 106 KMEL. His first paid gig was a family friend’s wedding, and the fact he had both the young people on the dance floor and the old folks rockin’ in their wheelchairs is how he got his first business started. Luke moved to New Orleans to study music at Loyola University New Orleans and held DJ residencies at venues all over The Big Easy, including “the #1 college bar in the nation," The Boot (according to USA Today and Complex).
Luke’s 10+ years of experience as a wedding, corporate, celebrity and club DJ have taken him all over the world. After getting his start in the Bay Area, he toured arenas with major artists like G-Eazy and Lil Wayne, and has since spun at major festivals including SXSW and the New York Wine & Food Festival. He’s also spun at corporate events for Microsoft, Sony, HBO, and Red Bull, and has opened concerts for Wu Tang, Miguel, and Drake. He resents being basic, so his eclectic mixes include house, EDM, hip-hop, and R&B with a little non-"4-on-the-floor" seasoning of calypso, moombahton, twerk, and afrobeat originals and remixes. Don't worry, he also reads the room for cues to sprinkle in the classic "OH SH*T" bangers everyone knows and loves. Get ready to dance-along, sing-along, and fist pump like you didn't think possible after college.
Now that he’s married recently, Luke has more empathy for the difficulty selecting lyrically appropriate ceremony and first dance songs. (Just ask him about the time he realized KC and Jojo’s All My Life ballad includes "Close to me you're like my sister, Close to me you're like my brother.” Not really the vibe he was going for during his first dance.)
When he’s not spinning parties, Luke lives in Westchester County (NY), with his wife, Elena, where they’re remodeling their first home, HGTV-style.
Top-Notch Tunes
I’m known for spinning hip-hop and house music, but I can mix so much more!
Your Wedding Soundtrack
With the lights down low and the music turned up, you come together for your first dance. Friends and family gaze, adoring your elegance, beauty, and undeniable love. As your first dance comes to an end, DJ CoolHand mixes in "Wanna Dance With Somebody" and everyone joins the party!
Want to hear what more of what I have to offer?
Here are some Good Vibes
Didn’t hear your fav jams yet? Here’s another wedding mix:
Classic wedding mix from 2017:
Booking starts at $3,200
Get in touch below for a custom quote for your event
Get in touch with me:
Chief Remixologist, Simon, will respond with pricing and to schedule a call with me within 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your rates?
My pricing starts at $3,200. Get in touch for your custom quote.
are you insured?
Yes, I carry the standard liability insurance policy that is required by all venues and I’m happy to email this to your venue or planner before your event.
do you mC or speak on the microphone?
Yes, and all MCing is professional, tasteful, and kept to a minimum as specified by you.
Do you bring lights, fog, tv monitors, etc?
My focus is the music. I bring the best sound system. I’m happy to recommend a lighting vendor.
are you an agency?
All my bookings are through Remixologists, but when you book me, I am the same person planning and DJing the day of the event. No stand-ins or people in the way of our party!
how do you handle music requests before and during my event?
There's no DJ ego from me, I take requests. More often than not, they give me insight into how some guests feel. I will do my best to satisfy every request while maintaining the best environment. My music is mixed live, so the BPM/key/genre might fit later on or already be the next song cued up.
Before your event, I accept spreadsheets, Spotify playlists, or whatever format is convenient for you. You can be as general by listing only vibes or genres or as specific as you want. There is no limit in how many songs you can request. I pride myself on reading a crowd, but even if you have a set list, that is a creative endeavor in itself.
Can we submit a Do Not Playlist?
Sometimes the best place to start is writing out your "Do Not Playlist." A Do Not Playlist can be as firm as you'd like. Generally, it's easier to know what you don't want than to get into the specifics of what you do.
Do you specialize in international or ethnic genres?
I don't claim expertise in international genres; I've done Jewish, Spanish, Greek, Korean, Serbian, Liberian, Italian, Irish, Persian, Swedish, Russian, Chinese, German, Indian, and Bosnian events. I am not bilingual, but I can try to connect you to a bilingual MC or your friend might be interested.
Do you meet with clients before booking?
Most of the time, potential clients prefer just emails and chatting on the phone. We could also Zoom, Facetime, or Skype. I’m open to meeting at a coffee shop in Manhattan during the week (I’m working most weekends), if you’d like.
What kind of events do you work for?
Being an open format DJ, I can provide music for pretty much any type of event. I've spun at all kinds of clubs, weddings, and private events. Click here to get in touch about your event.
What genres of music do you like?
I was raised in the 90's and 2000’s so I have a soft spot of golden-era hip-hop and pop music. I am an open format DJ, meaning that I listen to, play, and mix any style of music from oldies to house music.
How far do you travel?
I am based in New York, but travel all over the world for events.
What do you wear?
I feel most comfortable in a suit, but I am open to wear what the event requires.
Will you Advertise at my event with signs or banners?
Nope. Your event is about you. I will not advertise over the microphone or with banners at your event.
Do you play dirty or clean versions of songs?
I default to playing clean music. I think it is best to remain family friendly, but if you have a request that I cannot find a clean version of, I will ask.
What kind of equipment do you use?
I have 4 QSC K8s, 2 EV Evolve 50s, a Pioneer XDJRX2, and a wireless Shure microphone; all top-of-the-line professional DJ gear.
How long will you hold my date?
I run a no-pressure operation. I want you to have the freedom to meet other DJs and choose me instead of being pressured by time or money. I only schedule meetings for dates that are available and I hold dates for a week after meeting or speaking by phone. There are no obligations for me or you before the contract is signed and retainer received. Once booked, the whole day is yours to allow for maximum time flexibility for the hours booked.
how many events do you book per day?
Just one. The date you book is your day so you get the customized, personal service you expect.
When do you arrive to my event?
I like to arrive a minimum of 1 hour before your event, but I try to be there up to 3 hours before.
How do you motivate guests if no one is dancing?
This is the difference between a good DJ and a bad DJ: judgement. Music is the best motivator, but I will invite people to the dancefloor, if necessary.
What is your backup plan?
I carry backup hard drives of music and equipment so there are no hiccups day of. If I am for some extreme reason not able to perform (hospitalization, etc.), I have a network of DJs that are qualified to be an emergency replacement.
What are first steps?
Click here to contact Simon (Chief Remixologist) with your date, venue, and timeline. He will be your point of contact for scheduling a phone call, Zoom, Facetime, or Skype with me.