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This Is Why We Love Our Jobs

Alex Nepa — Thu, 23 May 2013 03:16:10 +0000

It’s hard not to love what you do when you get emails like these!

2013 Wedding Trends

Alex Nepa — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:01:33 +0000

With the 2013 wedding season in full swing, we thought it would be fun to compile a list of FUN trends we’ve been seeing at this year’s receptions!

There Is No Right & Wrong!

The most important trend is creativity! Before we even begin to highlight other couple’s creativity, the trend that stands out most is individuality! One awesome example is a wedding this past weekend that skipped the cliche wedding party dance and played a competitive game of wedding party flip cup instead, now that’s a fun way to kick off a reception!

At The Bar: Craft Beer & Custom Cocktails

Long gone are the days of Miller Lite & Budweiser kegs. Craft brews are the hot ticket this year! From staples like Dogfish Head to locally and home-brewed beer, we’re seeing more and more distinct brews this year.

Another new trend at the bar are custom crafted cocktails served to guests of the bride and groom, often times the hand-crafted cocktails have fun names and color schemes that match the reception’s decor!

#Hashtags

Social media is the norm these days, from Facebook and Twitter to Instagram and the new favorite Vine. We’re seeing a lot of couples use a designated hashtag for their reception to make it easier to navigate their guests posts on their big day!

Uplighting

This trend has exploded over the past few years and shows no sign of slowing down. Uplighting creates an awesome atmosphere, is affordable and can be customized to match almost any color palette you can imagine.

Bacon

Everyone’s favorite salty, cured (or uncured) pork dish is showing up a lot at weddings this year!

Late Night Snacks

After a night or dancing and celebrating, your guests are sure to have the munchies! We’ve seen everything from pretzels to hot dogs, Philly cheesesteaks and even ice cream carts!

Nightclub-infused Music Selections

Remember when weddings were synonymous with the Chicken Dance and the Electric Slide? We’re seeing more and more couples add the cheesy stuff to their ‘Do Not Play’ list and requesting more and more club staples like LMFAO, EDM (Electronic Dance Music) and current pop tracks to their must plays to create a more energetic dance party.

DIY Decor

With ideas from Pinterest, Brides and Grooms are more often inspired to create some really cool decor and personal touches for their big day.

Mustaches

Last but not least we’ve got mustaches. Yes, mustaches! The strange-but-fun trend of 2013′s pop culture has definitely been mustaches and we’ve seen some fun infusions this year. Fun examples have been photo booth props, tables labeled with different types of mustaches and these really fun ceremony program mustaches.

DJ Kid AV (Alex Nepa) opens for Tiesto at Bryce Jordan Center

Alex Nepa — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 05:09:16 +0000

Our own Alex Nepa, aka DJ Kid AV had the honor of opening for EDM legend Tiesto at the Bryce Jordan Center (Penn State) on February 26, 2013! Local Motion Entertainment is a staple of the Penn State Nightlife scene and was honored to be a part of this huge event which boasted a sold-out attendance of over 10,000 party-goers!

DJ Spotlight: Alex Nepa

Alex Nepa — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 18:05:42 +0000

Our second DJ spotlight is on our General Manager, Alex Nepa. Alex has been a defining part of Penn State nightlife since he started with Local Motion in 2003. Alex is known as an innovator industry wide having performed at nightclubs and venues in cities from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Virginia Beach, Vegas and beyond. Having performed at over 220 weddings, Alex is an expert at the art of rocking a dancefloor and is a best selling remix artist as part of the CVRBND remix team. DJs across the world play Alex’s remixes and edits at private events and nightclubs.

Known to most as “DJ Kid AV”, Alex is also contracted through Local Motion Entertainment as Indigo Nightclub’s Entertainment Director, booking and leading the entire team of DJs and special event entertainment for Penn State’s most popular nightclub. Here’s our spotlight on Alex…

DJ Stage Name: DJ Kid A.V.

What is your favorite type of music to spin?

My favorite type of music typically reflects the crowd. I’m a big fan of using psychology and reading the crowd in the specific room I’m playing to determine what’s going to make them move, shake and dance. Honestly, I’m a slave to the crowd I’m playing for – so if they’re having a great time, I’m typically having a great time as well! Of course, I do love house and dance music – so if the crowd enjoys that genre, it’s even more of a win-win.

Outside of the DJ world, what is your favorite type of music – and why?

Being a 90′s child I’m a big 90′s rock and rap guy. I also really, really, really like “bass” music, like 80′s and 90′s Miami bass stuff and Italo Disco which is in many ways the precurser to a lot of 80′s pop and the freestyle sound that was huge in New Jersey in the early 90′s. I collect records, and yes – I realize I’m a nerd!

What is your favorite thing about being a DJ?

I could probably write a several hundred page long book about why I feel that I’m the luckiest man alive and have the greatest career in the world, but to sum it up in a few paragraphs my favorite thing about being a DJ is being about to take my audience on a journey. I love walking into a room – whether it’s a dirty basement bar, to a lavish upscale nightclub or even an amazing wedding and feeling out the crowd, finding out what’s going to make them forget about their jobs, their bills, and life’s stress and let loose. I can’t describe the natural high that occurs once you’ve earned the crowds trust and they’re in the palm of your hands for the night. It’s truly amazing.

Tell us your most memorable DJ story…

Without question meeting Paul McCartney (OF THE BEATLES!) mid-set at G Lounge in Philly. It was a packed house in a great club when I felt a tap on my shoulder. When I turned around it was Paul McCartney who personally came up to me and complimented me on my music. I was blown away. I was later told that he was with Neil Diamond (of Sweet Caroline fame) but I didn’t recognize Neil.

What are your hobbies outside of DJing?

I am a partner in a DJ marketing firm (Nightlife Media Labs) so that definitely keeps me busy. I really love the DJ industry and try to contribute as much as I possibly can to elevate both my own personal brand and other DJs. It’s my personal mission to eliminate the negative stigma associated with our industry and the few bad seeds that leave a sour taste in peoples mouths. But, when I’m not DJing I’m a fitness nerd. I love running marathons and Tough Mudder type events and take part in as many 5k’s as possible. I also love a delicious craft beer every now and then :-)

Bar Mitzvah Video

Alex Nepa — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 20:40:18 +0000

We performed at an amazing Bar Mitzvah celebration this weekend and were lucky enough to capture some video! We brought at lot to this party including A DJ/MC duo, LED glow batons and our breakdance team. Pair that with an awesome crowd ready to have a great time and you’ve got memories that last a lifetime!

Check it out…

DJ Spotlight: AJ Southerland

Alex Nepa — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:09:29 +0000

Our first DJ spotlight is on one of Local Motion Entertainment’s most seasoned veterans. DJ’ing since the age of 12, AJ Southerland is a Penn State nightlife staple and a versatile wedding DJ with over 150 weddings under his belt. AJ is known and respected by his peers and is highly regarded as Local Motion’s most technically gifted DJs. AJ’s chameleon-like style allows him to criss-cross genres with ease.

Here’s our Q&A with AJ.

DJ Stage Name: DJ Cashous

What is your favorite type of music to spin?

When it comes to spinning tracks, I enjoy whatever moves the crowd. As a DJ, I consider myself to be a conductor of energy, so I formulate my playlists to keep up the intensity.

Outside of the DJ world, what is your favorite type of music – and why?

I have southern roots, so I grew up listening to rhythm & blues, soul, disco, and funk thanks to my dad.
Also, I was born in the 80s, so my mom had me jamming to anything Michael Jackson or Whitney Houston related.

I guess I blame my passion for music on my parents.

What is your favorite thing about being a DJ?

Turning an empty venue into the place to be. I get a warm fuzzy feeling inside every time I hear a person say “Ah, that’s my favorite song!”

As Kesha once said, “The party don’t start til I walk-in.”

Tell us your most memorable DJ story…

I attended the DJ Expo in Atlantic City a couple years ago with the Local Motion Crew, and I remember sitting in on a Q&A panel with industry artists, when a young lady in a bright green bathing suit, cape, and sun glasses sat right next to me. I mean literally right next to me. It was Lady Gaga! Besides being a bizarre dresser, Lady Gaga smelled like passion fruit and hair spray…hahaha…True story!

Yeah, I know this isn’t about djing exactly, but I was surrounded by DJs, so it kinda works.

What are your hobbies outside of DJing?

Producing tracks for unsigned artists in New York and California under the AmaZns moniker where my partner and I are signed to DJ Skee Productions. I’m also an avid world traveler, a sneaker fanatic, and of course… Penn State Proud!

The DJ Nightmare

Alex Nepa — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 17:17:04 +0000

Hiring a wedding DJ can be a bit overwhelming. We’ll say it… it can be downright frightening.

But why? Why is something that should be so fun and easy so damned scary?

It’s Scary. Very, Very Scary

We all have a preconceived notion of the stereotypical wedding DJ.

You know you’ve got the picture in your head right now. If not, close your eyes and picture as I describe my vision of the stereotypical wedding DJ… Imagine a man in his late 40′s, early 50′s. He doesn’t exactly take care of himself physically, and his grooming is below par. He’s either wearing an extremely outdated, LOUD tuxedo that hasn’t been drycleaned since his prime wedding season in 1993 – or – (even worse) he’s not dressed for the occasion at all and is sporting acid washed jeans and his favorite Tommy Bahama knockoff shirt.

What year is it?

Aside from his own style, his equipment is outdated, in horrible condition and there are wires everywhere.

Ouch

Also, not good.

The nightmare gets worse. Think about all of the time you’ve put into planning how your room is going to look on your big day. You’ve spent countless hours, days, months picking out your colors, your centerpieces, everything… and this is how your DJ presents his gear. YOUR dance floor. Wires everywhere, enough sound for a heavy metal concert (you probably only have 100 – 200 guests). You’re officially stuck in a nightmare situation with a disaster-waiting-to-happen DJ on what is supposed to be one of the most memorable, beautiful days of your life.

BUT IT GETS WORSE.

It’s time to party!

You and your bridal party just arrived at your wedding reception. You’re a little nervous about your DJ since you’ve exchanged a few voicemails and emails, but never officially met. You walk in to a separate room, anticipating your grand entrance. The good news? You hear music. The DJ actually showed up! You can now breathe a sigh of relief.

Suddenly your cousin walks in the room with a smile on her face, only one problem… that smile isn’t joyous, it’s menacing.

“The DJ… you’ve got to see him.” remarks your cousin.

“Is everything okay?” You ask, hesitantly.

All of your guests already know. But it’s still a few minutes until your fears are realized.

Without preparation or prompting, you hear mumbled speaking with occasional microphone feedback. You wonder – what’s going on?

Your DJ is starting the introduction of the bridal party… no prep, no advance warning. Half of your bridal party is at the bar, your maid of honor is freshening up in the bathroom and Mr. DJ is already announcing your wedding party! In a panic you run out to the DJ’s table and let him know you’re not ready! Your grand entrance is ruined. You have been forced to run out in front of your guests and explain to an alleged “professional” that you weren’t ready. Shouldn’t he know to double check and get the bridal party lined up ahead of time?

This should be a smile.

After a few minutes, things calm down and the grand entrance takes place. Aside from some horrible microphone feedback and the DJ botching almost everyone’s last name it got done. It was bad, but your crowd is so happy for you on your big day that you don’t really mind. This is a time to celebrate, right?

In your notes to your DJ you made the timeline perfectly clear: the first item after your grand entrance was set to be the first dance with the love of your life, your brand new husband. As your bridal party entered they formed a half circle around the dance floor, you and your husband are on the dance floor – STARING at the DJ…. there is silence… the DJ is staring back at you shrugging…

You approach the DJ again, and remind him… “FIRST DANCE”

The DJ picks up the microphone… embarrassed… he mumbles the following words in a angry, condescending tone… “The bride wants to do her first dance now, we gotta special song for her and the hubby.”

Black Eyed Peas “Gotta Feeling” starts blaring over the speakers… you’re forced to approach the DJ again… “Gotta Feeling” was supposed to be your grand entrance song. You had selected a meaningful song for your first dance with your husband, but the DJ ruined that moment. The DJ didn’t have the song that you had picked, so you’re dancing to “Lips of an Angel” (the DJs first choice). Of course the music took about a minute to play since the DJ was using a messy CD library instead of high-quality digital files like he advertised.

Where’s that song?

With tears in your eyes, you approach your table with the bridal party to sit down. Your new husband is furious that you’re special day isn’t going according to plan. But both of you want to put your best foot forward and make the most of your reception. Besides, with your grand entrance and first dance out of the way – how much more can your DJ mess up?

You hear the DJ’s overly-exaggerated, cartoon-like voice again… you look up and see him tripping over his wired microphone’s cord. Wasn’t he supposed to have a wireless microphone for your toasts and blessing? A loud, ear-piercing noise travels through the speakers. Your DJ stands up. Disturbingly, his pants are split and his microphone cord is torn. He has no back up equipment so your husband’s best man and your maid of honor are forced to practically scream during their toasts so your guests can hear them.

“Whatever” is now your attitude. You’re not going to let ANYONE ruin your big day. As you finish your meal and walk around to your guests tables to thank them for joining you on your wedding day you hear countless jokes about the DJ. Obviously you’re annoyed by it, but at this point you’re thinking that it could be a funny story to tell 20 years from now. While thanking your guests, your husband asks if you’d like a drink from the bar… thinking this might ease your nerves you politely respond with an overwhelming “PLEASE” and a smile… the nightmare continues.

Your husband returns from the bar with more bad news.

“The DJ… he’s definitely drunk…”

The concern in his voice says it all. You glance over, wincing at the thought to see your DJ clanking glasses with one of your bridesmaids, downing a shot, then giving her an awkward kiss on the cheek.

As your bridesmaid walks away from the bar your anger towards the DJ is deflected towards her.

“What the hell are you doing? This guy’s a living nightmare and you’re encouraging him?”

Your bridesmaid apologizes and admits she was somewhat forced into it, and immediately creeped out by the DJ who not only gave her an unwanted kiss, but also was trying to get her phone number.

“He’s my dads age… ewww!” She blurts out.

At this point, it’s time for dancing and you graciously decide to ‘forgive and forget’. The damage is already done and you just want to dance! The DJ has already ruined every major formality including the grand entrance, your first dance, the toasts, your dance with your father, the groom’s dance with his mom… there was no microphone so he couldn’t introduce the cake cutting… then again, not having a microphone is a blessing in disguise since the DJ is drunk, not only from doing shots at your open bar but from the plainly visible flask and three or four Pabst Blue Ribbon cans on his table (how did they get there?)

During the months leading up to your wedding you selected a bunch of songs that you definitely wanted to play, and a few songs you hated and didn’t want the DJ to play. You and your husband are big club and indie music fans and really don’t like the interactive group dances like the Cha Cha Slide, Chicken Dance and Macarena.

The soft music fades out and the first ‘dancing’ song begins… the un unmistakable chords of the Chicken Dance blare through the speakers… dun dun dun dun dun dun dun…

You, along with your guests let out a collective groan and play along. At this point there’s no winning. You’ve got two options, try to dance to this guy’s odd and inappropriate music choices or just ask him to tear down and leave. You and your husband decide to be gluttons for punishment and let the show go on.

Goodnight, DJ.

Just as you’re easing onto the dance floor and getting into a groove, the DJ abruptly transitions into “Moves Like Jagger” – your mom loves that song so everyone is happy and smiling… until you hear Adam Levine’s smooth voice utter the phrase “I don’t give a s***”

GREAT, the DJ isn’t playing censored or radio edited songs…

As Moves Like Jagger fades out you hear the instantly recognizable opening piano chords to Cee Lo’s “Forget You”. Unfortunately there’s an alternate version to this song and your heart sinks with the gut feeling of what’s next…

Your grandparents, your parents, their closest friends and yours are about to be exposed to the most unforgiving of phrases… at what is supposed to be the most beautiful day of your life…

Suddenly… you wake up.

It was all a nightmare.

You look around your bedroom and smile. As you come to the realization that it was all a nightmare and that you can sleep peacefully you sit up, walk to your computer and do one last thing. The one thing that will let you sleep peacefully.

You open up your email and respond to the DJ you came across on Craigslist.

“I’m sorry, we’ve decided to go with another DJ.” you type, with a reassuring smile.

Sure, this guy was willing to play for $400. But that nightmare was a slap in the face. It’s not worth it. Even if one of those instances happened on your big day.

At Local Motion Entertainment we’re often asked what makes us “worth it”. We’ve got a great, professional team of skilled DJs that know how to rock your big day, and do so by planning with you to make sure what we do reflects your tastes.

Everything in this nightmare is everything we avoid. From professionally cased setups that take up a small footprint, to hiding all of our cabling neatly to vowing to never drink at events and always having a backup plan. We’re modern & stylish and chameleon like in that we adapt our style to showcase you.

Don’t let your worst nightmares come to fruition. Hire a professional.

Free Online Planning

Alex Nepa — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 19:39:09 +0000

Here at Local Motion we perform at a lot of weddings. We pride ourselves on being organized and working hand-in-hand with couples – putting together a great reception that reflects their tastes. But what if you don’t live in State College, Altoona or Central PA?

Since our inception in 1986 we’ve regularly worked with out of town couples to put together amazing DJ entertainment and reception music. Back in the day we did it by telephone, but these days with technology, it’s not only easier – but more fun!

Every couple that books with Local Motion has access to our EXCLUSIVE online event planner. Our hand written online wedding planner covers every conceivable detail of both traditional and non traditional wedding ceremonies and receptions. From the grand entrance music and names that our DJs and emcees will announce, to the “must play” and “do not play” songs that you choose.

Many of the couples that book Local Motion Entertainment do so because they’re returning Penn State alumni that met at school and want to return to the place they fell in love, their alma mater. They remember our team of DJs from some of the best times of their lives, and count on us to deliver an amazing night of music and dancing!

In addition to our online planning tools, we offer unlimited phone or Skype consultations with our DJs. If you’re coming in for a weekend to visit or attend a football game we can meet with you face to face on Fridays or Sundays.

If you’re from out of town, and scared that you won’t “know” who your DJ is, don’t be afraid. Request a Skype or phone consult today by clicking here. We specialize in working with long distance clients, and have for over 25 years!

Recent Wedding Photos

Alex Nepa — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 15:11:53 +0000

We’re definitely not professional photographers, but we do have iPhones and love to snap pictures when we’re setting up for a big wedding or rocking the house with a full dance floor! Here are some of our most recent pictures… enjoy!

Cocktail Hour Favorites

Alex Nepa — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:02:07 +0000

Many couples overlook the important of cocktail hour and the vibe it sets for the entire wedding reception. We love cocktail hour and think it’s important to have great music for your guests from the second they step foot in your venue which is why all of our wedding DJ packages include complimentary cocktail music.

Here’s a list of some of our favorite wedding cocktail hour songs for 2012 via Spotify playlist.