For those of you who have met me to discuss wedding photography, you know how I always rave about on of Chicago’s best wedding DJ collectives Style Matters. Here is where I explain my praise for them. I’ve been to a ton of weddings and I know which DJs get the crowd going without being annoying. Spencer and the DJs that are part of his company don’t mess up, they send the wedding guests to the dance floor without fail, and tend to play a cooler versions of recognizable songs and mixing in an appropriate amount of unique tracks. I have heard most of the DJs that work for Style Matters and the wedding reception is always a blast. When the party is fun, it makes my life easier because lets be honest, its more fun as a wedding photographer taking creative photos during a wedding reception when the dance floor is packed. I have had a chance to get to know the Style Matters crew, at weddings at Gallery 1028, The Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Ivy Room, Prairie Production, just to name a few. I am spotlighting Spencer and Style Matters in an online blog interview below:
1. Introduce yourself:
Hello, my name is Spencer Lokken. I’m a member of the Orchard Lounge DJ collective and I run Style Matters DJs (www.stylemattersdjs.com).
2. How did you get started?
Like a lot of people in their twenties, I wasn’t happy with my where my career was going. I never had a healthy relationship with corporate America. Despite a solid work ethic and proven track record, I left my job every day feeling unsatisfied, unchallenged, and uninspired. Almost six years ago, intrigued by the wonders of Craigslist, I created a post offering my DJ services to people throwing high-end private events. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but at the time, I certainly didn’t have any hopes of creating a full-fledged company. I just did it to keep from going crazy in my cubicle. As my pop once put it, I quit working for the man and became the man. Best decision I’ve ever made.
3. What do you think has gotten Style Matters to be one of the most successful DJ companies in Chicago?
Raw talent, attention to detail, creativity, our organizational skills, our willingness to take a chance, and the fact that I’ve assembled a team of some of the best DJs this city has ever seen. I’ve put my heart and soul into this, as have the DJs on my team. I think when you watch us spin, it shows.
4. What sets you apart from your competitors?
What competitors? Kidding. I suppose it has a lot to do with how knowledgeable, versatile, and dedicated the DJs are. We are constantly driven by the feeling we get at 12:01am every Saturday night. It’s pretty special to know that we’re an integral part of a celebration that our clients will never forget.
Seven Saturdays – “Good Morning, I Love You”
Real Estate – “Fake Blues”
The XX – “VCR”
Toro Y Moi – “Blessa”
Emancipator – “Rattlesnakes”
Hot Chip – “Thieves In the Night”
Broken Bells – “The Ghost Inside”
Vampire Weekend – “I Think You’re A Contra”
Bat For Lashes – “Good Love”
Kings Of Convenience – “Mrs. Cold”
Full disclosure: Style Matters does not compensate me in any way. I don’t get anything except the joy of nudging you towards good resources. I don’t pay any money to be on anyone’s preferred vendor list, nor do I charge anyone to be mentioned in my blog or accept any money for mentioning anyone.