Meet DJ Dick Dyszel, longtime DJ and entertainer as well as owner of Sounds Fabulous, based in Virginia.

1. How and when did you get started as a DJ? What types of events do you do?
In October of 1986 I was producing a live TV show for WDCA-TV in Washington, DC. I wanted to provide entertainment for the theater audience during the times we were not on the air and started looking for a DJ. The venue, however insisted that the hall was too big for a DJ and they were unhappy with record spinning and cassette tape DJs they tried in the past, so we went with a live band.

After a trying tech rehearsal filled with over inflated egos, I looked at the stage and realized that every instrument and voice went through a PA system. I figured that if I had a clean digital source and powerful PA system, I could make bands obsolete. In November I did just that and started the area’s first all CD DJ company.

We I first started, I did a lot of high school dances, but in 1987, I did my first wedding reception and since then my focus has been on weddings and receptions. Of course, during December and January, I also do holiday parties as well as music for the fashion show industry.

2. Is this a full-time job or something you do on the side? If it’s a side job, please let us know what you do full time.
Let me say that entertaining is my full time job…along with everything that goes along with it. My DJ work fills up most of the schedule. In addition, I’m also a trained hypnotist and perform a Las Vegas-style show. I also produce and host “Creature Feature: The Weekly Web Program“.

It started in 1998, this is a spin off from a show I did for 15 years on WDCA. Playing vampire, Count Gore De Vol, I host streaming “B” movies and other stuff. And to answer your question before you ask it, yes, The Count has been the DJ at parities and even did a Hypnotic Wedding Reception. That one made the Washington Post!

3. What fixtures are included in your setup? What are you looking to add?
My basic lighting setup is very basic: a mirror ball, a Vertigo, a CHAUVET® Mini-Line Dancer and CHAUVET® Cyborg. If brides want more, I have access to more, but this happens rarely. I’m look to switch over to LED lighting and go to shows looking new and exciting fixtures.

4. What is your favorite fixture and why?
Far and away, I love the Cyborg. It provides so many colors, patterns and movement for a stand-alone fixture….what’s not to love. It gives a lot of bang for the buck!

5. Best advice you can give someone just getting started in the DJ industry?
Network with other DJs and listen to them so you can avoid the mistakes they made while starting out. While mixing music is fun, it’s also very important to start with a solid three year business plan so you have a road map to grow your business. Lastly, join a local DJ association, such as the ADJA, where you can hang with other DJs and take advantage of the continuing education programs

6. What are your top three most requested songs?
“Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO
“Cupid Shuffle” by Cupid
“I Gotta Feeling’” by The Black Eyed Peas