Inspiring Conversations with AJ Smith of 1Wave DJs

Today we’d like to introduce you to AJ Smith

Hi AJ , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
1Wave DJs started in 2022 as an entertainment company in Northern Michigan. I came up with this idea years after I graduated from Mesa Community College in Mesa, AZ. My audio production technologies certificate under Andy Seagle set the tone for the undulating current that was about to unfold for my career. Even as he told me stories of recording Johnny Cash and Paul Mccartney it was only the tip of the iceberg. I soon found myself running lights and sound for my favorite bands and artists like Jeff Loomis at Club Red. I worked as a stage hand and built stages for Lady Gaga, Bon Jovi, and Cirque Du Soleil, even the Super Bowl for bands like Walk the Moon and The Roots.

I am originally born and bred in Michigan near Detroit and then moving up towards Traverse City. I left for the military at 17 in 2004 after high school and then lived in AZ to get my recording and stage hand experience. When I moved back to Michigan in 2015 to take care of my grandmother, I worked for Interlochen Academy of Arts. This was a big step and refresher in learning about the advances in technology for lighting and sound production in addition to seeing incredible youth artists from around the world. I was also live-streaming the World Youth Symphony Orchestra every week for summer camp in 2017.

I have had over 7 rock bands. I have been a drummer, frontman, bass player, and guitar player.

Today I continue to entertain at venues like Union Street Station, Great Wolf Lodge, Turtle Creek Casino, and the Venetian Festival in Charlevoix. I also do weddings, birthdays, and special events.

I hope I get to entertain for you one day and make your party an unforgettable event!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have worked for many years as an entertainer and actually paying to play and set up big shows instead of getting paid. I also have a background in heavy metal and hard rock music with my band Kin of the Zen as a singer/songwriter or Graves Crossing as a the drummer with Dino and it was not always easy to get 5 or 6 people to show up and be ready to go. We always made sure the show was in your face. This also allowed me to understand the cut throat nature of the music industry and helped me navigate the business when gigs were slow or I was getting pushed to the bottom because the competition was saw me as a threat. Learning the technical aspects of classical music and engineering has made me an unstoppable force for giving the fans what they demand. DJ 1Wave is in the house!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
DJ 1Wave is a certified audio engineer with over 20 years of professional music experience. My goal is to make sure that you have top quality entertainment at a price that you can afford. I specialize in weddings, nightclubs, and composing curated playlists to mix and mash together for your event. My improvisational style ensures no matter who shows up and no matter what mood they are in, we are going to have a great time. I am different because I love my fans, and I make them number 1. Our brand is simple and elegant. We give you the experience you deserve based on high tech equipment and the wisdom of experience with events big and small. Contact me today to book your next wedding for a fun reception, or maybe you have a birthday party and want it to be epic. I am looking for those festival gigs, because I want to entertain the masses, on a massive scale. Let’s have a concert and make it huge!

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
My entertainment company is also a security company. I am a combat survival instructor so when you hire me, you don’t just get great music, you are hiring a body guard!

Pricing:

• 1450.00 Wedding
• 1100.00 Reception
• 350.00 Ceremony
• $250 Entertainment
• 100.00 hour most events

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.1wavedjs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1wave_djs
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1wavedjs/
• Twitter: https://x.com/1waveDjs
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvzHLuLoiUcrCAX2LiOnxuQ
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/1wave-djs-traverse-city
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/1wavedjs
• Other: https://audius.co/kronie