Eric Schiemer, Disc Jockey
Humble Beginnings
I love to share music with others. Ever since I was very young I was always telling my friends and family "You have to hear this song!". After many years of collecting any records I could get my hands on my best friend suggested that we start our own business. Eric The DJ, Disc Jockey Service was formed in 1985 and was called "DJs From The Hideaway " (named for a Billy Crystal skit on Saturday Night Live). My partner/friend was future comedian/car salesman, Dan Rosenberg, we were 15 years old and we had about 200 songs. Our first 'gig' was my older brother's High School gradation party.. held in the front yard of my house. My mother shelled out $25.00 for our services.
Relying on my parents to drive us to parties and events proved difficult (and a little embarrassing), so eventually Dan moved on to his next entrepreneurial opportunity. Since my bedroom served as the office & storage room for the business, it had already become a major part of my everyday life. So I stuck with it... besides, I had all this music!
I Do
By 1985 I had managed to book a couple of weddings (details about this remain sketchy to all those involved... I was only 15). Armed with "two turntables and microphone", I began to learn the ins and outs of performing to crowds both large and small. At this point my father agreed to buy me my first set of business cards (quite expensive at the time.. thanks Dad!). The stipulation was that if the business wasn't successful by the time I was out of cards, it would be time to close up shop.
Higher Education
After High School I chose to attend Geneva College for a few important reasons. It was close enough to home to allow me easy access to my equipment and my clients. Also, Geneva's Broadcasting degree would help me increase his abilities of performance and production. My parents, very supportive of the growing business, gave me my first set of "professional" DJ speakers as a High School graduation present. Clearly I was doing well enough by now to pay for my own business cards.
Nightlife
While in college, I got the chance to being playing regularly at some local establishments. These included the 5th Street Tavern in New Brighton, Confetti's in Cranberry, and Center Stage in Monaca. This provided many opportunities to perform many different styles of music including oldies, pop, dance, rock & roll and disco. These regular experiences would also improve my performances at private events significantly since I was forced to understand so many styles of music and how crowds would react to them.
Out at the Inn
In 1992 I was given the opportunity to audition at the Beaver Falls Holiday Inn lounge, called Mr. Ps. Many many many many years later, I am still performing there regularly. With my love of some many different styles of music, I have been able to perform for many different themed nights for the hotel including "The Saturday Night Dance Party","Rock & Country Night", "Sunday Beach Pool Parties", "Wednesday Night Dance Lessons" (yes, I taught dance lessons), "Oldies Night" and currently, "Friday Night Karaoke". (Later I would get to plan and host their "Beaver County Idol" karaoke contest which garnered much attention for the hotel)
The Holiday Inn provided wonderful exposure for me while I continued to do private events and many, many wedding receptions. By now I had created one of the larger music collections in the area, I was quick and happy to integrate CD technology to my equipment and had become confident and comfortable working both with the client and with their guests. In the next few years he would become the house DJ for a few other establishments including JW's Other Club in West Middlesex.
Let's Get Serious
While I enjoyed the perks of performing regularly in local establishments, I also recognized the advantages of playing private parties and weddings. It was during this period of mid to late-90's that I turned his focus more towards his private customers. I developed specialty forms and contracts that would make preparing for the event easier on each client. After my own wedding in 1995, I also realized the importance of working even closer with each wedding couple to create a unique and special evening every time. (and yes, at my wife's request, I played at my own wedding!)
DJ's Go High Tech
Since the business started, I had always kept a computerized database listing of all his music on vinyl and CD. In 2001 I began transferring all my music to the computer itself. This task took many months, over which I evaluated many of the different DJing programs available to find one that would meet my needs by not change my overall performance. While marking a major change in the physical way I would perform at each event, the performance itself needed remain consistent to the style I have worked so hard in perfecting. Embracing this new technology has allowed for greater flexibility in every performance and has opened the doorway to even more technology that are now offered, including karaoke and music videos.
Back to the Future
The main focus of the business is still weddings and private parties, although you can still find me regularly at the Beaver Falls Holiday Inn. Many things have changes since two awkward best friends decided that maybe they could meet girls if played some records at party. Music has changed, technology has changed, even the girls have changed. Experiencing these changes, along with hundreds and hundreds of performances, has allowed me to do what I love most... sharing great music with others.