Meet Tommy O’Sullivan

We recently connected with Tommy O’Sullivan and have shared our conversation below.

Tommy, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

I think it comes down to having many interests. I don’t focus solely on one pursuit, which has helped me find novel overlaps in unrelated places. The same decision-making and improvisation that surprises and engages people while I’m DJing is similar to the way I’d surprise a scene partner in an improv sketch or an opponent on a tennis court, so creativity as a mindset for me in that way. When I find ways to surprise myself, I’m more likely to surprise others.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

There are hundreds of wedding DJs in SoCal, so differentiating myself is always important. What I offer that’s different than all the others is—pardon the cliche—myself. This is a personality profession, so having an ease with people and their families during an emotional day is foundational to my success. As a kid I was friends with my peers, but also their families, and I still am today. Our friends and families shape us into who we are and weddings are often once-in-a-lifetime gatherings of those very important people. I approach each couple with curiosity and an open heart so that their soundtrack reflects who they are as a couple as they join their families together.

My brand is my ability to connect with others, so the best way to experience that is to come say “hi.” I’ll be a featured DJ in a vendor showcase with one of my favorite coordinators this November, so check my socials for more info if you’d like to drop by and tell me about your wedding vision or your favorite Britney Spears album (and why it’s Blackout).

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The most important quality in a DJ is song selection, so I owe much of my success to my family for having such a broad taste in music and a massive CD collection laying around by the time I got my first Discman. Special shoutout to Pure Disco Vol. 3. I always look for old gems, but I also keep my ears open for new sounds and artists. That sense of curiosity is crucial.

For weddings specifically, being easygoing is vital. People need to trust that their wedding is in good hands, so I’m organized, I’m mindful, and I keep things light with my fellow vendors. A wedding is a 10+ hour day, so my advice to someone just starting out would be to make genuine connections with your fellow vendors so that people will want to spend whole days around you in the future.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal clients are open-minded and love music. Even if someone’s not able to fully articulate their vision, broad strokes and a few favorites help me put together a day filled with songs that reflect their taste. I’m someone who loves music and dancing, so hitting it off with couples when our favorites overlap often feels like I’m showing up to DJ for my friends. Ultimately, people are trusting me to keep things light and fun, so giving me some guidance and creative freedom makes for the best vibe. I’m good at finding that balance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://DJTommyLA.com
• Instagram: DJTommyLA
• Soundcloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/DJTommyLA/
• Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/dj-tommy-los-angeles-ca-2084290

Image Credits

@hannawalkowaik
@kaitiebrainerdphoto
@arawcollection