Skip to main content

DJ Spotlight of the Week- Derek Andreas



Let’s shine the spotlight on Derek this week! Derek started DJing at the young age of 15 years old when he took over a friend’s family DJ business. Through going to gigs with them, he fell in love with music.

Derek met Vinny while running in a 10K that he was DJing. At first, Vinny did not have a spot for Derek within the company, but Derek was very determined to join the SSS Family and did not give up. He actually showed up at Vinny’s house to play for him and to be considered as a SSS DJ. After seeing his skills and attention to detail, Vinny knew he had to give him a shot. He went through our extensive training process like all DJs with us, and now Derek has been with us for eleven years. He contributes his success in this industry and with Split Second Sound to the dedication of our DJs and the drive to get better at every single event.


When asked what characteristics make him stand out as a DJ, Derek said, “I believe in being extremely prepared at each event. I want every wedding to be different. Never playing the same playlist. Always being one step ahead and never getting two steps behind”. Derek is our top “over achiever” DJ meaning he is always at least three hours early for gigs (they are only required two hours), goes into full detail on every single detail, and is always going above and beyond to help every vendor at a wedding. He believes that you can never be too prepared or too organized.

Derek enjoys working with vendors who are always smiling and willing to help! At the end of the day, he wants to make great memories without any mistakes. He believes that hard work should always be done behind the scenes. He connects with clients by really learning about their background and expectations of the bride and groom to get to know them in full detail before their big day!


Derek’s role model in life is his father as he says “he taught me a work ethic that no famous person can compare to.” As far as luck goes, he believes he is a ten on the scale. “I have faith, family, and I’m thankful for my blessings every day. This world is full of opportunity and I believe you have to be willing to go find them. Don’t wait for them to find you.” Derek’s core values are pride, commitment and integrity. We believe Derek carries each of the values and brings these to his work every day. Our family is beyond lucky and thankful to have Derek not only for as long as we have, but for many more years to come.


Some fun facts about Derek! 

What is your personal favorite genre of music? Favorite artist(s)? Why? 50’s 60’s Motown. Crazy but it is happy music. Also, 90’s hip hop - The beats are so diverse that it keeps you going.

If you were to win the lottery tomorrow, what is the first thing you would buy? Basketball gym, so I could help keep kids out of the streets and teach them to trust each other. A basketball court is like a class. It teaches you work ethic. It teaches you to win and teaches you to lose.

What’s your favorite 90s jam? Nothing but a G Thang

What’s your favorite 80s jam? Wildthing

Favorite TV show? American Pickers

Favorite movie? White Men Can’t Jump

Favorite restaurant? Duckworths

What would your pet say about you if he/she could talk? “He keeps me in shape!”

If a genie granted you three wishes, what would you wish for? No welfare. No cell phones. No computers. (Derek is an old soul!)






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

DJ Feature - Steve Bradle

He got his first KISS album when he was just six years old. He would crank it as loud as the stereo would handle and jump around on the bed playing air guitar with his tennis racquet and singing at the top of his lungs. When people asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up, the answer was simple….A ROCKSTAR! He got his first start as a lead singer in a hair band when he was 15 and the rest, well, it has been history. Everyone meet Steve Bradle! Steve has a part of the Carolina Panthers Black & Blue Crew for 6 seasons and is even co-captain and one of the four flag runners when the Panthers score a touchdown. He is a full-time personal trainer with Camp Gladiator where he runs five outdoor workout locations for 60-70 people weekly. He has been a part of the Charlotte Hornets Swarm Squad and at one time was a professional mascot with the Charlotte Hounds lacrosse team. He has been backup to Chubby with the CHeckers, has danced in front of 72k people as Sir Purr’s mini si...
Post a Comment
Read more

DJ Feature - Joey Verde

He is one of the original four DJs for Split Second Sound. He is in our Elite Series as one of the most requested & reviewed DJs in the company. He speaks Italian fluently and has been a part of many weddings for the same family. He is none other than Long Island native, Joey Verde. Joey’s love for music has been in his system his whole life, but the love turned into a passion when he was 15 years old. While visiting family in Italy, his uncle and a few of his friends started a local radio station. When Joey saw it all in action, he thought it was the coolest thing ever, so his uncle put him on air asking about his visit. The following day, Joey was back to watch the others. On the third day, the DJ on air was smoking a cigarette outside, and the song was about to end, so Joey stepped in to play the next song. One song led to a second and so on. After the fifth day, they decided to put Joey on air as the DJ everyday between 11AM and 1:30PM playing Italian songs along with his A...
Post a Comment
Read more

SSS Weekend Supervisor- Laura Russell

Laura Russell, our weekend supervisor, joined the Split Second Sound Family over a year ago, and she fit right in instantly! Have you ever wondered when the heck SSS takes a break?! The answer is NEVER - We just take turns making sure every single detail is covered! Laura is in charge of coordinating all SSS events on the weekends by using our batline (AKA the SSS iPhone) to ensure everyone is where they are supposed to be at the right time! Our DJs arrive on site to all events hours before and are required to "check in" with Laura in the case of emergency. Laura also handles and responds to our weekend emails and inquiries helping to keep SSS's response time as fast as possible! She enjoys being a part of the music industry because music defines so many of the memorable moments in our lives. A song can transport us to any point in history and being a part of those moments is truly an honor. Laura believes that SSS stands out as the best because of our perfect...
Post a Comment
Read more