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 - Chris Pounds

While all of SSS MC/DJs are exclusive, Chris Pounds is also our full-time DJ, so we are sure you have seen his face around at many of our events! When first moving to Charlotte, he DJ’d at the same club every Friday for 3 months knowing every song that would be played after the next, after the next. That situation was not allowing Chris to take his craft to the next limit, which led him to inquiring with Split Second. Although his mixing was top notch, he still completed our training process to learn how to run a wedding, master his coordination & interaction, and truly learn the SSS way and understand the SSS brand. Chris’ love for spinning started at a gymnasium party 30 years ago. He saw a friend on the turntables, began learning the fundamentals of spinning & creating music, and started his official DJ career in his early 20s. He puts high emphasis on himself on how to not just get guests on the dance floor, but keep them there all night. He pushes himself to entertain by
Post a Comment
Read more

Vendor Spotlight of the Week - Mint Museum Uptown

  As one of the most recognized icons in Uptown Charlotte, the Mint Museum Uptown is a name all Charlotteans know and love. The convenience to all the major hotels and convention center makes it sought after by many. Their cultural and high image is unmatched whether hosting an event or touring the museum. Tom Martin serves as the Director of Special Events to oversee all rentals, venue & beverage services, and vendor management marketing. Weddings are the bread and butter of this space due to the very classic, beautiful style that eludes Charlotte history. Between the metal and glass, the contemporary look gives off an urban feel surrounded around all uptown hotels and building. Aside from weddings, The Mint Museum is also home to many large galas, fashion shows, and corporate events. Tom takes great pride in presenting his space as the excitement of the clients that want to hold their events there is very contagious. As a museum, it is a cultural backdrop that creates a
Post a Comment
Read more