Fete Lifestyle Magazine March 2015 | Page 40

Megan Taylor never planned on being a DJ. She was working for James and Michele Gustin of Fig Media, a full service media production company producing and overseeing film projects when they told her that she should DJ some of their produced events. That part of the job didn’t really interest her, even though she was known to be the first to get the latest CD back in the day when her Dad worked for Sony. Her Dad is a big reason why she loved music all of her life. Megan finally gave in to her boss and went to DJ a High School dance that her company produced. She had a great experience and a lot fun. That experience turned in to a hobby, and the hobby turned in to her profession. She sought out other DJ’s that helped her hone her technical skills. She spent time practicing and learning, in order to get really good. Eight years later she is much more confident. At the end of the day making her clients and guests happy is really important. “I feel a lot more confident in how I DJ now, not by just being a facilitator, but by being in control and a lot more creative,” Megan said.

Megan Taylor never planned on being a DJ. She was working for a full service media production company producing and overseeing film projects when the owner of the company told her that she should DJ some of their produced events. That part of the job didn’t really interest her, even though she was known to be the first to get the latest CD back in the day when her Dad worked for Sony. Her Dad is a big reason why she loved music all of her life. Megan finally gave in to her boss and went to DJ a High School dance that her company produced. She had a great experience and a lot fun. That experience turned in to a hobby, and the hobby turned in to her profession. She sought out other DJ’s that helped her hone her technical skills. She spent time practicing and learning, in order to get really good. Eight years later she is much more

confident. At the end of the day making her clients and guests happy is really important. “I feel a lot more confident in how I DJ now, not by just being a facilitator, but by being in control and a lot more creative,” Megan said.

Megan is one of the top female DJ’s in Chicago and being a woman sometimes works to her advantage. Some of her past clients specifically requested to hire a female DJ and Megan’s name was at the top of the list. “Being a red head female DJ definitely helps me standout,” laughed Megan. Some of her favorite female DJ’s are Dani Deahl and Avisic, who have been in the game as long as Megan. Megan does a lot of research on finding underground house music coming out of London. She loves Chicago house music because of the soulful vocals and amazing beats. The music that she plays usually blends the past with the future and sounds more like a dance house down beat. “My style is building on the moment. Building that feel and the emotion of the song is what inspires me,” she explained. Growing up Megan’s music was versatile. She listened to music ranging from Janet Jackson to the Smashing Pumpkins. Her goal when she works a gig is to get everyone up and on to the dance floor. She doesn’t like to force anything, but one of her things is to play songs that people know to gain their trust. Once that happens she can then take them on a musical journey. She turns to artists like Beyonce, Kanye West and Michael Jackson, whose music can get a party rockin’. Her tips for an aspiring DJ? “You really have to work hard at being successful, because it’s not going to come easy. I think it’s all about the people that you meet, so being likeable goes a long way.” Her most memorable DJ experience was opening for Maroon 5 at Union Station during an event produced by Caesars Palace. Another highlight was when a guest at a private party requested that she’d play some soul music. That guest turned out to be Bill Murray. Megan’s gig list is full and she’s primed to travel outside of Chicago to DJ this year. Be on the lookout for a stunning red head, spinning house blends in a city near you.