Bruce Christensen became known as DJ Big Brudy at the age of 13.

SA国际影视传媒淚 had picked up little bits and pieces of equipment I had found. Random CD players and a really old mixer and I started playing around,SA国际影视传媒� said Christensen, 35, who grew up in Yellowknife and became a professional D.J. at a very young age.

By the time he was 15, he was already operating his own music entertainment business called Big Brudy's DJ Services. The young disc jockey made a name for himself spinning tunes at school dances and birthday parties and even the Caribou Carnival.

SA国际影视传媒淎t my peak I had a full D.J. set-up. The speakers the lighting, vinyl, record players and an extensive music collection,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淚 really enjoyed doing it.SA国际影视传媒�

Then he got a post-secondary education, a full-time job with Northwestel and took a long break from the D.J. business.

About two years ago, the lure of fog machines and the thumping rhythm of subwoofers called him back to the dance floor.

Christensen launched another venture called Beatz Music. Since then his SA国际影视传媒渟ide hustleSA国际影视传媒� has been growing. He has a collection of 80,000 songs and provides musical entertainment at everything from weddings to corporate events about once a month.

SA国际影视传媒淚 donSA国际影视传媒檛 do it because I have to,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淚 do it because I really enjoy the energy of the crowd and really making sure everyone has a good time.SA国际影视传媒�

How did you get your D.J. name?

I actually donSA国际影视传媒檛 know the origin. I know that people started calling me that when I was 10 or 11 years old. The name has stuck and ISA国际影视传媒檓 not going to get rid of it.

What songs do you play at a wedding?

It really depends. YouSA国际影视传媒檙e dealing with a multi-generational crowd, different cultures and whatnot. Definitely my go to dance floor filler SA国际影视传媒� once everyone is feeling good SA国际影视传媒� Is SA国际影视传媒淚 Wanna Dance With SomebodySA国际影视传媒� by Whitney Houston or any of the upbeat songs by Queen. Well-known bar singalongs are the key to getting the party started.

What are the D.J.SA国际影视传媒檚 responsibilities?

The main job is to keep the night flowing. That means keeping things on time and just ensuring the crowd is tapping their toes and smiling. Setting the tone at the beginning of the night with appropriate music is key.

What do you charge?

Wedding fees can start at about $1,200 and that gets you four hours of D.J. entertainment, lighting, speakers as well as multiple consultations to ensure we have the right music for the night. ThereSA国际影视传媒檚 a bit more work involved doing a wedding versus a standard corporate event.
Typically, the D.J. is at the reception. However, I can handle the music for the ceremony and wireless microphones for the ceremony as well.

Do you have any tips for couples planning a wedding?

My advice is you should always meet with the D.J. and make sure theySA国际影视传媒檙e the right fit for your wedding. Have an initial consultation to make sure nothing is missed.
ISA国际影视传媒檒l throw it out there: I do recommend couples hire a wedding planner if they can afford one. I have seen how not having one can be quite stressful for the bride and the groom because theySA国际影视传媒檙e the ones dealing with last minutes changes. You want to make sure the D.J. has references as well. If at all possible, ask them to share photos or videos of their events so youSA国际影视传媒檒l know what to expect for the wedding.

What sets you apart from other D.J.s?

ItSA国际影视传媒檚 the extreme detail I go through to make sure things are perfect.
I put a lot of research into a couple and their music tastes. I ask them what particular songs they want played at their wedding and I ask them what songs they donSA国际影视传媒檛 want played. I really dig deep into what they actually want.
I also go over the event in great detail, everything from who is escorting who down the aisle to what songs they want for their grand entrance.
I take some of the stress away from the couple to make sure theySA国际影视传媒檙e having a seamless and wonderful experience. I am consistently watching the crowd from the beginning, watching for toe tapping, chair dancing SA国际影视传媒� I like to call it chair dancing when theySA国际影视传媒檙e moving in their seats. ThereSA国际影视传媒檚 love in the air. I donSA国际影视传媒檛 create the love but I create the musical background to kick things off.

WhatSA国际影视传媒檚 your favourite part of the evening?

Weddings are very formal for the most part. The ties are tight and everyone is dressed up. Then past the ten or eleven oSA国际影视传媒檆lock mark the ties are loosened up. You can tell people have got past the formalities of the wedding. TheySA国际影视传媒檙e just having a good time and thatSA国际影视传媒檚 the portion of the night that I truly think is so much fun.
Behind the D.J. booth you see it all. You see the mingling, you see the smiles, you see the laughter. you see the people dancing, doing the crazy dance moves they did in high school. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 just so much fun to watch and always puts a smile on my face.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.