Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Sean Lee.
Sean’s journey as a DJ started over 25 years ago, stemming from the love of house music and a booming scene in Chicago with names like Jumpin’ Julian Perez, DJ Skribble, Bad Boy Bill, and many others. Like any aspiring DJ, Sean’s footsteps began with the allure of the nightclub scene and branched into shows of all types including bars, pubs, college scenes, house parties, and some extremely memorable wedding receptions.
His skill set developed through mainstream music and grew with residencies as a hip-hop DJ as well as a progressive trance DJ, but always with a constant mainstream presence. Like most DJs, those close to Sean always wanted him to spin a show or a wedding, which developed his skills to entertain people even further. With his tenure mixing music of all types and all genres, Sean has evolved into the ultimate “party DJ.” As the resident DJ at Renfield’s Corner in Uptown, Dallas, Sean brings to the table an obvious set of skills in mixing, blending, mashing, and timely drops that push his audience to a fever pitch, making a journey through hip-hop, old school, alternative rock, club, house, dance, and frankly anything with a beat.
Sean’s experience has made him a household name to a number of generations in Wisconsin and here in Dallas and his extended experience includes stints in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Cancun, Mexico. You can expect that each and every mix, scratch, drop, and blend is calculated to create an atmosphere that’s both fun and memorable and intended to entertain those listening. There is never a playlist, only a party, and Sean’s experience over the years performing at venues and parties of nearly every type including opening for New Kids on the Block, Nelly, and TLC at American Airlines Center in Dallas in May 2015, contributes to an unmatched ability to read, understand, and cater to a crowd. Sean’s motto is, “Anyone can play music. Few can entertain!”
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road to my success as a DJ has been really smooth. I’ve had the opportunity to work with great people. As a women’s basketball assistant coach back in college, my head coach mentioned, “success comes easy when you surround yourself with good people.” That’s led to a great deal of my success. I try to network and work with people who are hard-working. People who stand for something. And I see that in a lot of my client relationships for those I serve here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
When I get into an email inquiry, phone call discussion, meet clients for coffee, or meet them face to face during a bridal show, I can tell when quality chemistry is occurring. It sounds silly, but I really see and feel it and so do my clients. In fact, I’ve even become really good friends with a number of brides and grooms I met through becoming their DJ.
Like any aspiring DJ, there were the years where perhaps you didn’t have the experience, or the equipment for that matter. But those struggles looking back provide you with the fuel to become better; to evolve. I try to never settle. I’m always looking to learn from people, from other DJs, and to update my dossier. I think if you fail to learn you get stuck. Other than finding time outside of working so much, I’m really thankful and blessed for opportunities I’ve had to work with others and create memories for many that will last a lifetime.
Please tell us about DJ Sean Lee.
I really specialize in performing to the group in front of me. I truly believe in my motto in that really, “anyone can play music; few can entertain.” You can have anyone sit in front of a computer, iPad, or any musical device and play music. In fact, with today’s technology there are plenty of programs that will do it for you. But reading a crowd; understanding a crowd…that takes experience!
Those of us who have been in this business for a long time have earned our badge of ups and downs. There are shows or gigs a DJ performs at throughout his or her career that aren’t always so great. You have to learn from those times. You have to engage people and put on a show that seems like the first time you’re ever looking to entertain them. If you simply go through your routines and repetitions, then it’s just a job.
I truly try to make every experience unique and I’m proud of that. Having the ability to read a room, not just the dance floor, but the people around the room gives me the ability to apply my skills as an actual DJ, but then apply the energy of the room and combine it with experience to make each and every song and show a party. As DJs, we all probably pull music from the same pool, however knowing when and how to apply that music, how to “drop it on your audience” at times they are excited and awaiting the next surprise is an earned talent. I believe that’s what sets me apart from the faces in the crowd.
I’ve been asked numerous times about what I mix, what’s my genre, or what are my DJ abilities. Those abilities impress other DJs, not people looking to be entertained. When you’re at this level, if you don’t have those skill or abilities, I don’t think you really are a DJ; you just play music. But having that ability to read and manipulate a crowd? That’s where it’s at. So, I’m not any “type” of DJ. I’m just a party DJ!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I’d probably try to utilize my skills for ultimate success. The fact of the matter is, I’m really still just a weekend warrior. I work full time as a technology analyst for a school district. Who knew? I’m a tech geek. Outside of that, my work as a DJ is a hobby and a side business interest. But fortunately for me, it’s a successful one.
But if I could go back, I’d invest in me. Rather than just being an employee of a place working weeknights and weekends, I’d go back and try to learn from the best and truly believe in myself like I do now. I think I really could have taken these skills to a higher platform, perhaps even produce. But I’m still very happy about the path I’ve walked. DJs are emotional people. I don’t have regrets, but I’m still romantic about ideas of what could have been. Today’s technology has really made this business insanely cool and crazy fun. The crop of DJs growing today will really be able to do some amazing things as they move forward.
Pricing:
- All-inclusive shows that includes premium sound, dance floor lighting, consultation, and more for up to $1395.00.
- Wireless Uplighting packages for $350.00 or less.
- DVD Slideshows ranging in price and averaging about $1.00 per picture.
- Numerous options including cheer and dance mixes, bar and club show opportunities, corporate or private parties and more at negotiable prices.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.djseanlee.com
- Phone: (715) 340-1008
- Email: info@djseanlee.com
- Instagram: @djseanlee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djseanlee
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/djseanlee
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
