In the first of a regular series of posts, we’re going to introduce you to the team that makes Silent Noize the very best company to trust for all your silent disco needs. These are the people behind the decks, the people that make sure your party goes off without a hitch, and the experts who live and breathe music, events, and unforgettable nights.
First up, we’re meeting one of our resident DJs – a man who’s seen it all, played everywhere – from Westminster Abbey to a canal (yes, really) – and can get any crowd moving. He’s Silent Noize’s ‘Mr Fun’ so let’s dive into the world of DJ Nick!
Hi Nick. So, how long have you been a DJ, and have you met any celebrities? Where have you worked? What did you do before Silent Noize Events?
This makes me feel old but I’ve been a DJ for 25 years now! I’ve worked at radio stations in Manchester, and in various recording studios too. I’m a self-taught DJ, and I’ve been lucky to work with some amazing sound engineers over the years, including Silent Noize’s technicians. I have learnt so much from them and now work as a technician at our events.
I also worked at The Boiler Room in Birmingham, where we had live sessions, acoustic music and indie bands playing. We had Ed Sheeran in before he made it big, and Nizlopi – he sang the ‘JCB Song’. Big Narstie also played. I’ve also been on the same lineup as Faithless, which was incredible.
I was at Chris Evans’ CarFest festival and he is always fun! At the same festival, I watched the Liverpool vs Real Madrid Champions League final with The Coral and the winner of one of the Bake Offs – so random! Steve Cram and Paula Radcliffe were also there, as was Olly Murs.
What’s your role at Silent Noize?
As well as being an experienced DJ for our amazing clients, I’m also a production manager and a technician. From the start to the end of every event, I can deal with the set-up, takedown, and anything else that needs to be done in between, and, most importantly, getting people up on the dancefloor! I guess I would class myself as a curator, a promoter, and a DJ agent too.
What do you enjoy about working as a silent disco DJ?
I love going to different places and meeting all sorts of interesting people. I get to see a lot of things that I wouldn’t otherwise have got to see, immersing myself in different cultures, hobbies and events. I’ve DJ’d at some amazing Jewish parties and bar mitzvahs, and massive festivals… I’ve played some really fantastic venues across the country, including private mansions, at Wembley Stadium and Silverstone racecourse. The variety in this job is amazing.
What does a ‘typical’ day look like for you?
Well, this is a real ‘every day is different’ job but generally I wake up at 4:30 am, doze back off for a while then have breakfast, sort out my flat, check what bookings I have and plan my jobs. That’s about it for my typical routine. Once I’m on my way to a gig, every day is an adventure – it’s always different.
You listen to a huge variety of music, but what’s your favourite all-time song?
I love anything by Taylor Swift – I am 100% a Swiftie, and she always goes down really well in a DJ set. But my favourite song of all time? ‘Double Exposure’ by Everyman. I also love anything by Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder.
On your travels, where’s the weirdest or most interesting place you have held a silent disco event?
There have been so many… I played a set in the middle of a canal once (not in the water!) and have DJ’d in an Amazon fulfilment warehouse, and at Bristol Zoo!
What’s been your best silent disco DJ gig ever, so far?
Westminster Abbey! It’s even bigger than you can ever imagine. It was an Alice in Wonderland-themed event and everyone was dressed up. They gave us costumes to wear, there was free food (we had mini burgers and mini cakes) and drink, talking trees, ornaments hanging from the ceiling… the set up was amazing. While they were waiting for me to set up the silent disco, I downloaded the Alice in Wonderland audio-book so people were walking around listening to that in their headphones.
Also one of my best gigs was at St John’s College May Ball in Cambridge, hob-nobbing with high society and undergraduates at their end-of-year party. It was spectacular, like a Cinderella’s ball with free champagne and oysters all night! Obviously I didn’t have any until my shift was over.
What do you love about DJ’ing for a silent disco company?
I always wanted to be a radio DJ, which I have been, but I realised it’s quite controlled and you often can’t play the music you want to play. As a silent disco DJ, I cover all genres of music: funk, soul, hip hop, drum ‘n bass, electronica… the list is never ending.
With a silent disco, you can literally play ANYTHING! From Baby Shark for the kids, to Celine Dion, to house music. There are no rules for what you can play. A lot of DJs will only play what they want to play but I see it as ‘I’m there for you’. I’m willing to play whatever you ask me to play and I’m always happy to take requests and play them – they don’t call me ‘Mr Fun’ for nothing! I love to dance and be involved. I can’t stand being still behind the decks and who wants to book a DJ that doesn’t get involved with the fun?
As an experienced DJ, what’s your advice for anyone thinking of organising a silent disco?
Get in touch with Silent Noize Events – we are the best! We can organise your playlists for you, you can ask for whatever music you want, or songs you would like to be played, and we can sort the lighting, DJs, headsets and absolutely everything else out for you. We work for you. We have the scope to be interactive. We have the right attitude to make your event the best it can be and there’s so much flexibility in how we DJ.
We take all requests – even the very worst ones! It’s all about everyone having a fun and memorable time, there’s no pretentiousness at all. It’s your event and we’re here to service that.
Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?
My fun fact is that I hate answering fun fact questions about myself, haha!
Cheeky! Okay, what’s your most played silent disco song?
It’s probably no surprise: ‘Mr Brightside’ by The Killers. It is a banger though.
Are there any songs you hate to play, even though we know you’ll play them anyway?
Ahh, anything by Justin Bieber and Daddy Yankee. ‘Despacito’ by Luis Fonsi. Anything by Ed Sheeran!
Who’s your hero?
The DJ and record producer Eddie Temple-Morris. Oh, and Pat Sharp! I met him and he’s lovely – he’s actually a mate now.
Book Mr Fun for Your Next Silent Disco Event
Whether you’re after bangers, guilty pleasures or something completely unexpected, Nick’s got you covered. At Silent Noize, we bring the party to any venue, for any crowd, and with any playlist – and we take requests, even the questionable ones! Ready to book your own silent disco? Get in touch with us or head straight to our online booking system to lock in your date.
