Today we’d like to introduce you to Gregory Patrick Vera Cruz.
Hi Gregory Patrick, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am Gregory Patrick Vera Cruz, a wedding DJ+MC who also works as a physical therapist assistant, husband to Maryjo, and father to Mia Gretchen and Matthew Avery.
I was introduced to DJing back in 1999, my older brother got a set of turntables, and he and his friends started DJing first. I played around with the turntables for fun. Back then, it was only vinyl records and turntables. I only played around and never took it seriously. Grabbing music meant having to go to a record store and buy actual records, doubles even for mixing.
Years later, my best friend got a set of turntables and a mixer and started DJing; this resparked my interest in the hobby. Then, I was able to DJ a few parties and school events, but nothing big.
Then came the era where DJing had a digital option. Music was more accessible and I finally got my own set of turntables and mixer. I would DJ little parties and little functions with the Pilipino-American Coalition at Cal State Long Beach.
It was still really a hobby, and because DJing became more digital, I was exploring different setups and sounds. I got into DJ controllers because of their ease of use, lightweight options, and flexibility. I started to do more events, including debuts and weddings.
In 2013, I started to DJ a lot more. I started to DJ my friend’s weddings, and people started referring me. Wedding planners would remember me and request me for their events. I started to DJ at bars and different events, but still mostly weddings.
I continued to book weddings, debuts, and special milestone events. 2020 was going to be my biggest year with weddings lined up. Unfortunately, this wasn’t a good year for DJs as COVID-19 took away large gatherings, All of my 2020 weddings were canceled.
During the pandemic, I started to brand myself, thought of ways to get leads, joined Facebook groups, watched other DJs, and tried to get better as a DJ, all while not being able to work as a DJ. This is when I created djgp.net I had a feeling people wanted to party hard, once we were allowed to.
When the lockdown started to become less strict and people started to have events again, I started getting booked again. I started DJing a few micro weddings, as that was what was permitted at the time. I started to do weddings in Temecula as there was a need for DJs there. I was able to find events on different Facebook groups who were seeking DJs, and that’s when I came across Second Song, a wedding and private event DJ company. I was able to DJ and assist events with Second Song while also growing my own business. I started to learn more about the ins and outs of weddings and started to book more weddings again.
2022 came, and there were less restrictions. I started to DJ even more events, and people would refer to their friends and family. I started to become more present on Instagram to generate more leads, and most of my leads found me via Instagram. Now I am doing events almost weekly through djgp and Second Song.
2023 has been a busy year filled with events. Still primarily weddings. I am seeing parts of California that I have not seen before, and have been traveling to different places to DJ. I love weddings. The idea of celebrating the love between two people. Trust me I still get teary-eyed at every wedding.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I can’t say it was smooth sailing, but the pandemic really helped pivot me to where I am today. The demand was there, so I wanted to supply it. I always want more leads, and I always want to be better every day. Some challenge I still face now is having a weekend off to spend with my family.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about djgp?
djgp is basically me, as a DJ. I created the business to bring entertainment, joy, and really a good time to special moments. Weddings are moments of a lifetime, I want to be sure you have the right soundtrack for that moment. Aside from being a DJ, I also MC events. My positive, funny, fun energy really attracts people to my services. I really cater to my clients, making sure that they have a stress-free event and don’t worry about anything so that they can enjoy their special day. You will see the heart in my brand, and that heart speaks for who I am. My signature is my big mirror ball I like to bring to events. The mirror ball is classy and fun! Not an event goes by where someone will take countless pictures and videos with the mirror ball. I really just want everyone to have a good time and really dance their hearts out.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I tell people to just get started. Get educated, learn things, and gain experience. There are tons of DJs out there who are more than happy to help, shadow someone if you really have that interest. When it comes to gear and equipment, get the gear that will make your life easier, and make you look and sound better. Yes, some of the gear can be very expensive, but really invest in yourself. Starting out, I wish I would’ve gave myself much more value, but I’m proud of where it’s come to so far.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.djgp.net
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/_djgp_
