Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Basco.
Derek, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started out as a breakdancer in the 80’s. I was part of one of the top breakdancing crews in the San Francisco Bay Area called the Streat Freaks (along with my brothers). We danced at all the major sporting events and eventually got scholarships to the San Francisco Ballet Company.
I moved to Los Angeles with my family in 1985.
1989 I started working with H2H which was known as Heart to Heart. I was a dancer and then MC. Eventually, I moved on to Djing. I worked there for 4 years and then went on to work with Dj Baby Blas and Klassic Productions doing Bar Mitz Vahs and Corporate Events and Weddings.
I took a break from djing from 1998-2003 to pursue acting.
I opened Dj Derek around 2004 and started working with Distinctive Catering and The Cappuccino Club doing a lot of corporate events.
I have done most of the middle schools in Beverly Hills and a bunch of schools throughout Los Angeles and the Valley.
In 2013, I bought my first photobooth and started Photobooth250.com, home of the $250/hour photobooth, to compliment my dj work. In 2015 I bough my second photobooth. I also do the only BUTTON photobooth in the Los Angeles area. I turn your photobooth pictures into buttons right at the party!
In 2016, I started to add Karaoke to my arsenal.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No. I started to branch out to do my own thing from the other DJ companies and I booked an acting job on the same night I had a big corporate client. I had to turn down the acting job as a matter of principal to do the Corporate event that I had booked months in advance. That’s when I walked away from Djing to pursue acting. I had some success but ultimately came back to Djing as I can be my own boss and the money is better than working for a company.
It’s something I still struggle with today. As many commercials are now shooting on Saturday and Sunday. Days I normally reserved for weddings and parties.
If I’m working with a bride for 6 months, they don’t want to hear I am not available to do their wedding. So this is something I have to put in my contracts that in the event I am not available I will have a backup who is equally as talented as me.
Dj Derek and Photobooth250 by DjDerek – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I specialized in weddings and corporate events. Since my background is from the Bar Mitz Vah scene I am an interactive DJ who gets the crowd going when need be. I’m also an excellent MC who can be professional on the mic.
My photobooth250 is an affordable but top of the line photobooth which compliments my dj service. And my BUTTON photobooth is a crowd pleaser.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, I get nervous before every party whether it’s a small birthday party or a wedding. I do a lot of prep work making sure I have all my music organized. I work closely with my clients beforehand so I don’t have to bother them during the party. Sometimes I can’t even eat while I’m working because I’m so focused I don’t realize that I am hungry.
Success to me is a happy client. Once my party is over and everyone had a great time, then I can relax. I take pride in my work and go the extra step to make sure everyone has a great time.
For instance, most people set up their photobooth and just watch it. They let the guests run it themselves and just trouble shoot it if something goes wrong. My guys are interactive with the guests and count them down so that they get the best pictures. They also help direct them with props and poses.
Pricing:
- Weddings and Corporate Event DJ $500/hour
- Karaoke $400/hour
- Photobooth250 $250/hour
- BUTTON Photobooth $400/hour
Contact Info:
- Address: 8306 Wilshire Blvd. Ste 565
Beverly Hills, CA 90211 - Website: www.DjDerek.net
- Phone: 323-855-4544
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photobooth250
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photobooth250
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/photobooth250co
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dj-derek-beverly-hills
- Other: www.Photobooth250.com
