Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Behum.
Matthew, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been DJing professionally for five years now. My passion for music across all genres was my impetus for getting into this industry, as it often is for so many DJs. When trying to come up with a DJ name, I wanted something that was illustrative of who I am; something that can harken back to my story — the result was easy. My DJ name, “Fo4,” literally means “Father of 4.”
I have been blessed with three boys and one girl, and as they are all pre-teens they have absolutely loved my involvement in DJing. With my kids supporting me, it was important that I could prove to myself, and my growing client base, that I can perform in a variety of venues for a variety of groups. Playing at weddings, clubs, private parties, nonprofit events, and corporate functions helps me to diversity my client base, but also challenges me to apply my skills in a varied way while still showcasing professionalism.
Although DJing is not my full-time occupation, my passion for this industry cannot be overstated. Throughout Baltimore and the greater DMV area, I have supported 50 weddings over the past two years and over twice that many non-wedding events in Baltimore (e.g., Mother’s Federal Hill), Annapolis (Graduate Hotel where I am the resident DJ at their Trophy Room), and DC (Swingers DuPont Hill, Wunder Garten in NoMa).
Clients that work with me soon find I am an engaging personality that is committed to the satisfaction of the individual with a very deep catalog across a wide range of genres all while maintaining confident emcee skills and an organizational aptitude and responsiveness that cannot be matched.
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?
When I began DJing, I was initially motivated by my interest in electronic music.
What you find early on, especially as a mobile DJ, is you can’t “force feed” a specific genre of music at an open group, especially when the entertainment is what is typically referred to as “open format.” It was clear early on that to become a successful DJ, it was paramount that I expand the musical genres I regularly mix.
This has educated me on various cultures while also enhancing my skill set to include any/all of the following genres on any given night’s set: Baltimore club, hip-hop, electronica, house, progressive, afrobeat, dancehall, the 80s, 90s, today, remixes, mashups, bootlegs, etc.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
First and foremost I am the most responsive service provider you will find. Often when people hire larger entertainment companies that hire freelance DJs, you will not have the personal connection people crave in the preparatory stages of an event.
In other words, you deal with DJs that look at the next gig as simply a money-making job, and there is no further connection. Working with me you come to know that I directly connect with the client’s needs and I am always the go-to resource for any questions along the way. I have been told on numerous occasions that my communication is what tips the scales when clients are considering me versus other providers.
Regarding my playing style, I love mixing a wide range of genres into a set, but doing so using unique versions of songs — I will rarely play the original version of a song. I love using various audio effects and transition techniques to create smooth transitions from one song to the next keeping the crowd on their toes as they will not know what to expect next.
My successful mashups are often illustrated on Mixcloud.com’s global mashup chart where I will regularly record and release sections of my live performances. These mixes often chart in the top 20 of that global ranking which is based on unique listens and the amount of time listened.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk is a very important aspect of a successful business, especially when you are diving into a new facet or service area you have not established yet.
I could have stopped my desire to DJ when it was clear I couldn’t solely “mix trance music” years ago, but I kept my mind open to the potential to learn the great value of mixing a wide range of music.
Risk blends well with a well-thought-out vision, and I leaned on my intangibles, my strengths (personable nature, public speaking proficiency, responsiveness, passion for music) as I started investing more money in the development of my business.
Soon it became clear that I could resonate with people’s entertainment needs and that helped justify my risk-taking.
Pricing:
- Typical private parties are $100/h with other services available.
- Uplighting support at events is $150 for a 10-12 set of uplights in a venue.
- Other lighting options are available to clients ranging from $100-200 depending on the item ranging from pin spot lighting to active dancefloor light shows to gobo monogram projection.
- Standard wedding reception support at a wedding is $700 which is time-dependent and other services are available.
- Typical wedding ceremony support is $200
Contact Info:
- Email: fo4music@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fo4music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fo4Music
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-C1odrl-owlfqJsBHhrZ9g
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-651372380
- Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/matthew-behum/
