While many mixers fail to capitalize off the change that comes in the music business, DJ Rey-Mo is benefiting from it due to his tireless work ethic. Spinning records across the globe while utilizing today's technology to showcase his impact is just one way the New Jersey resident keeps his stock on the rise.
DJ Rey-Mo, born Rey Morales, got his start behind the turntables where many before him have: through the help of family. At 11 years old, the budding DJ began playing a mix of popular music for patrons at events where his father would host as a master of ceremonies. Moving out from under his father's wing, Rey-Mo perfected his craft as a teen and made a name for himself in the local circuit. House, Latin, and hip-hop music were prevalent in the sets he played at house parties and club gigs. The record spinner earned his requisite 'stripes' while commanding crowds during club after hours.
To advance his skills, Rey-Mo, who cites DJ Kid Capri, Tony Touch, and Ted Smooth as influences, enrolled in the Center for Media Arts where he earned a degree in audio engineering. Though he spent time interning and learning the ropes in recording studios, the DJ realized his passion was behind the turntables. 'It helps to know the fundamentals of engineering, but I realized that I was meant to move crowds,' says Rey-Mo.
With that mindset, DJ Rey-Mo went on to secure a spot as an on-air mixer at Univision's La Kalle 105.9 FM in 2006, commanding listeners' attention on the station for two years. He's also secured live broadcasts for various stations in the tri-state area and holds weekly shows on Internet radio. Listeners can tune in to hear Rey-Mo play a blend of hip-hop, house and R&B on AListRadio.net, Mondays from 10pm to 12am with DJ Ted Smooth. Besides radio, Rey-Mo has crossed over onto mainstream television, where he has secured a position as a DJ on BET's '106 & Park.' Since 2009, Rey-Mo has kept the show's audience and viewers at home intrigued with his diverse blend of music.
Though his name is synonymous with the state of New Jersey, DJ Rey-Mo has spun records overseas in Japan and Canada, as well as stateside in Los Angeles at the Playboy Mansion. But his name resonates loudly with avid party goers in his hometown. His resume boasts such venues as Sandbar, Abyss, Deko Lounge, Coco Bongo, and Diva Lounge. 'I'm well-branded in New Jersey,' DJ Rey-Mo explains.
Rey-Mo's energetic presence behind the microphone and eclectic mixing style earned him induction into the elite DJ circle of the Heavy Hitters. As the only New Jersey DJ to bear the title, Rey-Mo has gone on to create an array of mixtapes such as 'Your Girl's Favorite DJ,' which caters to his female fan base, and 'For the Love of Rey-Mo.' Hip-hop and R&B enthusiasts can download the mixes at his official Websites djreymo.com and MySpace.com/djreymo.
Besides mixtapes, DJ Rey-Mo stays ahead of the competition by utilizing his adept marketing skills. He brings the party to his worldwide followers with the help of a team that videotapes and photographs at every event. His social networking sites are constantly updated with video clips and photos of each of his events. He also owns a full-service graphics company, rmgrfx.com
In his ever-expanding career, DJ Rey-Mo has mastered the art of branding himself as a DJ. 'I send out 52,000 emails every week to keep people in the know of what I'm doing,' he states. 'I do a lot of marketing besides just deejaying. Spinning records is great, but it comes down to who can put people in a room.' This Heavy Hitter promises he can.