In My Own Words: A Guest Spot on the Dreamchasers Podcast

Justin Kanoya, a DJ based in San Diego, California. PHOTO CREDIT: Arash Afshar

DJ Justin Kanoya (on right) with Dreamchasers podcast host, Lucas Armando.

DJ Justin Kanoya (on right) with Dreamchasers podcast host, Lucas Armando.

I had the opportunity to guest with Lucas Barra on his podcast, Dreamchasers. It is an audio stream that gives ambitious millennials the tools, resources and inspiration to take their lives to the next level.

Oh, and B-T-W, I am not millennial (despite my use of BTW). But hopefully I can inspire a few.

The uninterrupted interview, in both video and audio form, is at the bottom of this post. Also, the original post is on Lucas' website. 

Since this is a rather lengthy interview -- nearly 50 minutes -- and we hit a wide range of topics, I divided it up for you to digest at your leisure. If you’ve ever wondered about my career path and what has motivated me to make my current life decisions, have a listen.

1. Beginning of a Career
Growing up I wanted to work for two companies. By the age of 25 I realized that dream and worked for both. And it ended up being a bad thing, sort of.

From Beckett Publications to Upper Deck to the Port of San Diego to DJing, this is my career path since 1995 explained in six minutes.

2. Jumping Industries
After seven years in the sports collectibles industry, I moved into local government. Yes, it’s as weird as it sounds. Then I got married, started raising a daughter and fell into a state of complacency.

3. Becoming a DJ Again
Simultaneous to my new job at the Port of San Diego, I got back into DJing, something I did in high school and college. It was a side job that flourished for the first few years. However, as increased responsibilities were introduced both at work and at home, I saw my DJ business slowly decline.

It was time to decide where to focus my energy.

4. Are You Just Existing?
Are you paying attention to the messages that may be calling you to something different? I finally started paying attention to those signs and that’s when things started to become more clear.

One of those signs was very clear when I started to DJ for Lululemon and getting to know their ambassadors and employees on a personal level. I discovered there was a better life to create and once I create it, I can be filled with work I enjoy.

5. The Little Blog That Started It All
Here’s a little more about how 1,000 words about my journey and a thank you to Lululemon led me to a whole new world of DJing.

I also talk about how upon hearing what inspired Helen Cloots to become a yoga teacher, in part, inspired me to a life as a full time DJ.

6. Taking The Leap
There were key indicators that made me begin to think about creating a different life for myself. What were those? And how will you identify them when they come around?

“Our life is as easy as it is going to get right now, at this very moment.”

Because of this, we truly need to commit to our decisions now.

7. When Waiting Is A Good Thing
I readily admit that waiting to make such a major life decision is not ideal. If you can do it now, then do it now.

But there is an advantage to waiting is gaining more professional experience in your current situation.

I’ve been fortunate to work with major corporate brands and lately have been DJing many evets for Fitbit. I know it’s my experience in a structured environment has given me the skills and demeanor to ensure relationships like those continue to flourish.

8. Go Whole Ass
The idea to commit to one career path is important for you. But it’s probably even more important for the people around you … your co-workers, your clients and customers.

Like Ron Swanson says, “never half-ass two things. Whole-ass one thing.”

9. Sharpen The Saw
When does a hobby become a career path? If it’s something that you want to continually improve at for the benefit of others, then it’s probably something you should think about putting your all into. The moment you no longer want more responsibility is the moment you need to recognize it’s time to move on.

10. Commit To Your Dream
You must commit, but realize it does not mean a complete 180 degree turn in your life. It doesn’t have to be that you quit your job, sell all you possessions and move to Bora Bora. Perhaps you are just looking to manage a team at work, or work in a different department. If that’s your version of a dream, then let it be known and chase that.

11. Define The Dream
Discover what your purpose is, right now and work toward that. Discover your strengths and surround yourself with people that will enable you to play to those strengths.

Complete Interview

Five Tips To Ensure You Give The Perfect Wedding Toast

The wedding couple will be intently listening, so be prepared to give the perfect wedding toast.

As a wedding DJ in San Diego I have served as the master of ceremonies at more than 300 weddings since 2002. Generally speaking, every wedding has at least two toasts, one from the best man and one from the maid of honor. Add in a parent speech or two, and it’s not too far off of an estimate that I have sat through nearly 1,000 speeches.

If I had to assess a movie title to the type of wedding toasts and speeches I’ve heard, it would most certainly be, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.”

If you’ve been asked to speak at a wedding -- such as being the best man or maid/matron of honor -- the purpose of this article is to provide a few tips to make that process a little easier. Because after sitting through 1,000 wedding toasts, I’m hoping I can help your speech end up in the “good” category  and stay clear of the “bad” and most certainly “ugly.”

1. Familiarize yourself with where you will be speaking, as in the actual location where you will be standing
If you’ve never spoken to a group of 100-plus people -- and that’s the majority of people I’ve come across -- it’s always good to get a sense of what your vantage point is going to be before the room is dead quiet and 100 pairs of eyes are staring at you.

Find out ahead of time where you will be standing for the toast, so you're not caught off guard when it's "go time."

As the primary MC, I am addressing the audience in various locations throughout the night. But as a general rule, for the actual “champagne toast,” “best man toast,” “maid of honor toast,” etc., I make sure to place the speaker near the couple.

This placement will depend on the type of seating arrangement too.

  • Couple sitting at “sweetheart table”: This type of seating, where only the newly wedded couple are seated, tends to be the focal point of the room. Standing near the table, on the side of the person you are toasting (i.e. best man toasting the groom) is recommended.
     
  • Couple sitting in the middle of a large “head table”: This set-up can be difficult if the table is real long (wide). Most of the time, the toaster is usually right next to the couple, so it’s easy to stand up from the table and speak. If the toaster is not sitting with or near them, then I recommend taking a similar position next to them.

    Avoid standing on the opposite side of the table, because this will likely result in having your back to the guests or the couple.
     
  • Couple sitting among all guests: This seating arrangement is becoming more common because it allows the couple to sit with everyone and not be showcased at a single table. The table they are sitting at will likely be near the dance floor. This makes the dance floor a natural place to stand since you can face both the couple and the guests.

Understandably it can also be one of the most nerve wracking positions because you’ll have that “I’m on stage and everyone is staring at me feeling.”

Yes, you will have nerves, but keep reading for some tips to help alleviate some of them.

2. Understand proper microphone technique: 
Grab a microphone, speak. Seems pretty easy right? Technically, yes, it’s easy. But there are a few things to keep in mind.

Project your voice. Just because you are speaking into a microphone does not mean you should speak softer. In fact, you should speak a little louder since a large group of people are listening to what you are saying. Think of it as an amplified conversation. My suggestion is to assume you don’t have a mic, speak at that volume (without yelling) and project your voice.

Perfect microphone technique shown here. Hold it right in the middle and place it close to the mouth.

Kiss the mic. When speaking, place the microphone almost to the point that you are about to kiss it. Do not hold it down by your waist or at your chest. Lift and place it near your mouth.

Yes, it’s on. Any seasoned professional MC, DJ, sound guy should be handing you a “hot mic.” You should not have to worry about turning it on or off, or asking “is this thing on,” and please do not slap the top of the mic. I will never understand why people do this.

I always mute the microphone before I had hand it to the person about to speak (unless they are immediately going to speak). I control “on/off” from my mixing board so it’s on when it needs to be, and most importantly, off when it needs to be.

3. Spend time before the wedding preparing your speech:
Remarkably, I’ve handed a microphone off to people that have literally asked, “what am I supposed to say.” You’ve just been given the honor to say a few words and toast a newly wedded couple … and unless they have just asked you prior to having a microphone handed to you, you owe them a little investment in your time in preparing a speech.

Preparation will be different for everyone. It could be some scribbled notes, or full on speech writer, rehearsing in front of a mock audience. Either way, you know what you will need to do, just be sure to do it.

Speaking of the speech ... 

4. Keep it brief and have a beginning, middle and end: 
You know what happens when you do not prepare and just “wing it?” You end up with a speech that just rambles, lacks cohesion and ensures that the people listening will stop listening.

The foundation of a good speech is always having a beginning, middle and end. An ideal template would go like this:

BEGINNING

  • Introduce who you are and your relation to the couple
  • Acknowledge those in attendance, particularly family members of the couple

MIDDLE

  • Go into an anecdote about the person in the couple you are closest too. This would likely be the person who asked you to speak, i.e. bride if you are the maid of honor.
  • Start wrapping up this section by sharing something about the couple. This provides a segue to your conclusion.

END

  • Acknowledge how happy you are for them, this day and being given the honor of delivering this speech.

Which brings me to my last tip. You’re almost done you just need to ….

5. Always end by congratulating the couple and asking everyone to raise their glass: 
I can’t believe how many people finish their speech, exchange hugs with the couple and just sit down? I know, there is a relief to finally be “done,” but don’t forget the most important part of the toast … THE ACTUAL TOAST.

Don’t forget to say those words … “If you would all please raise your glasses …”

Don't forget at the end of the speech to do as Pink says, "raise your glass."

You’re done. Follow these tips and be firmly planted in the “good” wedding speech file.

And best of all ... now you can go have a drink.

Note: Thank you for Cate Batchelor Photography for the awesome toasting photos shown in this article. 

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2016 Barnard Elementary Spring Fling - School Dance

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San Diego DJ, Justin Kanoya, DJ'd the Barnard Elementary Spring Fling Dance. 

San Diego DJ, Justin Kanoya, DJ'd the Barnard Elementary Spring Fling Dance. 

I was back at another elementary school dance, this time at a familiar location, Barnard Elementary School. This is the school my daughter attended for four years and I was the “go to” in providing some type of music/DJ service throughout those years.

My daughter changed schools this year, but they still had me back to play their Spring Fling on March 18, 2016. It’s always great to see familiar faces as well as seeing my daughter having a blast with her old classmates.

Here’s the setlist

  • Nate Ruess - Nothing Without Love
  • Echosmith - Bright
  • Pentatonix - Can't Sleep Love
  • Flo Rida - My House (Select Mix Remix)
  • Taylor Swift vs Lauryn Hill - Blank Space (DJ Skillz Throwback Blend)
  • Dawin f./Silento - Dessert (Remix)
  • K.C. & the Sunshine Band - Boogie Shoes
  • Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
  • Mark Ronson f. Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk
  • Silento - Watch Me
  • Casper - Cha Cha Slide
  • OMI - Hula Hoop
  • Andy Grammer - Honey, I'm Good (Promo Only Clean Edit)
  • DNCE - Cake By The Ocean (Select Mix Remix)
  • Madonna - Holiday
  • Earth Wind and Fire - September
  • Stevie Wonder - Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours
  • Justin Bieber - What Do You Mean?
  • Mike Posner - I Took A Pill In Ibiza (SeeB Remix)
  • Fifth Harmony f./Ty Dolla $ign - Work From Home (Rap Version)
  • The Weeknd - Can't Feel My Face (Select Mix Quick Trax)
  • Meghan Trainor - Lips Are Movin'
  • B-52's - Love Shack
  • Taylor Swift f./Kendrick Lamar - Bad Blood
  • Buster Poindexter - Hot Hot Hot
  • Walk The Moon - Shut Up And Dance
  • Charlie Puth - One Call Away (Lash Radio Edit)
  • G-Eazy & Bebe Rexha - Me, Myself & I (Promo Only Marc Stout & Scott Svejda Remix)
  • Adele - When We Were Young (DiscoTech 2AM Radio Edit)
  • Justin Bieber - Love Yourself (RENAIR Uptempo ReDrum Edit)
  • OMI - Cheerleader (Felix Jaehn Radio Edit)
  • The Chainsmokers f./ROZES - Roses
  • Cupid - Cupid Shuffle
  • Natalie La Rose f./Jeremih - Somebody
  • Montell Jordan - This Is How We Do It
  • Fifth Harmony, Kid Ink - Worth It (Select Mix Remix)
  • Beyonce - Crazy In Love
  • LunchMoney Lewis - Bills (Promo Only Clean Edit)
  • Silento - Watch Me
     
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Joe's 50th Birthday Party - Voce Del Mar Special Event

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San Diego, Justin Kanoya, with party host Felicia (right) and her sister, Allison (middle).

San Diego, Justin Kanoya, with party host Felicia (right) and her sister, Allison (middle).

I had the opportunity to celebrate with the friends and family of Joe Parker at his 50th birthday party. The event took place on March 12, 2016 at Voce Del Mar, located in La Jolla, California.

It was also a reunion of sorts, as one of Joe’s relatives (his sister in law) is a former co-worker of mine. Always great to see old friends.

Here’s a look at the setlist

Arrivals

  • Medsound - Come (Original Mix)
  • INDSA, Misharev - Satin Sunrise (MotiBo Remix)
  • Pet Shop Boys - What Have I Done To Deserve This
  • Kool & The Gang - Fresh (12'' remix)
  • Wham! - Everything She Wants
  • Cameo - Word Up (Select Mix Remix)
  • Hall & Oates - Out Of Touch (Select Mix Remix)
  • Dan Hartman - I Can Dream About You (Select Mix Remix)
  • Taylor Swift - Style
  • Omarion ft Chris Brown & Jhene Aiko - Post To Be (Dennis Blaze Remix)
  • Tori Kelly - Nobody Love (Select Mix Remix)
  • Earth Wind & Fire - Shining Star (Hot Classics Remix)
  • Wang Chung - Dance Hall Days (Edge Remix)
  • Geore Clinton - Atomic Dog


Dinner

  • 50 Cent - In Da Club (Hidden Beach Recordings)
  • A Tribe Called Quest - Bonita Applebum (Hidden Beach Recordings)
  • Bryan Savage - Soul Temptation
  • Eagles - Peaceful Easy Feeling
  • Big Pun - Still Not A Playa
  • Grand Funk Railroad - Some Kind of Wonderful
  • Norman Brown - West Coast Coolin'
  • Eagles - One of These Nights
  • Echosmith - Cool Kids
  • Bruce Springsteen - Dancing in the Dark
  • Doobie Brothers - Black Water
  • Eagles - Take It Easy
  • Justin Timberlake - Senorita
  • Flo Rida - My House (Select Mix Remix)
  • Taylor Swift vs Lauryn Hill - Blank Space (DJ Skillz Throwback Blend)
  • Lauryn Hill - Doo Wop (That Thing)
  • Snoop Dogg & Pharrell - Beautiful
  • Malo - Suavecito


Dancing

  • Todd Rundgren - Bang the Drum All Day
  • Mariah Carey - Heartbreaker
  • Montell Jordan - This Is How We Do It
  • Al Green - Let's Stay Together
  • Joan Osborne - Heat Wave
  • Will Smith - Gettin' Jiggy Wit It
  • Silento - Watch Me
  • OMI - Hula Hoop
  • Andy Grammer - Honey, I'm Good (Select Mix Remix)
  • Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch - Good Vibrations (Select Mix Remix)
  • Justin Bieber - What Do You Mean? (Select Mix Remix)
  • One Direction - Where Do Broken Hearts Go (Select Mix Remix)
  • Usher - Yeah
  • Kriss Kross - Jump
  • Britney Spears - I'm A Slave 4 U
  • Journey - Don't Stop Believin' (Live)
  • AC/DC - You Shook Me All Night Long
  • Gap Band - You Dropped a Bomb On Me
  • Michael Jackson - P.Y.T.
  • Justin Bieber - Love Yourself (RENAIR Uptempo ReDrum Edit)  
  • Charli XCX - Break The Rules (Select Mix Remix)
  • Tupac - California Love (Original Version)
  • Dr Dre ft Snoop Dogg, Kurup & Nate Dogg - The Next Episode
  • Missy Elliott - Get Ur Freak On (Mayeda Remix)
  • Miley Cyrus f. Jay-Z - We Can't Stop (DJ Scooter Twerk Remix - Clean)
  • Miley Cyrus - Party In The U.S.A.
  • Major Lazer, DJ Snake, MO - Lean On (Select Mix Remix)
  • K.C. & the Sunshine Band - Get Down Tonight
  • The Emotions - Best Of My Love
  • Earth, Wind & Fire - September
  • The Commodores - Lady (Hot Classics Remix)
  • Chaka Khan - I Feel For You (Hot Classics Remix)
  • Pat Benatar - Hit Me With Your Best Shot (Select Mix Remix)
  • Deniece Williams - Let's Hear It For The Boy (Select Mix Remix)
  • Whitney Houston - How Will I Know (Select Mix Remix)
  • DJ Dan & WhiteNoize - Hey Ho  
  • Will Smith - Boom Shake The Room
  • Paperboy - Ditty
  • Kid 'n Play - Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody
  • Notorious B.I.G. - Big Poppa
  • TLC - Waterfalls
  • Toni Braxton - You Mean The World To Me (Select Mix Remix)
  • Walk The Moon - Shut Up & Dance (G Duppy Remix)
  • A-Ha - Take On Me (Kygo Remix)
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Fitbit Local Los Angeles Launch - Santa Monica Pier

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A roller coaster, Pacific Ocean, the Santa Monica Pier and a few hundred people were the perfect setting for the launch of Fitbit Local Los Angeles.

Fitbit Los Angeles ambassadors, Todd McCullough and Elise Joan.

fitbitlocalLA-namaste

I was back in Los Angeles on Saturday, March 5 with the Fitbit team to DJ another yoga and fitness event. It was also another event that adds another city to the Fitbit Local roster. Hundreds gathered for a boot camp workout and yoga flow led by Fibit LA ambassadors yoga instructor Elise Joan and personal trainer Todd McCullough. Of course this was all DJ’d by yours truly.

The Fitbit Local program is a series of monthly meet ups to encourage Fitbit users to gather, mingle, exercise and sweat. It's currently underway in San Diego, San Francisco and now Los Angeles.

The energetic duo led a 60 minute workout/yoga session on the historic Santa Monica Pier that perches over the Pacific Ocean. Not a bad setting for an outdoor, Saturday morning workout.

Despite a forecast of rain, a pier under construction and cloudy skies, the people of LA made it out and were part of a great event. A big thanks to Kind Snacks and Suja for distributing goodies to the attendees. 

During the next few months, Todd and Elise will host free meet-ups for anyone in the LA area looking to get moving and healthy. For a complete list of these free workouts, check out the Fitbit Local website.

Here’s a look at the setlist for both the boot camp workout and yoga session.

Arrivals

  • Justin Bieber - Love Yourself (RENAIR Uptempo ReDrum Edit)  
  • Major Lazer & DJ Snake ft MO - Lean On (Fabian Arche bootleg)  
  • Discotron - Disco Ballin'  
  • De La Soul - Me Myself & I
  • Anuhea - Higher Than The Clouds
  • Walk The Moon - Shut Up & Dance (G Duppy Remix)
  • Zendaya f./Chris Brown - Something New
  • TLC - Creep (Remix)
  • Who Is Fancy f./Ariana Grande & Meghan Trainor - Boys Like You
  • Jess Glynne - Don't Be So Hard On Yourself
  • Lika Morgan - Hit Me  
  • DJ Dan & DivaDanielle - I Got A Man  
  • Demi Lovato - Cool For The Summer (Suraci Radio Mix)
  • Mariah Carey - Heartbreaker
  • A-Ha - Take On Me (Kygo Remix)

Todd’s 20 Minute Workout with Todd McCullough

  • Hozier - From Eden
  • Mike Posner - I Took A Pill In Ibiza (SeeB Remix)  
  • Dillon Francis & Kygo ft James Hersey - Coming Over (Tiesto Remix)  
  • Icona Pop - Emergency (Sam Feldt Remix)  
  • Coldplay - Adventure Of A Lifetime (Freejak Remix)  
  • G-Eazy & Bebe Rexha - Me, Myself & I (Promo Only Marc Stout & Scott Svejda Remix)
  • Adele - When We Were Young (Promo Only DiscoTech 2AM Quick Edit)
  • Disclosure f./Lorde - Magnets (A-Trak Remix Radio Edit)

Yoga Flow with Elise Joan

  • Sunlounger - Sunny Tales (Chill Version)
  • Yuna ft Usher - Crush
  • Janelle Monae & Jidenna - Yoga
  • Justin Timberlake ft Jay-Z vs Biggie & Next - Suit & Tie (Too Juicy Blend)
  • The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy
  • Ed Sheeran, Passenger - No Diggity/Thrift Shop (Kygo Remix)
  • Ice Cube - You Know How We Do It
  • Omarion ft Chris Brown & Jhene Aiko - Post To Be (Dennis Blaze Remix)
  • Justin Bieber - Sorry (Mr Collipark Remix)  
  • A Tribe Called Quest - Bonita Applebum (Pharrell Williams Remix)
  • A Tribe Called Quest - Can I Kick It (Select Mix Remix)
  • N.W.A - Express Yourself
  • P.M. Dawn - Set Adrift On Memory Bliss
  • Sunlounger - Another Day On The Terrace (Chill Mix)

Post Workout

  • Nate Ruess - Nothing Without Love
  • Ed Sheeran - Photograph (Felix Jaehn Remix Edit)
  • Ellie Goulding - Something In The Way You Move
  • The Weekend - In The Night
  • Silento - Watch Me
  • Charlie Puth - One Call Away (Lash Radio Edit)
  • Mack Wilds - Love In The 90s