Meet Tommy O’Sullivan | Wedding Professional, DJ & MC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tommy O’Sullivan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tommy, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
If ever there was a personality profession, this would be it. Each couple is unique and I tend to be a good fit because I’m easy to get along with when it comes down to it. I’m genuinely curious about people and their stories. Weddings are exciting and they should feel and sound like the celebration of a lifetime. Couples will always have their photo album to look back on, but the music is how they’re vibing in their pictures, so I give a lot of attention to song selection throughout the whole day. Making dinner lists that build anticipation for opening the dance floor. That kind of thing.

I DJ for a lot of LGBTQ+ couples, too. Weddings, especially in LA, are always evolving and queer couples tend to break away from the standard format. A lot of that is the music, so it helps that I know my people and can speak readily about weird B-sides and Japan-only exclusive tracks that were huge on YouTube in 2009.

All that to say: I’ve found the sweet spot between being easygoing and professional. I’m very organized and think ahead to every detail, especially during transitions where there might be a lull. One of my skills is anticipating those moments and adapting on the fly. It’s everything you don’t see that makes a reception feel smooth.

I’ve also gotten a lot of explicit praise for the planning document I created. It seems simple, but it’s foundational to the whole party and I’m grateful people notice the care I’ve taken to make it engaging and straightforward.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started in this industry performing at weddings each weekend while also working a full-time operations job at a DJ collective. When you’re part of a big machine like that, weddings start to feel like any other job, which is not how you want to feel as a fixture in someone’s once-in-a-lifetime party. I decided to slow down and find clients who were looking for a more individualized approach. The biggest advantage to being a solo operation is that I have time to build year-long relationships with couples so that I’m not just some dude showing up day-of. A lot of people even mention after the fact that it felt like having a friend DJ their wedding. It’s a great compliment.

Sustaining this career means you need to be able to relate to people, and not just about their taste in music. Families are coming together, friends from different chapters. Everyone’s different and the music of all things shouldn’t feel cookie-cutter.

The best testimonial to my style would be the number of families who have been repeat customers. A groom once told me that with his wedding I’d “complete the set.” Four siblings! It’s cool to become a family fixture. My industry colleagues often ring when it’s time for their own weddings. They’ve seen them all.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ll share this with the corollary that the best way to enjoy your time here is to find a neighborhood you like and stay put, but if you have the time, here you go. I love the outdoors and hike as often as possible, so we’d definitely visit the forest to check out Switzer Falls or Millard Canyon. Take advantage of our nice weather and catch an outdoor concert at the Hollywood Bowl or Hollywood Forever. Play some tennis in Vermont Canyon.

When it’s time to eat, we’re going places that never miss: Lalibela in Little Ethiopia, Golden Bowl in Inglewood, Ammatoli Mediterranean in Long Beach, Persian ice cream from Mashti Malone’s, tacos al pastor from Leo’s, a truck off of La Brea and Venice. It’s a cliche that visitors need an In-N-Out burger—if we’re doing fast food it’s gonna be Zankou Chicken.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This world is built on relationships. I learned to DJ in a storage unit off the 405 because Rob Corrall (Second Song) saw a spark in me at a concert and encouraged me to try it out. I’d be nowhere if Kaci Johnson (XOXO Weddings) hadn’t seen my potential and encouraged me to do my own thing, along with so many other DJs, planners, and photographers. Snaps to DJ Jack Farmer. My friends and family, of course, who shaped my personality, taste in music, and work ethic. And Tetris. I’d never be able to fit all my equipment in my car if it wasn’t for Tetris.

Website: https://DJTommyLA.com

Instagram: DJTommyLA

Other: The Knot: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/dj-tommy-los-angeles-ca-2084290

Image Credits
@patrickjadams
@alexandriamonette
@figlewiczphotography
@stevecowell_photo