We recently talked shop with Megan Taylor, a DJ at Fig Media, about her history in the industry, the impacts of COVID-19 and how the industry has pivoted more towards virtual options.
Tell us about yourself!
I am a resident DJ for Fig Media: a collective of about 10-20 artists and contractors run by James and Michele Gustin. We focus on creative virtual experiences, film, photo, and DJ’s in a collaborative environment.
Personally, I have been a DJ for over 10 years. Ever since I was young, I was inspired by my father and his work for Sony Music. I was always making mixtapes and have a passion for researching new artists. James (the owner at Fig Media) saw this and suggested I learn to DJ. I fought him on it for a while, but in the end I am so glad he was persistent. After I assisted on a few events with the DJ team, I started seeing possibilities for myself. I grew within the team and was able to find my own style. I would DJ almost any chance I got to spread my name and over time I was able to move into more high end events.
Tell us more about why you love to DJ? What are some things that your clients love about working with you?
Personally I am a huge fan of music and have learned so much about the power of music – especially during COVID. When the pandemic hit, I had to pivot to DJing online and I was blown away with how music could still have such an impact on people and their emotions. I think music unlocks feelings in people, can up level people’s vibrations, and really heal the world. I love to work with my clients and understand their vision. Whether it be an amazing dance party at a reception, a corporate cocktail party, I like to use music creatively to help their vision come alive.
I got my masters in Emotional Intelligence a few years ago, and have applied everything I learned to DJing. There are so many paths you can take as a DJ to get from song to song, and it is a beautiful exchange of energy that requires being present with everyone on the dance floor.
What are some memories you have of your events at City Hall?
I LOVE the City Hall space.. there are so many amazing things that can be done in that room from a décor perspective to transform it and I can’t wait to be back.
Hands down the best memory was from the Facebook holiday party in 2019. That party was lit! They created a way to use Facebook’s technology so guests could send song requests to me directly through Facebook Messenger. I got an influx of requests, which was a little tricky to manage, but it made for a fun challenge and a great evening.
How have you been impacted by COVID-19? What are you doing to strengthen your business and build a sense of support and community?
Fig Media was hugely impacted. Personally, I had almost all of my events cancel or move to 2021. We decided to pivot and try hosting our own virtual DJ events on Zoom. We invited people within our community to a weekly free uplifting party. This gave us the inspiration to jump into the virtual event world.
We now offer virtual DJ’s, motion graphics for virtual events and consulting/production of online galas and corporate events. This has taught me so many new technological skills.
The entire event industry has been hit really hard by the pandemic but there has been such an increase in the sense of community and looking out for one another because of it. The industry is so creative and resilient, and you can really see that now with businesses quickly adapting.
Roll out the red carpet! What are you working on these days?
Before the pandemic hit I was developing and booking my DJ services with a lineup of live musicians. I had such a clear vision of how to elevate parties with more live components and I can’t wait to bring this concept back to life!
