May 8, 2017

Meet Nora Jordan of DJour Entertainment

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nora Jordan.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up, I was always such a ham- I loved performing! I started DJing in college on a Boston boat cruise. I had an incredible teacher and mentor who gave me an amazing skill set in DJing and MCing. On the cruise I would go into work every day with having no idea who I was going to be DJing for until I got there. It could be a high school prom, anniversary party, corporate gathering, etc. Most Friday and Saturday nights were a mixed crowd- so it would be something like a sweet 16 party, 50th anniversary family party, and smaller groups of couples all in the same room, sharing the same dance floor. It was there that I learned to play to a diverse crowd of people of all different ages with different music preferences. I then took that skill to weddings, where I am able to create a fun, party atmosphere without the stereotypical ‘cheesy DJ’ vibe. I created DJour Entertainment 5 years ago, while I was at Emerson College studying marketing and entrepreneurship. DJour’s brand was created to be fun, modern, and feminine, to combat the existing DJ industry in Boston, which is heavily dominated by males, with brands that don’t match the current soft, beautiful aesthetic of other’s in the New England wedding industry.

Through my own love of fitness, I started DJing for the thriving Boston fitness scene. I now regularly DJ yoga classes, spin classes, 305 fitness classes and other pop-up events around the city.

Has it been a smooth road?
From the beginning, I always struggled with questioning whether I could do it on my own. Thankfully, I have always answered that question with a ‘YASSS’, no matter how much confidence (or lack thereof) I may have had in the moment. Learning how to be my own cheerleader in the low/hard moments of struggling to manage stress and finances, and not having a boss to blame anything on, or bounce ideas off of, has forced me to be in a strong relationship with myself. I know that nothing is guaranteed, I may have booked 30 weddings last year, but there is nothing that is guaranteeing that I’ll book even 1 next year. This has taught me look at my actions critically and, and even if I fall short of my goals, knowing that I am enough and I do enough helps me be a better person, than if I were to doubt myself anytime I was in the fire.

I’ve always struggled to ask for help, and have learned how important it is, and how helpful everyone around me wants to be. I have been so humbled by my friends and family over the past 5 years who are constantly there for me at any moment.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Nostalgia is my greatest tool that I use to DJ with. Bringing someone back to an amazing time in their life, like their high school prom that was 10 years ago, with Outkast, and mixing it in seamlessly so they don’t even know it’s coming until they hear “I’m sorry Miss Jackson,” is pure gold. Those are the moments that I live for myself when I’m at a party, wedding, spin class, etc. and it’s those moments that I love to create.

At weddings, I am known for mixing all genres from Motown and disco, to top hits and 90’s hip hop. I am known for bringing a fierce feminine energy. I love using my voice to lead a crowd, but you won’t hear me cracking any cheesy jokes about your grandma.

At yoga classes I am known to create a vibe that helps you to get deep into your practice and out of your mind, and have fun doing it. I love creating an arc, or story, with the music that starts slow and almost sensual, and picks up to match your pumping heart beat (while mixing in samples from songs that people know, again- nostalgia) and then slowing it back down to put you in a trance in time for shavasana.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Boston really values creativity and innovation which is why I have had success here. I would recommend starting DJing in Boston, there are so many different venues and fun, creative events to perform at.

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