The Groove Junction - Episode 80 | 20th February 2026

Summary

In this episode of Groove Junction, host Jon Colley welcomes DJ Rich Ellis, a mobile DJ who shares his journey from being an introverted music lover to a thriving DJ in the wedding industry. Rich discusses his early experiences with music, the transition to DJing, and the challenges he faced during his first club gig. He emphasizes the importance of networking, learning from others, and standing out in the competitive DJ landscape. The conversation also touches on Rich's creative approach to mashups and social media, as well as his aspirations for high-end weddings and international gigs. The episode concludes with insights on the upcoming Pro Mobile Conference and the value of continuous learning in the DJ industry.

Takeaways

Rich Ellis transitioned from being a shy kid to a confident DJ.

Networking in the club scene is crucial for opportunities.

Rich's first gig was nerve-wracking but ultimately rewarding.

He learned a lot from shadowing experienced DJs like Jack.

Social media is a powerful tool for showcasing creativity.

Rich aims to position himself as a high-end wedding DJ.

Being unique and different is key to standing out in the industry.

Rich's mashups are inspired by other DJs and creative ideas.

He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and growth.

Rich is excited about the potential for international gigs.

Titles

From Introvert to DJ: Rich Ellis's Journey

The Art of DJing: Insights from Rich Ellis

sound bites

"I was absolutely bricking it."

"I learned so much from him in the early days."

"I want to see whether I can do it live."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

05:34 DJ Rich Ellis: Journey to DJing

12:23 Transition from Club DJ to Mobile DJ

18:55 First Big Gig: New Year's Eve Experience

23:51 Networking and Learning from Others

30:08 First Mobile Gig and Challenges Faced

32:06 The Stress of DJing: Behind the Booth

33:34 Networking and Building a DJ Career

43:38 Creative Mashups and Social Media Presence

51:22 Future Aspirations: Weddings and International Bookings

53:33 Advice for New DJs and Industry Insights

55:05 ProMobile Conference and Networking Opportunities

Rich Ellis Socials

Instagram - dj_richellis

TikTok - dj_richellis

Website - DJrichellis.com

Send a text

The rundown is sponsored by Pro Mobile Magazine. Use the discount code GROOVEPMSUB for 25% off your first years subscription.

You can always follow DJ Matty F and DJ Jon Colley on TikTok and Instagram, @DJMattyF and @joncolley238