Every team of world-class DJs must have a leader. A guiding star. The Rufio to our Lost Boys. The Captain America to our Avengers, if you will. 

Here at Maryland’s DJ, we have Jordan Solender. (And no, Jordan is not writing this, so he didn’t just call himself Captain America.)

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As a young teen in Baltimore, Jordan started helping a local DJ in the way many teens get their start — lugging his speakers around and hoping to learn the ropes through osmosis. For Jordan, it worked. He observed how the DJ was able to use the mix and lights to hold the crowd in the palm of his hand, creating the perfect atmosphere. He wanted to learn how to do it too. 

Jordan got behind the booth himself in 2006, DJing for mitzvahs, bars, and nightclubs. But he shifted gears in 2009 to focus exclusively on weddings, and he’s DJed for thousands of couples since then. 

Running Maryland’s DJ isn’t a learning exercise for Jordan. It’s actually his third DJ company, so he’s a pro at juggling both the administrative and creative sides of the business. And he still DJs weddings as often as possible! 

Jordan thinks of himself as a “hold the cheese” DJ. He’s all about those special moments, but they need to be genuine, not schmaltzy. “Anyone can play music,” he says. “Only a few can read a crowd.” That’s what he and his small DJ ninja army do best. 

Jordan lives in Rockville Maryland with his wife and their two pups, Harvey and Rocko. He has a slight Marvel obsession and can’t get enough of “The Greatest Showman” remixes. Hugh Jackman is a gift! 

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We asked our fearless leader about his favorite wedding moments, his favorite wedding venue (it’s a personal one!), and what he listens to when he’s off the clock. 

Responses have been lightly edited for clarity. 

What makes a great DJ?

Energy.  As a DJ, the party starts with you, and your energy should radiate from the booth. I'm into almost every song I play and every transition of genre I take. People connect with your energy and as a DJ it needs to always be up and on while playing a gig. 

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What’s your favorite local wedding venue and why?

This is really tough....but I gotta go with the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge where I got married. Views for days, outdoor ceremonies on the water, ballrooms that make your head spin. Plus, your whole family can stay there as it's a resort as well. 

What’s your favorite thing about weddings?

That moment where you see people go, "OMG I haven't heard this song in forever!” Then fist pumping ensues.

If you were getting married this weekend, what would your first dance song be?

The One by Kodaline.

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What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen at a wedding?

You’re gonna have to come in for a demo for this question...I can't even give you 1-5 haha.

What’s the best “little kid moment” you’ve seen at a wedding?

I was the DJ for photographer Valerie Michelle’s wedding, and she said it best.... her daughter mooning the whole ceremony was a classic lol.

Check out Valerie Michelle’s Vendor Spotlight!

What's the most unique processional song you've ever played?

This piano cover of Strobe by Deadmau5. The groom was a huge EDM-head and the bride chose this to walk down the aisle to, and he lost it. It was at Antrim 1844 in the garden. It was awesome.

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Check out our Antrim 1844 Venue Spotlight and learn about Katie Coon, their events manager.!

What do you think is the most overplayed wedding song?

I hate line dances...especially the Cha Cha Slide. 

What’s one thing you wish people knew about working as a DJ?

If you don't like a song, we don't take offense. Everyone has different tastes and every couple and party is unique. Our job is to find the right combo of "OMG, I love this song!!!" and "This was my favorite highschool jam" for you and your friends and family. 

When you're not working, what kind of music do you listen to?

This is tough. Just follow me on Spotify.

If you’d like Jordan or any of our other DJ ninjas to bring the fun to your wedding, just let us know.