Time to celebrate, folks. There’s a new DJ on the team! Darian Granger, aka DJ V-las, has joined Maryland’s DJ and we are pleased as punch to have him. 

Darian has been sharing vibes since before he even started DJing! He began by sharing his own mix tapes with friends (back when people still made mix tapes) that he called D-Mixes, so his buddies always had good tunes to listen to. When he got a bit older and started going to parties, he was always responsible for the music, picking each song on his iPod. 

Soon it was time to take things to the next level, and he sought out a professional DJ to teach him the real deal. He spent some time as a roadie, and eventually started taking on his own events. DJ V-las has almost 10 years of experience, and he’s both DJ’ed and MC’ed hundreds of events including birthday parties, weddings, fundraisers, engagement parties, boat parties, proms, and homecomings, plus working at bars and clubs. 

Darian says, “I truly enjoy and play ALL types of music so I'm always prepared for any type of event. I strongly believe that it's about what the client and crowd want to enjoy, not the DJ.”

Darian can do it all, from disco to country, classic rock to EDM, top 40 to house music, and more. And if you need something custom, talk to him about a remix or mashup of a couple of your favorite tunes. 

Outside of DJing, Darien is a fitness buff, and he’s a pretty big Marvel and DC fan as well. 

We asked Darian to share some of his thoughts on weddings, the art of DJing, and the songs he thinks are a bit overplayed. (But don’t worry, he’ll still play them for you!)

Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.

What makes a great DJ?

I pride myself in my knowledge of all types of music and combining different eras of music through transitions and mixing. I also love interacting with people during events.

What’s your favorite local wedding venue and why?

For DJ V-las, it’s more about a wedding venue type than one specific venue. He says, “I always enjoy a barn wedding venue. They seem to have a more laid back feel for both DJ and patrons.”

Photo by Valerie Michelle Photography

*A couple of our favorite barn wedding venues include Stone Ridge Hollow (pictured above), Rosewood Farms, and Pond View Farm.

What’s your favorite thing about weddings?

Always dance time. It’s the time in the evening all the guests come together and enjoy themselves.

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

My first dance song if I were to get married would be Elton John’s Can You Feel The Love Tonight.

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

The craziest thing I ever saw was a falcon that flew through the hall to deliver the best man's speech.

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

I love seeing the little kids do the dances like they do on TikTok.

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

GDFR by Flo Rida. 😳

What do you think is the most overplayed wedding song?

All line dances.

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

Not all DJs will deliver the same quality service. You always get what you pay for!

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

I love hip hop, pop, R&B and all music from the 2000s.

To get started working with Darian or one of our other awesome DJs on your must-play tunes, get in touch! All clients at Maryland’s DJ get unlimited planning sessions with their DJs, so you can ask all the questions and get everything set up just right.

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