Words of Wisdom from The Replicas' DJ Vero
Veronica Puleo is an expert in all things music after over 20 years in the exciting and ever-changing industry. She has spent a great deal of time as a live performer and lead vocalist with The Replicas and is now wowing audiences in a different way as DJ Vero.
In this new DJ role, Veronica takes events, including weddings, to the next level with a perfect mix of genres and styles. Plus, her deep understanding of how to read a crowd sets her apart and helps everything to run smoothly—so all you and your guests have to worry about is dancing your hearts out.
Santa Barbara Wedding Style was able to connect with Veronica to receive more information about her DJ work and to get an inside look at a few of her favorite songs to play at wedding receptions.
Q - What is your music specialty?
A - Music is my life. I’m a life-long musician and have spent several years as a lead vocalist, front woman and rhythm guitarist with my band The Replicas. My specialties lie in knowing how to read and engage a crowd, keeping the party going and bringing a mellow vibe when necessary.
As a DJ, I bring my extensive music catalog, making me highly adaptable to any event. I specialize in 70’s, 80’s,90’s, Classic Rock and Pop. But really, I can mix anything because as a live musician, I am constantly counting beats, so (in the DJ world) beat matching music and creating smooth transitions is easy for me! And I love it! So when you ask, “What is your specialty?”, my answer is “MUSIC”! Because seriously, I love music. I have my guilty pleasures such as 80s Freestyle, Disco, Super Gay Anthems. And if you want me to mix all EDM, all Latin, all Hip Hop, etc., I’ve got you covered.
Q - What are your thoughts about scheduling a dance set between cocktails + dinner? Yes or no, and why?
A - I love a short dance set before dinner. I feel the same way about DJ music and Live music. Your guests have come to celebrate. You have already plied them with alcohol and canapés during cocktail hour, so why not bring everyone around the dance floor for grand entrance, go into first dance, and get everyone to join in for a few songs before they all sit down to eat more? This is a perfect opportunity for the photographer and videographer to get photos and footage of people dancing with their ties, shoes and lipstick still on!
Q - What is the #1 advice you give to couples planning their wedding with you?
A - Trust your event professionals to lead the way. You've hired the best! Let them do what they do so you can enjoy your time as an engaged couple.
Q - What is your favorite first dance song, and why?
A - "Knocks Me Off My Feet" by Stevie Wonder. The orchestration, the lyrics, the musicianship, his sentiment, his voice. There has never been a more romantic song written in this world. It's simply perfect. Now, I also love "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol for a more modern suggestion. That was my first dance song with my husband. He chose that to be 'our song' when we first started dating. I approve!
Q - What is your favorite last song, and why?
A - It depends on the event. As a DJ at a corporate event, I love "Closing Time" by Semisonic or "Bye Bye Bye" by NSYNC. It gets the point across that 'you don't have to go home, but you can't stay here'.
Every couple is so different, and they all have a say in what they want their last song to be. I've had clients choose "Last Dance" by Donna Summer, "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond, "(I've Had) The Time of
My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, "Don't Stop Believin'" by
Journey, "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" by Green Day. My personal favorite last song for a wedding is "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King. For me the message is perfect and beautiful and brings the vibe to a loving wind-down before the lights go back on and everyone trickles out the door.
