Get to Know The Wedding Pro: Josh McCartney

Each week, we shine the spotlight on Bride Club ME vendor club members, allowing you, our reader, to get up close and personal with some of the best wedding vendors in town. Here, you can learn more about the people behind some of the businesses you may be using to make your wedding day perfect!

This week we have the privilege of showcasing Josh McCartney, who has quickly established himself as one of the leading musicians in the UAE. Below, Josh tells us all about how he started working in the entertainment industry and shares with us how he can cater to a wide range of musical tastes and genres that will help to make your wedding day one to remember. Enjoy!

Above: Josh McCartney

How long have you been performing, both internationally and in the UAE, and what makes you different to other musicians offering similar services in the region?

I’ve been performing internationally for the past four years, two and a half of which have been spent within the UAE. I was touring nationally within Australia for a couple of years before leaving my home ground!

What makes me different is that I am very diverse. I play many instruments (at the same time) as well as DJ, and I also provide other services such as sound equipment and lighting.

What made you decide to work in the entertainment industry, and in particular, to perform at weddings?

After working many different jobs within the hospitality industry, I got my first gig touring with some of the crew from Australian Idol. After spending many weeks sailing around the Whitsunday islands, driving through coastal towns, rainforests, deserts and practically any other landscape and experience you can think of – I knew I could never go back to work.

When I had my first performance for a wedding, it was different to what I knew. You sort of become part of the family with each wedding you play. Every bride and groom are so different to the next and they trust me to be such a large part in the biggest day of their lives – I guess it becomes addictive.

What do you love most about your job?

New experiences. Every time I perform at a wedding is like the first time I did it. There’s a certain magic in the air and nobody has any reason to be in a bad mood. I also understand how to be professional and prepared, so it’s always enjoyable.

Do you have any exciting projects planned for the future?

I’m currently working on expanding my already existing agency. I’m also collaborating with a couple artists for a feature length album to release later this year… amongst my other projects!

Describe the experience a couple will have when hiring you to perform at their wedding…

I like to say I try to appeal to as many different demographics and styles as possible. If you’re wanting a very relaxed acoustic guitarist/singer for the beach cocktail hour or sit down dinner, I can do that. If you want people to tap their feet while enjoying conversation, I can do that. If you’re wanting the whole procession (including Grandma and Grandpa) up and dancing to Rock n’ Roll with me either solo or with a full Band… I can do that too!

What budgets do you cater for?

Depending on availability, I cater for many different budgets. If you only require acoustic music for an hour earlier in the day, that’s going to cost much less than a whole entertainment package which can last for almost 12 hours.

Do you have a favourite wedding ceremony and/or reception location in the UAE?

I do not, only because there are so many beautiful locations to have your wedding. There are venues that I get more bookings for than others, however, every wedding has its own unique flare and the venue is only a reflection of the people who create its atmosphere.

If you could give one piece of advice to brides-to-be planning their weddings in the UAE, what would it be?

Don’t stress too much over scheduling and small issues. I’ve been part of enough weddings to know that if something small goes wrong, it won’t ruin the day. Laugh it off and enjoy the rest – you only get this day once!… hopefully ;)

Lastly, why did you choose to list with www.brideclubme.com?

I’d heard about Bride Club through a couple of different people in the space of two weeks. After seeing how much great stuff they’re doing I figured I’d be silly not to be a part of it.

Thanks Josh! For more information about hiring Josh to provide your wedding entertainment, click on his Bride Club ME vendor listing, or head straight to his website.