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Meet the DJ

Joey Santes.
DJ Press Play.

Rhode Island native. Husband. Father of four. A DJ who got into this for the love of people — and came back for the same reason.

Joey Santes — DJ Press Play — Sounds By Santes

Music has always been the thing that sets the tone — for a room, for a moment, for an entire evening.

15+ Years Experience Rhode Island & New England Weddings & Corporate Events Fully Insured Clean & Family Friendly

It started at 18, helping a friend DJ private events. Joey Santes had no idea it would become a gift — more than a hobby. What drew him in wasn't the spotlight — it was the feeling of watching a room come alive. People dancing, laughing, connecting. Music doing what only music can do.

Over the next 15+ years, Joey built his craft across every format of live event — from intimate private parties to performing for crowds of over 10,000 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence. Each event taught him something new about reading a room, managing energy, and delivering an experience that people carry with them long after the night ends.

Then came a season of stepping back. Young children, a growing family, a decision to be fully present at home. For Joey, that wasn't a pause — it was a priority. Family has always come first, and it always will.

Now, he's back — and the return is intentional. No nightclubs. No bar gigs. Only weddings and events where the music actually matters. Where a couple trusts you with the soundtrack to the most important day of their lives. Where a company puts their brand in your hands for an evening and expects it back polished.

Beyond the events, Joey carries a bigger vision: to give back through missions work, to invest in the next generation of creatives and DJs, and to build something that serves others — not just himself. That spirit shows up in how he works. Genuinely. Humbly. With excellence.

What Drives the Work

More than music.
A standard.

01
Excellence in everything
Every event deserves the same level of care — whether it's 50 guests or 500. The setup is clean. The execution is precise. The attitude is professional. Every time.
02
People over performance
This isn't about being the star of the room. It's about serving the people in it — helping them have an experience they'll remember long after the night is over.
03
Flexibility meets preparation
No two events are the same. The best DJs read the room and move with it — staying true to the plan while responding to what the crowd actually needs in the moment.
04
Clean & family friendly
Every event has guests of all ages and backgrounds. Edited songs, clean versions, and tasteful selections are always the default — no special request needed.
05
Genuine, not transactional
Joey cares about your event because he cares about you. Not in a scripted, customer-service way — in the real way. The kind you notice the moment you interact with him.
06
Giving back
A portion of every booking supports missions work and community investment. When you book Sounds By Santes, you're part of something bigger than a great night.
A career moment

10,000 people.
One dance floor.

Performing for over 10,000 guests at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence was one of those nights that reminds you why you do this. The energy of a room that size — when it's right — is something you never forget. Every event since has carried that same standard.

How I Work

What you can expect
when you book with me.

  • You'll hear back fast
    Every inquiry gets a response within 48 hours. You won't be left wondering. Responsiveness is a form of respect.
  • I show up early and dressed right
    Setup is complete before the first guest arrives. The equipment is clean and minimal. The presence is professional. You'll never have to worry about any of that.
  • I read the room — not just the playlist
    Planning matters, but so does instinct. If the floor needs something different, it happens seamlessly. Your guests will never know — they'll just feel it.
  • It's your event — not mine
    The best DJs are the ones you don't notice. The music flows. The moments land. The night feels effortless. That's the goal every single time.
  • Clean music is always the standard
    Edited tracks, clean versions, family-friendly selections — these aren't special requests. They're the default. Every guest in the room deserves that.
Ready to connect?
Let's Work Together

Your event deserves
someone who genuinely cares.

Reach out today and let's talk about your event. No pressure, no templates — just a real conversation about what you need.