DJ James Gustin

James studied comedy and improvisation with the likes of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler at Second City and The Improv Olympic under the comedy improvisation greats Charna Halpern and Del Close where he learned that being on stage was indeed a deep gift and challenge and that he ought to just keep to behind the decks. He’s probably best known in the improv community not for his improvisation skills but the parties he DJ’d by the request of his favorite improviser Matt Besser and the Upright Citizens Brigade before they moved to NYC in the late 90s. That said, James has only a few issues on the microphone and has over the years developed some significant skills as a performing artist. His “salt and pepper” look and personality have generated some commercial interest and he is represented by 10MGMT where he auditions for national spots and has appeared on the TV show Empire.  He sees himself moving into the 21st Century and a Director and Performing Artist/Modern Day Willie Nelson entertainer where he’ll just get deeper and more attractive as he gets older wrinkled and greyer!

James is active in the Chicago business community with boards and associations across hospitality and events. You’ll see him at CEC, ILEA, and MPI-CAC where he brings together and represents the collection of artist - photographers, DJs, and filmmakers to the world of business and events! Special Events and food are a huge part of his day-to-day life as a DJ Producer.

When James met his future wife Michele at Whole Foods Market in Houston Texas he listened to Wagner and yodeled Norwegian style, his striving to win her and her music snobbery led him to a lifelong music exploration and a drive to impress her. While she is still his muse, James' music taste breadth and depth have become his own. He loves James Brown, D’ Angelo, Jill Scott, disco, funk, soul, funk, pop, Latin, and rap and might to Michele's annoyance mix in A Few of My Favorite Things and sing it while doing so. He likes country too. James' love of life and the people that make his world interesting is what calls him to his diversity of music and taste. He has taught media literacy to inner-city school children in Houston, English as a second language at Catholic Charites, and has an ear for accents and a desire to know others and connect that makes him an extrovert. He mixes what suits him and while he cares about technology, he sees it as a means toward connection not as a barricade between him and the rest of the world. His huge heart is another factor he brings to the party. You might catch him DJ’ing his son’s Ian middle dance school parties at the Montessori Academy of Chicago.

 Praise

"James from fig media really brings the heat to a party... his impressive musical range is second only to his talent for reading a room and knowing just what song a vibe beckons... James' positive attitude is infectious and his upbeat energy seems to always elevate the experiences we seek to create.”
– Alison Victoria, Owner + Publisher of Sophisticated Living Magazine

All I wanted for my 50th birthday was a rockin dance party. We had this in spades with James Gustin! He is laid back, super professional, easy to work with and highly motivated to make the party whatever you want it to be!
He felt the vibe from the party and adjusted the music constantly and seamlessly. We almost forgot he was there!!! (Not really, but he was low key).
Thank you James for the best birthday present! All of my friends loved the music and had such a great time- thanks to you! People were literally dancing for hours!
I will never forget you and feel so lucky you were assigned to my party!!
– Mia N.

I booked a DJ for my company's Holiday Party. James Gustin and Fig Media were great to work with! Quick response to initial inquiry and any questions along the way. James did a great job on the evening of the event. Arrived promptly for set-up, took last minute direction for schedule of the night and read the crowd throughout the night to keep people on the dance floor. Will definitely book them again!
– Nicki B.