In a small town where businesses often rely on word of mouth, one Campbellsville University student has built a growing DJ business that really started by accident.
John Phillips, owner of John Phillips Entertainment and a sophomore at Campbellsville University, said his business began in November of 2024 after he was asked to fill in for a canceled DJ at a local event.
“Their DJ had dropped out, and I just happened to have some speakers,” Phillips said. “I went online that night and bought a bunch of cheap eBay lights for like $10. I got started there.”
According to Phillips, that first event quickly sparked a new interest.
“During that event, I found out how fun it was,” Phillips said. “So, I started buying more and more equipment until I was where I am today.”
Phillips said the business didn’t grow immediately, but began to pick up after he started actively promoting himself.
“I advertised, I made posters, I put myself on wedding groups, I talked to other DJs,” Phillips said. “Luckily enough, it worked, and that’s how I started getting gigs.”
Since then, a majority of Phillips’ work now comes through word-of-mouth rather than constant advertising.
“I get talked to about a gig at least once a week,” Phillips said. “Word of mouth just multiplies.”
Phillips said demand remains steady because DJs are needed for a wide range of events, especially weddings and school functions.
“Everyone needs a DJ, or most people want a DJ at their wedding,” Phillips said. “Schools still need winter formals and spring formals, and couples still need DJs for their weddings.”
He also said his business has expanded beyond Campbellsville as he travels across Kentucky for events.
“I don’t locate myself to Campbellsville. I go all around Kentucky,” Phillips said. “I’ll drive about anywhere for the gig.”
While there are many other DJs in the area, Phillips’ energy and crowd interaction are truly what set him apart.
“I think I’m very energetic,” Phillips said. “I can hype up the crowd. I’ll go out there and get them in a giant circle and have people start dancing.”
One of his most memorable early experiences was DJing a high school reunion, which required him to adapt to a different audience.
“I had to figure out what they liked,” Phillips said. “But they had a blast, and that was the most dancing I’ve ever had at a party.”
One client, Dot Caldwell, said she first heard about Phillips through a personal connection while organizing her 40-year class reunion.
“My 40-year class reunion was this past year, and we needed a DJ,” Caldwell said. “He was available and had great prices and the Marion County Class of ’85 was very impressed with his great DJ services.”
Caldwell said Phillips was easy to work with and handled requests smoothly.
“John was very easy-going,” Caldwell said. “He made it happen! Played the song list we created and took requests as well.”
She also added how his energy stood out throughout the event.
“John got into the music he was playing,” Caldwell said. “Played his air guitar and just seemed to enjoy what he was doing.”
Caldwell said she would strongly recommend him to others.
“John exceeded our expectations,” Caldwell said. “His service is second to none.”
Another client, Colten Gravel, said Phillips stood out for his crowd interaction and energy at a graduation party.
“I’ve been to a lot of parties with other DJs, and they didn’t have as much interaction as John,” Gravel said.
Gravel said Phillips elevated the atmosphere of the event.
“John definitely exceeded expectations, mainly because of his crowd interaction,” Gravel said. “He was playing bangers all night.”
A third client, Scotty Chelf, said Phillips stood out for his professionalism, pricing and ability to deliver a strong event experience.
“I decided to hire John because his prices were very competitive compared to other DJs in the area,” Chelf said. “I looked at pictures and videos of events he has done previously, which gave me confidence that he was exactly who I was looking for.”
Chelf said Phillips delivered a professional and seamless experience from start to finish.
“My experience working with John was great from start to finish. John was professional, on time and communicated very well,” Chelf said.
Additionally, Chelf said Phillips kept the event energy high and engaged the crowd.
“John did a great job keeping the crowd engaged the entire time, he read the room well, and kept the energy high,” Chelf said.
To close, Chelf added a strong recommendation for future clients.
“I would tell anyone considering hiring him that they won’t be disappointed,” Chelf said. “It’s a party when John’s there.”
Looking ahead, Phillips plans to continue DJing while pursuing his degree in criminal justice at Campbellsville University.
Phillips will also be DJing Campbellsville University’s upcoming spring formal on Friday, April 24, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Swan’s Landing off campus. For bookings or inquiries, Phillips can be reached through social media. On Instagram and Facebook, he can be found at John Phillips Entertainment.
