Meet Dave Strickler of Desert House Productions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Strickler.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
15 years ago… My wife Drea and I created DHP when we first started dating, in college. We connected through a shared love of music (me, a DJ and drummer. She, a classically-trained pianist and composer). Realizing soon enough we wanted to be together AND play music for a living, we created Desert House Productions. (DHP relates to our shared love of House Music and also is the name of her family’s property— this cool little hacienda out in the middle of the desert). I taught Drea to spin. She ran with it. We took every private gig we could get our hands on, plus honed our skills through club appearances and in promoting/performing at our own events. We soon were recognized as providing something amazing and special. Desert House Productions’ reputation grew. We’ve now added equally exceptional DJ talent to our roster, to meet demand.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We’ve definitely “paid dues”, cut-our-teeth on questionable gigs, and lived off of Ramen in the early days! Luckily, just when it seemed like it was time to get a “real job”, DHP really took off! Biggest struggles were self-funding, i.e. going into a ton of debt when we first started. It took some time to crawl out of that hole, all the while adding strain to our marriage. On top of that, when we went full-time with the DJ career, the market was crap and we were doing small gigs— ended up losing the house! Plus, given that we were just about living in nightclubs and bars, alcohol was quite a problem. It took years to overcome that lifestyle and replace it with a clean, healthy one.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Desert House Productions – what should we know?
Desert House Productions specializes in dynamic DJ performances: for modern weddings, corporate, social, resort/restaurant/retail, and nightclub events. DHP DJs are well-experienced and are able to connect with any crowd. Especially through these diverse experiences, our skill-sets are quite exceptional! We constantly enhance our techniques and refine our music catalogue: keeping up with what’s fresh, what’s unique, what’s classic, what works and what no longer serves us. We defy convention and eschew cliché’ in our style and musical selections. DHP DJs are not only stellar, but also personable and professional. We are proud to push boundaries, constantly exceed client expectations, and pack those dance-floors! Most of all, we get to make people happy for a living—— creating unity and magic through music.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
We wouldn’t be anywhere without…
Our amazing families
Our fantastic designer, Zach Crowell
Our dedicated assistant (and DJ) Alex Dahl
Our photographers, Kelly & Sergio Photography and Kym Ventola Photography
Our accountant, Lisa.
Our bookkeeper (& Drea’s bestie), Rah
DJs Pete “Supermix” Salaz, World Famous Rani “g”, Senbad, Joe DiPadova, DJ Solomon, and Tranzit
The entire AZ House Music family
Sidebar and Bar Smith
Our amazing friends
Our yoga teachers, healers, protectors and guides
All our preferred vendors, venues, and valued clients
Aho Mitakuye-Oyasin

Contact Info:

• Address: 3509 East Shea Blvd., Suite 111, Phoenix, AZ 85028
• Website: deserthouseproductions.com
• Phone: 602-790-2241
• Email: dk.strickler@me.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deserthouseproductions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deserthouseDJs/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Desert_House
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/desert-house-productions-phoenix

Image Credit:
Kelly + Sergio Photography

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.