DJ Choco Canel’s top tips

DJ Choco Canel

Stockholm has always been a city rich in creativity and musical diversity, and at the heart of this vibrant scene we find Sandra Bergman Bellqvist, or DJ Choco Canel as she is perhaps better known.
With over two decades’ experience as a DJ and booker, she has become a key figure in the city’s music scene.

Read more

Read more

A life dedicated to music

Sandra’s musical journey began in the early 2000s when she first stepped into the DJ booth at Bar Nada. It was there that she not only discovered her passion for spinning records but also her calling. Over time, she rose through the ranks to become the venue’s music director and began booking DJs. For over a decade, she continued to call Bar Nada her home and created a dynamic music scene in the heart of Stockholm.

When ‘Send In The Clowns’ was born

Sandra Bergman Bellqvist also founded, together with her partner Erik Dellgren, the acclaimed live club “Send In The Clowns” at Pet Sounds. The club grew and later moved to Debaser. Before many of the acts that would go on to become known to a wider audience had their breakthrough, they had already performed on stage at Send In The Clowns.

Her own path

After a few intense years, Sandra decided to go her own way, continuing with DJing and booking bands. Since 2007, she has devoted herself entirely to her own company, Coco Transistor Event AB. Her own live club, “Coco Transistor Presents”, has found its place at many of Stockholm’s most historic venues and clubs, including Bar Brooklyn, Hilma, Lilla Hotellbaren, Södra Teatern, Mosebacke, Tranan, Maskineriet, Lydmar, Haymarket and many more.

Head of Music

Sandra has not only stood behind the turntables and booked bands, but she has also served as music director at some of Stockholm’s most prestigious venues. She led the music and concert programme at the Fotografiska Museum for five years before taking on the role of music director at Rival. After a few years at Rival, she continued her career at Dramatenbaren, where she set the tone for the music programme.

From clubs to weddings

In recent years, Sandra has focused her energy on corporate events, private parties and weddings. Her work takes her beyond Stockholm’s borders, and she has DJ’d at hundreds of events every year. Her expertise now also extends to booking other DJs and live acts, as well as hiring out sound and lighting equipment. With a deep understanding of the industry and an extensive network of contacts, Sandra has established herself as the person who can help you create exactly the musical experience you’ve been dreaming of. Her dedication and love of music have not only created memories for herself, but also for hundreds of satisfied clients around the world. It’s clear that DJ Choco Canel is a passionate driving force on Stockholm’s music scene who continues to spread joy and create unforgettable moments through her music.

What’s the most important thing to bear in mind when planning your wedding music?

Wedding parties should be fun and unpretentious; familiar tunes and guilty pleasures are a winning combination mixed with

something fresh. High and low, old and new – that’s the way to go!

What sort of music do you play, and how much do you tailor it to the bride and groom?

I meet with every couple to discuss the day and always ask for a playlist of their favourites – not to play every single song, but to find out what they like. Then it’s always a mix of songs from the list and songs that I

think or know the guests will enjoy. Although it’s important that the bride and groom are happy and satisfied, the main thing is to get a good dance floor going.

How do you handle song requests?

Everyone’s welcome to make requests – I’m there for the bride and groom and the guests – but ultimately it’s me who decides what gets played

and what isn’t. I’m like a filter, you could say. Good requests get played; bad ones don’t.

How long do you play at a wedding?

Usually, I’m there from the very start until the last guest dances out of the venue; sometimes I’m there handling the music and microphones right from the wedding ceremony if it takes place next to the reception venue. Otherwise, I’m there from the pre-dinner drinks, throughout dinner and, of course, during the party! There are many advantages to having an experienced DJ for the whole day; the music helps set the tone

the event and you can build the atmosphere right from the start. During dinner, I play background music, help the toastmasters with jingles for the speakers and manage the microphones – which is usually much appreciated!

How much does it cost?

It depends entirely on the circumstances: how many hours I’m due to play, the travel distance, and how much equipment needs to be brought along. Roughly speaking, I’d say between 12,000 and 40,000 excluding VAT

What are your top 3 wedding tips?

1. Music is so important for a successful wedding; consider splashing out a bit extra to hire a talented DJ or a band who’ll help set the mood throughout the day.

2. Don’t worry about what might go wrong; sometimes things don’t turn out as planned, and there are simply some things you can’t control. But whether the rain meant the ceremony had to be held indoors instead of outdoors, you’ll wake up married the next day – and that’s what matters most!

3. Hire professional suppliers who’ll allow you to let go completely; it’s your day – let others take care of the practicalities! Hiring a skilled wedding coordinator who keeps track of all the details and takes your wedding to the next level is the very best option; if you don’t have the budget for that, it’s important to have a skilled toastmaster whom you really trust so that you can enjoy the day!

Read more at chococanel.com

Business directory

Do you need help finding suppliers for your wedding? Have a look at our business directory.

CLICK HERE