Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Anthony.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
1st thing 1st, I am Dj Smileyy and this is my story of how I became a DJ:
Growing up as a kid, I knew I would have something to do with music. It all started in elementary school making beats with my mouth and beating on the lunch tables in schools and tables at home. 3rd-4th grade I joined a band and played snare drums I knew since then I loved music. In 5th grade, I joined chorus and still did band. I’ve always said I wanted to be a rapper or producer I never had deejaying in my head until I watched beat street and juice. Seeing how they controlled the crowed and manipulated the vinyls scratching gave me power. In 6th grade, I made beats with my mouth while making the scratch effects like I was scratching on vinyls. I didn’t begin my dj career until the middle year of my 6th-grade term. Not having any money growing up I had to borrow my sister’s laptop to do all the house parties and school events with entertainment speakers and lights I borrowed from a friend. I didn’t get my first “ok” dj gear until I was out of high school. It wasn’t much but a USB controller.
After doing house parties and birthdays, I saved up money to invest in Stanton turntables, speakers and amps. That’s when I knew I fell in love with deejaying and wanted to make a career out of it. I didn’t step foot behind a dj booth until I was 18. I started the club scene as an open format dj and did it for three years. I have seen it wasn’t really doing nothing for me, so I switched back to hip hop and r&b. I’ve been a hip hop dj for four years and a lot has happened for me in-between time. I’ve accomplished a lot but still got a lot to do. I’ve become joe gifted Dj and Cfood Dj. Just locked in an on-air personality and mix show dj for an internet radio company.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a bumpy road… a lot of ups and downs. Fights with wifey and my family. Times not having food to eat and money to pay for things. But one must sacrifice to become bigger in life.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m known for Deejaying but mostly breaking indie artists records. A lot of DJs don’t focus on indie artists because they ain’t popping but I guess they forgot they were once on the come up and not popping.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I see success different than others… most people think when you say successful is they’re rich and got time and freedom. You can work a 9-5 and be successful. Maybe you had a goal to a certain weight and you succeeded that. Success is not just money-wise, but goals accomplished in a timely manner.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/djsmileyyatl
- Twitter: Twitter.com/iamdjsmileyy
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