Today we’d like to introduce you to Ralph Russell.
Ralph, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began DJing when I was in the fifth grade. I loved to skate and go to the teen club at Cascade every week where I would see the DJ mixing during each session. The summer before I went to middle school, I asked my dad to buy me my own turntable (CD Player) so I could start playing music at my middle school’s events. I began to spread the word around my school about my business and started to get booked for birthday parties, school events, and etc. As I got booked for more parties, I became known as the go-to DJ in my local area. After middle school, I attended Westlake High School where I would set a name for myself as one of the top DJs in the city. I was DJing for the basketball games, track meets and school dances. They even had my mixes being played before all of the home football games. I got alot of business during my high school career from referrals which opened doors for many more opportunities.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It wasn’t easy being a DJ at first. I used to just play music at parties, but I found out quickly it was just more to Djaying than playing songs and fading them out. I studied DJ videos on YouTube and taught myself how to mix (blend) songs together, develop scratching skills, and the ability to talk on the mic. It was also a challenge getting booked at the beginning of my DJ career. Nobody really knew who I was at first because I was a shy kid. I had to break out of my shell and network with my peers, their parents, and school administrators who were around me. I realized I had to get my name out there to attract more business and show people the services I had to offer.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My company is my DJ name, DJ 23 (Professional DJ services). I provide music and professional sound and lighting for events. I’m known for DJaying at parties, school events, and at Cascade Skating Rink. I also started a promotion company called “DJ 23 Movez” (based in Tallahassee, FL) where I promote and host parties. I have a team of over 500 members that help me promote my events on social media and assist me with planning upcoming events. I am most proud of my company’s overall professionalism because I keep everything organized. I cater to all genres of music and make it my goal to satisfy all types of crowds. My music selection and mixing style sets me apart from other DJ’s because I know how to mix different genres of music together and how to make clean transitions between each song.
What were you like growing up?
I was a shy kid but I’ve always been on the scene. Everyone knew who I was because I was nice and would communicate with you if you gave off a good vibe. I’ve always been interested in music since I was a young child. I used to sing in the church choir every third Sunday and would dance on the stage. The whole church used to be in shock, but they enjoyed it. My dad always used to dance and play old school mix CD’s when he would take me to school. I used to dance in the backseat and repeatedly ask him the names of each song. He would tell me to get me to stop interrupting his favorite songs. My dad is the reason I have a wide range of musical knowledge.
Pricing:
- $75/Hour ($50 Deposit required)
- $150 Host
- $25 Flyers/Logo Design
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bio.fm/dj23-live
- Phone: 6783081921
- Email: dj23atl@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/dj23_live
- Twitter: twitter.com/DJ23_LIVE
Image Credit:
@markotheshooter, @glimpseof_earth
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