Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Farmer.
Tyler, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always had a love for music. My family still tells stories about me and certain songs from my early childhood, some of which I don’t even remember. What I do remember clearly is the day I picked up the flute at nine years old. That was my first real connection to music. From that point on, I wasn’t just listening to it, I was creating it.
I went from 4th grade through college playing flute, and along the way I picked up other instruments like the piccolo, French horn, and mellophone. I performed in jazz band, symphonic band, and marching band, all of which shaped my understanding of music and performance. But after leaving college, reality hit. I had to focus on building a career, and music ended up taking a back seat.
While working at Sony, I got into photography. That hobby eventually led me into club photography, which not only became a solid side hustle but also exposed me to nightlife and some really great DJs. I didn’t realize it then, but I was learning what a great DJ should sound and feel like.
Fast forward to 2022. After moving back to Georgia and going to events with family and friends, I kept noticing the DJ experience was missing something. Sometimes the transitions were rough, the song choices didn’t fit, or the vibe just felt off. At one event, I got so frustrated that I put in my headphones, opened a DJ app on my phone, and started queuing songs myself. A few days later, I bought real equipment.
Since then, through countless hours of research, practice, and a growing list of gigs, I’ve reconnected with the same passion I had as a kid making music for others to hear. For me, DJing is more than just playing tracks. It is a full-circle return to performing, creating, and sharing music in a way that connects with people.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When I first started DJing, I was figuring everything out on my own. I didn’t have a mentor showing me the ropes, so it was a lot of YouTube videos, trial and error, and countless hours of practice teaching myself how to mix.
One of my biggest personal struggles has been reading a crowd the way I want to. I’ve always had poor vision, so I can’t always pick up on subtle cues like head nods or foot taps from a distance, which most DJs rely on. Instead, I focus on the things I can sense clearly. I notice bigger shifts like changes in dancing or people moving toward or away from the floor, and I rely heavily on energy and sound. When I hear an audible reaction in real time, that’s how I know a transition, a mashup, or a song landed the way it’s supposed to.
Like many DJs, I’ve also had to learn the hard way about not getting paid for gigs and how important it is to handle the business side of things that I never considered when I started DJing for the love of music. And of course, there’s been the self-doubt of wondering if I was good enough or if people would take me seriously.
Those struggles have all pushed me out of my comfort zone. They’ve made me more confident in spaces I never imagined myself being a few years ago. They’ve made me not only a better DJ, but also a more driven person, always working to improve and reach more people. I don’t measure success by pay or by whether people dance nonstop. The moments that matter most to me are when someone comes up to me during an event and wants to know what song I’m playing. That tells me I connected with them and introduced them to something they may not have heard before.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a DJ, my work is all about creating experiences. I specialize in open-format sets where I can move across genres, blending everything from R&B, hip hop, and pop to house, afrobeats, and throwbacks. I love giving people the songs they came to hear, but also weaving in tracks they didn’t expect and end up loving.
I think I’ve become known for the smoothness of my transitions and the unexpected, vibey mashups that keep people locked in. For me, it’s all about timing, flow, and how every moment connects to the next. I want the energy to feel seamless, like the night has its own rhythm, without people noticing the mechanics behind it.
In just a few years, I’ve been fortunate to build a resume that includes residencies, corporate events, fashion shows, and some of Atlanta’s most recognizable venues. I’ve played for brands like Dillard’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, held down sets at W Atlanta and Moxy Midtown, and I’ve been featured as the resident DJ for the Throwback Mix of the Day on WAOK’s Good Vibes with Ms. Eclectic. One of my proudest moments so far was playing at Dragon Con, where I had the chance to share my sound with a massive and diverse crowd.
What probably sets me apart is how I move across genres and introduce people to songs or remixes they may not have heard before. I want the crowd to leave feeling like they discovered something new, even if it was hidden inside a track they already loved.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are a few ways people can work with me or support what I’m building. For events, I’m always open to bookings, whether it’s private parties, corporate events, nightlife, or community gatherings. I love curating music to fit the vibe of the space and creating something people remember.
I’m also open to collaborating with other DJs, artists, and creatives. Whether that’s putting together a joint event, creating mixes, or experimenting with mashups and edits, I enjoy working with people who bring their own flavor to the table.
For those who just want to support, following me on Instagram @djtylera, sharing my mixes, or even just coming out to an event makes a big difference. Every bit of support helps me grow and reach new audiences, and it’s what keeps me motivated to push further.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djtylera/
- Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/djtylera/
Image Credits
DJ MsEclectic
