Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Y Not.
Hi DJ Y Not, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started DJing a little over 10 years ago. I’ve always been a music head for as long as I can remember. Dating back to my adolescence years I remember riding with my dad listening to old school songs like by Luther Vandross, The Isley Brothers, T.I, Lil Jon and many more. I picked up DJing from my pops. He would take me with him to do gigs especially when it was younger crowds. I’d fill in for the mini bathroom break sets with a few songs. Soon I realized I can do this myself. So I took his equipment, took his name, and went on a run! Since then I never looked back. About 5-6 years ago I really began to look at DJing as more than just a hobby or extra money. This is my job! This is my craft! So I treat it as such. Doesn’t matter who the client is, or what the event is; I’m going to be punctual, professional, and provide an experience! My grind is what got me to where I am today! The motivation to never quit, and develops different pathways to success. With this mindset I have diversified my clientele, broaden my musical knowledge, and gained experience with a multitude of demographics. Wether it’s a corporate event, 6th birthday party, wedding, or a 90th birthday I AM THE GUY for the job!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road while DJing hasn’t been smooth but it hasn’t been the roughest. There’s no book to becoming a successful DJ, kinda just got to figure it out. One of my biggest struggles early on was reaching out to several DJs for help with learning the craft and no one, literally no one reached back! I didn’t have any night life or music industry connections. I didn’t have the network to make a phone call for help. Yeah my pops was a DJ but it was just a hobby for him. I wanted to learn all I can from different perspectives. Majority of the things I learned about DJing I had to learn on my own. From this experience I always give back to new DJs.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Outside of DJing I do other things. I work for the federal government. I also referee High School and college basketball. So you can see me in a professional setting from 8-4, refereeing your kids game at 7, then standing on the table at a venue DJing at a 9. I have a pretty busy lifestyle and I wear a lot of hats. I also have my own DJ company where I contractor work for other DJs. I am most proud of being able to accomplish the things I set out to do. It’s one thing to make a goal, but it’s another thing to achieve it.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
In the DJing world what matters to me the most is money!! Isn’t that obviously why we’re here!?? Just kidding, the experience is what matters to me the most! Doesn’t matter the event, I want each guest to leave knowing they had a memorable experience! As a DJ I know I may work 3-5 nights a week with similar events, but the people that come out this is their first time out in months! So knowing that, every night I strive to give them the experience they came for.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
@itzyuhleo
