Today we’d like to introduce you to Demarkus (dj Dmark) Taylor
Hi Demarkus (DJ Dmark), so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story begins in Newark, NJ where I was born and raised. The soundscape of my childhood has had a great influence on my style of DJing. Growing up amongst various cultures and absorbing the rhythms of the environment has helped me become great at open format DJing. My road to the turntables however, started on the dance floor. During the late 80’s to 90’s break dancing and background dancing was my thing. I would often compete in dance competitions and talent shows. This led to years of immersive study of dance and various genres of music (Hip Hop, R&B, House, Reggae, Soca, Salsa, Merengue). Early lessons from my neighborhood DJ gave me the fundamentals to DJing, but the spark did not ignite. Dance and Rap held my attention as I continued to develop as a young artist.
Fast forward to 1996 and it’s time for your boy to go to college. Growing up watching shows like A Different World and The Cosby Show made the idea of going to college a must for me. During my college years, at Stockton University, I would book my favorite DJs from my hometown to DJ various parties. Still, I was not interested in being a DJ, the dance floor and coordinating events for the school organizations that I was a part of, was my thing. So, this adds up to over a decade of intense listening and dancing by the year 2000.
After college I became an educator. Teaching and mentoring at the elementary, middle and high school levels. From time to time I would put together playlists for school dances, and this is when the DJ bug started to bite. The questions I would ask my DJ friends began to get more technical, as my interest level grew. In 2007, I moved to Atlanta and saw a world of opportunity for me as a DJ. I spent months saving and buying the equipment I needed, one piece at a time. Then I spent months in my garage practicing until my ears were pleased with my skill level. To get my feet wet, I would DJ family and community events for free. Some of my first paying gigs came from local bars and lounges like The Pizza Bar, Epic Lounge, Infinity Lounge, Fusion Sports Bar, and J.R. Crickets, just to name a few. I would continue to develop my craft as a DJ while teaching for Atlanta Public Schools, even earning the Teacher of The Year Award in 2016. Over three decades of training in music and entertainment has helped me develop my current niche in the market. My years as an educator, coupled with a deep knowledge of music and entertainment, has made me a well sought after DJ for weddings, corporate events, and conferences here in the US and internationally. Today, my company DeTayls Entertainment LLC, continues to provide DJ, MC, Lighting, and Photo Booth services. We have a great team of DJs who work hard to represent the brand that I’ve worked hard to build.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the challenges to being a DJ is adjusting to new technologies and music. This is a challenge that I’ve grown to love. Great DJs work to become masterful with their tools. Every possible problem from computer failure, software malfunctions, blown speakers, etc, I’ve experienced during events. I will forever be a student to the craft and that energy has made it easy for me to connect with others and receive help or guidance when needed.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My name is DJ Dmark, CEO of DeTayls Entertainment LLC. I specialize in providing DJ. MC. Lighting, Photo Booth services for weddings, corporate events, private events and conferences domestic and international. I am most known for my unique style of blending and remixing songs live. I love reading crowds and anticipating what people want to hear, while adding what they absolutely need to hear. I am most proud of my growth as a DJ. I started off wishing to have just one weekly gig to play, now I’m able to manage several events per week, with the help of my team of DJs.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the energy of Atlanta! There are so many creative, knowledgeable and diverse people in the city. This sets the landscape for rich and meaningful experiences in all aspects of life, and an amazing party scene.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.detaylsentertainment.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dj_dmark/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=507671577
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djdmark/
- Twitter: https://x.com/dj_dmark?s=11&t=06JJhMRlGnFKtOshDC-duA
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@detaylsentertainment5452
Image Credits
Ash Frost @ash.frost.media www.ashfrostmedia.com
David Mahone @mahonestudios www.davidmahone.com
