Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Hi-Key.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I think everyone has that one person, place, or thing to can turn to when they need to just getaway. For me, it’s always been music. I was born and raised in Baltimore City and moved to Atlanta in 2007 to attend Clark Atlanta University, where I studied Public Relations. There I had the opportunity to intern under music producers including Mr. Hanky, Mr. ColliPark, and Polo Da Don. After college, I continued to expand my collection of music and learned a lot about the music industry along the way.
People always complimented me over the years about my taste in music but I could never quite find my place in the industry. Around 2018, I started gaining interest in DJing. In 2019, I reached out to a few DJs for guidance and began taking lessons with my mentor DJ MoeTal. I’d also picked up a few scratch lessons with DJ Presyce. Eventually, I started going live on IG almost daily, networking with other DJs around the city, and the rest is really history.
My DJ name is really simple. Most of my friends call me Key and when I’m addressed, people will say Hi… Key! So I decided to just go with DJ Hi-Key. I’ve DJ’d at some of Atlanta’s dopest events and venues like Bonfire, OurBar, and Cascade Skating. Two of my favorite events to date were a pop-up concert series featuring rapper, Curren$y hosted by Remedy+ and Damn That DJ Made My Day curated by NuFace hosted by Mr. ColliPark. My DJ career took off faster than expected but I owe it all to God and thank him for every opportunity, big or small.
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?
Honestly, it’s been smoother than I thought it’d be. I’ve had a lot of support from my friends and family to keep going. My biggest struggle was finding my balance between my day job, other hustles, and personal life. Some days, I can’t believe I’ve come so far so quickly but again, I’m grateful and wouldn’t trade all I’ve experienced for anything!
I’ve never been more consistent with anything aside from love for the grind. My closest friends know I’ve worn and still wear many hats. DJing has deepened my connection with music and healed me in so many ways. It’s been a true act of self-care to follow my passion and I’m proud of myself for taking a leap of faith. I love what music does for the community and I love moving crowds. I’ve found myself in tears after getting compliments about how I well I’ve rocked a party.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I consider myself an open format DJ but specialize in R&B, Rap/Hip-Hop, and House Music. What sets me apart is how I connect with my clients to learn exactly what kind of vibe they’d like to create for their events. I then take the time to build out a set specifically for each client. No two sets are ever the same.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My father is a handyman in Baltimore so in my spare time as a child, I would go with him to help out with various construction jobs. We’d start as early as 5 am, driving out to different homes and buildings. The most memorable part of this time with my Dad was all of the music I was introduced to, like War, a 70s band out of California.
Contact Info:
- Email: bookdjhikey@gmail.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/itsdjhikey
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsdjhikey/
- Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/itsdjhikey/
- Other: https://calendly.com/bookwithkey/consultation-djservices
Image Credits:
IG: thevillainwins
