Today we’d like to introduce you to Antavius Thompson.
Hi Antavius, 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?
I’ve always carried two passions—technology and music. By day, I was studying IT and learning the precision of networking and security. By night, I was behind the turntables, learning how to control energy and create moments on the dance floor. Those two worlds—logic and creativity—would eventually collide to form the heart of my journey.
In 2006, I moved to Atlanta to attend Clayton State University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology with a focus on Networking and Security. What started with house parties quickly grew into campus-wide events. When I crossed into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in Fall ’07, the opportunities expanded even more—I was DJing fraternity and sorority events across Atlanta and South Georgia.
That fire for music and entrepreneurship had been planted years earlier in Augusta, Georgia, where I first discovered my love for DJing in high school. What started as a hobby soon became a way to bring people together, and those early experiences gave me the foundation to dream bigger when I got to Atlanta.
What began in dorm rooms evolved into DJ Tay Productions, a multi-op luxury DJ company serving wedding couples, corporate clients, and social celebrations. Along the way, I earned a Master’s degree in Operations Management, which gave me the structure to scale the business—building systems, managing finances, and leading a team. Today, I have the privilege of not only performing but also working alongside and booking some of my closest friends for exclusive events, including DJ Teknology, Supreme The DJ, DJ Duval, DJ Hy-T, DJ C-blendz, DJ Exeqtive, and Jason Carey.
Our client list has grown to include respected names such as Ron Clark Academy, 100 Black Men, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Delta, Clayton State University, Georgia Tech, Georgia Gwinnett College, Middle Georgia, Love Beyond Walls, Our House, and even Rick Ross. From luxury weddings to corporate conferences, every stage has been a chance to create something unforgettable.
At the same time, I’ve built a career as a cybersecurity engineer. To most people, tech and music don’t connect, but to me they’re the same: precision, creativity, and service. Whether I’m defending networks from threats or filling a dance floor with energy, my mission is always to bring value, build trust, and deliver excellence.
Looking back, the path has been anything but traditional—but that’s what makes it powerful. From Augusta to Atlanta, from IT labs to wedding receptions, from frat houses to Fortune 500 boardrooms, my journey has been about blending passions, serving people, and creating experiences that last a lifetime.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all—I was an entrepreneur when it wasn’t considered “cool.” Back then, choosing to build a business instead of sticking with the traditional corporate path was often looked down upon.
In 2017, I made a major leap: I left corporate and dedicated myself fully to building DJ Tay Productions. That decision came with real sacrifices. I missed family events, trips with friends, and a lot of the “normal” milestones people my age were experiencing. My focus was on learning the financial side of entrepreneurship, automating systems, and building a company that could scale beyond just me.
One of the hardest lessons was understanding how the corporate structure of payments worked—net 30, net 90, sometimes waiting three months to get paid for an event. There were many times I sacrificed my own paycheck to make sure my DJs and staff were paid on time. Taking care of my team was always a priority, even if it meant tightening my own belt.
Those years taught me discipline, resilience, and what it really takes to run a company. It’s more than just showing up and DJing—it’s about leadership, financial stewardship, and building systems that keep the business strong even in challenging seasons.
Looking back, those struggles were worth it because they shaped the company into what it is today: a trusted brand with multiple DJs, serving luxury wedding couples seeking a true musical experience, as well as corporate and social clients across the Southeast.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Through DJ Tay Productions, I specialize in creating musical experiences that go far beyond pressing play on a playlist. We focus on luxury wedding couples, corporate clients, and social celebrations who want more than just a DJ—they want a soundtrack that reflects their story, their culture, and their energy.
I’m most proud of building DJ Tay Productions into a team-based company, not just a one-man show. Along the way, I’ve connected with DJs who aligned with my vision. Many of them simply want to focus on their craft—DJing—while not dealing with contracts, logistics, and endless back-and-forth emails. For me, though, I’ve always enjoyed both sides: the art of DJing and the business of creating a great customer experience.
That passion for service actually comes from my IT career. I started out in a helpdesk role, where I learned how to solve problems, communicate clearly, and make people feel supported. I discovered I had a gift for being of service to others, and I’ve carried that same approach into my DJ business. We don’t just serve through music—we serve throughout the entire booking process, from the first email to the last song of the night.
What sets us apart is our attention to detail and professionalism. From consultations and planning calls to working with planners and venues, we deliver the same level of preparation and polish you’d expect from any luxury service provider. For me, it’s about making sure every couple or client feels cared for, both in the moments on the dance floor and in every interaction leading up to it.
At the end of the day, our mission is simple: to create memories that last a lifetime through music, sound, and lighting—while making the entire journey feel seamless and enjoyable.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Atlanta is the culture and opportunity. The city is a melting pot of music, business, and creativity—you can feel the energy everywhere. For me, Atlanta has been the perfect place to grow as both a DJ and a cybersecurity professional. There’s always an event, a networking opportunity, or a space to connect with people who are chasing big dreams. The diversity here fuels creativity, and the community supports you when you put in the work.
What I like least is the traffic—anyone who’s lived here will tell you that navigating Atlanta roads can test your patience. On a deeper level, I’d also say that the rapid growth of the city sometimes makes it harder for small businesses and creatives to get noticed. There’s so much happening that it takes real effort to stand out. But in the end, that challenge also pushes you to elevate your work and keep innovating.
Pricing:
- We offer customized packages based on the type of event, hours of coverage, and enhancements requested. Every celebration is unique, so we tailor pricing to fit the vision. In general:
- Luxury Weddings: Packages typically range from $3,500 – $8,500+, depending on coverage, enhancements (uplighting, cold sparks, additional DJs, etc.), and venue logistics.
- Corporate & Social Events: Packages often start around $2,500+, with rates adjusted for size, production needs, and hours.
- Enhancements: Add-ons such as intelligent lighting, photo booths, special FX and dance floors are available and quoted separately.
- We also work with clients to design packages that align with their budget while still delivering the luxury musical experience we’re known for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://DJTay.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DJTayProductions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DJTayProductions
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/djtayproductions
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@djtayproduction
- Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/DJTayProductions/
