As I rekindle my blogging activity, I can’t help but reflect on how far this journey has brought me. I’m almost two years removed from my “9-5” as a High School Chemistry Teacher and so much has happened since June 2012. To name a few:
- Official Host of 2 National Tours with Stalley of Maybach Music (one with Kendrick Lamar – 2012 and another with Lupe Fiasco – 2013)
- Appeared on BET’s 106 and Park 5 times as a guest DJ
- Became the Official DJ for the Indiana Pacers
- Toured Internationally 5 times
- Deejayed the NCAA Final Four 4 in Atlanta 2013
- Headlined the Kentucky Derby 2013
- Hosted Rock The Bells in LA and San Francisco (2013 – Main-stage)
- Deejayed for World-Reknown Fashion Designer, Prabal Gurung, during New York Fashion Week 2014
- Deejayed CIAA Weekend in Charlotte, NC 2 years straight (2013-2014)
- Headlined The #WovenHouse at SXSW (South by Southwest) in Austin, TX 2014
Though it seems as if I’ve accomplished a lot in such a short amount of time, none of it is possible without keeping God first, having a strong work ethic, support from family and friends, and not being afraid to take risks.
When I left my job in 2012 to become a full-time DJ, I was taking a huge leap of faith. Pursuing a music career is one of the toughest jobs to be successful at. As a college graduate with a couple degrees, I had benefits, a steady income, and enjoyed deejaying as a side hustle. However, I really wanted to see how far I could take deejaying if I gave it 100% of my attention, so I did.
I want to be very clear about something, I didn’t just wake up one day and decide, “Oh hey, I’m going to quit my job and become a DJ!” Though it was a risk, it was extremely calculated. I weighed the pros and cons of each, evaluated the progress I’d made as a DJ as well as “projected” income at that point, prayed, then made the decision. One thing about the up and coming process, and the music industry as a whole, is the “eating what you kill” mentality. If you don’t work, you don’t eat.
Now that I am where I am, my hunger to be greater is stronger than ever. I can’t wait to see what the future holds! Feel free to comment with any questions you may have.
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Wendell
March 20, 2014 (07:56)
First I want to say congrats on all of your success! In the short time that I got to know you personally, I knew you would be successful. Your post are daily inspiration to keep grinding; making beats, making music, doing video and photography work. Even with your busy schedule, when I text you I almost always receive a message back and I appreciate that. Secondly, being that you have made numerous connections in the industry, how would one go about getting contacts to submit tracks to artist? Other being persistent, what should I be doing or not doing? Again, thank you for the constant reminder that dreams do come true.