Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Dawn.
DJ Dawn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
What I love the most about my journey is that I spoke DJ Dawn into existence long before I got booked for my first gig. I literally started from the bottom with no experience, equipment, or supporters. Me and a friend were brainstorming New Year’s Eve of 2017 about ways we can really express ourselves outside of our 9-5’s going into the new year. Up until then, I just did everything my parents told me. I graduated from college, got a “good” job, and was at the height of my career traveling to LA almost every other week. I just felt like I really wasn’t using my God-given gifts and talents. I’ve always had a passion for music in general, especially genre-bending sounds, and I dabbled in beat making and songwriting in the past. I just never thought I could really go anywhere with it. But after trying to learn on my own, I finally decided to go to DJ school. Shoutout to the sensei Jay Clipp and everyone at Keep Spinning DJ Academy. Fast forward, I’ve been DJing a little over two years now and I’ve had some experiences that rival those who have been DJing for decades. I’ve performed at venues such as the historic Granada Theatre, The House of Blues in downtown Dallas. For high profile individuals such as celebrity stylist J. Bolin. For TV networks like TV One, and for big brands like Kendra Scott and Costco corporate. I’ve also had the honor of being the official DJ for the inaugural Forte Awards and I’m an active member of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. All those experiences are truly a blessing.
Great, 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?
I think it’s challenging starting anything new and there were so many learning curves. I remember this one time a friend tagged me in a post on Facebook for someone looking for a DJ. The guy reached out and we had a couple of conversations, discussed my rates, and all of that. The day of the gig, I just had this gut feeling to reach out before I left my apartment. This was after I had already loaded up all my equipment… in the rain. The guy didn’t answer, so of course I kept trying to reach him. After a few more attempts he finally picked up and said he forgot his brother already booked a DJ and hung up. I called back and left a message with a few choice words then I picked up the homies and pulled up on him. Not really though *laughs* I just put him on blast on Facebook and he blocked me. Ever since then, I promised myself I wouldn’t treat DJ Dawn solely as a creative outlet, but I’d take things to the next level and establish a business. I didn’t waste any time putting together an electronic agreement that protects me and whoever I’m working with. I send invoices and I request a deposit upfront. I also have consultation calls and even go on site to see the venue for bigger events like weddings. It has been a learning process but I’ve always possessed a strong business acumen.
DJ Dawn – what else should we know? What sets you apart from the competition?
Well, I’m a mobile DJ that performs all over the DFW metroplex. My personal sound is heavily influenced by experimental indie, electronic music, alternative hip hop and pop, and chillwave but I can play anything. I’ve done the club and bar scene and although it’s fun, as wife a and mother of a 4-month old I find myself doing more corporate events, weddings, and cause-driven things in the nonprofit sector. Oh, and I love doing events that empower women, especially conferences. I invest a large portion of time researching my audience before I spin somewhere but in the end, you’ve got to trust yourself and feel the people. Ultimately, what sets me apart is that I already had the degree, experience, and ability to run my own business then I brought that to my creative outlet rather than the inverse. I have such a level balance that makes me adaptable in any environment and I strive to keep integrity at the forefront of everything I do. My journey as DJ Dawn has taught me a lot, the only thing I regret is not starting sooner.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment has been my personal growth over the years and doing more and more weddings. Wedding’s are so special! To be a part of bringing that to life is something I used to only dream about. Now it seems like I receive a wedding inquiry almost every other day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.whoisdjdawn.com
- Email: bookdjdawn@gmail.com
- Instagram: @whoisdjdawn
- Facebook: facebook.com/whoisdjdawn
- Twitter: @whoisdjdawn
- Other: www.soundcloud.com/djdawnofficial
Image Credit:
Orlando Valentino
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