Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Phifer
Hi Corey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
During my time in school in Austin, Texas, I made a name for myself as a nightlife promoter, booking major acts like Drake, DJ Paul & Juicy J, Gorilla Zoe, Devin The Dude, the And 1 Streetball Team, and many others. Eventually, I decided to switch gears and learn to DJ. In 2009, I moved back to Dallas, launched my DJ career, and quickly landed gigs for NBA All-Star Weekend and Super Bowl Weekend. From that point on, I never looked back.
Since then, I’ve played at major nightclubs across the U.S. and internationally in cities like Barcelona, Paris, Bangkok, Dubai, and Toronto. By leveraging the professional relationships I built through years of promoting events and supporting others, I’ve been able to create a lifestyle sustained by my talent. I can confidently say I didn’t become a DJ for the money—it’s always been about my passion for music and entertainment.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The challenges in my career started early. Finding a good work-life balance became the real job, more than the work itself. Managing taxes was another struggle, to the point where I had to hire an accountant to keep my business finances in order. On top of that, missing family events, holidays, and barely spending any time at home was tough when I was DJing 4-5 nights a week consistently. And as for trying to have a love life—let’s just say that was nearly impossible! It was hard juggling the demands of keeping crowds happy while still trying to maintain relationships and carve out time for myself.
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?
As a DJ, I specialize in creating unforgettable experiences by blending diverse genres of music to keep the energy high and the crowd engaged. I’ve been fortunate to perform at major events like NBA All-Star Weekend and Super Bowl Weekend, as well as in top clubs around the world. What sets me apart is my ability to read a crowd and adapt in real-time, ensuring that every set is unique and tailored to the vibe of the event.
What I’m most proud of is my staying power—my longevity in the industry. In a field that’s constantly evolving, I’ve been able to maintain a successful career, consistently booked for major events and venues. My journey began as a nightlife promoter, which gave me a deep understanding of the business side of entertainment. That knowledge, combined with my passion for music, has allowed me to stand out and thrive for years.
Above all, my love for music and entertainment drives me. It’s never been just about playing tracks—it’s about crafting an experience that resonates with people long after the night is over.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Having a mentor as a DJ can be tricky. You want to avoid becoming a carbon copy of someone else. DJing is all about creativity and entertaining people in your own unique way. It’s great to have DJs you look up to and learn from, but the goal should always be to surpass what your idols have achieved. This is what makes your journey unique and your sets stand out. One of the biggest pet peeves among DJs is hearing someone else replicate their sets or use their unique song combinations. The key is to always be original!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internationalphife/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealdjphife
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS7Rvr7s_Dk-DZUNkoy8rsA
