Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyler (UnknownProject) Kim.
Hi Kyler (UnknownProject), so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Ever since I was a kid, I had two big dreams: becoming a professional esports player or becoming an artist and DJ. I ended up giving up on the dream of becoming a professional esports player when I started college in 2016 at the University of California, Irvine.
In December 2016, after my first quarter of college ended, I attended my first rave concert in Santa Ana, California, during Illenium’s Ashes Tour. Before going to the show, I told myself that if I didn’t have a great time, I would give up on the idea of becoming an artist and DJ. Instead, I ended up having one of the best nights of my life. From that moment on, I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
From 2016 to 2018, I was a bedroom DJ while attending college. Between 2019 and 2020, I joined a fraternity and began DJing parties for fraternity events. I graduated in 2020 during the peak of the COVID-19 lockdowns and moved back to the DFW area for the third time. This move had a clear purpose: to pursue my dream of becoming a professional DJ.
I practiced every day, and in 2021, I began attending open deck events. Eventually, I connected with my first promoter in Arlington, who gave me an opportunity to perform on one of his lineups. My first show was at a bar in Denison, Texas, and that was where my DJ career truly began.
From there, I continued attending open decks, networking, and becoming more involved in the DFW rave community. Between 2021 and 2024, I experienced plenty of highs and lows. There were many moments of self-doubt, and honestly, those doubts still exist from time to time. However, I realized that I needed to stop focusing on worry and start putting that energy into taking action.
Fast forward to 2025, and I had to change my DJ name from Avian to UnknownProject because there was already an established artist performing under the name Avian. Despite the rebrand, 2025 became a very good year for my career. The countless hours spent networking, supporting events, and building relationships started to pay off. I was part of a collective where I helped organize events and book local talent throughout the DFW scene.
Now, in 2026, I’ve experienced moments at shows that made me realize this dream can truly become a reality. The branding behind my current project is finally coming together. The quality of shows I’m performing at continues to improve, and the crowds keep getting bigger. It’s still surreal to think that I started as a bedroom DJ in college with nothing but a passion for music, and now I’m performing at some of the same venues that have hosted artists I look up to.
One thing I’ve learned throughout this journey is that you can’t lose if you never give up. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the promoters, friends, and fellow DJs who have supported me along the way.
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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road.
When I moved back to DFW, I had no idea how to get booked for shows. I started creating mixes and uploading them to SoundCloud, but that alone wasn’t leading to opportunities. I attended open deck events and continued practicing, but I still wasn’t getting booked.
Everything changed when I met the first promoter who was willing to give me a chance. Even then, the journey remained a grind. There were long nights, countless hours of work without immediate results, and increasing competition as more talented DJs entered the DFW scene each year.
Early in my career, I faced plenty of rejection and often received no response at all when reaching out for opportunities. Looking back, those experiences taught me some of the most valuable lessons. I learned how to stay patient, remain persistent, and keep moving forward even when progress wasn’t obvious. Over time, I got to see the results of that dedication come to life simply by refusing to quit.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
First and foremost, I’m a fan of the music before I’m an artist.
I’m known for playing bass music with high energy, including dubstep, brostep, melodic bass, future bass, trap, hybrid trap, hardwave, and jersey club. My DJing style is heavily influenced by the festivals and events I experienced while living in California. At the same time, I can comfortably switch gears and play progressive house, bass house, and big room sets in the 124–130 BPM range.
What sets me apart from many DJs in my local scene is that my sound is different from the large number of riddim, house, and experimental bass artists currently performing. I focus on creating a unique experience every time I step behind the decks. No two sets are exactly the same, and I make a conscious effort to bring fresh music and new ideas to every performance.
What I’m most proud of is the growth of my career and the journey it took to get here. I often reflect on the fact that I moved my life back to DFW specifically to pursue this dream. Seeing that decision slowly pay off makes every challenge along the way worthwhile.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something many people don’t know about me is that I’m half Korean and half White. I was born in Seoul, South Korea, and have lived in several different places throughout my life. I’ve lived in the DFW area three separate times, spent seven years living in Germany, attended high school in Alabama, and went to college in California.
Having lived in so many different places has given me a unique perspective and has influenced both who I am as a person and the way I connect with people through music.
Pricing:
- $50
- $75
- $100
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/unknownprojectx
- Twitter: https://x.com/UnknownProjct
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@UnknownProjct
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/unknownprojectx
- Other: imunknownproject@gmail.com
Image Credits
Shotsbyaus10
Riddim_and_frames
Madebygeelou
