Today we’d like to introduce you to Rahmar Duffy.
Hi Rahmar, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m an open-format DJ of 10 years, based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and hailing from St. Louis, USA. I like to think of myself as an artist/creative full circle, as I’ve worn a few different hats over the years. From dancer to model to designer, I’ve always been drawn to anything artistic and expressive. I grew up as the youngest of 3 siblings. I was the oddball nerdy little brother obsessed with music, cartoons, video games, anime, animals/nature, astronomy, etc. Going back to music—I’ve been a huge fan as long as I can remember. I can recall stories of my family telling me how the only way they could get me to go to sleep as a baby was by playing music and singing to me or spinning a few corners in the car with music playing. Very early on, music began to be a way for me to relive a moment in time through the sounds I was hearing when it happened (who I was with, how I felt, what I was wearing, what I smelled, what time of the day/year it was, etc.). I credit my late father with unknowingly making me into a DJ by shaping my appreciation for sound with his diverse music taste. With the encouragement of a late loved one (Melissa Machen) back in 2015, I began teaching myself how to DJ from scratch. I began on my iPad using the Djay app and then got my first controller, which was the Pioneer DDJ-WeGO. By April of the following year I had my first official set, which went amazingly, & the rest is history.
Alright, 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?
Absolutely nothing about this road has been smooth. I wouldn’t change a thing, however, because I’ve 100% earned my stripes and carved out a lane of my own at the same time. I’m a deeply stubborn, persistent Taurus that likes to get his way, and I wholeheartedly believe that energy has helped get me to where I am. Resilience, being a quick learner, and the ability to adapt have been so beneficial in my journey. Making a way out of no way is a superpower.
I’ve learned so many skills over the years out of pure necessity oftentimes. As an example, let’s say I’ve wanted to work with someone that specializes in something I’m needing—for one reason or another the outcome has consistently left me in a position where I’ve had to end up doing it myself or just be without, and the latter really isn’t an option. Luckily I’m a very DIY kind of guy and, again, incredibly stubborn, so once I set my mind to something, it’s getting done—likely with an attitude, lol.
I’ve had high highs over this past decade, but I’ve also had some low lows. I never thought about giving up, but it has been hard to keep going at times. Being the “life” of the party when you’re dealing with grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, etc. is polarizing. I’ve literally worked through some of the worst moments of my life, and I don’t think anyone even knew the difference.
As I’m getting older, I’m having to adjust to certain things that come with aging. My hearing is not the same as when I started. I’ve recently switched to in-ear monitors rather than over-the-ear headphones (such a good investment) to help me hear more accurately. You have to really begin prioritizing recovery because again, the back I had at 24 is not the same back I’m working with at 34. Setting up and breaking down feels a little different on the body now. 4+ hours of deejaying feels a little different on the body now. It’s a good idea to keep an optimal level of physical fitness, as it can be a bit demanding. The love of the craft and being a forever student has kept me coming back, however. The good outweighs the bad hands down.
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?
I’m at the intersection of some interesting walks of life. I’m a quintessential early 90s millennial, a gamer, a nerd, proudly bisexual, and unapologetically Black. I have 2 older siblings with an age gap between them and me, so I got exposed to their music tastes as well. I watched MTV, BET, and VH1 religiously growing up. I say these things to say I can relate to virtually anybody, which also translates musically. Due to my extensive musical knowledge, I can and have done a bit of everything. From packed-out bars/clubs, corporate events, weddings, festivals, birthday parties, art shows, fashion shows, restaurants, and everything in between. I would say my range is my superpower. DJing is super special because this craft gives me the chance to showcase the different sides of myself depending on what the gig demands. Oftentimes I have gigs where I can do whatever I want, which allows me to showcase all of who I am, which is so fulfilling as a multifaceted person.
I’m most proud of two things. The first being that I’m self-taught. I started from nothing and built this from the ground up brick by brick. Doing things completely wrong until I got them right is what got me here. I was not immediately good at this, but I wanted to be, and I worked my butt off until I was. Nobody can take that from me. The second being that I’m someone’s favorite DJ. That’s so special. That means to me that we understand sound on the same level. How beautiful is that? It’s such a high honor that I promise to always give it my all and keep improving!
The thing that sets me apart is my “LEFT FiELD” approach. You never quite know what’s coming next at the end of a transition, but you’ll always enjoy the journey taken to get there. It brings me so much joy to play the music people didn’t know they needed or wanted to hear when they go out. I consider my sets an odyssey through genres, regions, and time. I like to think the people that enjoy me the most are music lovers and people who love to dance. I aim for my sets to feel like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. I think I do a great job of achieving that.
What are your plans for the future?
Thankfully the biggest change has already occurred at the beginning of the year with my name change/rebrand. The future definitely ties into that. If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be “expansion.” I want to take this thing to the stars up in outer space. I’m manifesting fun gigs, unique gigs, impactful gigs, life-changing gigs, and once-in-a-lifetime gigs. I also would like to get back into throwing events as well; I have so many ideas I’d love to bring to life. I’m looking forward to any/every good to come my way.
In testing out merch ideas, I’ve also begun a wardrobe of my own branding, which has been so exciting. Getting to put on my designer hat in 2026 feels great. Learning the processes of DTF printing and actually heat pressing garments myself has been super rewarding. It’s always a humbling experience to be completely new at something. I happily embrace that part of the experience because I love growth and looking back at my progress. I’m not rushing anything either. I’m so focused on everything I do being intentional and of high quality. I don’t want to waste precious resources in any capacity, so any product I put out, I want it to be something useful and something that can be kept for a long time, if not forever.
So to wrap it all up. World domination but like in the cutest way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.circo.me/DJLEFTFiELD515
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DJLEFTFiELD515
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DJLEFTFiELD515
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@djleftfield515
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djleftfield515
