Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Phifer.
Corey, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In college, I was the go-to graphic designer, and promoter. I got burned out of throwing parties, so I bought myself a set of turntables. I spent the whole summer of 2008 learning how to Dj. Once I felt comfortable enough to tell people I was a DJ, I moved to Dallas and launched my Dj career.
With the right connections, I was asked to DJ at SXSW, as well as Dj for 20,000 people at the Urban Music Festival in Austin Tx. With only a few weekly residencies, I quit my job and took on Djing full time. Having made several connections with DJs, and promoters in other cities, the traveling aspect came into play in 2011.
Never looking back, my goal was to be the traveling Dj from Texas, as we didn’t have a Dj in the state that was doing it at that level. Over the years, I have Dj’d in Barcelona, Thailand, Haiti, Jamaica, Canada, Aruba, and a growing list of other international destinations.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Some of the challenges were ridiculous. From being the new face coming behind legendary DJs, the respect was not always there. I could be booked in various cities, but when it came back to spinning here, I was often put in a box because of my style of Djing. I never adapted my style, I just continued to market myself and grow.
As the destinations kept coming, people started believing in my style and booking me quite frequently. The challenges became about scheduling. As of lately, always being on the road, it’s been hard to keep weekend residencies. That is a challenge I’ve taken on with a smile on my face.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
As Dj Phife (some call me International Phife) I specialize in providing a global experience every time I spin. I’m able to include multiple genres of music and entertain everyone unlike none other.
As far as travel, I am often booked for destination trips, group trips, and festivals. I’m most proud of the “international phife” brand, because there was no blueprint, neither was their anyone to pass me a torch to run with. I dreamed it and achieved it.
What sets me apart from other DJs, is that I am going to uniquely be me regardless of where I’m spinning, and whom I’m spinning for; providing an entertaining experience regardless.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is defined by my happiness and staying busy working on my career. If I’m not happy, how can I be successful? I’ve sought out to be happy, as opposed to making money as my marker for success.
The money will always be there, as you have to continue to stay booked. Knowing I’ve built a sought after brand, the more I travel for work, and the bigger the festivals and events get, I will continue to grow and be successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.djphife.com
- Phone: 214-901-1422
- Email: booking@djphife.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/therealdjphife
- Facebook: facebook.com/therealdjphife
- Twitter: twitter.com/therealdjphife
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
