Today we’d like to introduce you to Derick Abram.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started DJing back in 1992 with a high school classmate. I would help carry his record crates at different parties and when he would go to the restroom, I would step in and play a few songs until he came back. I saved up and bought my own DJ equipment and started DJing my own parties and events. During that time, I was also an intern at Motown Records, Def Jam Records, and a few other record labels. This put me in touch with a lot of celebrities so when I got to college, I started going on tour with some of them while also DJing college parties.
My connections over the years grew as I started to DJ more and in different cities. I’ve lived in various cities including Atlanta, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach, and now Dallas. I’ve traveled all over the US and abroad DJing all types of events including weddings, corporate events, galas, banquets, fashion shows, sports events, celebrity events, school events, tours, and more. I’m an OPEN FORMAT DJ, meaning I play all genres of music. I base my music on the type of event I’m doing and the audience that will be in attendance. My favorite style of music is jazz. My favorite music artist and the song is Miles Davis “Summertime”.
I listen to all genres of music including hip hop/rap, R&B, reggae/dancehall, techno, house, dubstep/trap/EDM, pop, rock, classical, salsa/bachata/cumbia/etc, ambient, and basically anything that has a nice feel to it. I would love to be the first DJ to play in space. I’m following my childhood dream of becoming an astronaut by studying Aerospace Engineering to get my Ph.D. (in 9 years or so).
For years, my DJ name was DJ Shadow but when I started pursuing my astronaut dream I decided that on New Years Day back in 2017 I would change my name to DJ Astronaut. And now the journey is in full swing and can’t wait to achieve the ultimate dream of DJing in space while becoming an actual astronaut.
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 remember being in college and getting booed at a nightclub because I didn’t understand the culture of a nightclub DJ. After that night, I did some major research and found what I needed to play to keep the crowds happy and it’s paid off very well now, haha. I remember also trying to find nightclubs to DJ at in Dallas and that was not an easy road because most clubs already had their preferred DJs so just trying to get in the Dallas scene was a bit more tough than any other city.
But now that I do more corporate events and weddings, my schedule stays full throughout the year. It feels good to have work booked out 2 years in advance. This makes me love being my own boss. I used to do DJing part time and full time at certain parts of my life but after working a horrible daytime job and being micro-managed, I decided to take a leap of faith and do DJing full time.
After that leap, I’ve been coasting ever since and never looked back. I told myself I would never work for a company that never values me again. Sometimes it can be a bit boring when I had no work during the week but I use that free time to promote and market my business.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about DJ Astronaut – what should we know?
I’m a DJ that can make any party a fun one. I MC all of my events and I specialize in versatility with my music catalog. What sets me apart is that I don’t play one style of music but rather multiple genres which cater to a bigger audience. Also, the fact that I still use real turntables with a needle and record make people really pay attention to my craft.
Yes, I have a laptop that’s connected to my turntables but that’s where all of my music is stored. It’s easier and less pain on my back to no longer have to worry about traveling with super heavy crates of records. I’m very proud of the fact that I run my own business and make myself happy doing so. It’s taught me how to manage time, money, and connections. I’m still learning so much every new day.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My success is attributed to growing up with music in my life as a band member playing the snare at Lincoln High School in South Dallas and also in college playing the drums for the World Famed Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band. Also, my connections in the music industry paved a way for me to meet people and go places that a normal person would never see. And finally, my natural ability to network with any and everyone I meet.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1626 Stoneman Street Dallas, TX 75215
- Website: www.thedjastronaut.com
- Phone: (469) 471-3536
- Email: thedjastronaut@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thedjastronaut
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/djastronaut
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/thedjastronaut
Image Credit:
Emmitt Smith, Oprah Winfrey, Joel Osteen, Floyd Mayweather, & Rebel Wilson
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