Today we’d like to introduce you to J Wayne Pringle Jr.
J Wayne, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I knew I loved music, however, I COULD NOT SING. Through my junior high and high school years, I was in a band- including marching band in high school. I just loved music of all types. In college, my music love grew and expanded even more learning and adapting to different cultures and genres of music and that’s when I knew I wanted to have a career in music. Being that, I couldn’t sing and I knew that I did not want to play an instrument anymore, I was lost. One day, I connected with one of my music mentors which were DJ’ing at that time and he asked me did I want to help him with carrying some crates. I was in college and figured why not it’s something to do. My first night with him we took a road trip to a club he was guest DJ’ing at and I felt that “ahh” moment of knowing how to connect my love for music and be happy doing it. As time went on, I continued to follow him and learn the trade going from an assistant to being able to open up or even fill in if he needed a break. After college, I moved back to Dallas and I really didn’t touch anything with DJ’ing for about five years. One day, I was at a pawn shop and I saw some equipment and decided to purchase it, I went home and started practicing and at that moment, I was hooked. I did not tell anyone what I was doing, one day someone asked me did I know a DJ? I thought to myself why not and I said I was, and at that moment, I booked my first event as a solo DJ. That was 18 years ago today.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been smooth, it started out as a challenge. My initial challenge was choosing not to do clubs or anything related as I wanted to be a Gospel and Christian DJ. I did not know where to begin, from finding music or platforms to spread the music I wanted my following to be based on. The internet became my best friend from finding music and artist to other DJ’s that openly stated they were G&C DJ’s. I began to connect with these DJ’s to start networking and music sharing- it was during these connections I found my first G&C coalition called Higher Ground, which it was also a record pool for strictly G&C music. I felt I finally had a place I belonged. Not too long after, I connected with my current DJ Coalition, FLEET DJ’S in which I am a proud member of the Gospel Division. It was here that I received the opportunity to get the first online radio show that allowed me to showcase my love for music and spin the music I dedicated myself to promoting. Soon after, this opportunity was granted, I felt doors opening and more opportunities began to arise. Today, I am a 100% 1sixteenDJ, which is derived from Romans 1:16-unashamed of the Gospel.
We’d love to hear more about your craft and what you do.
theStylishDJ is my stage name, under the NuSoundz of Muzik Entertainment Group aka NuSomE for short. NuSomE was branded to promote G&C music that showcases new sounds in the G&C community while continuing to represent Christ. I grew up in the church so it was natural for me to want to promote the same genre of music. One of my tag names is #ChurchBoi, which proclaims the unashamed opportunity to spread the Gospel in a musical format. My favorite style of music to mix on one of my radio shows is “churchy” music. What is churchy? This is the fast-paced, hand clapping music, backed by choirs, heavy drums, keys, and guitars. While on the other hand I have been known for ChurchBoi Fridays since joining the Fleet Gospel team. ChurchBoi Friday’s is a playlist of tracks that gives the vibe of “funky” beats and lyrics from Christian Hip Hop artist, which coincidentally is the exact opposite of my favorite style. The title ChurchBoi Friday was created from the stereotype that church music has to sound a certain way, however, CBF proves that Christian music can be enjoyed even on a night like a Friday without compromising beliefs. I believe the opportunity to express the two types of music, chh and gospel to an audience that may not be familiar with churchy or Christian Hip Hop (CHH) sets me apart. I want to open doors for young as well as old when they hear my mixes and know that the love of God is being represented.
NuSoundz specializes in live performances in partnership with Rightway Management & Sound Group. This team allows for the growth of independent artist of the Gospel, Christian and CHH community. As an individual, I am known for church events, weddings, community, and corporate events. January 2019, I had the honor as the host DJ for the annual RWMS Gospel and Christian Hip Hop Cruise. I have a number of online radio shows including Fleet Gospel radio, iWorship96 FM radio and Hanzdown Radio in Dallas TX that broadcast my gospel and chh mixes internationally.
NuSoundz is different from other companies in the fashion that although profit is great when running a business, this is a ministry for me and we work differently in terms of finances and operations. Many of my clients are repeat clients because of the one on one arrangements that are established. Each event is catered to the request and detail of each client down to a tailored playlist or a desired custom flow for the occasion.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, as the 2nd to the oldest, let’s just say I was the guinea pig and trouble maker combined. I was quiet and talkative at the same time. If I knew you, it was a constant conversation but if I was unsure about you or did not know you it was a staring contest about to happen. I was and still am very inquisitive if I am unsure I will ask a million and one questions until I am satisfied. I loved to tear apart electronics to see what they looked like, no idea what I was looking for and actually had no desire to be in electronics, but it was something about opening up and looking inside.
I feel like of all my brothers and one sister, I think I have the personality closest to my dad. I can recall growing up always watching my dad stay busy working and doing what he loved doing and that is what I do to this day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thestylishdj.com
- Phone: 469-562-3971
- Email: thestylishdj@gmail.com
- Instagram: thestylishdj
- Facebook: thestylishdj
- Twitter: thestylishdj1
Image Credit:
Rightway Management and Sound Group; For His Glory Promotions (FHG Promotions)
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.
