Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon Nyberg.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jon. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always loved music, and from a young age, I also enjoyed live performances of any type. As I grew up and tried different instruments, I couldn’t even find one that I really enjoyed. When I was around 10, I went to my first rap concert and saw the DJ warming up the crowd before the show. I was very curious as to what went into DJing, and within six months of that, I bought my first controller and began to dabble in mixing and turntablism. This was the only hobby I never grew out of, throughout middle and high school, I began to DJ parties, dances, and a few other events. When I graduated and went to college, I took a small break from my hobby to focus on school, but soon realized that I could make more money from doing what I loved than by working any sort of “normal” job. As I got back into being an event DJ, I really desired to DJ true shows. However, for about another year and a half, nothing really happened. It wasn’t until the beginning of 2019 that I began to make connections in the music industry, and make friends (mostly rappers) who would bring me along for shows. Since the beginning of this year, I have done over 50 shows in multiple states and met some amazing and incredibly talented people, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has actually gotten harder as I take this more and more seriously. When it was just a hobby, I would turn down shows I didn’t feel like doing, and I didn’t charge much at all. Now that I am beginning to make a career out of music, I have to take the business side much more seriously, and that leads to lots of headaches. Another problem has been balancing time between my music schedule (which is becoming quite hectic) and my friends and family. The third and biggest struggle is to keep a humble attitude and stay grounded in the fact that I do music not just to show people a good time, but also to show people an appropriate alternative to certain types of parties. I was raised in a Christian home, my dad is actually a pastor! This kept me from going to many raves and wild parties growing up, but as I continue to do larger and more energetic shows, I want people to come and absolutely rage, but do so while not breaking any laws! This does sometimes give me a big head, however, as I begin to have true fans, I need to remind myself that my goal is not to make myself look great, but to make the God I serve look great.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a freelance DJ, specializing in backing up rap or any artists that need a DJ, and also in any event where a DJ is needed specifically to turn the crowd up. I don’t mind doing weddings, dances, other events, but I prefer to not be a background DJ. (Essentially a standing playlist.)
I am most proud of the ways I have been able to show younger audiences (young teens – young adults) that there are alternatives to the traditional party and that you can give up drugs/alcohol without compromising on the absolute insanity that comes with the type of events I DJ at.
As far as what I am known for or what sets me apart, I think the biggest thing is the energy myself and my friends bring to the shows we do. We have performed for 15 people and 1500 people, but regardless, by the end of the night, every single person is drenched in sweat and absolutely exhausted.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I could start over, I would have never taken a break from doing shows, and begun to give myself more credit sooner. It took me a very long time to have the confidence to call myself a DJ. I was embarrassed that what I did was not what most people want to do, and it hurt my business at the beginning.
Pricing:
- Base show fee: $500 (does not include lights or speakers)
- Light package: $150
- Speaker package: $100
Contact Info:
- Address: 3000 mountain creek parkway, Dallas, TX 75211
- Phone: 469-400-2925
- Email: jonny.jeff1@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonnyjeff_/
Image Credit:
CapturedbyJacob, John Morrell, Jacob Roberson, Joshua Salermon
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