We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful DJ Turn Up. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with DJ below.
DJ, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I didn’t know I wanted to be in this field until I was 18. Before then I wanted to be in video games (like video game designing), but it’s when I went to South Carolina State University in 2011-2012 on a band scholarship, is when I discovered that field is VERY COMPLICATED & this art of DJing fell in my lap thanks to my crab brother (A person who joined the Marching Band in the same year as you did) DJ Donosouf. I was able to bring that skill back home & it took a second to take off but when it did, IT DID.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is DJ Turn Up I’m originally from West Covina, California, moved to Stone Mountain, Georgia when I was 12. I was in the band in middle, high school, & 1 year in college. Like I said my crab brother DJ Donosouf show me how easy it was to get the software on my computer & I was able to test my skills at some parties around campus & then in 2016, I was able to take this full time & honestly that’s what I’m most proud of is that I don’t need to do anything else to help me financially. I feel like what separates me from other DJs is that I strive for excellence, pushing boundaries to avoid complacency. I want the world to know that my brand is built on a foundation of relentless improvement and a fierce commitment to the joy of music.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
So from 2012 to 2016, I worked for the Boys & Girls Club but at the same time I was DJing an internet radio show. So one day my boss called me into the office & told me “you can either keep working here or you can do your radio show” & so I walked out. So within 3 to 4 months between networking & my skills & ability, I was djing at a skating rink & a Gentleman’s Club.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a DJ is bringing joy and excitement to people’s lives through music, and seeing the positive impact it has on their emotions and experiences. I love that people work hard for their money and choose to spend it on coming to see me perform, and that some even become regulars. What really makes my day is when I can surprise them by seamlessly mixing in their favorite song, and they don’t even notice at first. But then, the moment they realize what’s playing, their faces light up, and they react with excitement. Knowing I’ve made their night extra special, just by playing the right song at the right time, is incredibly fulfilling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dj-turn-up-merchandise.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djtuurnuup?igsh=MWF6MGF3N3NscG9hbw==
- Twitter: https://x.com/TuurnUup?t=jARy_7t3tODoYgRhJ_9tSw&s=09
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@djtuurnuup?si=hlyChcscXjJwMkcq
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/xTxjC
Image Credits
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