We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jonathan McKenzie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jonathan below.

Alright, Jonathan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

As a teenager, I first heard it on the radio, and when I finally got the chance to see it in person, I thought to myself, ‘I wonder if I could make people dance too.’ That moment sparked my passion and set me on this journey. At 17, I played my first public set at a house party, and from there my love for DJing only grew.

I wouldn’t change or speed up my learning process, because every step shaped the artist I am today. Each obstacle became an opportunity to grow. Along the way, I picked up essential skills: humility from DJ Moe, showmanship from DJ Craig, and the business side from DJ Mike Ice. Together, these lessons molded not just the artist, but also the man I’ve become.

The greatest challenge I faced in learning was time. I’ve always been eager to learn more and remain an open vessel for knowledge in my craft. But no matter how much I take in, I often feel there’s never enough time to master everything I want to. Still, that hunger to grow keeps me pushing forward.

Jonathan , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a guy from the Cherry Hill projects of Baltimore City who used music as a stepping stone to rise above my environment and expand my worldview. Both of my parents were musically inclined, so music was always around me, but I didn’t know how to channel that love at first. Eventually, I realized I wanted to be the one behind the turntables—the guy who played the music that made people dance.

I remember hearing a DJ cutting and scratching on the radio, and that moment lit a fire in me. I started saving, investing in equipment and records, and building my craft. Over time, I grew not only into a DJ, but also a music producer and sound engineer.

This journey was fueled in part by personal trials—even my first serious girlfriend leaving me pushed me to pour more into my passion. Today, I’m proud to be respected in my city, recognized in other states, and known as a talented DJ who turned challenges into opportunities.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was understanding that people don’t always treat your items and equipment the way you would. I had to come to terms with the fact that the investments I made—whether it was gear or equipment—were my responsibility, and I couldn’t expect others to care for them in the same way. I learned the hard way that letting someone borrow something without being there with them could result in damage, loss, or misuse. It made me realize that my belongings needed to be protected, and I had to take control over who I entrusted them to.

Another thing I had to unlearn was the idea that expensive gear automatically made someone a better DJ or professional. There was a time when I thought that if someone was using top-of-the-line equipment, they must have been more skilled. But after talking to a few people, I quickly discovered that many of them didn’t know how to use their fancy gear at all. This experience taught me not to make assumptions based on appearances. Just because someone’s carrying high-end equipment doesn’t mean they know how to handle it—or even know what they’re doing with it. It’s kind of like seeing someone with a book in their hands that has a romantic couple on the cover. You might think it’s a love story, but once you open it, you realize it’s something completely different. Looks can be deceiving, and the true value lies in what’s inside, whether that’s a person’s skill or the functionality of a piece of equipment.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative is witnessing people’s reactions to what I’ve created. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about seeing others connect with your work, whether it’s through music, art, or any form of expression. It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t just about the process—it’s about how it resonates with others.

Another aspect I love is the ability to control a crowd with the music I play. There’s a real power in being able to set the tone and guide the energy of a space. I get a thrill from watching people lose themselves in the rhythm, seeing them get lost in the beat and just enjoying the moment. There’s something magical about creating that kind of connection through sound, and watching everyone come together to just dance and be present.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.djdeek.biz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DEEK1210/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@djdeek1200