Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Larry Watts. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Larry, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Man, I don’t even remember a time when music wasn’t part of me. Since a lil’ toddler, I been singing songs, makin’ noise anything that sound like rhythm. Music was an escape for me when I just needed it to breathe.

I always loved the art of DJing. Growing up, I was that kid watchin’ all them 80s and 90s movies: House Party, Beat Street, Disorderlies. lol But Juice changed everything for me! When I saw Q behind them turntables, scratching like his life depended on it, I feel in love that day.

Early 2000s I downloaded Virtual DJ just to play around. I didn’t know nothin’ about BPMs, transitions, or none of that. I was tryin’ to mimic the great DJ Screw, slowing songs down & blending ‘em. Sounded terrible though! My girlfriend and roommates at the time, she used to get so mad, like “turn that noise off!” But I ain’t care though, I was learning, experimenting, or what I know now as falling in love with the craft.

If I knew then what I know now, I’d tell myself to learn to count first. Every song ever made got a 4-count. Four notes make one bar. Once I learned that, man, everything clicked! I could mix any song into any other song, don’t matter the genre.

And I’d tell the new DJs out there don’t rush it. For real. Let the process build you. DJing started as a hobby for me, just me wanting to share the music I love with the world. If I could talk to my younger self, I’d say, “Have a plan, bro. Take your time. It ain’t no shortcuts to nothing worth learning.”

The most important skills? I’d say learning to listen. Not just to the crowd or the music, but to yourself. RECORD YOUR MIXES, lol! Go back and hear your mistakes. That’s how you grow.

Biggest obstacle? Easy! Comparing myself to other DJs. That’ll mess you up fast. Everybody got their own style, their own lane. Once I stopped doin’ that, I started bein’ me. And that’s when I was really able to take off.

Larry, 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 Larry “DJ Beamz” Watts, and I’m the heart and soul behind Watts Entertainment. With music running through my veins and a genuine love for creating unforgettable moments, I’ve been bringing energy, creativity, and passion to events across Evansville and beyond since 2016 (though my DJ roots go way back).

My journey began at school. I used to create mixtapes and always asked to play music at basement parties. Music has always been my 1st love . In 2012, I began offering DJ services locally, and in 2016 I officially founded Watts Entertainment (although is has gone through many different name changes). Since then, I’ve grown into a trusted name for weddings, private parties, school dances, corporate functions.

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

For me, It’s when somebody walks up and asks, “Yo, what song was that?” or “Who is this?” Clean transitions & tight blends is the new standard. That’s just what DJs do now. But its rewarding when you’ve spent hours digging through crates, curating a vibe, trying to read the room before you even step in it, and then you drop something that makes somebody stop mid-convo to ask what’s playing? That’s the moment. That’s when you know you’re connecting.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Honestly, word of mouth has been the biggest source of new clients for me. I’m super grateful for the people who speak my name with high esteem! That truly means a lot, and I’m always humbled by it. There’s something powerful about someone trusting you enough to recommend you for one of the biggest days of someone else’s life. That kind of support keeps me going.

Google is definitely my close second. I’ve put a lot of work into my SEO, (and it’s paying off) but people are finding me online who’ve never heard of me before. Having that digital funnel in place for new leads is clutch, but nothing beats the respect and reputation that comes from real people sharing good experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wattsent.com
• Instagram: @djbeamz & @wattsentmt
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/WattsEnt
• Soundcloud: IamBEAMZ

Image Credits

Gray Suit – Fearless Shots Photography

All Black suit – Quaid Walker Photography

Black suit on mic – instagram @wowitsomar