Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aspen Spencer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Aspen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
For the first three years, DJing was my side gig. I had a full-time job that paid the bills, and DJing was something I did out of passion and because someone offered my $50 to DJ my first ever gig—I started out by playing small local clubs, DJing for local artist, and whatever else I could get. It was a slow grind, but I was building my name in the Portland scene, taking every opportunity to sharpen my skills and expand my network.
Then, in early 2024, I got fired from my job. It was a turning point—one of those moments where you either sink or swim. Instead of looking for another 9-to-5, I decided to take a leap of faith and go all in on DJing full-time. It was a scary decision, but it turned out to be the best one I could’ve made. I started treating DJing like a business—leveraging my experience, branding myself more intentionally, and diversifying my income streams.
It wasn’t like flipping a switch to instant success. I had already built a strong foundation, but losing my job forced me to hustle harder than ever. Some key milestones that helped me make it work included becoming the house DJ for the Portland Timbers and Thorns, landing corporate gigs with brands like Nike, Adidas and Laika, and stepping into new roles like being a concourse DJ for the Portland Trail Blazers. I also expanded my reach by launching DJ classes for kids and producing content under DJ Aspen Productions.
If I could have sped up the process, I would’ve focused on networking and financial planning earlier. The connections I’ve made have been invaluable, and having a financial cushion would’ve made the transition smoother. But honestly, everything happened the way it needed to. Taking that leap of faith forced me to bet on myself, and it’s been the most rewarding decision of my career so far.
Aspen, 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?
My name is DJ Aspen, and I’m a full-time DJ, music producer, and content creator based in Portland, originally from Atlanta. My journey into DJing started out as a passion project—something I did on the side for the first three years while working a full-time job. Music has always been a huge part of my life, but it wasn’t until I moved to Portland in 2021 that I really started to carve out my space in the industry. For those first few years, I was grinding taking any gigs I could get while still working my 9-to-5. But in early 2024, I got fired from my job, and instead of looking for another one, I took a leap of faith and went all in on DJing full-time. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.
What sets me apart is my ability to read a crowd and create unforgettable experiences. I don’t just play music—I tell a story with my sets. My background in southern music and growing up in Atlanta, GA has a huge influence on my sets. touring with major artists, and working with big brands like Nike, Adidas, NBA, MLS/WMLS and Laika has helped me develop a unique approach to DJing that blends technical skill with real showmanship. I bring high-energy, Southern-style DJ sets with a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and soulful vibes. Whether I’m rocking a stadium for the Portland Timbers and Thorns, spinning at an intimate LGBTQ+ event, or curating the vibes for a major corporate event, I always bring authenticity and professionalism.
Beyond live performances, I also offer DJ Classes & Workshops to teach kids and aspiring DJs how to mix, scratch, and produce.
There have been so many milestones, but some of the moments I’m most proud of include: Becoming the House DJ for the Portland Timbers & Thorns, and a concourse DJ for the Trailblazers. That was a huge honor that solidified my name in the local sports and entertainment scene. DJing for major brands like Nike and the NBA showed me how valuable my craft is and how to value myself. Going on tour and opening up for artists like Lil Wayne, Kodak Black, and Trippie Redd was a dream come true and a major stepping stone in my career. Starting the DJ workshops for kids allows me to give back and pour into a community that has generously poured into me. Being accepted into the GRAMMY U Ambassador program is teaching me how to be more involved in the business aspect of my career where I was previously just focusing on the art.
If you’re looking for the best dressed DJ who brings passion, professionalism, and an undeniable energy to every event, I’m your person. My brand is all about authenticity, storytelling through music, and uplifting the community—especially within hip-hop, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ spaces. I want the people to know that every gig, every mix, and every class I teach is done with intention. Music is more than just entertainment to me—it’s a way to connect, inspire, and leave a lasting impact.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
At the beginning of 2024, I was balancing DJing with a steady job that provided financial security. DJing had been my side hustle for three years, and while I had built a solid reputation in Portland, I still relied on that paycheck to cover my bills. Then, in February, I got fired. That moment was a shock. I had two choices: scramble to find another job or take a leap of faith and bet on myself as a full-time DJ. I chose the latter. It was terrifying—not knowing when my next gig would be or how I’d make ends meet—but I refused to let fear stop me. To make it work, I hit the ground running, reaching out to every contact I had, securing more gigs, and diversifying my income. I locked in a residency with the Portland Timbers and Thorns, expanded my DJ classes for kids, and started producing more content under DJ Aspen Productions. I even landed a role as a concourse DJ for the Portland Trail Blazers, putting me in front of thousands of fans on game nights. And on top of all that? I’m also a full-time student, working toward an associate’s degree in music production. Balancing school with my career has been intense, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. I’m constantly learning new skills that elevate my craft, from advanced production techniques to the business side of the music industry. But the grind hasn’t been easy. There were weeks when I was juggling multiple gigs, assignments, and networking non-stop just to keep momentum going. Some gigs didn’t pay much, some opportunities fell through, and there were moments when I doubted myself. But every time I felt like I was hitting a wall, I reminded myself that I had come too far to turn back. Looking back, losing my job was the best thing that could’ve happened to me. It forced me to step into my power, fully commit to my craft, and trust that my talent and work ethic would carry me through. Now, I’m not just surviving—I’m thriving, doing what I love full-time while earning my degree to take my career even further. This journey has taught me that resilience isn’t about never falling—it’s about how quickly you get back up. I didn’t just get back up; I built something stronger.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
How to say NO. For the longest time, I said yes to every gig that came my way. When I first started DJing, I felt like I had to take every opportunity—whether it was a club set, a wedding, a corporate event, or even gigs that didn’t align with my brand or pay what I was worth. My mindset was, More gigs = more exposure, more connections, and more money. And for a while, that hustle mentality worked. It helped me build my name in Portland, get my foot in the door with major brands, and ultimately transition to full-time DJing. But as I got deeper into my career, I realized that saying yes to everything was actually holding me back. Some gigs drained my energy, some underpaid and undervalued my work, and some didn’t align with my long-term vision. I found myself spread too thin—working late nights, taking back-to-back gigs, and barely having time to focus on growing my business or improving my craft. The turning point came when I started recognizing my worth and getting more intentional about the gigs I accepted. I realized that every “yes” to something that didn’t serve me was a “no” to something better. I started setting boundaries—saying no to gigs that weren’t a good fit, that didn’t pay fairly, or that would burn me out. Instead, I focused on quality over quantity, making room for the right opportunities—like securing residencies and more corporate gigs. Now, I approach my bookings with purpose. I choose gigs that align with my brand, elevate my career, and pay me what I deserve. Learning to say no has been one of the most valuable lessons in my journey—not just for my business, but for my mental and physical well-being too.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.spendabeat/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aspen.dabeat/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djaspen/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ASpenDaBeat/videos
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/aspen-spencer-235713273
