We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bj Suter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

BJ, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I recorded my first album in 2001 while still in High School. I’ve lived through the tape, CD, iTunes, and now the streaming era of music. Clearly without major money behind your project, you are not making real money off music. I took a 10 year break from recording in 2010 and started my DJ business with my wife in 2012. We’ve grew our business tremendously in 5 years. Now we’ve celebrated 12 years of business and over 600 events. My wife was able to leave her job to home school our son. Honestly the biggest blessing has been word of mouth! We have built an incredible reputation with other venues that push up to their clients. I decided to jump back into music in 2020 releasing my first Christian Rap album and I’ve released an album every year since. We stepped out on faith and took my experience in the music industry and created our business. Those 2 factors helped us turn it into the success that it is.

BJ, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is BJ Suter or professionally known as BJ the DJ. I am a Christian Hip-Hop artist and have operated a DJ business with my wife for over 12 years. As a business we have entertained over 650 events. As an artist, I released my 1st album in 2001 with a group called Full Blown. In 2020, I released my 1st Christian Album and have released a project every year since.
As far as the DJ business goes, we specialize in the wedding industry. The key to our success has been networking. We have built a great reputation with various venues across Middle Tennessee. Word of mouth has also helped us built a reputable brand within the wedding industry while working with some of the best vendors in the business.
As an artist, it took a real life situation that caused me to rededicate my life to serving Christ. I vowed to glorify him through the gifts he gave me. My son faced some hardships during his birth and for a moment there was a chance that he wouldn’t make it. I prayed for God to save my son! My son has become a constant inspiration for me. He is now 10 yrs old. He was on the Autism spectrum until he 5 but was retested and came off the spectrum in 2020, a feat on 6% of people diagnosed are able to accomplish. I can go and on about my son and of the most rewarding moments are with him. My highest streamed song ,”Ups & Downs”, was recorded with him and I have also shared the stage with him at various churches.
My purpose with music is to glorify God, and share the gospel through rhyme with the world. As a business owner my purpose is simple, to ensure the customers need are priority. That sometimes means going above and beyond the job description of being a DJ.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I would’ve been more prepared for the digital era of music. As an artist, I have lived through the tape, cd, iTunes, and now DSP era. It’s easier to release music in todays age but it’s harder make a living. The DJ business has more than fed us for 12 years so the music business has taken a backseat and become more of a hobby.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Share and Stream. “Run Them Up” ,as we say! As an Independent Artist, a share can go a long way and have a trickle effect, which could lead to new listeners and higher streaming numbers. If an artist offers a physical copy, buy it! Engage in content on social media with these artists. Some of your major artist do not engage with fans. They feel like they are too big. An artist should never forget who put them in the position they are in! Even as a business owner, we engage on social media heavily, because ever person is a potential customer, so we respond quickly with professionalism and positivity.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bj_the_dj_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spfd.BJtheDJ
• Twitter: https://x.com/BJ_the_DJ_615
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bjsuter
• Other: https://linktr.ee/BJSuter?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=d8ba4b4b-bf60-4506-ab22-150d0db20c18

Image Credits

All photos were taken by myself or my wife :)