Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bobby Laughlin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Bobby, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
For most of my life, I have felt entirely misunderstood, rejected, outside the circle, a weird fool, unloved, unwanted… So many negative feelings stuck to me like glue. On the outside, I was muscular and large. On the inside, I was smaller than a Hydrogen molecule. My family has a running joke, “It’s always Bobby’s fault hahaha”. I suppose it is the light-hearted way we all cope with the fact that I was the scapegoat, punching bag, and evil monster lurking in the house, that it was ok to blame everything on and treat poorly. My Mom had a deep hate for me for a reason that I have never been able to understand. She lost her way after my Dad died when I was four. Drugs and alcohol took her, and her love for me, but I have long since forgiven her, and love her regardless, but it certainly damaged me and took me my entire life to repair.
I got sick of feeling so worthless, and incapable so from then on I started to become prideful, and egotistical which gave me an inflated sense of value. I valued drinking, fighting, chasing women, making money, and not caring about anything except myself. I had such a deep sense of rage in my heart. I always felt like a tiny little boat in an endless sea of rage. I felt so wronged. Why does everyone get authentic love from people around them, but I have to do everything just to get a thumbs up? Why does everyone get a family, and I get a dead father and a drunken drug-riddled mother who hates me? So many questions like that plagued my mind, and for the longest time, I could only feel either a hazy happiness, or a burning rage.
A couple years into my military service I met late friend Kenny Jewell, who would eventually become the most influential, kindest person in my life. We first met when, he randomly stopped me one day and said in his quiet monotone way “Laughlin, you wouldn’t look so dumb if you studied more.” I was instantly pissed off and got in his face as was usual for me at that time. “ Who do you think you are talking to me like that!?!!?” He looked at me, and like ninja sensei waving his hand, he disarmed me with kind words, and said “ You are a smart guy with a lot of potential, and if you studied more you would get farther in your life” I didn’t know what to say to that, and walked away confused.
A month or so later, I saw him getting roasted by a few people, they just kept talking and talking making fun of him, talking down to him, and I watched curiously to see what he would do. Then he just lets out a big sigh and walks away like they weren’t even there. I was so baffled and ran up to him and said” Why didn’t you say anything to those guys, or try to fight back ?!!?” He calmly said in his monotone way “Why would I?”. I thought to myself “What the hell does this guy even do all day?” Later that week we started hanging out, and I learned that all he does is study! I couldn’t believe it! I said “bro you gotta have more fun you can’t just be in the barracks all day studying.” then he said, “Or you need to study more, pick up rank, and learn how the world works.” At that moment a deal was struck! He will go out and have fun with me, and I will learn and study with him. Every single weekend from then on, we went down to Wilmington North Carolina, and studied all day. Then at night, we would go drinking, and having fun.
We were the best of friends, I pushed him to get out there, enjoy life, and share his music with the world. He pushed me to learn how money works, to pick up rank, and to give everything I have to be a better person. He showed me how the world really works. We spent so much time laughing, learning, and going on fun adventures. I cherish those moments so deeply.
Eventually, I got deployed with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Mediterranean and Arabian seas. One night when I finally had service. I was on a base in Africa for a few weeks and I saw that he left me two messages “ May not make it” “Love you brother”. Those were his last words to me, as he died from aggressive leukemia the same day he sent those messages. I don’t think that I have fully processed it still to this day, some parts of me can’t even believe it. He was the kindest, most genuine person I have ever met. Without him, I would be lost in this world. The kindest thing he has ever done for me was to love me unconditionally. He saw me and accepted me for who I am. He treated me like I have meaning in this world, and that I am worth caring about. He not only saw my potential, but he believed in it. Because of him, I have been able to destroy my ego and live humbly without pride, and rage. I am not religious but I believe he was some sort of angel, because he got treated so poorly by everyone around him, and was able to remain kind, loving, and humble. He healed my broken soul and disappeared forever. My life’s greatest influence, and dearest friend.
Bobby, 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?
The transmutation of negative accumulated energies, into positive energies, is my single most useful ability. I realized that I am a love energy, and if I am being anything besides loving then I know that I am in the wrong. I feel as if I have experienced so many traumatic experiences in my life, and have had my heart broken in so many ways, felt so much deep pain, loneliness, isolation, hopelessness, and so many dark negative feelings; for the sole purpose, of understanding what it feels like, so that I can relate to people who are lost, and are looking to find their love center.
I am a persistent, resilient soul, no matter how many times I am struck down, I will get back up, and continue to chase my dreams. As a DJ I have mastered the art of communicating something deep and meaningful using creative mixing, live editing, and MC techniques. Each song is like a little entity that makes people feel something, and move a certain way. Like a master programmer, I place the perfect songs, at the perfect time, to cause the listener to let down their guard and inhibitions. Each song initiates a sequence, that if done correctly, will bring, us all in the room into the resonating frequency of love. My only goal is to speak to your heart, with my heart.
I am often misunderstood, and music gives me a way to connect with people I have never met before on a deep and spiritual level. I am always pondering the depths of my soul, and my small-talking skills aren’t the best. I am so focused on chasing my dreams, i forget to enjoy the scenery sometimes. I absolutely love people, but don’t have much to talk about using words. I want our souls to talk, and dance through the ethers, as our bodies remain entranced by the song’s vibration.
I started off wedding DJing, which I still do very often. I love DJing weddings! It’s a great honor having two families relying on me, to bring the room together in dance. To guide the guests throughout the night. To bring in the beautiful newlyweds into the reception epically and unforgettably! Watching two lovers stare deeply into one another’s souls, with such loving intentions while surrounded by the people who they love, who love them the most, is a constant reminder of the beauty of being human. The positive energy and resources gained from that pushed me into deepening my creative pursuits. I have always loved Electronic Dance Music! I have gone to so many amazing shows and danced until the sun came up!!! I LOVE IT!
One day a light bulb clicked, and I thought “ I already know how to DJ, why not find some cool EDM songs and see what I can do!” I had DJed for over 100 weddings at this point but never played an EDM song live before. I started working on a mix, and I found my first open decks event. I was so nervous. When I play popular songs everyone knows like Shake It Off from Taylor Swift, and mix it into Mr. Brightside from The Killers, there is very limited creative potential. So there’s not much of my heart on the line. However, when I get into genres like EDM I put my heart and soul on the line. I am expressing something so personal to me using songs, and creative mixing techniques. I desperately want to share the most special feeling I have inside of me. There is a giddy, euphoric feeling, I have inside, my most special feeling. It’s as if a tickle, hug, laugh, and a love feeling, had a baby. That’s what it feels like, and music is the only way I know how to share it with you.
The open decks event was outside behind a building that was recently bought, and it’s attached to a little park. When I pushed play for the first song on my first-ever EDM set, I felt electrified. “Everything is on the line, if I fail today, I will just stick to doing weddings.” I thought to myself. People started gathering around, and really feeling it! Capturing people walking by in the music, was so special in that moment. The confidence and understanding that this is possible for me became solidified, after the glowing response I got after I finished. I realized I have struck a gold mine of passion because now I can do something I love, and express exactly what I need to share with everyone. No longer am I an alien-speaking bleep blorp.
I started aggressively seeking shows to play for. Meeting new promoters like “Hey I’d love to play for a show, how do I get there?” and most of them politely saying fuck off like “Oh well you gotta have an EPK (Electronic Press Kit) just send it here and I’ll check it out!” You would think, that’s a great sign, but let me tell you this NONE of them listened to the mixes I submitted. The culture in the Michigan EDM scene is “ Love, Light, No Gatekeeping, Sharing is Caring, etc..” until you cross the bridge from attendee to performer. I finally got sick of being ignored, told no, and gate kept so I decided to throw my own shows. I started off with free raves, that I paid for using money I earned from DJing weddings. Then I built the New Wave Festival: Music Art, & Mystics, in honor of my dear friend Kenny Jewell. To provide a space, where all creatives can shine. My life’s greatest work so far.
This all happened within the course of 1 year and 3 months. First I made the pitch to the venue with the idea. Then once they saw the potential, they agreed and gave me their trust. I made the website and Facebook page and grew it to 5k followers within the same year. I sourced all of the talent. I did all of the marketing, promotional events, and social media posting. I created all of the content using various programs on my computer. I brought in 95 Vendors most of which I met in person and hand-selected them based on the high quality of their work. The festival had live Performances and DJs from 12 to 12. We opened the day with a guided meditation, bass bath, and energy cleanse from the Sound Medicine Collective. A local spoken word poet, A local band. And Live DJs from all over Michigan. I also had a silent disco with 36 different DJs in the second stage area. Live artists from all over Michigan. I also had aerial fire performers, The Fire Deus Circus. I brought in over 1,113 people and had a huge amount of positive reviews. I did all of this by myself while performing at multiple festivals as a DJ, and hosting creative collaborations, raves, and promotional events. DJing weddings, private parties, schools, clubs, and charitable events. Raising my daughter, and even finding time to volunteer at her school. I also DJed and MC’d for my own festival and connected with the crowd deeply. They felt the love pouring from me and understood that I brought them there to share and celebrate love, expression, and creativity. Every festival has a phrase that people say to each other, and when feeling excited, ours is “BEST DAY EVER!”.
Many people are like how is it possible that you have done all of this in less than 2 years!?
In short: I WORKED EVERY SINGLE DAY NON-STOP! So tiering!
I owe it to my late friend Kenny Jewel, he guided my path to acquire knowledge and skills. I took full advantage of the military and became a Master Logistics specialist. I took endless courses and classes during my military service. I spent all my time training my mind, body, and soul for the future I knew I was destined to live.
I combined my musical talent, with my mental abilities. I am extremely good at coordinating and implementing strategies to do a massive amount of work without any help. I used my creativity to bring beautiful attractions to the New Wave Festival; Music, Art, & Mysics, while utilizing my marketing skills to build interest in the festival. I walked out profitable, with 100 new doors opening. IT took everything I had to bring the New Wave Dream to reality. I worked every single day to bring the New Wave Festival to life, from December 2023 to August 10th, 2024.
This year I already 5 major events planned, and that’s a 500% increase from this time last year. Still doing it all by myself, just imagine what I could do if I had 2 or 3 people just like me to collaborate with. I am ALWAYS looking for that person.
On a special spiritual note, the deepest of intentions for the New Wave Festival; Music, Art, & Mysics is to bring everyone into the resonating frequency of love and send a beam of that love to Kenny, wherever he is in the universe I hope he felt it. Everyone who attends will benefit from bathing in the love energy we create.
My clients desire my services because I am good at taking a space and making it more profitable. I am an expert music, & energy connoisseur who can bring any vibe my clients are looking for. I also build shows for fun because I genuinely love music, and it’s extremely important for up-and-coming artists, to connect with new crowds.
I offer extremely high-quality customized music experiences.
I offer party/wedding/festivals/themed event planning services.
I often work with festival, and venue owners to make their locations more profitable, and exciting.
I often collaborate with people to bring their shows a higher quality, and attendance rate.
I want people to understand my main goal with the New Wave Festival: Music, Art, & Mystics.
I also want people to understand my main goal as a DJ.
My main goal with the New Wave Festival: Music, Art, & Mystics is to combine high-quality music from local artists, with beautiful visual artwork from local artists. Then combine those elements with a spiritual tuning from the New Wave Mystic Emporium, and various elements of the festival to reach the resonating frequency of love. A place of acceptance, love, creativity, and expression. This festival is a platform for highly talented, high-quality artists to perform on the main stage, reach a new audience, and bring positive exposure to everyone involved. It’s an opportunity to be seen and accepted and grow as a creative. As I grow, I will have multiple New Wave Festivals throughout the year, so creatives can rely on the New Wave Festival: Music, Art, & Mystics as an income source, networking opportunity, and place to express themselves. I want the festival goers to be able to understand something about themselves and find answers to the spiritual questions they have. To be inspired by the artists, and pursue their own creativity. I want them to dance with smiling faces, and make memories with the people they love. I want people to know that the love I have is unconditional and I am doing everything in my ability to give you everything I am and everything I have.
My main goal as a DJ is to use my musical talent to share the most special feeling I have inside, and to remove the negative energies that accumulate within us during our journies through life. My words cannot lift you from a depression, but my music can set you free, and bring you back into your love frequency. I can’t explain a feeling I am experiencing with my words, but I can take you on a journey with my music, and express something you will never forget. Songs are colors, and my controller is the paintbrush I use to create a spiritual movie that can only be felt. I use the music to shape the energy of the room and transmit my love energy to your soul.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
No matter what you do out here, there will be resistance. There will be times when you feel like your dream is impossible to realize. Your friends might turn foe, and your crowd may betray you. Never surrender. If you can keep your dream in mind, nothing can stop you. The universe has a way of testing us when we claim we want something. Like putting out little speed bumps. For me, the universe said “Oh you want to put on a music festival?” then like clockwork, I started getting attacked by local collectives, and envious individuals. They tried to ruin my credibility by running my name through the mud. Then people started to turn on me and repeat the mean things they heard without verifying the truth. It really hurt my feelings because I never expected a response to my benevolent cause to be so negative. I didn’t exclude anyone and invited all the collectives, and artists I met to be a part of the New Wave Festival; Music, Art, and Mystics. I try not to take it personally, because I understand what people in a scarcity mindset act like. Regardless it is still painful.
Instead of being bogged down, trying to fight the here say, and rumors. I transmutated the negative energy into positive motivational energy, and I focused on building the festival and pursuing my purpose out here.
Being creative is a difficult thing to do, it requires you to be different and do something based on only your opinion. Whenever you try to do something, there will be people who approve and disapprove. Don’t rely on outside validation, focus on your purpose, your passion, your vision, your love, and everything you are aiming for will come to fruition. The better you do out here, the more envious the people around you will become. That’s a strong indicator that you are doing the right thing out here. Allow people to reveal their true colors, don’t judge them, but never forget what kind of creature they are. A bird will do bird things, and a snake will do snake things. That’s just how it is. Eventually, you will attract good people, who love what you do, and love you as an individual.
Work hard, and give everything you have, ALWAYS! It’s ok to take a break, but the longer you stay down, the harder it will be to get back up. Instead of stopping, try just moving a little slower until you have the energy to go fast again. Stay away from drugs, and alcohol. Ignore naysayers. If you find yourself focusing on their harsh words, remember that people only judge things they find valuable. The more they hate on you for no apparent reason, the greater they think you are. Use that energy, and surf on it into the sunset. It’s 100% ok to fully express yourself. People caught in the crossfire, will eventually come back around and realize that you are awesome, so don’t worry.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I’m like an energy shaman who uses music to shape the energy of the room and transmit love energy to the listners soul. The core of all of my mixes regardless of the genre is love, and wild free expression. We will always make it there. It’s like trying to connect everyone to the same WIFI, once the right code is input, the connection is made, and the love energy flows freely through the room, and everyone in it. The connection is such a beautiful thing. We are made to dance, and share our feelings, and sharing my most special feelings with people I have never met is so surreal. Inside my heart is a special feeling, that can be best described as a warm hug, that lets you know you are loved and cherished, that kind of tickles you while telling you a spiritual truth that you need to hear. Seeing people smile, laugh, dance, and connect with each other, and experience moments they will share forever brings so much beauty to my life. No matter how far they go, they will always have that moment together in their timeline. It’s my way of sharing the energy I find most beautiful with everyone. I feel so lucky to be able to use my craft, to provide moments, experiences, and entertainment that is meaningful to everyone. With my art, I am not alone, and I can be a part of so many special events, and witness so many beautiful moments. I feel as if my craft is a gift, given to me, for living in accordance with my moral compass.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nwmfo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djtribewalker/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090125807350
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/bobby.laughlin.77/
Image Credits
The Photo in the red credit goes to Morgan Ashleigh’s FB (Photos By Morgan) https://www.facebook.com/PhotosByMorgan