We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brodrick Cyler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Brodrick, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
Growing up, my mornings started with gospel music flowing through the house. Faith was at the center of everything we did, and church wasn’t just somewhere we went, it was part of who we were. Every Sunday, I was surrounded by powerful voices, live musicians, and an energy that could reach your soul before a single word was spoken. That’s where my love for music first took hold.
My father played a huge part in that journey. He put me on to everything, from timeless soul records and R&B classics to street anthems and hip-hop legends. Music was always playing in our home. Whether we were riding through the city, hanging out in the living room, or just talking life, there was always a soundtrack in the background. He taught me that music wasn’t just entertainment, it was storytelling, culture, emotion, and connection.
As I got older, I started seeing music differently. I wasn’t satisfied with just listening anymore, I wanted to be the one creating the vibe. The first time I got behind a set of DJ decks was at a family function, and from the moment I blended those first tracks together, I knew I had found something special. Watching people nod their heads, hit the dance floor, and lose themselves in the music gave me a feeling I can’t fully explain. It wasn’t about pressing play; it was about controlling the energy of the room and bringing people together through sound.
Looking back, my foundation was built on faith, family, and culture. The church gave me soul. My father gave me appreciation for the craft. The streets, the people, and the music gave me perspective. DJing became the place where all those influences came together. Every time I touch the decks, my goal is simple: create a vibe, move the crowd, and leave people with a moment they’ll remember long after the music stops.
This journey started with gospel music in the house and dreams bigger than my surroundings. Today, every mix, every set, and every event is another chapter in that story.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m DJ Crash, born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, and my journey into the music scene has been nothing short of a vibe. Growing up in this city, I soaked up all kinds of sounds, which really shaped my love for music. I focus on bringing people together through beats, whether it’s for weddings, private parties, or events of all cultures. Music is the universal language, and I’m all about using it to connect folks from different backgrounds.
I’m also a proud father of two beautiful girls, Leahani and Amira, and they inspire me every day. Being a dad keeps me grounded and motivates me to create a positive impact in our community. I give back not just through my music but also by mentoring young boys and girls in the school system. I believe in guiding the next generation, helping them find their passions and navigate their paths.
In addition to my DJ work, I offer coaching for aspiring DJs. I want to share the skills and knowledge I’ve gained over the years, helping others find their voice in this craft.
As a proud United States Army Veteran who completed two tours, I’ve learned a lot about discipline and dedication, and I bring that mindset into everything I do. What sets me apart is my drive and focus on uplifting people through music. I truly believe that no matter where we come from, we can all find common ground on the dance floor.
I’m most proud of the connections I’ve built through my work. It’s not just about the music; it’s about creating unforgettable moments for my clients and making a difference in my community. When you work with me, you’re not just getting a DJ; you’re getting someone who genuinely cares about making your event special and memorable. Let’s create some magic together!
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely! My mission is all about becoming a family and household name, especially in the DJ community. I want people to remember DJ Crash as a major player who brings the energy and unforgettable vibes to every event. My ultimate goal is to be a tour DJ, headlining major events not just in Jacksonville but all over the country.
Working with the Jacksonville Jaguars on two events has been a honor for me. Those experiences fueled my drive to keep pushing and striving to become a hometown hero. I want to put Jacksonville on the map and show that we’ve got talent right here that can rock the biggest stages.
I’m all about constant growth with the DJ Crash brand. Every gig, every mix, every connection is a step forward. But at the end of the day, it’s not just about the music; it’s about providing for my two beautiful girls. They’re my world, and I’m determined to make it happen for them. When they look at me, I want them to see that hard work pays off and that dreams can become reality. So, let’s keep grinding!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One lesson I had to unlearn was accepting the bare minimum just because I didn’t fully believe in myself. For a long time, I stayed in situations, around people, and even in mindsets that kept me limited because I only believed in what I could physically see in front of me. I had to unlearn shrinking myself to fit into spaces that were never meant for me.
I also had to learn how to set boundaries for myself without feeling guilty about it. Everybody doesn’t deserve unlimited access to your energy, your heart, or your dreams. Protecting your peace is necessary.
Another hard lesson was truly knowing my worth. I used to look for validation from people who couldn’t even see the value in themselves. Eventually I realized not everybody has the same mission, intentions, or goals in mind for me that God placed in my heart for myself. Some people are comfortable staying stuck, and they’ll try to make you comfortable there too.
Life threw adversity at me plenty of times, but I had to unlearn giving up on myself every time things got hard. I learned to stay motivated even in difficult seasons because setbacks don’t mean stop, they mean grow.
I also stopped boxing myself into how other people viewed me. People will try to keep you in the version of yourself they’re most comfortable with, but growth requires movement. I refused to stay stuck in one place just because others couldn’t imagine more for me.
One thing I stand on now is this: go where you are celebrated, not just tolerated. The right environments, people, and opportunities will pour into you instead of constantly draining you.
Most importantly, I had to remember that God gives us visions and dreams for a reason. Those dreams weren’t placed in us to sit on a shelf or die from fear. They were meant to be chased. No matter what distractions, disappointments, or opinions come your way, don’t lose track of what God showed you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Officialdjcrash
- Facebook: Dj Crash
- Other: https://linktr.ee/djcrashllc
Image Credits
Photographer Ninedisclosure