We recently connected with Clint Pittenger and have shared our conversation below.

Clint, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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?

DJing started for me in Hollywood California. I was playing in a few garage glam punk bands when the scene was big and after a couple of years of struggling to keep the band alive a friend suggested I DJ, so he showed me a few tricks, I bought some records and started mixing house music in Los Angeles and loved it. Once I moved to Tucson, AZ in 1996 after I got married, my wife and I started a DJ business. The club scene in Tucson wasn’t much so weddings, parties, birthdays, etc. was my main focus and I loved it. While I worked full-time I rushed to get Starlightdeejays moving and once we got a nice reputation and venues were happy, Starlightdeejays started to become popular. We built great relationships with people and word of mouth got out. I wanted to start a mobile DJ business because when I got married, we couldn’t afford a DJ, or photographer so I created Starlightdeejays to be affordable and work with customers and venues. I get why DJs charge high rates but I feel everyone should be able to enjoy hiring a DJ, or photographer that could bring them a lifetime of good memories, plus we focus on the kids at different schools. I DJ for them in the mornings when they are arriving, as well as some of their dances. We got involved in DJing local running races and other community events. We love these kinds of events because we can have a positive impact on the community.

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.

My dad worked for the film industry as a stunt man and extra on many TV shows, and I would go with him during summer breaks to hang out on the movie sets. I met so many people who were into the music I liked and they knew people so their influences helped start the path I wanted to follow. I met a friend who was a drummer and he loved the same music so we would get together. He knew a bass player and singer so we started our band. My mom helped me buy my first guitar, which led me to DJing down the road. Getting to know the clubs and managers was super helpful. People will help each other but they need to trust that you’re serious about what you do.

For me, DJing is an art, like a painter who paints and creates pictures, I create a vibe and people dance. I love DJing and music has always been a part of my life. I could DJ every day all day. I have a wonderful wife, Angela, and my son, Noah, who is amazing. They both support me when it is slow and are always there for me. My family has been very helpful, and without them, I know it wouldn’t be the same.

My favorite places to DJ are the schools. Elementary school kids love to dance and have fun. They don’t worry about who is watching, as long as the music is playing, disco lights are on and their songs are being played. It’s fun to watch because they know the steps to many line dances and group participation songs. They could teach me!

Many people do ask how to get started as a DJ and I always tell them they don’t need the most expensive gear. Start with a small setup, practice, and get to know your music and what’s popular. Find a style you enjoy and turn itvinto a dedicated career path. Never be afraid to be you and enjoy life.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Myspace was my first social media. I was able to connect with bands, artists and DJs from all over. I used that for a while but then Facebook, Instagram and so many more started popping up and I use most of them to reach out to communities, businesses, and of course the people around me. I get to build creative advertisements, videos and see more activities online. Getting to know Tucson and everything around it helped me to discover more ways to interact and get involved. I do use most social media but I try to do more in person so people can get to know me and know I am that person they see online.

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

The reward of being a DJ is at the end of any party, event or whatever is going on, people come up and say thank you, they had a great time, best night ever, great song selection, thank you for playing my song and just seeing all the happy faces. I believe music can have such a positive influence and bring people out of their quietness, even if it’s just a short time. There was a kid at one of the schools who is very quiet, kept to himself but when I DJ at his school he walks out with a smile and talks to people. I love it! That’s one of my favorite stories to share.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://starlightdeejays.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djclintpittenger/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djclintpittenger
• Twitter: https://x.com/djclintpittengr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsBUZgANSvsG_MufoRs1Tg
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djclintpittenger
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@djclintpittenger

Image Credits

All photos were taken by my wife, Angela Pittenger