Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Decorey. (dj Silk) Young. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

DeCorey. (DJ SIlk), looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

How did you learn to do what you do?

“I’m a Houston-based DJ who first discovered my passion during the pandemic. I was at a kickback, and a DJ I didn’t know at the time was letting people experiment on the turntables. When it was my turn, I ended up playing for four hours straight! I was hooked. I immediately bought a little setup and started practicing. My skills really took off when I had to isolate for two weeks with COVID. Locked in my mancave, I spent hours and hours on YouTube, learning the technical skills of DJing and mastering techniques like beat matching, blending songs, and transitioning from song to song.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?

I don’t think you can speed up the process of learning to DJ because it is a skill that is ever-evolving. There is always new technology, equipment, and music to experiment with and find new ways of presenting music to an audience. I think every DJ is still learning to some degree.

What skills do you think were most essential?

The most essential skill a DJ needs is keeping the party going with little interruption. All of the technical skills are great and really add color and individuality to a DJ set, but the main job is to make people have a good time. Song selection is the crux of what we do.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

My biggest hurdle in learning more and advancing my career as a DJ was my job as a High School teacher and Basketball coach. As much as I loved my career as an educator and leader of young men, I knew my passion had shifted from basketball to music. So I gave up teaching for DJing. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m DJ Silk, a Houston-based DJ with a passion for creating unforgettable moments through music. My journey began unexpectedly at a kickback during the pandemic. A DJ was letting people experiment on the turntables, and when it was my turn, something just clicked. For hours, I was lost in the music and the energy of the crowd, completely in my element. That’s when I knew I had found my calling.

I specialize in creating immersive experiences for a wide range of events. Whether it’s a wedding, a private party, a corporate event, or a club night, I curate the perfect vibe to make it unforgettable. I remember this one wedding where the dance floor was practically empty after dinner. I could feel the energy lagging, so I switched things up, dropped a classic 90s hip-hop track, and boom! The dance floor was instantly packed, and the energy was electric. That’s the power of reading the room and knowing how to connect with the crowd.

I understand that every event is unique. I work closely with my clients to understand their vision and create a soundtrack that perfectly complements their needs and atmosphere. Whether it’s setting the mood for a romantic first dance or keeping the energy high on the dance floor, I’m dedicated to making sure their event is a success.

I don’t just press play; I curate a journey. I pride myself on my diverse musical knowledge and my ability to seamlessly blend different genres to create a unique and unforgettable experience.

I don’t have one particular proudest moment, but something that has stood out to me for a few years now is a compliment I received from a patron at a club where I was working. He had stayed my entire set and afterward he told me, “I’ve heard a lot of DJs good, bad, and great. The good DJs read the room and play what the crowd wants to hear, the great DJs make the crowd follow them the whole way. You are a great DJ.” I carry that with me every set.

I proud of my ability to connect with people and create a positive atmosphere. I love seeing people enjoying themselves and having a good time thanks to my music. I’m always looking for ways to improve my skills and create even more memorable experiences. I’m passionate about creating moments for people throughout the night. I connect with the crowd, reading the room and anticipating their needs, to create a musical journey that keeps them engaged and wanting more. I’m also proud of my diverse musical knowledge and my ability to blend different genres to create a unique and unforgettable experience.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Taking the leap into full-time DJing was a huge risk, especially with so many changes happening in my life. I was finalizing a divorce and could have easily chosen the familiar, mundane path. After all, I’d already navigated a few different careers—five years as a professional basketball player overseas, followed by nine years teaching English and coaching high school basketball. But something inside me was pulling me towards this new adventure. It felt like I was at a fork in the road, and “I chose the road less traveled by,” the one that led me to the music. Now, when I see the dance floor packed with people moving to my set, lost in the rhythm and energy, it confirms I chose the right path. It’s those moments of connection, almost like those moments on the court when everything clicked with my team, that makes it all worthwhile.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is simple. When you come to see a DJ Silk set, I want to make you forget about that job that’s stressing you out, forget about those bills, forget about all the problems you have outside of this place and vibe. Sing, dance, and have fun.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: yo.dj.silk
• Youtube: @DJSilkHTX
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits

Michael Sneed
Keldrick Bailey