We were lucky to catch up with Derrick Jack recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Derrick thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I believe I was born to be a DJ. My mom was always connected to soul, funk, r and b, jazz, gospel, and classical music when I was growing up. She had many albums and two record players at all times. Every Saturday morning my older brother Brett and I woke up to some records playing and breakfast being made for us. When we got old enough to change the record, we started playing with the RPM ratio on the record player trying to make different sounds not knowing we were learning to scratch records. After a few needles being broken, my mom decided to get us our own record player. I may have been 7-8 years old in the early 1980s. Once I got into elementary school I started being interested in learning to play the piano and started teaching myself. I was entered in a few recitals around the community in National City where I grew up and enjoyed the craft. Later in 7th grade in Junior High I enrolled in band because my brother was playing trombone by this time and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. By the time I was in the 10th grade I was one of the best trombonist in High school also learned to play the trumpet, tuba, baritone, and the valve trombone. I was 1st chair playing jazz, classical, and modern sets until I graduated in 1995 under my instructor Mr. Ed Reed.

I attended San Diego State and picked up the craft of DJing with a fellow Engineering friend of mine name Brian Givens from the Los Angeles area who had a Vestax mixer and 2 tecnic 1200s and I’ve been on a path ever since then to play for crowds. He taught me how to beat match and understand how to put records in order by Beats Per Minute back when we were carrying crates of records to venues.

My background goes back from DJing house parties for my friends to currently a regular on Sirius XM Shade 45 in New York for 30 millions listeners. I’m currently the resident DJ at East Tavern and Bowl in Downtown San Diego, The Waterfront in Little Italy, and The Hills in La Mesa. Also the Corporate DJ for LPL financial in La Jolla and several weddings yearly and private Events for San Diego Police Department and the US Navy to name a few.

My wife Nikki and my 3 children have been my inspiration for everything I do and have done thus far. They push me and encourage me to reach for the stars. Having a great support system is priceless when pursuing a dream and I am so blessed to have mine.

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 have been a Disc Jockey for over 25 years now . I’m originally from Phoenix, Arizona but grew up in San Diego and attended SDSU. I got into the craft because of my love for music and the art of the DJ lifestyle. I give my audiences a great experience because I try to utilize all the entities of the DJ craft and express myself through sound and good vibes. My am always proud that I get an opportunity to entertain folks. Music is freedom and it’s makes people feel good. Sometimes reminds them of a great time or a moment in their life that they only can relate to. When I have an event, I try to study the crowd before, during, and after my set. I want them to dance, laugh, and just enjoy themselves in general. But so I want then to engage in the art and understand the craftsman behind the positive vibes. I am able to DJ All venues because of my knowledge of music and experience.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is that you’re able to use your creativity. Most people when they hear a disc jockey, they know the difference between one that has been a part of the culture for a year or 2 or someone who has been a part of the culture for over 20 years. The way art is delivered and received is amazing once you master your craft. I am always going to be a student of the Disc Jockey genre and enjoy seeing people laugh, dance, and smile. Music helps people heal and generates positive impact on folks lives.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I had got fired from a residency maybe 5 years ago, that I had but had never been told that I was fired from the owner himself. Another DJ was already in the booth by the time I was coming to set up and had told me the owner said that I was fired. He was actually somewhat of a friend of mine so it was a little bit tough trying to accept the fact that he didn’t even tell me prior to me coming. I use that same disappointing situation to motivate me to start talking to Sirius XM. I got invited to be a guest on Shade 45 Sway In The Morning in New York without a demo. And 30 millions listeners later, the world is now familiar with DJ Phoenix and the club that I was at closed down shortly after.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: djphoenix619
• Facebook: Derrick Jack
• Linkedin: [email protected]
• Twitter: djphoenix619
• Youtube: djphoenix619