We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dharam Udeshi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dharam below.

Dharam, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I started my DJ journey back in 2016, not knowing exactly where it would take me, but determined to find my place behind the decks. I joined Scratch DJ Academy Los Angeles with the intention to professionally learn what it takes to become a DJ and network with industry leads who have been in the game for a long time. I would actually go to clubs to hear different DJ sets with varied genres in Los Angeles and write down the whole sequence of the sets and discuss the flow with my mentors at Academy. I remember my first gig was a corporate party for my own company, and I still remember the nerves I felt that evening. The crowd was medium sized 80+ audience and I did manage to put a good show, but it was the energy that hooked me. When I saw the way I could control a room with my music, I knew I wanted to do this all of my life and I felt blessed for all the time I invested in following my passion.

One key moment that shaped my career was when I DJed a local wedding which had a mix of Indian and Non Indian crowd. It was a crowd that wasn’t easy to impress, and the playlist I had prepped didn’t resonate with them. After a few tracks, I realized I needed to pivot and began playing more off-the-cuff, reading the energy in the room and mixing what felt right. That night taught me the power of improvisation and trusting my instincts, and it marked a shift in how I approached my sets going forward.

Another milestone was when I invested in better gear and started experimenting with remixes. I remember spending hours on a mashups of a popular track at the time, unsure how people would react. I finally got a chance to play it at a local club, and when the crowd went wild for it, I realized the importance of taking creative risks.

Over the years, I made sure to stay connected with fellow DJs and promoters, always learning from others and never being afraid to ask for advice. One of the best pieces of advice I received was from a veteran DJ who told me, “You’re not just playing music—you’re taking people on a journey. So create a story when you think about a set that resonates with your audience.”That stuck with me, and every set I’ve played since then, whether for a small crowd or a major event, I’ve approached with that mindset.

The journey has had its ups and downs, but each gig, each crowd, each lesson has shaped me into the DJ I am today. I’m grateful for every opportunity and every challenge, and I’m excited for where the music will take me next.A big thank you to my wife, kids, friends and family to give me the support and especially family on giving up on their time so that I could pursue my passion.

Dharam, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started my journey as a DJ back in 2016, and it’s been an incredible ride ever since. Initially, I got into DJing because I’ve always had a deep connection with music. Growing up, I was fascinated by how different genres could blend together and create unique vibes, and I wanted to be the one behind the decks making that magic happen. I started small, playing at house parties, and gradually worked my way into bigger events and clubs, refining my skills along the way.

My primary focus as a DJ is creating unforgettable experiences through music. I offer live DJ sets for events ranging from club nights and community festivals to private parties and weddings. In addition to playing live, I also produce custom remixes and playlists tailored to the specific energy or theme of an event. My goal is always to ensure the music connects with the crowd and elevates the entire atmosphere.

One thing that sets me apart is my ability to read a crowd and adapt on the fly. Whether the crowd is into Bollywood, Punjabi, South Indian, Latin, Reggaeton, EDM, house, hip-hop, Techno, or something else entirely, I’m always ready to shift gears and keep the energy up. I also focus heavily on creating seamless transitions and unique mashups, giving my sets a signature sound.

What I’m most proud of is the connection I create with the audience. Seeing people lose themselves in the music, bringing different cultures and backgrounds together on the dance floor—that’s what makes it all worth it. For me, it’s about more than just playing tracks; it’s about curating a journey and making each set memorable.

To potential clients and followers, I want you to know that I’m passionate about what I do, and I take pride in delivering high-quality, custom-tailored experiences. Whether you need a high-energy set for an event or something more intimate for a private gathering, I’m committed to making sure the music elevates the magical moment of your life.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I started with my gigs other than FB, social media wasn’t something I immediately focused on. My priority was mastering the craft and performing live. However, I quickly realized that social media like Instagram is just as important as the music itself if you want to build a successful brand in today’s world.

Initially, I started by posting short clips from my gigs on FB and Insta, sharing my remixes, and promoting upcoming events. It was slow at first because, like many others, I was just figuring out how to balance creating content with performing live. What changed things for me was when I started focusing on engaging with my followers. Instead of just posting my sets, I started to share behind-the-scenes moments—whether it was preparing for a gig, experimenting with new tracks, or showing the hustle that goes into a night of DJing. This personal touch helped me connect with my audience in a more authentic way, and that’s when I started to see growth.

One thing that really worked was going live during my practice sessions or at events. It gave my audience a chance to feel like they were part of the action, even if they weren’t physically at the event. The real-time interaction also helped build a more loyal following because people felt more connected to me.

For those just starting out, my advice is to stay consistent and authentic. It’s tempting to try to go viral or follow every trend, but that often doesn’t lead to lasting connections. Instead, focus on being yourself and sharing content that reflects your unique style or process. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of content. For instance, some people respond better to behind-the-scenes videos, while others love a polished, professional look. Find what resonates with your audience.

Another key thing is to interact with your followers. Reply to comments, engage in conversations, and show appreciation for the people supporting you. Social media isn’t just about broadcasting; it’s about building a community. Lastly, be patient—building an audience takes time, but if you stay true to your vision and keep engaging, you’ll see progress.

For me, growing my audience on social media has been about sharing my journey as a DJ and letting people see not just the highlights, but the work that goes on behind the scenes. If you do that, your followers will stick with you, and your audience will grow naturally.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I had been working towards my DJ career for a while, and in an effort to refine my skills, I decided to enroll in a professional DJ course in 2015. Everything seemed to be falling into place—my sets were getting tighter, I was learning new techniques, and I could feel myself growing as an artist. But midway through the course, life threw an unexpected challenge my way. My wife experienced complications with her pregnancy, and suddenly, everything else took a backseat.

It wasn’t a hard decision to pause the course; family comes first, and being there for my wife was my top priority. We went through some difficult moments, with hospital visits and uncertainty weighing on us. During that time, I wasn’t thinking about music—I was focused on being supportive and making sure both my wife and the baby were safe. The DJ world felt like it was a million miles away.

Once the complications were resolved and our baby was born healthy, I felt this overwhelming sense of gratitude and relief. I knew I wanted to go back to the course and pick up where I left off, but I wasn’t the same person who had started the journey. Having gone through such a personal challenge gave me a new perspective and a renewed sense of purpose.

When I returned to the course, I dived back in with more intensity than ever before. I wasn’t just learning to become a DJ for myself anymore—I was doing it for my family, to build something that would support us and fulfill my passion at the same time. Every beat I mixed and every set I crafted carried more meaning, and that drive helped me push through the challenges of catching up.

Looking back, that pause, while difficult, made me stronger. It gave me a deeper understanding of resilience and focus, which I now carry with me every time I step behind the decks. Balancing life and passion isn’t always easy, but I learned that with determination, you can always come back stronger.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://DJaydharam.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djdharamofficial/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@djdharam5805?si=47SCrOQGMDjC0Hga
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/WukEgPexocLMtJMq9

Image Credits

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