Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to DJ Reborn. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

DJ , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I’m very happy and grateful to be a working artist. The amount of autonomy, freedom, and adventure that I have as a result of choosing this path have made it worth taking the risks. Even with the inconsistency that being freelance Inherently brings, I’ve never regretted my decision to pursue what I love versus the perceived stability of a more traditional job.

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.

Well, I’ve been a professional DJ for many years and I’ve also worked extensively in arts education. I got into my industry initially because of my love for music, and then once I realized that there was potential to earn a fair living from this work I continued to put my focus into it. Meaning, I began to collect records, practice, beat, matching, and mixing and putting DJ sets together. I studied the craft from a technical perspective as well as networking with folks in nightlife and creative circles for opportunities, while also paying attention to the crowds I would play for. As I continued to progress in my craft and career, part of what has made me valuable to clients is my ability to be adaptable and improvise in any situation. Not to mention that because I love so many genres and varieties of music I’m able to provide an eclectic and well-rounded sonic experience that brings a lot of people joy. Being able to provide that for people is more meaningful than it may seem. I’m genuinely thrilled to do my job and also I believe I’m pleasant to work with which keeps me consistently attracting wonderful opportunities.
I most proud of utilizing my platform and any voice I have to support and highlight marginalized communities or injustices happening globally..

When I was younger, it never occurred to me that I could make a living playing records or performing in front of people but it’s worked out quite well for me.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The lesson that I’ve had to unlearn is that the marketplace doesn’t dictate my value, I do. Meaning that I’ve spent years cultivating my talent,skill set,knowledge and experience in my creative and professional life. All of that hard work adds up and considering that I’ve chosen to pursue work in an undoubtedly male dominated field, I’ve had to advocate for myself and pay attention to the disparities in how men are compensated and treated versus women doing the same job and sometimes better.
Knowing my worth has made asking for what I want and deserve so much easier

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the constant humility that’s involved with having to grow in order to remain relevant and engaged as an artist. I learn all the time about myself and the craft that I’ve been engaged in for most of my adult life and that’s so dope to me. It’s also rewarding to be a visible representation for what’s possible for women who are passionate about doing unconventional things.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djreborn

Image Credits
Irma Mchedlishvili Ralston Smith