We recently connected with Dylan Williams and have shared our conversation below.
Dylan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I knew at a pretty early age that I wanted to pursue something creative, something bigger than myself, but it all really came into focus when I was 15 years old. I got the opportunity to start working with a DJ agency based in Little Rock. My previous pursuit was to start a band and become a rock star. Long story short, it was a great attempt and pursuit but band only lasted a few gigs. Having some audio equipment I started DJing sweet 16s, school dances, and proms. Those early events gave me a taste of what I was ultimately pursuing, the connection with people, and the power music had to completely transform a room. But even back then, I knew I wasn’t just chasing a party. I knew I wanted to DJ weddings.
Weddings felt like the pinnacle to me. They’re meaningful, emotional, high-stakes—there’s a weight to the moment that’s unlike anything else. So while I was DJing high school dances and Sweet 16s on the weekends, I spent my off days shadowing the best wedding DJs on the agency team. I studied the greats—DJ Jellybean, DJ Mario, and DJ Hollywood. I would watch how they worked a room, how they mixed, how they spoke on the mic, how they handled the inevitable curveballs a wedding can throw at you. Each of them had their own style, and what stuck with me the most was how different they all were. That’s when I realized that being a DJ isn’t just a role you play—it’s a craft that you shape with your own energy and personality. You bring a piece of yourself to every event.
That realization made me fall in love with the process. It also made me laugh when I learned that songs like “No Hands” or “Stanky Leg” could totally work in a wedding setting under the right circumstances. That opened up my mind to what was possible with the music. Every event became an experiment in reading the crowd, pushing boundaries tastefully, and delivering something unforgettable.
But as much as I loved being part of a team, I also had the heart of an entrepreneur. I wanted to build something on my own terms. So when I moved to Fayetteville to attend the University of Arkansas, I made the decision to go independent. At the time, there wasn’t really an established model for solo wedding DJs in Arkansas—most DJs either worked with agencies or treated it more as a side hustle. I wanted to prove that you could do this full-time, at a high level, and create an experience that felt personal and professional from the first inquiry to the final song.
Nearly eight years later, I’m DJing weddings every weekend of the year—sometimes two or three in a weekend. I run every part of the business myself: booking, planning, client communication, and of course, the performance. I hold myself to a standard of getting 1% better every single day—whether that’s in how I respond to emails, how I collaborate with other vendors, how I emcee a grand entrance, or how I transition between songs to keep a dance floor alive.
So to answer the question—when did I know I wanted to pursue a creative path? The spark was at 15, but it became a conviction when I realized this wasn’t just a job—it was a craft. And it’s one I’m committed to mastering a little more every day.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m an independent wedding DJ based in Northwest Arkansas, and I’ve been fully immersed in this craft since I was 15 years old. I got my start with a DJ agency out of Little Rock, where I cut my teeth working sweet 16s, proms, and school dances. Even in those early years, I had a strong sense that I wasn’t just in it for the party—I was drawn to the art of storytelling, creating moments, and being part of milestone days in people’s lives. That’s what led me to weddings.
While working those early gigs, I’d spend my days off shadowing the top wedding DJs on the team. They weren’t just playing music; they were crafting an atmosphere, guiding a flow, and bringing a kind of presence that made a lasting impact. I learned that every DJ has a unique voice, and that your energy and instincts become part of the fabric of the day. It was during that time that I really fell in love with the craft and saw the potential to shape something meaningful.
As I grew, I realized that I wanted more creative freedom and ownership over the experience I was delivering. So when I moved to Fayetteville to attend the University of Arkansas, I made the leap to go independent. I did a few year stent as a DJ for greek life DJing formals, functions, and day events. This was a special time in my life I will never forget but am glad I developed into the DJ I am today. At the time, the concept of a fully independent, full-time wedding DJ wasn’t common in Arkansas. Most DJs worked under agencies or did events on the side. I wanted to build something different—a business rooted in relationships, personalization, and excellence.
Today, I run every part of my business myself—from the first inquiry to the last song of the night. I limit my bookings to events I know I can fully commit to, so each client gets the best version of me. I DJ weddings year-round, often two or three in a weekend, and I treat each one as a chance to be 1% better than the last. That mindset guides everything I do—being a better emcee, a better mixer, a better communicator, and a better collaborator with the other vendors on the day.
The service I provide isn’t just music— it’s peace of mind. I help couples feel confident that the tone and flow of their wedding day is in good hands. From carefully crafting playlists that reflect their personalities to managing the energy of the room and keeping things on schedule, I work to make their day feel effortless, fun, and unforgettable. I’m often the glue of the day coordinating with the planner, the photographer, the venue, whatever’s needed to make sure everything feels seamless.
What sets me apart is the combination of personalization, professionalism, and passion. I don’t take shortcuts. I spend time getting to know my clients. I don’t just hit play, I read the room, adapt in real time, and create something alive and unique each wedding. And I don’t just want to be great at what I do—I want to be a great person to work with.
I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve been able to build a business that reflects who I am. I get to do something I love, serve people during some of the biggest moments of their lives, and stay committed to growing every step of the way. For anyone considering working with me, I want them to know that I take this role seriously but I also know how to have fun. It’s about bringing joy, energy, and intention to every event. That’s what I’ve built my brand on—and that’s what I show up to deliver, every single time.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Honestly, my biggest influence wasn’t a book or a podcast—it was my first agent out of Little Rock Joe Snell. He was a true leader and visionary, and more than that, he led by example. He worked incredibly hard, believed in people, and taught me the value of supporting others while building something of your own. From him, I learned that growth happens one step at a time—and that consistency, mentorship, and integrity are the foundation of any lasting business.
There are plenty of resources on the web if you want to grow professionally within your niche. The way to exponentially grow is through mentorship.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I think what many people don’t always grasp is the sheer level of commitment it takes to build something from scratch—especially when it’s rooted in a creative pursuit. From the outside, DJing might look like showing up to play music and party, but the truth is, this journey has required a relentless amount of discipline, risk-taking, and unseen hours of work behind the scenes. It’s not a hobby…it’s a craft, a calling, and a business all rolled into one.
My wife who is beautiful, sweet, and incredibly understanding, is fully committed with me on this journey. She knows the sacrifice it takes: the missed weekends, the late nights, the pressure of constantly wanting to improve and exceed expectations. But when she’s explaining what I do (or where her husband is) to friends or peers; explaining what I do and how often I’m gone working weddings, people sometimes just don’t get it. And honestly, that’s okay. Not everyone is going to understand the kind of fire it takes to chase a dream.
But here’s what I’d say to anyone who sees someone else pursuing something they don’t fully understand: find their fire. That flame…burning bright and hot…is something to be celebrated, even if you don’t know exactly why it lights them up. Whether it’s art, music, business, fitness, design, climbing the corporate ladder or something entirely different, what matters most is the passion behind it.
Even I come across people who are chasing dreams I don’t totally relate to…but I still recognize the power and beauty in having a dream and being bold enough to chase it. That’s what brings depth and color to the world. We need more people living with that kind of conviction and heart, and less judgment about what it looks like from the outside.
So while the creative path isn’t always understood by everyone, I believe the pursuit of passion is something everyone can respect. At the end of the day, if someone’s showing up for their dream…cheer them on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://djslyarkansas.com
- Instagram: @djslyarkansas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djslyarkansas/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DJSLYARKANSAS
Image Credits
Courtney Paige
The Villar Photo Co.
Macy Matheny Photography
Britney Vining