We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jairon Bray a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jairon thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Being an artist and a creative soul, I find immense fulfillment in what I do. Every day presents a new opportunity to express myself, learn, and connect with others through the universal language of music. The journey has its fair share of ups and downs, but the joy and satisfaction derived from creating something unique and sharing it with the world is incomparable.

The path of a regular job is one I’m familiar with. I started working at 14 with a man who owned a church, helping in building homes. Thereafter, my journey led me to a variety of roles—from working at a plastic factory, being a bag boy at a grocery store, to assistant managing, core buying at a car dealership, and working at Hollister. Each position taught me valuable lessons and shaped my understanding of the working world.

However, nothing has captivated my heart and soul as music/Dj has. Transitioning from those jobs to being a DJ felt like coming home. The difference between the routine of a 9 to 5 and the creative freedom of my current profession is significant. While I appreciate the stability and lessons from my previous jobs, the joy and fulfillment I experience now are incomparable. It’s been a humbling journey, and I am grateful for each experience along the way, as they have contributed to the artist I am today.

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?

“Hi, I’m Jairon, aka DJ JBray, a Vegas-born entertainer who found my passion in the nightlife scene at 19.”

What’s your end goal in the DJing world?
The goal has always been to DJ at festivals. That’s what I’ve dreamt of doing since day one. Currently, I work in the corporate industry, providing entertainment for big company events that are mostly known only within the entertainment circles, though quite different from the public festival scenes I aspire to perform at.

How do you manage the challenges that come with DJing?
DJing brings a lot of unforeseen challenges. From technical glitches to ensuring the crowd stays engaged, there’s always something. I’ve had my fair share of things going south during a gig, but over time, I’ve learned to stay prepared. I keep essentials in my car or backpack – makes me self-reliant on the scene. I ensure I’m hydrated and well-fed before gigs to avoid any distractions during my performance. This preparedness is something my clients have come to appreciate a lot.

What sets you apart from other DJs?
What sets me apart is my zeal to not just play music but to ensure everyone has a great time. I dance around, breathe fire, and try to add an entertainment quotient to my gigs. I love what I do and I want that to reflect every time I’m performing.

What part of your job brings you the most satisfaction?
The accolades at the end of a gig are rewarding. Not for the praise, but for the assurance that I did my job well. DJing is a guessing game, you’re constantly trying to read the room to ensure a good majority are enjoying the set. When I get that positive feedback post a gig, it reinforces my belief that I did my job well.

How do you perceive the industry beyond just playing music?
DJing extends beyond just playing tracks; it’s about creating a brand, a business. It demands a level of entrepreneurship that can be exhausting but is crucial for success. Every DJ hustling to make a mark in places like downtown Vegas or the Strip is working tirelessly, not just during the gigs but behind the scenes too – managing emails, creating logos, and much more. It’s more than a full-time job; it’s a lifestyle of constant hustling.

Any words of wisdom for aspiring DJs?
DJing is more than just a profession; it’s a journey that demands hard work, a good team, and an unyielding spirit to keep learning and evolving. Being prepared, respectful towards the profession, and embracing the business aspect of it are key to making a lasting mark in this industry.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

When I first Started, the internet was around, but I didn’t realize its as a resource because it wasn’t as big a thing then. It was only couple years into my career, while surfing the web one day, I discovered Instead of just downloading from iTunes, I found websites with DJ record pools that were very helpful. I also learned to look beyond just the standard Billboard Top 100. There are websites from different countries with their own charts, like the ARIA charts from Australia, which was a great discovery.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn early on was that DJing isn’t always about being hyper and bouncing off the walls, especially at the start of some gigs where softer music is preferred. This realization hit me during a private event for Best Buy at Mandalay Bay. The client requested some opening or walk-in music before ramping up the energy. I was taken aback because all I had prepared was high-energy hype music, primarily dance tracks as Pitbull was the rage at that time. I honestly told the client about my lack of softer music, and they were kind enough to ask me to try my best. Thankfully, they were understanding, or it could have been a very upsetting experience. This scenario taught me the importance of being prepared for different phases of an event and having a varied music selection to cater to the client’s needs and the audience’s mood.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Jbray.com
• Instagram: Djjbray
• Facebook: djjbray
• Youtube: djjbraytv
• Twitch: Djjbray