We caught up with the brilliant and insightful JALEN ST.ROMAIN a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

JALEN, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I arrived in Los Angeles in late April of 2023, my beat-up suitcase and two turntables tucked under my arms, a faded dream cradled in my heart. I had no money, no connections, and definitely no plan. Just the rhythm of the city pulsating in my veins like a bassline begging to be dropped.

The first days blurred into nights as I crashed on a friend’s couch in East Hollywood. The overhead lights buzzed like they were on a perpetual caffeine high while I watched the city come alive. Every weekend, different neighborhoods turned into sprawling dancefloors—people swaying to the music that filled the streets, the air thick with the scent of ambition and possibility.

I spent my days wandering, soaking it all in, clutching flyers for underground parties like they were gold. I’d set up shop at coffee shops with a cracked laptop, grinding out mixes that I shared on SoundCloud. The first tracks I posted barely caused a ripple, but I felt the urge to keep going—there was magic in the mixing, in the layers, the ups and downs of sound.

One fateful night, I encountered a local promoter named Jenna at a dive bar. I was spinning a set of throwbacks when I could feel her eyes on me. After my set, she approached with a sly smile and a proposition. She was looking for fresh talent for her next event at a popular rooftop bar in Silver Lake.

I had one shot, and I had to make it count.

With borrowed speakers and a borrowed heart, I showed up on the night of the event, the city skyline shimmering behind me. I mixed tracks like a painter blending colors, letting the crowd breathe with the beat. From the moment I hit play, everything clicked. They danced, sweat-soaked and smiling, lost in the euphoria of the night.

That night changed everything. Jenna called me the next day, and from there, gigs snowballed like a wildfire. Clubs, festivals, and after-parties began to book me. I signed with a small label that was drawn in by my raw energy and unfiltered creativity.

Within a year, I was headlining rooftops and clubs across the city. My name started to echo in the right circles. I was still that kid who arrived with a suitcase and empty pockets, but now I felt rich, electrified by the love of music and connection.

Los Angeles had embraced me with open arms; I learned that sometimes, success is just a matter of dancing to your own rhythm and believing in the beat that’s uniquely yours. As I stood on a stage one starry night, watching the crowd sway to my music, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be—success had become my new anthem.

JALEN, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a small-town boy from Shreveport/ Bossier City , Louisiana who has been dancing, singing and performing since I could walk. My passion for music has always been a central part of my life, fueling my creativity and excitement. Over the years, that love blossomed into a career as a DJ, where I blend the rhythms of my roots with the energy of the dance floor. Whether it’s spinning at local events or getting the crowd moving, I thrive on sharing the joy of music with others and creating unforgettable experiences.

Never thought about being a DJ until one day I was in Pawn Shop and saw a DJ controller for the same price I was trying to pay for a keyboard. The Pawn shop didn’t have a keyboard so I bought the DJ controller, rest was history. I always made it my mission once I got in the entertainment business to always stay true myself and the craft of DJ pure. I did not cut corners or short cuts to be in the position Im in today.

Even though i’m a DJ , I call myself more an entertainer because the way I connect with people through DJin sets me apart from all DJs. I always make sure no matter the event or clients that my job was done to at the highest level. I’m not there for money or fame , just there to bring a certain feeling or emotion through music.

I want people to know that my proudest movements are when clients really enjoyed my service for any event I do for them. It never gets old to me and it better than the money. I really love what I do and hope anyone who books can see and feel that from me ,

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?

Maintaining mental stability as a creative in the arts can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. Here are some strategies that may help support mental well-being while engaging in artistic practices:

1. **Establish a Routine**: Create a consistent daily schedule that includes dedicated time for your creative work, breaks, and self-care. Routines can provide structure and help reduce anxiety.

2. **Set Realistic Goals**: Break down your artistic projects into manageable tasks. Setting achievable goals can help prevent feelings of overwhelm and allow for a sense of accomplishment.

3. **Practice Self-Compassion**: Acknowledge that creativity involves ups and downs. Be kind to yourself during periods of self-doubt or creative blocks, and allow yourself to make mistakes.

4. **Seek Inspiration**: Surround yourself with sources of inspiration, whether through art, nature, music, or literature. Engaging with the work of others can reignite your passion and creative spark.

5. **Maintain Connections**: Build a supportive network of fellow creatives, friends, or mentors. Sharing experiences and collaborating can provide encouragement and help alleviate feelings of isolation.

6. **Engage in Mindfulness**: Practices such as meditation, journaling, or yoga can enhance self-awareness and reduce stress. Mindfulness can help you stay present in your creative process.

7. **Find Balance**: Ensure a balance between your creative pursuits and other aspects of life. Pursue hobbies, spend time with loved ones, and engage in physical activities to maintain overall well-being.

8. **Limit Comparisons**: Avoid comparing your work to others. Remember that each artist has a unique journey, and focusing on your own progress can foster greater satisfaction and mental stability.

9. **Embrace Downtime**: Allow yourself to take breaks and step away from your work when needed. Rest is vital for rejuvenating creativity and maintaining mental health.

10. **Seek Professional Help if Needed**: If you find that your mental health is struggling significantly, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. Therapy or counseling can provide valuable support and coping strategies.

11. **Celebrate Progress**: Take time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing your growth can help reinforce a positive relationship with your creative practice.

Creativity is a beautiful and complex process, and taking care of your mental health is integral to sustaining your artistic journey.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

As a creative, one of the most rewarding aspects is the ability to express thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a way that resonates with others. Art has the power to connect people, invoke feelings, and provoke thought, which can create a sense of community and shared understanding. Additionally, the process of creation itself can be fulfilling—exploring ideas, experimenting with different mediums, and witnessing one’s own growth as an artist can bring a deep sense of accomplishment. Ultimately, the joys of creativity lie in both self-expression and the impact it can have on others.

Also there is no limit on how creative you can be as well. You can go as far as you are willing to go in this life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdjnoodlez/
• Facebook: Jalen St.Romain
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?trk=d_flagship3_profile_self_view_public_profile
• Youtube: DJ Noodlez
• Soundcloud: DJ Noodlez