We were lucky to catch up with James Barr recently and have shared our conversation below.

James, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Becoming a DJ was a collection of moments. It started as a trouble maker teen going to raves in Denver and wishing I could spin records like my friends. I had no idea how they could do that! Fast forward through a lot of growing up, a couple careers as the event lead, music lead, sound guy, youth leader, and never learning how to do that!

Then you get married, have kids, and wonder which roots you want.

I stumbled into it as a Craigslist DJ for $300 a pop with my old youth leader speakers. It took off from there. I made 10k in 2013 while finishing my degree (finally), then 20k in 2014, and 30k in 2015! And I didn’t even need to be a mixologist or “spin doctor”. Not for weddings. I needed to know how to plan, host, and listen! And I knew I could run an event with a great mix of music.

Weddings sort of chose me in that way. I had been in the mountains of CO snowboarding, and the beaches of Florida hitting the skating rink 3 times a week. I just knew how to party.

James, 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?

You guys always ask such deep questions…

Well, since I already answered how I got started, the only thing left on that topic is the impact of my own wedding I suppose. I was reminded by our DJ how much of a “pill” they can be. (as my mother would say). Coordinators too. The 2 faces and voices that can collectively affect the mood. How have they even been successful in this industry with an attitude problem?!

So granted, I saw a market not being tapped: “Kind and encouraging wedding professionals”. Novel idea right!?

As for me, I’m a Christian, but just since I was 19. I decided to start stating RTB is a Christian owned business a few years back because I want others to know who I am. I will play whatever music you want! But I like people knowing the integrity I place on my work.

I guess what’s left here is a general awareness of the right brain population: We the creative ones. So what’s my discipline or craft? Try asking any true creative that and see if you can ever get a straight answer. I doubt you will.

I’m not a real DJ, but I throw a kick ass dance party! I’m a big personality that enjoys hosting, building, fixing, and helping. In fact, I’m considering a coffee cart, rentals, and even just had the idea to make ‘house divided cornhole.’ But I guarantee I’m not the only one whose brain works like that.

So if you’re a client of mine, all you need to know is this: I’m a great host and DJ, but there’s a chance I could make you whatever you want also. And I love when my clients use that challenge to get some custom signage or something.

One thing will always be true: I’ll always be different, and I’ll always struggle hiring because I care so much about my work.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Here’s a good one: a few years back, 2022 I think, I was in a car accident. I T-boned a truck who thought he could turn left from the middle lane. I broke my left leg all the way through (like Harry Potter’s boneless arm), I still can’t run, and the PTSD was pretty rough for a couple years til I got a big Tahoe.

While I was in the hospital, doped up, I tried to tell my wife I’d work that weekends’ wedding. Of course she wasn’t having it and she was right! I couldn’t even stand without swelling in my foot. So I did all I could do…

I sat there in my hospital bed, chatting with the Bride, finding her a good replacement. I may work alone (unless I hire a coordinator or photobooth attendant), but that’s the only wedding I’ve missed in 13 years, and that’s an example of how hard I’ll work for every bride that worries if I get sick. We’ll find whatever DJ is not working out there and we’ll give him/her amazing notes, because that’s how much I care about you!

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

Easy! Don’t give unlimited time! If you hate how stingy others are, great! Undercut them, give more hours, don’t charge for an add-on or gas or tax or whatever. Just don’t ever try to win a client by letting them take advantage of you! I learned my lesson after one wedding pushed this gift too far. Kids, earmuffs!

I was packing up at 1:30am and just the wedding party was still dancing. It was on a camp ground, so everyone was sleeping on the property, but all spread out in tents and cabins. Well, they hadn’t paid me. (Also, don’t be afraid to charge 30-40% for your deposit!) So as I pull out to go look for them, they’re enjoying some ‘marital bliss’ on top of a car and my lights just shined right on them! So I had to drive through the camp to get the money from her dad and pretend I never saw anything!

Moral? I think you know. Say til midnight at the latest. Or give a couple extra hours. Just don’t say forever! And make them pay the day before if you can.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rtbdj.com
• Instagram: @raisethebarrdj

Image Credits

Shana Wooley with W the Studio