We were lucky to catch up with Jayden Young recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jayden, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Embarking on the journey to turn my passion into a sustainable livelihood has been a rewarding adventure. It took time and dedication, but the experience has been nothing short of amazing, and I wouldn’t trade it for any other profession.

From eagerly awaiting my turn for the aux cord to being sought after and compensated for curating the perfect musical ambiance for diverse venues, the transformation has been eye-opening. DJing allows me to hold the energy of the room in the palm of my hand—an exhilarating responsibility that I’ve come to cherish. What I find particularly fascinating is the dynamic nature of the craft. Each event demands a unique approach to energy management, presenting both challenges and opportunities for improvement. It’s this constant evolution throughout the night that keeps me engaged, inspired, and always striving to elevate my skills.

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.

I’m Jayden, a 26-year-old DJ, Producer, and Event Specialist. My journey into the world of music began early, learning to play guitar, and this passion has accompanied me throughout various phases of my life. In 2019, my fascination with the live music scene, particularly electronic music, piqued my interest in becoming a DJ.

My initial foray into DJing was deeply rooted in the hip-hop scene, creating connections that led to my first paid gigs. Over the years, I fully immersed myself in the DJ world, networking, practicing, delving into music production, and gaining valuable experience. This journey evolved into a dual role, where I now navigate both the EDM scene and Open format sets at weddings, parties, clubs, and bars.

Reflecting on my relatively short career, I’m proud to have shared stages with some of my favorite artists in the EDM world, including San Holo, Kai Wachi, Crankdat, Ghastly, Ruvlo, and soon, Flux Pavilion. On the Open format side, I’ve held a residency at Arrowhead Stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs and performed at various venues across Kansas City. Weddings, with their intricate preparation and finesse requirements, have proven to be especially rewarding.

Amidst all these accomplishments, I find immense pride in representing Kansas City. From meeting industry icons to holding down residencies, I’ve built my career right here, and I couldn’t be more proud to call this vibrant city home.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most gratifying aspect of being a DJ, for me, is the sense of anticipation that fills the air when I plug into the sound system. In those moments, I don’t know which song will be playing in the next five minutes, but I absolutely relish the feeling of immersing myself in the groove. It’s a dynamic experience of syncing with the crowd’s dance moves, navigating my thoughts through the evolving musical landscape, and letting my library intersect seamlessly. This shared camaraderie with the audience creates an unparalleled connection that I find truly unbeatable.

Have you ever had to pivot?

During my teenage years leading up to venturing into the music industry, my work revolved around the automotive and tree trimming sectors. While both paid well and provided some enjoyment, I reached a point where I felt burnt out and lacked the enthusiasm to face each workday. It was a challenging period, and I realized that I needed a change.

Ironically, I didn’t start DJing with the intention of making money; it was a pursuit born out of genuine enjoyment. This shift in focus eventually brought me to where I am today. Although it may sound cliché, following my passion felt like the right path, and it has proven to be a successful journey.

However, I want to emphasize the importance of timing in pursuing one’s dreams. The harsh reality is that it takes money to live, and the financial stability required for a career in DJing doesn’t happen overnight. It’s crucial not to impulsively quit your job to pursue this path. Instead, approach it with nuance and recognize that building a financially stable career in this field takes time. It’s essential to be smart and wise about following your heart, occasionally second-guessing yourself to ensure that your motivations are sound and aligned with the right reasons.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dj_acrylik/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DJAcrylik
• Other: https://soundcloud.com/acrylik_official

Image Credits
Professional pictures by @ShotbyEd