We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Keith Welborn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Keith, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been 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? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
I’ve been fortunate enough to make a full-time living from DJing and hosting private events. My journey here is the result of consistent hard work and diligent networking, seizing every opportunity that came my way. The key was shifting my focus from just making money to embracing opportunities that could grow my career and financial stability. I’ve had the honor of DJing for A-list celebrities and even for 1-year-old birthday parties, and each event has taught me something valuable.
Embracing failure is crucial; it’s a stepping stone to success. In the beginning, it often feels like nothing is working, but perseverance pays off. Just like a well-cooked meal takes time, so does building a successful career. The toughest moments, like being ripped off by an employee or realizing my worth through a client’s feedback, have been significant milestones that boosted my confidence.
I’ve learned not to let the low points keep me down for too long, understanding that they’re as important as the highs. This mindset has shaped my journey, and I’m grateful for every part of it.
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?
My journey started with my father, a percussionist, who taught me how to play drums and piano. I also grew up dancing, drawing, freestyle rapping, and everything other element that embodies the Hip Hop culture. This foundation naturally led me to discover DJing, where I found my true calling. I moved from North Carolina to LA to expand my horizons and take my DJ career to the next level.
Beyond DJing, I hold a film degree and have been involved in numerous movies, TV shows, and stage plays. This unique blend of skills allows me to combine the theatrical world with the DJ scene, creating real, genuine experiences that resonate deeply with my audience.
I offer a wide range of services and creative works, catering to various types of events. For private events, whether intimate gatherings or grand celebrations, I tailor my music to fit the mood and theme perfectly. When it comes to weddings, I specialize in creating memorable musical moments for both the ceremony and reception. I also provide professional and engaging entertainment for corporate functions and parties, ensuring a lively atmosphere that meets the event’s objectives. Additionally, I deliver high-energy performances for celebrity events, catering to high-profile clients and exclusive parties.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with renowned brands like Nike, Buffalo Wild Wings, Body Armor, Powerade, Monster Energy, Disney, Sony, Marvel, and Ferrari. My client list also includes celebrities such as Matt Barnes, Kevin Hart, Trae Young, and Rev Run from Run DMC, among many others. Keeping up with all my clients is a challenge, given the high demand for my services.
For my clients, I solve several key problems. I ensure seamless event coordination, integrating music smoothly with the overall event plans. I excel in audience engagement, keeping guests entertained and energized throughout the event. Moreover, I manage technical setups, handling sound systems and lighting to provide optimal audio-visual experiences.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Many people who aren’t in creative fields often don’t understand what it takes to be an artist. For example, if you’re not a turntablist, you might not realize the amount of work that goes into creating a great DJ set. This is true for all professional creatives who take their work seriously. This lack of understanding can lead to passive, unintentional disrespect. When dealing with an artist, it’s important to approach with this in mind. If you don’t know much about a subject, it’s best not to make assumptions or speak on it without understanding.
To better support and respect the work of creatives, try asking questions about their process and showing genuine interest in their craft. Recognize that creativity involves not just talent but also a significant amount of hard work, practice, and dedication. By appreciating the effort behind the art, you can build more respectful and supportive relationships with creative professionals. Remember, every piece of art or performance you enjoy has hours of unseen labor behind it.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding [art is this job lets me retain my freedom. The people I work for trust me and treat me like the professional I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.keyboent.com
- Instagram: @justkeybo
- Facebook: @JustKeybo
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/KeithWelborn
- Twitter: @JustKeybo
- Youtube: @JustKeybo
- Yelp: @KeyboEntertainment
- Soundcloud: @JustKeybo
- Other: Grad some of my free mixes on Mixcloud www.mixcloud.com/justkeybo
Image Credits
First photo of me laying down with my Dj gear by Melissa Kobe