We caught up with the brilliant and insightful My Cousin Vinny a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
My Cousin Vinny, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
It all started when I got my first set of turntables and a DJ mixer as a birthday gift from my parents. I was 12 years old and also just discovered pirated music production programs like Sony Acid Pro and Fruity Loops. From there I became obsessed! I was a 7th grade kid going to record stores digging for vinyl, practicing DJing in my room and making beats on my computer and I just knew something special was happening.
But it wasnt until I had my first official DJ gig that the light bulb went off. My seventh grade classmate was having her birthday party at her house and asked me to be the DJ. I brought my turntables & mixer, my crate of records and a boombox stereo for the sound system. I’ll always remember the excitement I felt playing records and the vibes from making my friends dance as we turned her garage into what felt like a night club! At that moment I knew this was my path.
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 My Cousin Vinny and I’m a professional DJ & Music Producer. I got into this space first and foremost because I love music, and grew up listening to a wide variety of timeless music. I understand the power of music how it touches our emotions and our soul, and how it can make people feel good. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of entertainment and entertaining people, and when I started DJing I connected the dots and realized how I can share my passion for music, bring people together and create positive vibrations that make people feel good. I am also able compound that energy by actually producing my own music too, and that allows me to incorporate my own music into my DJ sets to create unique experiences for party people. Having full creative control with my DJ sets & music production keeps the fire burning and pushes me to collaborate and build with other like-minded creatives in hopes of creating timeless sounds & moments.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I believe that society can do this by actually supporting the art that they like. That means going to your favorite artists’ concert/show and purchasing a ticket. That means buying their merchandise at the show, and actually buying their music whether it be physical or digital. Hiring/booking your favorite artists for your own event (if applicable). Posting about them on social media and telling people about your favorite artists. These efforts all add up and the more we do this for our artists, the better off everyone will be.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My mission on this creative journey is to share my passion for music through DJing and music production, bring people together, and make people dance and have a good time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my_cousin_vinny/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mycousinvinny1
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/my_cousin_vinny
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mycousinvinny89
- Other: https://soundcloud.com/mycousinvinny https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Jef5qMHFTbtjYtEepFS3J?si=RT_ClhNCQNWvvXc_b0rNlA https://mycousinvinny.bandcamp.com
Image Credits
Aiwey Pictures / Aiwey Films Ruben Cisneros