We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nathen Wallis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Nathen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I first learned how to DJ through YouTube videos, be it tutorials or just watching various other DJs mix. When I first discovered DJing and saw it as a skill I wanted to learn, I made sure that it was something I could easily understand and stay committed to. I’m a pretty fast learner especially with hands on activities, but I think I should have watched more videos that focused on specific aspects of mixing and certain features on DJ gear. It took me a while to start using the effects section of my controller, but once I did it made my sets sound much more fluid. I think an essential skill that I should’ve given more attention is the ability to produce my own music. I consider this an obstacle in my path as a DJ because DJs that also produce typically get booked more frequently and can earn more by selling their music online through websites like BeatPort. One thing that prevents me from learning more is the common obstacle of time, due to my busy schedule working a 9-5, networking and marketing myself as a DJ, as well as keeping a social life.
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?
Hello! My name is Nathen Wallis AKA DJ Cybernate. A little over a year ago I became obsessed with House and Techno music when it was recommended to me on YouTube. I soon became a massive fan of DJ/Producer James Hype and was overwhelmed with a desire to learn his craft. Once I had the available funds, I purchased a DJ controller and started practicing whenever I had free time. Since then, I’ve gone to many various open deck events to demonstrate my abilities and have networked with several promoters in SRQ and the surrounding areas. This has allowed me to build a small but notable fan base and has motivated me to continue with my passion for mixing music.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, as a DJ, the most rewarding aspect of what I do will always be satisfying a crowd. Seeing a room of people dancing and cheering to the music your mixing gives me an indescribable level of euphoria. I do what I do purely for the music, and that is my reward.
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.
Something that I’ve noticed talking to a few of my friends who are not at all involved with dance music (and who also know little about DJing), is that they don’t understand how I stay driven in my pursuit of a career as a DJ while earning very little money from my craft. It’s easy for me to stay motivated when I see big DJs like James Hype or Chapter And Verse say that it took them many years before they made decent money as DJs. I constantly hear throughout the industry that if you put in the hours of practice, consistently make in person connections, and are willing to learn music production, that you’re much more likely to make it big on the industry. I’m reminded everyday by this sound from my earbuds that it’ll be worth it in the end, I’m confident the music will take me where I want to go.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dot.cards/nathenwithane
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dj.cybernate?igsh=YjZnN3lmZmxpOWxq
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093849638504&mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@djcybernate?si=BlEYGUzcbl4Qf0YR
- Other: SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/Gm2bV
Image Credits
Felipe Garcia (@thelifeof0707) Firas (@813rawphoto)