We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Reggie Simmons a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Reggie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

After becoming a member of Kappa and immersing myself the undergrad life I would travel all the time. I found myself frequently judging various DJ like man this dj kind of trash. It was during this time that one of my line brothers challenged me, urging me to become the solution to the problem I often critiqued. Taking his words to heart, I decided to dive deeper into the art of DJing. I blew a bag on equipment, turning my dorm room into a makeshift studio, and turned to YouTube for guidance, where my best friend was my constant companion in learning. Yet, it was the invaluable mentorship of a local DJ, known as DJ Q, that truly propelled me forward. Under his wing, I learned not only the technical skills of DJing but also the intricacies of business and branding within the industry. DJ Q’s guidance became the cornerstone of my journey, shaping me into the DJ I am today.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Music has always been a pillar of my life. From the beginning, my interest in music was cultivated in the church. Watching praise and worship teams prepare for services, I ultimately decided to join the church band as a drummer. I dove into multiple genres to study drummers and pianists and how they creatively approached not only playing other people’s music but also how they created their own sounds and tracks. This is what led me to decide to take music seriously and figure out how to make my mark on the music scene here in Kansas City, Missouri.

I matured into a musical force where I got to put my talents on full display! Not only did I exercise my talents in multiple churches but also in different areas of both my middle and high school. Attending Paseo Academy which at that time was a premier arts institution, I not only majored in multiple different areas of the arts, but I made a conscious decision to hone in my musical talents more than ever. Joining the jazz band and learning from drummers such as Tyree Johnson, Ryan Lee, Armond “TJ” Nelson, and many others, I began to learn how to trust my musical instincts and grow those ideas and concepts into real bodies of work.

After deciding to head to college, I made a life-changing decision to pledge Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity Inc. Pledging Kappa gave me the ability to travel and see successful DJs and social events in all walks of life. This ultimately gave me the idea to team up with my fraternity brother Zach “Ace of Klubz” Hinton and take over the Midwest. Within my first two years of college, I transitioned to being the biggest college disc jockey in the Midwest.

Deciding to take the disc jockey profession more seriously after graduation, I began to study people in Kansas City who seemed to control nightlife and do events that broke the typical mold for nightlife events. The one person who influenced me and helped mold me into being the DJ I am today is Quintin “DJ Q” Randle. DJ Q shared not only his wisdom but multiple opportunities to learn the nightlife craft and really make my mark in the industry. Since then, I have become a pillar in the nightlife industry not only in Kansas City but multiple cities nationwide.

I have performed at many Kansas City-area venues including The Historical 18th & Vine Jazz District (The American Jazz Museum, The Blue Room, Soiree Steak and Oyster House), Cable Dahmer Area, The T-Mobile Center, The College Basketball Experience, The Uptown Theatre, The Midland Theatre, The Gem Theater, Mission Theater, The Power & Light District, Martini Corner (Sol Cantina & Brick House), Westport (Bridger’s, Lotus, Shot Stop, Yard Bar and Ale House), Society KC, Blvd Nights, Social (Waldo), Aura, The Truman, The Combine, and many others in between.

I have also worked different gigs for companies who host events such as Twelve Magazine (First Fridays KC), UpDown Nightlife App, Fifth Avenue KC, Kansas City Greek Picnic, The NVO Experience, Amplify Culture, Exclusive Global Solutions, and many more!

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

As a DJ, the ability to read the crowd, synchronize energies, and craft an immersive atmosphere that resonates deeply with everybody is like no together feeling int the world. This connection transcends just music; it’s about bringing people together, fostering unity, and witnessing the sheer joy on their faces as they lose themselves in the energy. Moreover, DJing serves as a canvas for boundless creative expression. The freedom to curate unique mixes, explore diverse genres, and unearth hidden musical gems fosters a deeply fulfilling journey of self-discovery and artistic growth. Performing live adds an electrifying dimension to this experience. The adrenaline rush of commanding a stage, seamlessly blending tracks, and orchestrating a lit dance floor is unparalleled. It’s a moment of pure excitement and accomplishment that fuels the soul. Beyond the thrill of live performance lies the profound impact of cresting a aura where people kick it! Seeing individuals vibe out to the music, casting aside their all bad energy, and embracing the moment is a testament to the power of DJing. And amidst keeping the vibe tight all night, there’s the joy of sharing music – introducing people to new sounds and artists witnessing their appreciation firsthand. In essence, being a DJ is a journey of passion, performance, and profound connection – a journey that transcends boundaries and unites souls through the universal language of music.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, absolutely. My creative journey is fueled by a powerful combination of aspirations. At its core, I’m driven by the desire to create a legacy that transcends time – music that resonates deeply with people and stands the test of generations. I envision performing on the biggest stages across the globe, sharing my passion with massive audiences, and collaborating with some of the most iconic artists in the industry. It’s about leaving a mark that lasts forever, imprinting my name in the annals of music history. Simultaneously, there’s a profound motivation to attain financial freedom – not just for personal gain, but to provide security and stability for my family for generations to come. Ultimately, my creative journey is guided by a dual purpose – to craft unforgettable music and experiences that endure, and to build a legacy of prosperity and security for those I hold dear.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djapsilum/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DJAPSILUM

Image Credits
Patrick Binder Aaron Slaughter Alissa Taylor Najah Shields