We were lucky to catch up with Ronald Turner recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ronald, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I have been a full time DJ for five and a half years now, and I would say that it has been extremely rewarding and fulfilling. Unlike some of the creatives I know, I actually didn’t mind having a regular corporate job, mainly because I enjoyed the consistency and benefits. I had a period about nine years ago when I quit my corporate job, but I realized within a few months that it was extremely difficult to only make a living from DJing, and I went back to work about nine months later and had no issues with it. At this current point, I don’t think I would be able to enjoy a regular job nearly as much, so it makes me focus and make sure that I’m equipped to thrive and retire from other streams of income.
Ronald, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I was always heavily into music, even as a kid. I initially started as a rapper and then producer, and I focused on producing once I finished High School. I became a DJ during my last two years at Florida A&M, and I initially saw it as something fun to do when I wasn’t doing school work or interning. I believe that one thing that sets me apart is my overall knowledge of subgenres, Regional music, and the different eras of music that I play. One of the things I’m most proud of is that I’ve been able to travel and DJ in nine different countries without being under any artist or entity.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I was able to build an audience on social media initially from the convos I would create and engage in, and for my full length mixes that I placed on SoundCloud. Within the last six years, I primarily built my audience through my quick mix videos. Consistency is the main key, because it’s virtually impossible to predict which videos will end up viral, versus those that you may feel are the the most creative. Learning to network through social media is a huge benefit, meaning that you have to engage with your followers and other creatives, along with sharing their work just as they share yours.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
My biggest pivot as a DJ was during March 2020 when the COVID pandemic hit America. I was unable to DJ in person, so I made the switch to DJing on Instagram Live and Twitch. It was extremely rewarding, and I never would have expected to enjoy DJing while being inside of my house. I was able to reach an entirely new audience, and it served as an outlet for me to play music that I never had the chance to play in public settings.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.djr-tistic.com
- Instagram: @DJRTistic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DJRTistic310/
- Twitter: @DJRTistic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RTistic
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dj-r-tistic-los-angeles-2
Image Credits
@madworksphoto