Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tricks. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tricks, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I embarked on my musical journey and ventured into DJing at the tender age of 14. During a summer camp for college courses just before entering high school, I had the opportunity to connect with fellow producers of my age who also participated in the camp. Despite the fact that Jersey Club music wasn’t as widely recognized nationally at that time, I greatly admired shadowing and observing these producers. Throughout that summer, I immersed myself in learning the nuances of producing Jersey Club music, leveraging the local popularity it had gained.
Upon returning home after that transformative summer, I continued to create music. It was during those moments that I truly fell in love with what I do today. For the initial two years, I didn’t release any of my music online; instead, I remained intensely focused on honing my craft. It was during this period that I realized I was cultivating a profound passion for music.
Tricks, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am “Tricks,” also known as THISISTRICKS, a Producer, Artist, and DJ hailing from Plainfield, NJ, and a pioneer in the Jersey Club scene. My introduction to Jersey Club came through encounters with fellow DJs, such as the globally renowned Mike Gip, known for his Jersey Club Remixes.
My remixes and original music boast a unique sound and twist. Growing up deeply involved in the church and Shadowing the live sound engineer, I bring a euphoric Background energy to my production. What distinguishes me is my work ethic and unwavering determination never to cease. I consistently flood the world with original and remix content.
Many of my remixes are now played worldwide, resonating with millions. I take pride in my viral productions like “Forever My Neck My Back (Feat. Iamsb & DJ Smallz 732)” and “Brent Faiyaz – All Mine (Jersey Club) Feat DJ Taj,” performed on major stages and shared millions of times online.
To my followers and fans, I want you to know that my mission is to spread good vibes and deliver amazing music! In 2024, I plan to delve deeper into my artistic side, producing more and more original content.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2018, I found myself immersed in a demanding routine—working full-time, producing music around the clock, and sacrificing precious sleep. The environment I was in may not have been the healthiest. I was pushing myself to the limit, putting in extensive hours in both my musical pursuits and job. Regrettably, amidst the hustle, I failed to take moments to truly celebrate and relish the accomplishments I had achieved thus far.
At that time, I was a popular producer, with numerous remixes going viral, celebrities sharing my work online, and dance videos circulating widely. One day, I made a pivotal decision: I quit my job and relocated to Atlanta within a mere three days. It was a necessary pivot. Prior to this, I had never lived outside of New Jersey, and Atlanta offered a fresh setting for new experiences and musical inspiration.
This move also granted me the luxury of working full-time on my music. Collaborating closely with Heavy Hitters’ very own DJ Taj during this period, I realized that I needed to ensure the quality of my production. The previous juggling act between my job and music had taken its toll, making my music feel somewhat forced. The relocation to Atlanta provided me with the creative freedom and space for my ideas to thrive and evolve. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.
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.
For those of us who aren’t in creative fields, the journeys we undertake are all uniquely shaped. One common aspect that we inevitably encounter at some point in our careers is failure. Failure is a part of the process of growth, learning, and maturation. I remember organizing parties where no one showed up. I recall waking up the next day feeling disheartened and pondering what I might have done wrong. I also remember going to DJ at certain nightclubs and being removed from the set. Although such experiences are rare now, during the early stages of my DJ career, I had to face numerous failures before achieving any semblance of success.
It’s not about proving oneself to others or attempting to showcase one’s identity. Instead, it’s about demonstrating to oneself that, regardless of the circumstances, you will always put your best foot forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: linktr.ee/thisistricks
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisistricks/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thisistricks/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGDrrInb5k-Ov_HOo6aHIVA