We recently connected with Xiaoxing Zhao and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Xiaoxing, thanks for joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I was able to work in audio full time for 3 years. I loved every second of it. I went to college for recording arts in Houston, TX at Mediatech Institute. After I graduated, I ended up working there as a studio tech. During that time my DJ career was taking off and I was playing at anime cons and various events around the state of Texas. 2 years into working as a studio tech I started teaching music business at Mediatech and working for Okratron5000 as a Talent Coordinator and Audio Engineer.

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

For those that don’t know me, I’m DJ Baeritoki based out of Houston, TX. I’m a working K-POP DJ and music producer. I also work as a tour manager for bands/groups from Japan and S. Korea.

Back when I was in high school I started as a band manager for a band called “The RiCECOOKERS” from Japan and I started tour routing for the band Ice Nine Kills when they were with RedBlue Records out of Boston, MA (my home town). That’s when I fell in love with management and touring and vowed to make it my full time gig.

Also during my middle school life I started working as a radio DJ on AM and FM radio on Boston. I spent many years in radio and loved the craft. I worked for GRLZ RADIO 540AM, WUMB (NPR), and I even started my own Jpop/K-pop radio station called Sakurata Radio.

After a few years and tours I started to want to explore my own creative side. When I went to Mediatech I met some great producers and friends that helped me bring out my talents. I started DJing live back in 2019 and never stopped since. I love playing music for people and seeing them smile and dance. Currently I’m 1/2 of KRYSTAL METHOD PRODUCTIONS (KMP), the other producer on the team is well established and his name is Yung Romo Beatz.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the best things about being a K-pop DJ is the community! I love that they are so supportive and accepting of each other. Also they have so much energy when they dance to the choreography that it makes it easy to play even when I’m tired! I feed off of peoples energy so watching them smile and have fun means I will feel the same way.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative especially in my genre is that I’m playing for other creatives/dancers. Every song is a performance and they do an amazing job!

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.xiaoxingzhao.com
• Instagram: @baeritoki
• Twitter: @baeritoki