Why my Parents Supported my DJ Life

Sometimes I wonder how my parents supported such a life choice of becoming a disc jockey (DJ). Especially, in our family. As I pondered and meditated these past few days, I finally realized what they saw watching me. Understand, this is not a piece about mixing music, it’s about reflection of my DJ life. No one in this world supported me more than my parents. Now I have discovered why my parents did support my DJ life.

 In 1999 I graduated high school. At the time my job was a minimum wage everyday job, and I was just starting my adult life. Turning 18 and going out with my friends (That’s what we did in the 90s), I got into Breakdancing (the scene) and music. One of my friends named Albert Ellis AKA AL, DJ DIZ from Chicago, was a vinyl turntable DJ and he taught me how to spin records at his apartment. I fell in love with mixing, and we made tapes, Mixes to dance to, and ride in the car when we cruised around. We were always popping mixtapes into the car cassette player and discussing the mixes (how to nail them).

 When I graduated high school, I asked my parents for turntables and mixer. I wanted Technic 1200’s and a Gemini Scratchmaster mixer. Back then, Technic’s weren’t cheap, but they were not a thousand dollars like today. The turntables ran about $250 - $300 a piece. I needed two (my mom did not understand why I needed two). Package deals made DJ bundles cost around $600 - $700 for the whole set up. Like I said, it wasn’t cheap, but it was affordable. On my birthday in May 1999, after graduation, my parents bought me those turntables. I still have them to this day. Technic’s last forever (That’s why I wanted them).

Every week I went to local record shops around town. My favorite record store was called The Drop Shop, in Orlando Florida. This was before Alex moved his store to the Robinson St. location. Records were not expensive back then. I could take $20-$25 bucks of my check and come home with (on average) 3 -4 new records. Most records sold for $6.99 - $8.99. My house is still full of all these records I bought. No one ever told me getting into vinyl is like owning a storage warehouse facility (They add up). Recently I have sold some of the clutter, but for some reason I can’t let go of good records and memories. Only the clutter goes. It’s nice, I’m making space for new things in my life.

As for my DJ career, I practiced mixing for about six months to a year before Steven Harville, AKA DJ Soul, of Kissimmee Florida, gave me my first DJ gig at a nightclub on Lee Rd. in the downtown Orlando Fl. area.  Steve taught me how the industry worked. I went on to spend 20 years of my life as a professional DJ, hopping gig to gig (no benefits). During this time, my family supported me. No one supported me more than my family. But every mentor/associate was a valued relationship of business, fun, and friendship.

I always wondered why my family supported me so much, and didn’t harp on me to, “Get a real job.” I can see now that my parents watched and witnessed how much joy mixing brought me. Looking through their eyes, I can see a kid coming home from the record store, storming into the house, throwing them records on the decks, making mixtapes, calling friends, and having the time of his life. Maybe it’s not the most beneficial life, but the joy of seeing someone pursue dreams with passion brings joy. It’s better than watching a child give up and lose hope, at least there was joy and drive. I could always talk to my parents about my jobs and gigs. I performed many gig types (not just clubs). I played weddings, ceremonies, special events, concerts, radio, podcast (streaming), house parties, dive bars, and anything that needed a DJ. Once, I even played oldies at a retirement home.

Mixing kept me out of trouble. I was focused on trying to reach my goal, which for a DJ is to headline a main event or hot club spot (That pays). Everything was about getting that gig. The DJ scene is competitive, and also full of love. Everyone tries to fit everyone in, somewhere. We all have to share the scenes we receive. You take your turn, hit the booth, drop it like it’s hot, and pray it leads to another gig. In other words, do not quit your day job to become a DJ. We can’t change the past, but we can change the future. I know this now, and that’s why I’m writing this piece. Like I said, this is not a piece about being a DJ, it’s a piece about why my parents supported me. The answer is simple. It’s because they loved me and enjoyed watching me pursue something with such joy and passion. Now I sit and think of how much joy I brought them, being so determined. In the end, it works both ways.

For twenty years I had a great life full of family and friends, and I wouldn’t change a thing for the world. Through all the ups and downs, I am truly grateful for each and every moment. I want to throw a quick shout-out to all of the hard-working everyday DJ’s in their everyday gigs and say, “Peace to all the real DJ’s out there.” Keep up the good work.

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