Meet John Wayne

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful John Wayne. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with John below.

John , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I’ve never been shy, as a kid I was in musicals, performing on stages, in theater, and a class clown. I eventually discovered raves and from there started tearing up club dancefloors, but decided I wanted more and became a dj. so I guess you can say I have been entertaining my whole life and with time and struggle comes confidence and self-esteem. I bombed plenty of times and have been told NO many more times, but the way I look at it, if someone says no then there is someone that will say yes, or “DIY” do it yourself and create your own YES! You will know your on the right track when random people you don’t know will tell you how much you mean to them or they appreciate what you do, and encourage you when you think you are crazy for thinking this life can be for you. With encouragement comes confidence and builds your self-esteem. Welcome the industry beatings, because when it is your turn to shine the harder you had to work to earn it will reflect when you have it, and they will see it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Awesome!!!

Thank you for the opportunity to share and Big ups for doing this for the community.

Most of DFW knows me from JacksHouse Afterhours Agency12, Sanctuaray, or many of the other parties I have done over the years. I also dj with my wife as TeamUmami Music, and she is also a artist known as BAELIEN and founder of the Venus collective. An All female entertainment collective of djs, dancers, vendors, performers etc. we throw parties and dj alot of shows. Plus we are raising our son ATLAS who is amazing, but I have taken a bigger step towards my dream of producing bigger shows and partnered up with one of my best friends to create our new event company, STIMULAT3D!

The story behind this has to be told, and will be a a true testimony for anyone struggling to hang on, have hope, and keep pushing, because there is LIGHT after the dark days. MY buddy Will Lee is the perfect example of this. Ever since he could remember he has always wanted to become a dj and throw parties, but there was just one problem. He could not dj to save his life! He asked me to give him lessons and when I had time I showed him a few basics. Will was living in a 1 bedroom condo, and working in a lumber yard, making ends meet and going out to shows when he could to watch his his favorite djs and dream of being up there.

During the pandemic Will’s mother passed from illness and he made her a promise that he would chase his dream! Wills mother was mentally disabled his whole and was looked after by caretakers. When she was in labor with Will the hospital gave her 10x the amount of anesthesia required and she suffered greatly, and so did Will. He had a hard life. I was with him through his mother passing and encouraged him. If he wanted to become a dj then he needed to go to the DJ SCHOOL DALLAS. So he gathered up the courage and dove right in. His life basically changed over night. He went from working in the lumber yard to going to the Dj School, and in 1 month he graduated and performed his first set as DJ STIMUL3Y3! I was so proud of him. He had a lot of support as well . One Day Will tells me the plan, he says, “John, here’s the deal. I filed for a llc under STIMULAT3d and I want you to run the operation.” Its fully funded and I want to throw BIG shows. You have been throwing shows for a long time and I trust you.

I 100% accepted his offer and am now the chief of operations and partner.

At STIMULAT3D, our mission is to curate unforgettable EDM events that go beyond the music, creating unique experiences that stimulate your mind, body, and soul. We are dedicated to showcasing major shows featuring renowned DJs and artists while fostering a sense of community and giving back to those in need.

We believe in the power of music to uplift, inspire, and connect people. Through our events, we aim to create an immersive environment where attendees can escape, let loose, and be fully present in the moment. We carefully select venues and design transformative productions that captivate the senses, leaving a lasting impression on our audience.

We are committed to making a positive impact on mental health. Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, we donate a portion of our proceeds to reputable mental health non-profit organizations. By supporting these organizations, we contribute to raising awareness, providing resources, and promoting a healthier mindset within our community.

Additionally, we prioritize the growth and development of aspiring DJs by sponsoring lessons and facilitating industry connections. We believe in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for emerging artists to thrive. Through mentorship and support, we empower DJs to refine their craft, gain exposure, and make meaningful connections within the EDM industry.

While primarily located in Dallas, we strive to expand our reach and influence to other cities, bringing our unique brand of EDM experiences to diverse communities. Our goal is to create a vibrant network of EDM enthusiasts, fostering a sense of unity and celebration across boundaries.

At STIMULAT3D, we are passionate about pushing the boundaries of what an EDM event can be. We strive to deliver unforgettable experiences that transcend traditional expectations, leaving our attendees inspired, uplifted, and connected. Join us as we harness the power of music to create moments that stir the mind, move the body, and nourish the soul. Together, let’s make a difference in our community and beyond.

We booked our first show in 3 weeks and sold out Austin with legendary house dj Louie Vega. Our next show is June 1oth at the Studio in the Factory in deep Ellum. Featuring international artist Leftwing:kody from London. We are calling this show “ORBIT” a 360 dj Experience. We have teamed with local event company ToTheMoon and are curating a full 360 dj show and putting the dj in the middle of the dancefloor in 1k cap venue. We will be filming this experience and using it for potential viral content. With the dj world gravitating towards more intimate 360 set we decided to curate our own unique version of this. We have prepared a very immersive environment where you can be all up in the action.

Plus DJ STIMUL3Y3 will be playing his first official show. As a way to give back we are going to pay for 1 student to go to the dj school for one semester. Djs that are interested, come to the show, sign ups will be at the table and we will draw the name at 11:11pm. tickets and info can be found at www.stimulat3d.com.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Lets see top 3. #1 Be a good person, and be true to your word!
# 2 Your Net-worth is your Network so go out an network as much as you can, and follow up.
#3 develop work life balance especially if you have a family!!!

Find some kind of Faith, I personally am a Christian and Love GOD. I put my Faith in my creator and have a relationship with them, and try my best to Love people unconditionally like Christ did, and help them how I can.

Read how to win friends and influence people.

A few quotes my Mom would say, “Its always the darkest before the dawn”, and “this too shall pass”.

This one I came up with, Good things come to those that wait, but greatness comes to those who take initiative!

and of course since I’m named after the Duke I gota have a John Wayne quote in here.
“Courage is being scared to death… and saddling up anyway.”

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My Wife Amanda, with out her I’m lost. She keeps me on track and focused, I tend to day dream and go off on Big ideas and she always gets me centered and back on track but encourages me to explore those bigger ideas. I watched her set up her own business and launch it like a pro. She is a great mom and makes sure to give our kido lots of quality time, while managing her collective and BAELIEN project. I’ve been low key managing her bookings and together we have learned a lot from each other. last year we set out a goal to get her on the festival circuits and we did it. she has played Dancefestopia, Freaky Deaky, Electric Art Fest, Lights All Night, and Backwoods, all major festivals. plus she is releasing her own music. She inspires me to never give up on my performer side, ultimately the goal is to blow up BAELIEN, run our crews, throw our shows and come out with a Team Umami Live PA act and go on tours with ATLAS and show him the WORLD.

We both come from a crazy party lifestyle, and honestly had we not found another probably would be dead, prison, or very very unhappy, We saved each other. We look back on it often and thank GOD we made it. Atlas gave us the motivation to mature and grow up, but never give up on our passion for music, and creating events.

I also have to say my Mom, she held it down for me for years, through thick and thin. In my darkest days she was the only light sometimes. I grew up with my family over coming challenges all my life, be it evictions, separations, financial struggle, whatever. we worked it out and always had some kind of solution.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Phoenix Taylor aka 3xtra Sauc3 Fevermatic studios

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