We recently had the chance to connect with Darian Jerard is DJ BORN (ROGUE Productions) and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Darian Jerard is DJ BORN, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is pretty important to me. I’ve learned in the past that your word is everything, and when you go back on your word, or don’t do what you said you were going to do, people tend to lose confidence in you. It’s important to follow through on your intentions.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Darian Jerard aka DJ BORN discovered his love for music in the Bronx during the renaissance of Hip Hop in the late 70’s. Later, he and his twin brother Damian moved to Philadelphia where they began throwing parties and introducing their new Philadelphia community to the latest in Hip Hop coming out of NYC at the time.
It was during his college years at the esteemed Lincoln University that Darian Jerard was introduced to HOUSE music, which he has been passionate about ever since..
Later, Working as a Bouncer in some of the most popular night clubs and restaurants in Philadelphia, allowed Darian to become deeply entwined within the Underground House music and cultural scene.
This Love of Music, and Community eventually led to the creation of ROGUE – a party with a purpose set in nature until sunrise, where participants are asked to bring clothing and food to be donated to those in need.
Ironically, it was the lack of support and funding that led to the manifestation and birth of DJ BORN. He plays HOUSE..
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I would say about 15 or 16 years ago I remember being in a bit of a depressed state of mind. I had been recently let go from a gig; my marriage seemed to be falling apart, and I didn’t have the relationship I had always envisioned with my 2 Sons.
At some point during that time I began to reminisce about my days as an Emmy award winning Television producer for PBS, FOX and NBC, and I had to remind myself that I am capable and accomplished at many things.
It was at this moment that I realized that I needed to reinvent myself, and I created The Darian Jerard Company – video production & event planning..
I began creating announcements introducing my services, and collaborating with others on creating unique events. It was during this phase while walking into a night club with my wife at the time that someone yelled out, “Yo that’s Darian Jerard”. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so seen, appreciated, and powerful then I did at that moment..
That acknowledgement fueled me to go on to create some really incredible events and productions, including ROGUE Productions, and now my alter-ego; DJ BORN ..
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
While I haven’t shared this with anyone other than my Mom and Brother, the defining wounds of my Life was when my Wife left me, and took my Son’s with her.
It was like I was in a movie. I came home one day and half the furniture was gone and there was no sign of my family anywhere. No note; No address; No anything. Initially I didn’t even know where they were. Till this day, she still hasn’t told me why she left.
That move really damaged my relationship with my Son’s (for awhile), as well as my confidence. I thought I was doing everything right, and had no clue that she was so unhappy.
It’s been almost 9 years since then, and it took me sometime to realize that there was/is nothing wrong with me. After talking to a Therapist and some family members I came to embrace the saying; “It’s not about You”.
When I came to understand what that statement means, my life began to brighten up again. Ironically, as a result of her actions, it allowed me to see just how unhappy I was myself.
With that breakthrough, I was able to start loving myself again and embracing the talents I’ve been blessed with. It may even be fair to say that if this hadn’t happened, ROGUE Productions may not have ever came to be.
Producing events that give back to the community, and Artist that need support has been my healing, and I’m probably the happiest I’ve been in a long time..
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say what matters to me most is integrity. Do what you say you are going to do. I pride myself on keeping my word and being reliable. Nothing is more annoying than someone saying they’ll be where you need them, and then they are not..
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
The one thing I would stop doing if I only had 10 years left is worrying about what people think about me. I’ve spent so much time dimming my light so others could shine. I’ve spent a lot of time not doing some of the things I’ve wanted to do because I was worried about how people would respond, or what they would think.
I’m not doing that anymore, and I’m the happiest I’ve been in a long time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jerarddarian
- Facebook: @Darian Jerard, @ROGUE
- Youtube: Darian Jerard
Image Credits
Darian J. Bagley
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