We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dj Turn Up a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
DJ , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
First things first, I was able to lay down a good foundation for myself. 1st I love music, I was always into listening to the radio & then when I got a little older, I was into listening to the newest music & determining what the hit songs were going to be. Then when I got a lil older, I was always at every party, so I knew what I knew what the people wanted to hear if I ever were to become a DJ. Then I first got started djing, I was always in my friend’s room (who was also a DJ) & we were always working on our djing ability like transitioning/mixing songs & transitioning/mixing amongst each other. So when I did my 1st party it was beyond a success & the rest was history. What also helps is reassurance from my friends, peers, co-workers & customer. Especially when it comes from someone I just met because in the field I’m in most people won’t say anything which could mean that you did a good or bad job. So when they come around & throw compliments in the middle while I’m djin, it definitely helps my confidence and self-esteem.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I began my DJ career with the aim of livening up house parties and eventually breaking into the club scene. However, life had other plans, and I found myself immersed in a variety of gigs that steered me towards a full-time DJ career. What excites me the most is the unpredictability of the future. As a massive wrestling fan, I never imagined I’d be spinning tracks at a wrestling show, but here I am, living that dream. This experience has solidified my foundation and confidence in my abilities. I’m eager to see where this journey takes me next and how I can elevate my craft to new heights

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities stand out as pivotal to my success. First, my consistent ability to show up on time has not only demonstrated my professionalism but also earned me the trust of my clients and peers. Second, ensuring that every detail is understood leaves no room for error and fosters a reliable working relationship. Lastly, lifelong learning—embracing new knowledge and refusing to become complacent keeps me ahead in a constantly evolving industry. My advice for those starting out is to cultivate these qualities. Respect others’ time, communicate effectively, and never stop learning. These practices will set a solid foundation for a thriving career.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
I didn’t realize this until I got older. In middle & high school my grades started slipping. My parents would take away certain things & privileges from me. But my step-dad told me that he would never take my music from me because that would crush me. I feel like that’s why my love for music & djing is so intense.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dj-turn-up-merchandise.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djtuurnuup?igsh=MWF6MGF3N3NscG9hbw==
- Twitter: https://x.com/TuurnUup?t=jARy_7t3tODoYgRhJ_9tSw&s=09
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@djtuurnuup?si=hlyChcscXjJwMkcq
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/xTxjC

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