We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jeff Taylor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jeff, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I embarked on my DJ journey as a hobby when I was 16. I have a technical background in computers and communications and I’ve always had a full-time job since I started working at age 19. My passion for DJing has been a constant throughout my whole life. With every raise I received, I reinvested in my business, accumulating more equipment which allowed me to do larger events. The progression led me to acquire a van, then a substantial truck, opening doors to gigs that demanded less mental strain and time commitment.
In the beginning, I practiced relentlessly to transform my passion into a thriving business. My skill development went beyond beat mixing, it was about reading the crowd, gauging responses at diverse events, and curating an atmosphere that everyone will enjoy and remember.
Navigating the ever-evolving shifts of music trends has been crucial for keeping my creativity alive. Adapting from vinyl records to CDs and now fully electronic formats required continuous learning. I’ve also had to adapt to playing in different venue settings. This means being creative when I’m working at an event outside, whether it’s raining, extremely hot, or cold temperatures. One of the most rewarding aspects that allows me to stay creative is witnessing a diverse crowd enjoying themselves and dancing to the music that I’m selecting.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My love for music traces back to my childhood, surrounded by the constant melody of records and tapes played by my parents. When I entered high school, my mother gifted me some music equipment, unknowingly setting the stage for my journey as a DJ. What started as a hobby quickly transformed into a passion, with friends gathering at my house to enjoy music while I honed my DJ skills.
As my expertise grew, I began DJing at various events, initially for family and close friends. My friends started coming over to my house to listen to music while I practiced being a DJ. It started out as something fun and it became my passion. I would spend all my money on records and spent hours playing music. I remember getting a birthday card from my grandmother with money in it and a note that read “buy clothes not records”. LOL
The turning point was when a co-worker asked me to DJ/MC his wedding, marking the first time I was well-compensated. Watching the video afterward, I realized my gift for entertaining extended beyond familiar faces to total strangers responding to my voice. This revelation sparked the idea of turning my passion into a successful business, and Soulful Sounds was born.
What sets us apart is that we are passionate about creating an extraordinary musical experience. For us, it’s not just a job; it’s about ensuring everyone has a fantastic time. Even if you don’t like dancing, we want you to remember that you were at an event that Soulful Sounds played and you had a great time.
I believe what I’m most proud of is the lasting connections we’ve built over the years. Over the past 15 years, we’ve made lasting connections with many families that have evolved from clients to cherished members of our extended family.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
As I reflect on the incredible 20-year journey of owning and operating Soulful Sounds, it’s a nostalgic feeling filled with gratitude and growth. Three qualities have played a pivotal role in shaping my success: passion, communication, and my ability to connect with others.
Passion has been the force of my DJ career which made this more than just a job, it has been a profound calling. This passion helped me become more creative and dedicated. Another key attribute is effective communication. Clear and open communication not only ensures seamless events but also fosters trust with clients. Communication goes hand in hand with connecting with our clients. Connecting with others goes beyond networking; it’s about building relationships that extend beyond the dance floor.
For those venturing into their own journey, my advice is to cherish every connection. Nurture relationships with clients, fellow vendors, and the broader community. Also, discover what truly sets your soul on fire. Whether it’s a love for music or a connection with people, let passion be the guiding force. Nurture it, let it evolve, and allow it to be what drives you.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
As Soulful Sounds celebrates over two decades of exciting people on the dance floor, I find myself with a great opportunity to expand our services and collaborate with new clients. If you share a passion for elevating your corporate event, I’d love to connect.
In the ever-evolving world of entertainment, adaptability is key. With a substantial foundation in weddings, birthday parties and more, we are eager about extending our expertise to corporate events. The corporate landscape presents a canvas for unique experiences, and I firmly believe that the harmonious blend of our musical artistry and corporate visions can consistently create remarkable events.
I extend a warm invitation to corporate event planners, HR professionals, and businesses aiming to elevate their corporate gatherings. Whether it’s a product launch, team-building event, or corporate celebration, Soulful Sounds is ready to infuse a vibrant musical touch to those events.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.soulfulsounds.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/soulful.sounds1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulfulsoundsnyc/
- Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/soulful-sounds1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@soulfulsounds8077
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/soulful-sounds-charlotte
- Other: Linktree: linktr.ee/soulfulsounds
