Meet Otis Johnson

We recently connected with Otis Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Otis, thank you so much for joining us and opening up about the very personal topic of divorce. So many in the community are going through or have gone through divorce and we think hearing about how others dealt with the aftermath and managed to build a vibrant, successful life and career despite the trauma of divorce can be helpful to many who might be feeling a degree of hopelessness. So, maybe you can talk to us about how you overcame divorce?

I recovered from divorce by reinventing myself and learning new skills. I created a new identity as a cyberpunk DJ, and found love.

My former spouse left me right before pandemic. I was a filmmaker, and was now alone. As it was pandemic, I had no access to the people power it takes to make films.

I purchased a DJ deck and taught myself how to use it through YouTube videos, and took my act to Twitch

When events opened again, I met a woman at a rave. I had a live performance coming, and she joined me, and danced with me behind the turntables.

We got married and she’s still with me at every show.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a Cyberpunk DJ and Science Fiction writer.

I play music for underground events that makes the patrons feel like they are in a gritty, nightclub in the near future. The genre I play is called “mid-tempo bass”, and was featured heavily in the videogame Cyberpunk 2077. It’s heavy and danceable, with four on the floor beats and synths that mimic guitars.

I also write sci fi stories for literary magazines. My main genre is “cyberpunk”, near future tales from the streets about the High Tech Low Life.

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?

My most important skill is storytelling. This informs both my DJing and my writing. I use both to evoke the sensation of living in the future.

The second skill is research. I’ve read countless novels and watched hours of video. I listen to music constantly. You need to draw from a deep well in order to create.

The third skill is networking, which makes it all possible. To new people I say to network constantly. Even about things you haven’t tried.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

The War of Art has had a strong impact on my life. It tells you to create constantly and relentlessly, despite whatever might be distracting you.

You don’t stop creating because you’re in pain. That’s wasting time. Push through to greatness.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @grindhauselektor