DJ Deckard and Wes Smith explore the intricate journey of becoming a DJ, delving into their musical roots, early influences, and the evolution of the electronic music scene. They discuss the impact of raves, the challenges of navigating the music industry, and the importance of community and networking in shaping their careers. The dialogue highlights the unique paths each DJ takes, the significance of live performances, and the ongoing evolution of music production techniques. In this engaging conversation, Deckard and Wes Smith explore their journeys in the music industry, focusing on the evolution of DJing, the impact of technology like Ableton Live, and the importance of understanding one's worth in the business. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences in New York, the challenges of releasing music, and the significance of networking. The discussion also touches on unique experiences at events like Burning Man and the business side of music, including licensing and royalties.

Thank you to our sponsor and friends at Asiento in San Francisco. A local woman owned neighborhood bar with fresh cocktails & delicious shareable bites. Deckard recommends the Madam burger. Hosts DJs & bands.

Chapters

00:00 The DJ's Journey Begins

01:07 Musical Roots and Influences

04:11 Discovering the DJ Culture

09:42 The Evolution of Breaks and Rave

14:59 First Rave Experience and Its Impact

20:18 Networking and Building a DJ Identity

28:33 The Evolution of DJing and Influences

30:38 Balancing DJing with Education and Career

33:19 The Buzz DC Experience and Networking in Music

36:45 Learning the Craft: From DJing to Producing

41:20 Building Community and Collaborations in DC

44:04 Transitioning to New York: Challenges and Opportunities

49:46 Finding Worth: The Value of Music and Engineering

53:38 Navigating the Music Industry: Lessons Learned

01:02:52 The Journey of a DJ: From College to Professional

01:04:38 The New York Experience: A DJ's Perspective

01:07:03 Cultural Exchange: DJing in India

01:12:05 The Evolution of Music Revenue: Vinyl to Video Games

01:16:22 Memorable Experiences: DJing at Burning Man

01:21:50 Lessons Learned: DJ Fails and Growth

01:31:16 Emerging Talent: Shoutouts and Inspirations

After 25 years behind the decks, I've learned that every DJ has a unique path.

I'm DJ Deckard, I’m launching 'A DJ's Journey' - a podcast that explores the stories behind the music with the DJs who shaped our scene.

My first guest is pioneer DJ Dan, taking us from the early West Coast rave scene up to today's electronic landscape.

Welcome to A DJ's Journey - where every beat tells a story.