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What happens when corporate consulting skills meet house music production? DJ iFunner (Ivan Wong) takes us behind the decks to reveal his fascinating journey from bedroom DJ to performing at packed venues across Toronto.

The Canadian artist based in Richmond Hill shares how his natural inclination to "create an environment where people can relax and vibe" evolved from casually playing music at university gatherings to spinning tracks at major events like the Snake Eyes Chinese New Year party at the legendary El Mocambo. With refreshing honesty, Ivan discusses how his corporate background in consulting has surprisingly equipped him with valuable skills that transfer to artist development and music production.

We dive deep into the realities of balancing a 9-to-5 job with creative pursuits, and how Ivan's Asian heritage has influenced his artistic direction. His innovative concept for "Lai Cha" parties—a cultural twist on coffee parties centered around Hong Kong milk tea—reveals his desire to blend music with meaningful cultural experiences. This conversation delivers practical insights on everything from producing debut tracks to leveraging AI for content creation and social media strategy.

The episode illuminates the importance of community in artist development, particularly through Ivan's involvement with Jstdrmn, a collective helping local talent reach global stages. His journey serves as both inspiration and blueprint for anyone looking to meaningfully pursue creative passions while navigating professional responsibilities. Whether you're a music enthusiast, aspiring DJ, or creative entrepreneur, Ivan's story demonstrates how passion, community, and strategic growth can combine to create something special in today's competitive entertainment landscape.