Untytled: The Dj GoodB.O.I. Interview
The Dj GoodB.O.I. Interview — Volume 07.
This interview was released in February 2024.
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
How did your creative journey as a child inspire you to become a DJ (Disk Jockey)?
When I was between the ages of 10 and 12, my parents would go bowling in Detroit. I remember specifically on Friday nights, as we were leaving, I listened to the radio and heard the DJs and the music that they were playing. I loved what I was hearing and the energy they provided. At this point, I realized that I had a love for music, specifically techno music. In November 2005, I officially announced myself as a DJ after building my music collection via CDs. I also learned how to produce music through FL Studio music software during this time. In January 2006, I DJ’d my first party, which was a sweet 16, with an Ion dual CD player.
Break down some of your earliest memories of being behind the 1s and 2s across the City of Detroit before the dominating presence of social media and smartphones.
The catalyst behind helping my platform grow in the early days was social media sites like CrushSpot, Black Planet, and YouTube. I gained popularity on those sites and reached a ton of people. Back then, there were a ton of dance groups who would perform to the music I created and they also hosted parties. Some of the popular DJs at the time included DJ Techman and DJ Liquid, who were two people that I was aiming to be around and learn from.
In early 2006, I produced a song called “Work” that I was trying to get to both DJs so they could put in their rotations because it was the song that everybody was doing the latest dances to. I was doing a ton of legwork to get my name out there which eventually led to me throwing my own parties. By late 2006, I was spinning in St. Andrews Hall in Detroit, MI because of my song “Work.” 2009 was the year when I actually purchased my first set of turn-tables.
Do you feel as if you don’t get the flowers and adoration as a pioneering DJ for the millennial generation in Detroit and beyond?
I had that mindset when I was younger but when I matured and learned about how this game works, my outlook evolved. This isn’t a what-you-know business, it’s a who-you-know business. My relationships with promoters and club owners weren’t present because I was always self-sufficient. I was always putting flyers up, posting on social media, and doing photoshoots hoping to garner that attention. I didn’t know how to build my network at the beginning, but once I learned, I started The Michigan DJ Session so I could help other DJs connect with promoters and artists to build those important relationships.
In an ever-changing digital and entertainment landscape, how have you continued to evolve and reinvent yourself as a DJ for nearly two decades?
I’m continuously figuring this out. I pay attention to the trending topics of today and focus on what I want people to learn about me. I’m also stressing the importance of having goals, morals, and standards in this business. There’s a new DJ every day and I don’t want them to experience the pain I experienced.
There have been many nights where I didn’t get paid, or the equipment failed and I didn’t have anyone to help me with this stuff. I had people who would work with me, but they weren’t there to push me toward being the best DJ possible. At the end of the day, I’m always trying to be my best self and be present, no matter what.
If you had the opportunity to DJ for any person at a specified event, who would it be and what made you choose this person?
I see a lot of events that happen and many of these are outside of Detroit. Events like Everyday People or events that Joe Kay puts on currently pique my interest. These are events that I aspire to have soon.
