Today we’d like to introduce you to Desmond Newsom.
Hi Desmond, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I’ve always dabbled in music from birth. I was literally in choir every school year, taking piano lessons, being in several bands.,. you can pretty much say I was born to entertain-haha. I received an undergrad degree in psychology/sociology and a Master’s in Human Resources Management. All that to say I developed a sense of “musical emotional intelligence”. Studying people and their environment, you pick up on a few things. Moving forward, I am a natural party starter, and if you party hard, I party harder:). I love being around people and helping them enjoy life. So pretty much any time I am in the car with peeps or at an event, I always ask if I can control the music because music sets the entire mood. One day I was at a gathering and controlling the music from my phone but through a mobile djay app. One of the couples there randomly asked if I would djay their wedding. Crazy enough, I had never thought about djaying for some reason. I told them I didn’t have any equipment, but if they could gather 2 speakers, a microphone, table, and an iPad- then I could handle it. Needless to say, I ROCKED THAT JOINT. The feeling that I had at the end of the night is unexplainable, but I knew I wanted to feel it again.
The next day, I literally went online and purchased a djay start-up kit. Six months later, I quit my corporate job and started an online meal prep business and a djay company with my cousin Jermont…thus D (Desmond) & J (Jermont)=DJ
Productions & Entertainment was born. 5 years later, and we are one of the top-rated djay companies in Nashville!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course, it has not been a smooth road, but you must push through growing pains. I’m not sure if struggle is the correct word. When you initially start out, you have to get your name out there and network. I am great at networking, but Nashville is a big city. Jason Middleton of Premier Entertainment has definitely been huge part of the journey, with getting me into hard-to-reach places. For instance, when I am not doing weddings or private parties, I am a bar/club DJ. Most places already have their set DJ/DJs so they’re not too keen on trying the “new guy”. Perseverance is the name of the game. I would go out to all the bars and introduce myself to the staff and DJs most of the week, to show face. Speed up to now, I can say I am at a good place. Company-wise, we are doing extremely well with being mentioned when it comes to someone for musical entertainment. Me and Jay ( DJprofessaJ), are genuine people and have built our network, one person at a time.
As you know, we’re big fans of D&J Productions and Entertainment. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Our company prides ourselves on bringing your event to life. Whether it is to fill your night with musical bliss, up lighting, a photobooth for the selfie fans, or singing the night away with our “Koncert Karaoke”. Our motto is ” More than Music”. We believe when you’ve booked us for your event, you deserve the same entertainment value, as if you were going to a comedy show, musical concert, musical, etc…
We Pride ourselves on being a dynamic duo of energy. You cannot get a better value for your money. When your event is over, you’ll view us as family!
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Whether you are working for yourself or for someone else, the biggest risk you are taking is time. By that, I am saying if you are working for someone else, you are investing your time into their dreams and goals and risking not having enough time or energy for yourself. When you’re investing in yourself, it can seem risky because you’re not waiting on a steady check, but goodness the return of investment is great when you put in 100% the outcome will be great.
Contact Info:
- Email: dandjayproductions@gmail.com
- Website: www.dandjproductionstn.com
- Instagram: @DeztheDjay
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DandJProductionsTN
- SoundCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/Dezthedjay/
- Other: TikTok: @dezthedjay
Image Credits
Ashley Payne
