Today we’d like to introduce you to Jalen Anderson. Them and their team share their story with us below:
DJ, upcoming Artist, and Producer Jalen “DJ RIO” Anderson is a high-energy, professional room-shaker. His path of pursuing music started in the fall of 2014 while DJing parties around his local scenes of Chapel Hill and Columbia, TN. Jalen studied at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN, where he gained traction performing at several Greek life events and collegiate parties. By the end of his time at Lipscomb University, he accepted the role as the Official Pageant DJ for the Miss/Mrs. TN for America Organization. His experience providing music support for these pageants, as well as special events held by the organization, furthered his hopes to not only provide his audience with great music but also with music of his own.
Jalen was voted Nashville’s Best DJ in 2021 and was runner-up in 2020. In every venue he’s performing in, his goal is to command the room. He frequently performs at The Ainsworth and Nudie’s Honky Tonky in Nashville but also plays at various events around Tennessee. As his career expands, it provides him with opportunities to shake venues across the nation, including states such as Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, and more. His next endeavor is to hear music of his own blasting from every speaker around. Expect future club hits from this upcoming talent, and be on the lookout for his new single – “DIAMONDS.”
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Yes and no. I have been blessed with many opportunities to do what I love: playing great music for great people. Pursuing music isn’t typically a “smooth” career choice, but I do all I can to surround myself with driven, ambitious people. I also have a great support system, including my family, that aids me in being all I can be regarding music. Behind any amazing gig is a pretty hefty number of rejections for other gigs. Is it always easy not being accepted for a gig? No, but understanding that rejection is a part of the process makes my career choice much “smother” in the grand scheme. I pursue music every day because it, second to God, feeds my soul. I feel alive when I look into a crowd filled with smiles, sweat, and positive vibes.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a DJ/Producer, and my main goal is to understand my audience and help anyone in my audience have the best time possible for hours at a time. My style is open-format, meaning I strive to play/make music for the majority instead of focusing on a particular niche. I grew up in a household where all kinds of music were played – from Michael Jackson to Keith Sweat to Lenny Kravitz, to Randy Travis, to John Anderson. Music is a happy constant in my life, and I am most intrigued by the idea that even though it cannot be seen or physically felt, it can still invoke many emotions.
I’ll let the public decide what I am known for, but I often hear my greatest skill is my ability to blend anything, especially varying genres. My support system and my vast knowledge of different genres are factors that may set me apart from others, but again the public has the final say on that. I am proud that I can live, financially, only on my passion.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I have many people that have helped me along the way. Specifically, Michael and Dona Anderson (my parents), The Carnahan family (Columbia, TN), Reggie Blair, Patrick Chaffin of Ryman Hospitality Properties, Ted Logan, Matthew Romero, Cole Buttrey (performing under AgentPaco), Jaime Bacalan/Alexander McMeen and their team at ROOTED, and my Ainsworth Family have all played key roles in my career in music. Anyone who has hired me to perform for them is worth noting, so it may be best to group many of these people.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedjrio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedjrio
- Twitter: https://www.instagram/thedjrio
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-473936183
Image Credits
Grant P. Exline Photography Golden Booth Jaide Langley Films
