Today we’d like to introduce you to Natt Ward.
Hi Natt, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I originally got into DJing when my mental health struggles were beginning to manifest on my physical body. Years of stress caught up to me randomly through skin issues and though doctors kept telling me I was fine, dropping 60 pounds in a month was when I realized I needed to take matters into my own hands. I NEEDED to lower my cortisol so leaned into all things stress relief. Eventually I realized I needed a new creative outlet. Voila.
I have a background in Electronic Media and a masters in Comm & Media Studies. I’ve always been interested in the intersection of music, technology, digital culture, and visual media. Before DJing, I had already worked in social media management, artist branding, EPK creation, website design, copywriting, managing spaces, music blogging, and so much more.. So curating experiences and sharing music with people had always been part of my life in different ways. Friends would often come to me for playlists or new artist recommendations, and I realized that discovering and connecting people through music was something that came naturally to me.
Years ago I had stumbled upon the Japanese concept of Ikigai: the idea of finding purpose at the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
When I looked at my life through that lens, DJing felt like the natural intersection of everything I enjoy the most: creative direction, discovering new music, technology, and creating spaces where people can dance, laugh, connect, and momentarily escape whatever they’re carrying.
I started teaching myself to DJ in September 2024 while working overnight shifts at TikTok. My routine became spending hours DJing during the day, going to work at night, then waking up and doing it all over again. It quickly became more than a hobby. It genuinely helped regulate my nervous system and brought me back to myself creatively and emotionally.
Before I ever played in clubs, I started by throwing small gatherings at my rooftop pool with friends just to practice and create intentional spaces for us to connect regularly all summer. My first paid booking came in July 2025 at Acme Feed & Seed on Broadway, thanks to my friend AB Eastwood bringing me onto a lineup.
Since then, collaboration and community have been the biggest parts of my journey. Some of my favorite recurring concepts have come from organically building ideas with friends. “The Party & The After Party” started as a birthday concept for my friend Dom centered around 2010s music and eventually evolved into an ongoing event series. “VIXEN” originally began as my own birthday party before turning into an even larger women-centered nightlife experience.
I think gatherings become more meaningful when there’s intention and creativity behind them, and I’m always interested in creating experiences that feel immersive and memorable for the people in the room.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, my journey into DJing has felt surprisingly natural, but the biggest challenge has been balance. What started as a creative and emotional outlet quickly turned into something much bigger, and learning how to manage the pace of it all has been an adjustment. Between DJing, designing graphics, developing concepts, organizing events, and collaborating with different people, it can sometimes feel like all of my interests are happening at once.
I’ve also had to learn how to trust myself in bigger spaces. There have been moments where I’ve looked around and thought, “Wait, I’m really supposed to be here?” whether that was getting booked in New York City or my first gig being at one of the larger bars on Broadway. Impostor syndrome can be real, but I’ve noticed in life that true growth typically happens before you feel fully “ready.” Everything happens on time.
One thing DJing has taught me that I carry into everyday life is how to recover gracefully in real time. Even when something doesn’t go exactly how you planned, you learn how to adjust, stay present, and turn it into part of the experience. I think that mindset has helped me both creatively and personally.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a DJ, multimedia creative, and event curator, so my work naturally spans across music, visual culture, branding, and live experiences. Beyond DJing, I’ve worked in tech, graphic design, social media consulting, writing, and concept development, which all influence the way I approach events and nightlife.
What I’m most proud of is how organically everything has grown. Most of the opportunities, recurring events, and collaborations in my career have come from genuine relationships, creativity, and people connecting with the energy behind what I do.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk taking is mandatory for upward mobility. Every step you take towards anything worth while will pose some kind of risk or uncertainty. It’s less about being fearless and more about being willing to trust yourself. A lot of the biggest moments in my life and career have happened that way. Self efficacy is key!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nattward.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nattward/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@inwardmedia333
