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Soccer player. Actor. Pilot. Race Car Driver… These were some of the answers we gave when we were children when an adult asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. We all wanted what we thought was a cool job. Do you know what job is genuinely cool? Being a DJ!
I guess I have been living under a rock for a few years, because I thought that being a DJ was more of a hobby and not like a full-time job. Turns out, I was wrong. DJs play a crucial role in the entertainment industry as they push out music, set the tone for events and a lot more. I recently interviewed Claude Di Martian a local Producer, DJ and Entertainer, and a co-owner of Tagsoundz; a local small business company.
When whispers of COVID-19 started, Claude, who loves to watch International news paid attention. As a Producer/DJ his job is one that involves a lot of human interaction in the Entertainment field. With a wife and a baby at home, he started to prepare for the worst-case scenario, and it paid off.
“My mind constantly has to be working because I have to think of what’s next. How can I push my brand, my agenda, my creativity? How can I push these things a little further?” – Claude shared.
When the pandemic hit and all public entertainment was shut down, Claude focused on three main things:
1. Family: He is grateful that he is spending more time with his Wife and baby. It warmed my heart that it was the first thing he mentioned which showed the things he values the most.
2. Flexibility: Do not be afraid to change your business direction. Claude tweaked his contracts to prepare for the worst-case scenario before (key word, “before”) the pandemic hit.
3. Fact Check: “This is a great opportunity for you to really, really, see how far you can push the envelope. How much music do you really know, and how much research can you really do? You can be the DJ who comes in and plays literally a little bit of everything. Learn something new!”
Did Claude have any more words of advice?
Of course, he did! He warned against getting complacent and advised DJs (and any of us in the creative field), to find a way to rejuvenate their creativity. He also advised consistently staying ahead of the curve, that way when a crisis occurs, (because it will sooner or later), you will be prepared.
