DJ Collab: From Rough Seas To Hollywood Hills, How He's Made His Rise In LA - Exclusive Interview

From Rough Seas To Hollywood Hills: DJ Collab on His Rise In L.A. (Exclusive Interview)

DJ Collab is a Columbus, Ohio native now living his best life in California among the palm trees and amazing nightlife. However, he has not forgotten the grit and cold that raised him. Collab is as hard-working as they come. Emphasized by a stint in the Navy, he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty. Wearing his heart on his sleeve and wanting to be more than a “show up and play” DJ. From hitting the streets with flyers to doing his own photography/videography, DJ Collab is on a mission to provide unique experiences for not only show goers but also for music creators.

DJ Collab has been working with Usic Brand to create amazing new experiences and building a studio in Los Angeles that will blow away even a seasoned music veteran. See what it’s like to become your favorite artist in the studio with Virtual Reality. If Trippie Redd is your favorite artist you can put on the headset and be Trippie Redd. Feel the energy and environment and channel that for your own ambitions whether they’re music-related or not.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDZukzTlC5P/

Exclusive DJ Collab Interview

*This interview was edited for clarity*

Tell us about your time in the Navy. How long did you serve and what did you do?

I graduated from Franklin Heights High School in 2012 and joined the United States Navy two months after that. I became an operations specialist in defensive IT communications, really maturing at a young age. I was in the Navy until I was 21. Traveling to over 27 different countries really gave me a different perspective on life.

What was it about your time in San Diego, while in the Navy, that made you get the itch for Djing and content creation?

I started DJing as a specific hobby. I would be in my rack during deployment and would just get bored doing the same thing all the time out in the middle of the ocean. I had a gaming laptop and ordered a controller for it. Anytime I would get bored or before bed, I would get on it and just start pressing buttons. I also would use YouTube when I could and from there it went from pier parties with my ship to downtown San Diego when we got home. I went to different bars and establishments to really promote and build out my brand.

What have you done to stand out in San Diego?

I want to be able to bring a different type of direction. I want to be able to do more than just show up and DJ. I’m a facilitator, I like to have my hands into a lot of things. I have a very open mind from a business standpoint and when I come to a venue I want people to know I bring value beyond the tables.

Were you always into photography and videography? Did that start after you started to establish yourself as a DJ?

It’s really a little bit of both, but, a big part of it was back home in Columbus. After the Navy, I was a resident DJ downtown for years and had been to multiple venues. I would have these venues but I wouldn’t have a photographer or videographer, and it got to the point where I didn’t want to depend on anybody, so I just learned how to do it. I added to my own value and what I can bring to the table.

How has Usic helped you in the transition to Los Angeles?

I ran into an old buddy from back in the day at a party one night and had caught up with him – that’s when I learned he had started Usic and they brought it to Columbus. With the success in Columbus, the crew drove to California and made the commitment. Now we’re building a virtual art and recording studio in Inglewood.

DJ life can be very fun and exciting but it can also be very taxing mentally and physically with late nights, etc. What do you do to combat this and keep your mind and body healthy?

My father figure in life taught me that it’s all about balance. There are things in life that can steer you off in misdirection. So when it comes to that, that’s when you need to really pump the brakes, step back, and re-evaluate. Also, I’m very determined once I set my mind on something.

What do you have coming up in the next few months or so?

We are putting a yacht party together this month (October) and we have another little private venue we are getting together. When it comes to our private venues we bring a different vibe it’s gonna be dope. We just need LA to open back up. Also, I’m doing a vlog on my YouTube that’ll show my whole journey coming from Columbus to living the day-to-day life in California.

A New Beginning : Vlog Pilot

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