Meet Adi Dhakal | DJ

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adi Dhakal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adi, why did you pursue a creative career?
My goal was always to find a job where I can enjoy myself. Behind the grind and all the hard work, I wanted a job where the main parts of it are still very enjoyable. There is an inexplicable amount of joy that comes from using certain ingredients and making something out of it. Specially, something great. Being a DJ allows me to take songs, mix them and create a vibe for folks to remember. Whether I am deejaying a wedding or a pool party, my goal is to help create a fun vibe with the best songs. Researching for hours prior to each gig to find unique versions of songs is highly enjoyable to me, because i know that the end result will be very great. Constantly finding new versions of old songs allows me to immortalize certain songs that are timeless in nature. Specially when there is a new genre of music that is popular. For example, afro house is a great genre to play during cocktail hour or pool parties and finding afro house versions of popular songs allows me to cater to those who would like to listen to new music but also while it matches the vibe of the setting. Its been such an amazing career so far. For 19 years I have been privileged with helping people elevate their mood and help people have a ton of fun.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a DJ for private events of 19 years. I primarily work weddings in the Phoenix and Seattle market. WHY both? Because the Seattle events and wedding season is active the same months that the Phoenix season is inactive. I provide all sound and lighting equipment for my events. What sets me apart is I curate playlists exclusively to the taste of the couple or the host. Early in my career I realized that if my focus is on the couple or the host, anyone at the event genuinely attending to have a good time will follow them. At weddings, the core group of friends will be enjoying themselves with the couple along with the wedding party and their families.

I am most proud of having a busy enough schedule despite no marketing. My gigs are all booked exclusively through word of mouth or organic google searches.

I am always excited about fun and unique gigs. I have recently been really enjoying pool gigs where there is no guidance at all and I just play as I wish.

Getting to where I am at took a lot of work and patience. Earlier on it was really hard to find answers to my questions regarding anything and everything. My early mentors were DJ Udy, Ray The DJ and DJ Cheeno. They guided me on a lot of subjects beyond just being a DJ and I still keep in contact with them and learn from them. I cant say this journey has been easy but its been very enjoyable and fulfilling. Overcoming challenges always feels soul crushing, but dealing with tough situations is what makes one resilient and I am thankful to even my most challenging gigs because they taught me what to do or not to do.

What I want people to know is that there are many DJ’s who truly care about catering to the clients needs when it comes to song selection. Us DJ’s do NOT have to play the same songs and the same versions. We can totally change what we play every night and still entertain thousands of people. Just because we are deejaying a wedding doesnt mean we have to play the same generic songs heard at every wedding. We can make the vibe much better and completely change how folks perceive weddings and wedding djs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a huge foodie so my favorite spots are all food related. First stop would be Pizzeria Bianco for some pizzas, either JL Patisserie or Mochi donuts for pastries/donuts. A little trip through Biltmore/Arcadia area followed up Scottsdale, camelback mountain area. I also enjoy taking places to some resort properties and hang out in the restaurants. Some go to are Hyatt Regency in Scottsdale, Omni Montelucia, JW Marriott Camelback Inn. For breakfast, I’d take them to the Henry. Hike at Piestewa peak and some good Mexican food at Los Taquitos. If they would like a view of the whole city, id take them up south mountain. I love the mill ave, Tempe area as well specially both sides of the lake. Walk up A mountain and tour the ASU campus. There is an amazing Italian restaurant by the name of Giuseppe’s on 28th that I love to take anyone that visits us. The Farm has great breakfast as well with a great environment. Day trip to Sedona/Prescott is also a must.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shouout is to all DJs, friends or not. We work through sickness, pain, holidays, birthdays to help others have a good time. Whenever we travel, we are out of our element and far away from our families to help entertain strangers.

Website: https://www.inthemixent.com

Instagram: @adithedj

Other: https://mixcloud.com/adithedj