Meet DJ Turn Up | DJ

We had the good fortune of connecting with DJ Turn Up and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DJ, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
The decision that propelled my success was the unwavering belief in my potential to pursue DJing as a full-time profession. This conviction not only shaped my career path but also instilled a sense of purpose and dedication in every performance and interaction within DJing.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
DJing is not just my art; it’s the pulse of my life, a symphony of music, adrenaline, and uplifting experiences. It’s how I pay the bills, its how I keep the lights on. What distinguishes me in this vibrant field is my dedication to understanding and delivering what my audience craves, while simultaneously embracing the ever-evolving landscape of music to enhance my craft. The journey here wasn’t a sprint; it was a marathon requiring patience and the confidence to seize opportunities as they arose. My feeling is simple: take your work seriously, but never yourself. I strive for excellence, pushing boundaries to avoid complacency. I want the world to know that my brand is built on a foundation of relentless improvement and a fierce commitment to the joy of music.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Honestly, I would just have them take a trip with me to work all week! Monday they would come with me to Stone Mountain Skates night we call Bailout Monday. Everyone that skates knows what Mondays where made for! Lots of fun good vibes, & good music! Tuesday & Thursday we would go to Gentleman’s Club Goldrush Showbar, beautilful women, good food, open bar, & good music. Saturday Late Night we’d be back at Stone Mountain Skates for the Adult night. Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday would probably be up in the air, Wednesday we’d probably be at Metro Diner in downtown Atlanta. Open bar, good food, & Karaoke! If its the 1st Friday of the month & they’re into profession wrestling, I’d take them to the #1 independent wrestling company in Georgia, Southern Honor Wrestling. If its Sunday, depending on what kind of vibe there on music wise, We’ll either be at Sparkles Family Fun Center in Smyrna or Cascade Skating Rink. Cascade Sundays is what is referenced in 2006 movie ATL so that’s why people from all over America want to come to Cascade on Sunday. Cascade also have an upstairs lounge, with a separate restaurant, an open bar, & sometimes a separate dj.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My journey has been a symphony of influences, each person and experience contributing a unique note to the melody of my career. My first S/O will go to my mom, grandparents, my Aunty Renee who installed my love of music in me at a young age. I owe immense gratitude to my band director, Quentin Goins, who instilled in me the fundamental skill of counting, a cornerstone for any DJ. My time at South Carolina State University was pivotal, introducing me to my ‘crab brother’ DJ Donosouf and the world of DJing. Early party experiences with Brian Mahoney and Skid Row Nelli, and from the late BDP Soundz open more opportunies & laid the groundwork for my entry into Atlanta’s vibrant party scene. DeAunte aka No Conduct Crew opened doors to new opportunities, leading to collaborations with like DJs Jules and Greye Jaxon, who expanded my horizons beyond Atlanta. Fun fact when I got hired to my 1st skating rink Grey Jaxon dropped me off on my 1st day when my car was in the shop & THE REST IS HISTORY (Me DJing in the skate world is a full interview upon itself). The late DJ T-Smooth introduced me to new musical dimensions in the skate world, and through Cedrick through a lot of ups & downs, connected me with the strip club scene, I honed my skills with DJs Dretown and DJ Rob. DJ Tonnek connected me with the strip club I DJ at to this day and an independent wrestling show in Canton Georgia called Southern Honor Wrestling, fueling my passion for performance. Lastly, I’m part of a collective of underrated yet elite DJs known as the Delinquents, including DJ Tanaka, DJ 20e, DJ Breezy, DJ Drip, DJ Tonnek, and DJ Acii, who have all played a role in shaping the DJ I am today.

Website: https://dj-turn-up-merchandise.myshopify.com/

Instagram: @djtuurnuup

Twitter: @tuurnuup

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClxUiSDLtko1xvF4ZUfnHVA

Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/TuurnUup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@djtuurnuup?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits
DJ Tanaka at Stone Mountain Skates Greye Jaxon Me at Southern Honor Wrestling DJ 20e, DJ Breezy, DJ Tanaka, DJ Drip, DJ Acii at Bonfire ATL DJ Drip, DJ Acii, DJ Tanaka, & DJ Breezy at Metro Diner DJ Hi-Key, DJ Avalanche, DJ Tootz (Twin DJs), DJ Craig, & DJ Drip at Cascade