Meet Gilbert Jacinto | Special Event DJ

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

Hi Gilbert, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I learned early on in life that music had an impact on me, I am drawn to the production, the individual instrument sounds and just simply the way it changes your mood. I always had a desire to be involved with music but I was never musically talented.

Growing up in the 90s/2000s, I was heavily influenced by Hip Hop culture. I was the kid in school who brought their entire CD collection to show off and always had the latest hot tracks (before they hit the radio). Eventually this led to friends seeking me to create song playlists and I would sell CD mixtapes at school by request. (I was Spotify before Spotify) When I was able to get a bit of savings together, I jumped on Craigslist and was able to negotiate my first set of turntables and a scratch mixer.

Like most early days of an aspiring DJ, I found myself playing house parties for family and friends for fun, I never intended that this would lead to a business venture.

Unfortunately, 3 months into my 18th birthday (In 2008), I learned that my 3 younger siblings (2 sisters, 1 brother) were temporarily placed in foster care. I immediately took custody of them and also learned that it was going to be for an indefinite amount of time.

In order for me to maintain custody of my siblings, I needed to prove to the foster care board that I was capable, not only for parental supervision but to provide the minimal (financial) needs too. I was employed at 2 jobs but it wasn’t enough to get by so I began to promote my DJ abilities as a side hustle.

What should our readers know about your business?
Genuine DJs works primarily in the wedding industry. I’m not the ‘cha-cha slide’ type of vibe. What set me apart is that we don’t rely on the typical wedding music you would expect at most weddings/events. Instead, we elevate weddings by bringing a vibrant hype-man energy as the emcee and a modern nightlife style of DJing; (quick mixing, smooth transitions, mashups) all while maintaining the elegance of a wedding atmosphere.

Aside from music, we provide additional services that enhance the overall experience such as a sleek Photobooth. We also bring concert-like equipment to the party such as indoor firework machines, C02 Gun Blasters, and speciality lighting to name a few.

From a business standpoint. It was definitely a challenge for me to get off the ground running. I didn’t know anyone in the wedding industry in 2010. I would be lying if I told you my first 10 weddings were a breeze. I fell flat on my face. I didn’t realize that microphones have special frequencies or that the signals can drop out or be intercepted, I didn’t have the best running computer for my DJ software, I didn’t know how to create a timeline, and the most important, I didn’t do well with public speaking.

Since the beginning, I felt it was important for me to deliver an exceptional experience even if it meant doing it for free. And that’s what I did, back in 2010, I went through my Facebook feed and messaged friends that were getting married and offered to DJ their wedding absolutely free. In return, I would the gain experience I needed to break through. In this case, I am a true believer of the cliche quote, “If you build it, he (they) will come”. Unbeknownst to me, the relationships I created just by simply being present at these weddings allowed me to be referred out to the next person. It became a cycle that is concurrent to this very day.

My desire to deliver an exceptional experience has never drifted. I am incredibly proud and honored to be a preferred DJ business for 4 Arizona venues and thee go-to DJ referred by wedding planners, photographers, and previous clients.

Currently, I am working on launching a video podcast where I will invite guests from the wedding biz to discuss their own stories and tips for upcoming couples. I’m hoping to get production started soon.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I really love when restaurants bring in a DJ to set an ambient boogie vibe. Hanny’s on Wednesday nights is a total vibe. I’m ordering us the Hot Honey Pizza w/ a Peroni draft on tap! Downtown Phoenix has some really great nightlife experiences for dancing or just simply vibing to the atmosphere.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like give flowers to:

My siblings: Celina (26), Maribel (24), Maria (14), and Richard Jacinto (32) of Tempe, Arizona. This story wouldn’t be as special without my brother and sisters. They were my drive and motivation. My

Judge Peter Thompson of Mesa, Arizona. Judge Thompson was assigned to the adoption case and eventually approved my adoption case for my two sisters. I later took a job working alongside the Judge as his courtroom bailiff. My experience working in a legal/professional setting helped develop my demeanor and public speaking abilities.

Carl & Rebecca Williams of Globe, Arizona. This couple owned a wedding venue in the middle of nowhere (Globe) which I performed at early on as a wedding DJ. I created a working relationship with their venue and was my first business account. Business aside, they have mentored me, supported me, and have given me unconditional love the way you would receive from a set of parents. They are the parents I never had.

Website: genuinedjs.com

Instagram: genuinedjs

Facebook: Facebook.com/genuinedjs

Image Credits
Carmella Joy Photography Leslie Ann Photography Photography is Unique