Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik Fish.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Erik. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
Growing up I have always really been into music. As a kid growing up, we would have music on around the house more often than the television. I developed an appreciation for all genres of music, basically I just liked good music, did not matter what type.
As I got older, I loved going to any and all concerts I could make it to, everything from punk and hip hop, to classic rock and reggae. I grew up outside of L.A., and my childhood friend’s older brother was a DJ, he used to do a lot of underground raves all around the Southern California area. I was always fascinated with all the gear and crates of records piled around their house. After eventually moving to San Diego with my family and getting settled in, meeting new friends and exploring what the area has to offer, I found myself going to a lot of hip hop and electronic shows.
I always enjoyed the djing aspect of the shows, how at hip hop shows the rapper would introduce the DJ and step aside for moment and let them take the spotlight, or if it was an electronic show, how the DJ would just keep the entire party moving, often times without ever saying a word — just playing great music! I eventually met friends that had their own DJ equipment in their house, and we would spend hours just playing records and hanging out. One friend, in particular, was really good, and would always let me jump up an play and give me pointers on what to do.
Eventually, I bought my own turntables and mixer. It was just a hobby, something to do at home with friends, but as with a lot of DJs, it was not long before playing in the bedroom expanded to playing friends house parties. Later that expanded to friends of friends, which led me to meet someone that booked for a local bar. She asked if I would like to do a night there. I accepted and started to do every Thursday at her bar. From doing every Thursday, I was then approached to do another bigger bar every Friday, that was my real first introduction to nightlife and how to keep the party moving and a dancefloor full.
Those two nights opened doors for me as far as networking with other DJs, party planners for private/corporate events, all the while giving me the confidence to start reaching out to even bigger venus and promoters expanding my DJ “portfolio’ turning a hobby to a part-time gig, and now a full time career.
Has it been a smooth road?
I would not necessarily say it has been smooth, but I have been very fortunate in that early on I met great people who gave me the opportunity to play at either their event or venue at a time when it was not so common to have a DJ playing, it worked out to my advantage and led to repeat bookings.
I practiced a lot (still do) and knew the first impression was everything. I learned early that beyond the ability to DJ, it was also important to have a positive, friendly, and appreciative attitude. You can be the best DJ in the world, but if you have a poor attitude and are not easy to work with, clients, promoters, and talent buyers for venues will look elsewhere.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I have been djing professionally for almost eleven years now. Playing everything from small intimate gatherings to larger festivals in front of thousands of people. I am what’s know as an “open format” DJ, meaning I don’t specialize in just one type of music. I love incorporating all genres when I play as I have never met anyone that just likes one type of music.
Although nightclubs are where you can usually find me, I am constantly playing corporate events of all sizes, private events of all types, as well as charity events. I love to travel whenever I can, playing all over Southern California, Northern California in San Francisco and Sacramento, to one of my favorite city’s, Chicago.
I have been fortunate enough to play in great destinations such as Cancun, and Maui, to heading out to Toronto. Being appreciative, grateful, and constantly striving to better my craft is what I believe sets me apart. You can never take anything for granted.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think San Diego is an amazing place to be a DJ. It is a destination city with great weather almost year round. There are multiple universities here all full of students that love to go out and have a great time whenever possible. All these combined means there are always multiple parties seven nights a week. Being a destination city, corporate and private events are in constant demand for entertainment. From weddings to conventions, they all like to party.
I think at one point as art the of djing became more well known and commercialized along with technology making it easier and more affordable to start, there was an oversaturation of DJs with no real passion for the art of and soul of the craft. This led to a downturn for some when it comes to bookings as quantity overtook quality. Thankfully this is starting to pass. My advice to anyone starting out here, is perfect your craft at home practicing, do parties for friends, and go out whenever possible and watch the professionals.
As far as what this city can do, all I can say is never accept mediocrity as being the norm. Know the value of a good DJ. I love San Diego and am proud to call it my home, I wouldn’t be where I am without the amazing people in my life and support I received so far in my career. The DJ community here is a very tight group, and although there is always competition among us, we support each other, help each other out whenever we can, and at the end of the day, want to see everyone succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fishfonics.com
- Email: info@fishfonics.com
- Instagram: @djfishfonics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djFishFonics
- Twitter: @djfishfonics
Image Credit:
Ankit Shah, Gabe Vega, Arlene Ibarra, John Audley
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
