Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik Fish.
Hi Erik, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story begins with a lifelong love of music. I grew up in a house where music was much more dominant than the television. My parents would just have records playing throughout the evening so I was constantly being exposed to different genres of music, some I liked, some not so much, but either way I was being exposed to it all. The habit of always having music on stayed with me. I was someone that just loved good music, there was no one genre in particular, I loved it all, jazz, punk, rap, rock, you name it, if it caught my attention, I was a fan.
Jumping ahead to years of going to live shows, especially hip hop, coupled with a blossoming love for electronic music, I noticed how prominent the dj was and became fascinated with how they did what they did with those two turntables.
As time progressed, I eventually acquired my own dj setup to practice and learn on. It was something my friends and I did for fun. We would hang out and mix records. Eventually as technology progressed the laptop became an integral part of the dj gear. Now you could still mix records, but the music was on your laptop. Now instead of buying records, which can be a costly endeavor when you’re young, we could just download the song and mix it in as if we actually had the record. The possibilities were endless!
My hobby eventually led to me being approached to play house parties, which later led to playing local bars, which then progressed into nightclubs. It was exhilarating to see something I did as a hobby transforming into how I could actually make a living.
As I started to dj professionally, my network grew. I began to work with other djs, promoters, event planners, and booking agencies that opened doors for me to dj beyond just the world of nightlife. San Diego especially, is a destination for it all, corporate events, private parties, weddings, sporting events, fundraisers and galas, the opportunities to dj went beyond the nightclub and I loved doing them all. Which led me to where I am today. I love the diversity of playing different events, whether it’s a nightclub with a packed dancefloor, or a corporate event where you are creating a vibe for others to gather and network. The right music at the right time can create a feeling and memory that stays with you forever.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would not necessarily say it has been a smooth road but I have been fortunate to meet some amazing inspiring people along the way that, without them, I would not be where I am today. I learned early on that to succeed in this industry it’s not just about being a great dj, as you are also only as good as your network, the connections made and relationships formed are an integral part of the success that comes with along with it. I found that being grateful for every opportunity and maintaining professionalism is paramount to success. Covid was a great example of this. As the world opened back up and we went back to work, the relationships and strong work ethics formed leading up to the pandemic proved invaluable as it was not long before I had a full calendar again. Something I am still thankful for to this day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Currently there are so many different paths a professional dj can choose to follow, there are nightclubs and bars, private and corporate events, sports, and radio just to name a few. I began in nightlife and that is still something I do often today and really enjoy. Nightlife has opened a lot of doors for me to other types of events. I am consistently djing corporate and private events with anywhere from one hundred to thousands of people. I have dj’d fashion shows, weddings, sporting events for ESPN and Redbull to boat parties, movie premiers, and high-end real estate showings. I think it’s important as a dj to understand the type of event you are booked for, your audience, and the expectations of your performance. It’s not always about a dancefloor and loud music. Often times it is just about a specific vibe, and understanding how to curate it correctly. Being able to properly execute someone’s vision musically for an event/party is important, and that comes from an understanding of how to communicate properly with those hosting the event.
I love to dj, not only is it about creating new memories for people, but also bringing back old memories as songs can instantly transport someone back to a specific time in their life.
Djing is about telling a story with the music, it’s not about just pressing play one song after another, it is about seamlessly mixing them together in a cohesive manner that takes the listener on a journey. That is what I have always loved about it.
What matters most to you?
What matters to me most is authenticity and professionalism. We live in a world of posts and likes. I believe there is a misconception that we need to do what everyone else is doing. Innovation often falls victim to imitation.
Being true to yourself but respecting others. In the world of djing it is important to value yourself and not be afraid to say no and pass on something that does not fit your style or vision of djing. Many want to fly before they can even crawl. Find love in the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fishfonics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djfishfonics/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FishFonics/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-fish-91767819b/
- Twitter: x.com/djfishfonics
- soundcloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/djFishFonics/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/lovenotedj
Image Credits
Ashley Mosel Gabe Vega
