Today we’d like to introduce you to DD Garth.
Hi DD, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
After I graduated from UCLA in 2014 with a science degree, I decided I wanted to live a life more fulfilling to my heart. Therefore, I stopped my pursuit in the veterinary field and decided to live a more creative life instead. I didn’t know where this would lead me, but when I was reconnected with art supplies and learned how to use a DJ controller, the birth of D4bblz was the most obvious thing that came to me yet. D4bblz stands for “Dabbles” and I realized the definition of Dabbling to me meant that I was creating for the pleasure of it, for the pure source connection of it, to be in the present moment, and to connect to flow state. I finally felt myself and happy for the first time in years. I was meant to Dabble and spread this feeling of Flow State. A lot has happened since then. I have honed in on my DJ skills and gained a residency at the Moxy hotel, and started streaming weekly on Twitch. I have improved as an artist as well, sold many pieces, and even threw together many art events. And my newest passion project to date is Flow State. Flow State is an event series I have been curating in Downtown at Revel Revel. The first one happened on May 15th and the second one is around the corner, July 30th. I have a lineup of amazing DJs I met through the Twitch streaming platform, who will be playing for the first time together. Local San Diego artists and vendors will be there as well selling the most beautiful hand-crafted pieces. The whole event is streamed online. Therefore, the two communities connect the online Twitch community and the live guests here in San Diego. It is literally the last few years of my heart all coming together in one place.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh man, I can’t help but giggle when I hear that. I’m definitely still on that road and it’s a bumpy one…but it’s also very thrilling and fun! The biggest challenge in all of this is letting go of my fear of the unknown. I never had a clear destination; I just knew I was following my heart wherever that may have taken me. That meant I had a few years of going between jobs, finding something flexible enough for me so I can pursue my entrepreneurial dreams and have enough time to work on my artwork and music. I’m very happy with my decision to go back into the restaurant industry after a few years of bouncing around (Go Gravity Heights!). I was fighting this conception that I had a degree and had to do something in my field or else I failed, but that’s not true at all! We are allowed to mend and change paths. I also spent lots of time researching art, DJing, and business startups and even took some college electives to get well-rounded. I am now taking lessons on music production and can’t wait to tie that into everything as well. I’m learning that working through my anxieties is only making me stronger.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Currently, my focus has been on DJing, and event planning incorporating the visual arts is always on my mind as well. Hence my name is D4bblz! I started DJing in 2016 as a hobby for friends at parties. I grew to have a huge loving for house music. Ranging from deep melodic, and progressive, to disco, and funk, to deep tech, tech house, and bass house. I never let it go and now it is one of my favorite things to do, playing music for my friends and seeing them dance brings me the most joy! I have been playing live gigs for the last couple of years and gained a residency at Moxy hotel in Downtown where I play every Friday. I played at a few more venues this year including Avenue, Revel Revel, and even the Hornblower! When I am not DJing live shows, I stream online on Twitch. I stream about 3 days a week, usually for 4-hour periods. I have about 3.5k followers after a couple years and the community on the platform is really supportive. It has been the most surreal experience meeting friends for the first time at live shows. Anyone can tune into the channel, my page is Twitch.tv/D4bblz.
I am also the curator of Flow State events at Revel Revel in the San Diego Gaslamp. The next one will be Saturday, July 30th. It is a night of DJs, live artists and vendors, and even a cozy coloring corner so the guests can get their Dabble on! With celestial and galaxy decor, the whole vibe is meant to lift you to Flow State! The event will be streamed with the chat projected so both communities can be a part of it! Tickets are on my website: www.D4bblz.com/FlowState
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I think just having a clear intention of what you want from yourself, putting it out there in the universe, and then keep your eyes open for the signs. And make jumps when you feel anxious. For example, I have pretty bad social anxiety (funny for wanting to be a DJ, right?). But I have learned to put myself in situations and take myself to events, where I may not know anyone. I am currently being taught music production by an artist I have been a fan of, because I walked up and introduced myself to her at a Justin Martin show! I briefly talked about myself and told her I was a fan of her sound and next thing I knew she said she would teach me lessons. I am very grateful for moments like these.
Pricing:
- $100/hr for DJ booking
Contact Info:
- Website: www.D4bblz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d4bblz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/D4bblz
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/d4bblz
- Other: https://www.twitch.tv/d4bblz
Image Credits
Samuel Freeman
Alfredo Lopez
Alex Bernatz
