Today we’d like to introduce you to Devin Callen.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born on July 25th 1991. My mother Erin, and my father Mike, raised me in the city of Lakeport, CA which is a very small town located in Northern California. Growing up I was always into sports. My parents got me into Baseball at the age of 7 and I played all throughout high school and into college for 2 years. I also played football and participated in many other outdoor activities such as dirt bike riding, swimming, skateboarding, etc. I grew up on a lake so I always loved being outside hanging out with my friends during the summer time!
My love for music began at an early age. In 5th grade, my mother (who was a teacher) placed me into band class where I was first introduced to live instruments. I would go home every day, flip to the back of my book, and try to teach myself how to read and play the advanced songs. I guess you could say that’s sort of where it all began.
Fast forward to high school, I graduated in 2009 with intentions of going to college, playing sports and figuring out what it was that I wanted to do for a living. I struggled to find a career that I was excited to pursue during my college days (which was about 3 years total). However, that would all change in 2012. I had a life changing experience. I developed a passion for electronic dance music.
How? Well, my friends and I had bought tickets to a Bassnectar show in Sacramento. I had never attended a rave, or music festival for that matter. I had no idea what to expect. I remember standing in the middle of the crowd at one point while the confetti were flying, people were screaming at the top of their lungs. It was an electrifying experience that I would never forget. The entire vibe was incredible. Everyone was so happy and full of life. I’ll never forget that night.
I began attending more events after this. I was beginning to slowly learn more about this culture, and all the different genres within electronic music. Discovering new artists, festivals and friends along the way. In 2013, I attended EDC Las Vegas which is the largest music festival in North America. Hundreds of thousands of people from around the world travel to Las Vegas once a year to witness their favorite DJ’s perform from the moment the sun goes down and until the sun comes up for 3 days straight. It was during this exact weekend, I looked up at the DJ and told myself in my head, this is exactly what I want to do for the rest of my life. At that moment, I wanted to create music and perform in front of thousands one day.
I began doing major research on where I could learn how to DJ and produce music. I wasn’t sure where to begin, or what kind of equipment I needed for that matter. Everything was so new to me. After searching long and hard, I found a place online called Scratch DJ Academy located in Los Angeles. They offered beginner and advanced courses for DJ’s and music production. I instantly wanted to attend this school, so I showed my parents, and they were fully supportive of my goals. I love them to death for allowing me to chase my dreams and to this day am forever thankful. However, nothing was just handed to me. They wanted me to follow my passion, but in order to do so, they thought it’d be smart to live at home for a few more years. This would allow me to save up as much money as I could to survive down in the city.
During this time, I worked for Coca-Cola. I searched online for job transfers and got lucky! I applied, and within a few days, I had a phone interview. They wanted me to start work much sooner than I had expected, so I had about 3 weeks to find a place to live. My mother and I flew to L.A. for 2 days, and within that short period of time were able to find a place. It was a very exciting but scary feeling moving to such a large city. I literally knew nobody there, but that would change!
When I finally got into my own place, I started working full time. I would say about a month after settling down, I visited the school, and finally enrolled! This was a huge accomplishment for me. I remember walking in on my first day and seeing multiple tables set up with turntables all hooked up. I couldn’t believe what I saw. It was like a DJ’s paradise! I met so many amazing individuals and quickly began making friends who Id frequently support whenever they had shown. My mentors were great! Major shout out to DJ Revolution, Mr. Choc, Hapa, and the whole Scratch Family for teaching me everything I know to this day! I knew absolutely nothing about being a DJ. I didn’t even know how to turn the dang things on! They taught me everything it took to become a legitimate DJ in the industry. From that moment forward, I would go there almost every day whenever I had spare time and practice for hours on the turntables. I did not have my own setup at my apartment yet, but luckily, I lived near the school and was able to practice as often as I could!
One of the greatest things about this school was the networking. I was able to attend shows with my classmates at numerous venues in the LA, and Orange County areas! While attending these shows, I would introduce myself to the promoters as often as I could in hopes of getting gigs anywhere! It eventually paid off because I started getting booked every month or so. This was a great opportunity for me to get my name out there and build a following. Not only did I meet other artists along the way, I would also meet my girlfriend Charlene! We met at my first show in Orange County at Heat Ultra Lounge. She would become my biggest supporter to this day!
I eventually completed the DJ courses, and decided to enroll in the music production program they had which lasted several months. During these courses, I was taught the basic fundamentals. For example, which programs I needed in order to create music, how to make a basic beat, music theory, etc. This was a huge turning point for me on my journey as I became obsessed with making music! Every day id get home from work and instantly open my laptop to work on making tunes. I went on to complete these courses, however. I still wanted to learn so much more as I fell in love with it!
A good friend of mine who was also an instructor at the school told me about this place called Icon Collective Music Production School located in Burbank. He had previously graduated from there, and said that if I wanted to take my production to the next level that I should consider looking into their curriculum. So, I went home later that day and did just that. I remember visiting their website first, then their YouTube page. I couldn’t believe what I saw. A few of the Producers who I looked up to in the industry actually graduated from this same exact school! At this point, I was so inspired and motivated to go there! I started researching how much the tuition was, how long the program was, and the equipment I needed. As excited as I was though, I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t a little discouraged.
I say this because during this time of my life, I was at a very low point. There was a time when I was working two jobs just trying to survive, but it wasn’t enough to get by. It was quite depressing. I remember calling my parents on the verge of tears because I felt like everything that I was working towards was falling apart slowly. I had never been so upset with myself. I felt like a failure. My parents had sent me money more times than they should have, but I couldn’t live my life like that. It just wasn’t fair to them. After bouncing around from job to job, and trying to find cheaper places to live, I realized that things were not getting better any time soon. No matter what I did, I was digging a deeper hole.
I had spoken to my parents on the phone a few times about how I found this other school I wanted to go to so badly. Obviously, this wasn’t possible considering my current living situation. If I wasn’t able to save a dime and support myself, then how was I going to ever save up enough money for that? It wasn’t cheap by any means. With that being said, I sat alone in my thoughts for quite some time trying to figure out what I could do, but in all actuality, there was nothing I could do. Except one thing. If I was really serious about making music my career, I had to move back home. I asked myself If I was willing to do whatever it takes in order to make this dream become a reality. My answer was yes. No matter how hard it was to swallow my pride, I knew it was my only option. With that being said, in the summer of 2016 I decided to pack my bags and move back to my hometown to live with my father. This was the most difficult decision I had ever made in my life because I felt like everything that I had been working for was all for nothing, but that was not the case. It was the smartest thing I’ve ever done.
I returned home a bit bummed out at first, lacking any motivation to find work. I constantly reminded myself that moving back home was temporary. It was all a part of the journey. Nobody ever said it was going to be easy, so I did my best to focus on the bigger picture. I set myself a goal. The goal was to find a job, save up as much money as I possibly could, and pay for my full tuition in full within 2 years. Luckily, my dad had a friend who ran a construction company. He said he could use one more guy and that I could start immediately. Initially, I hated the idea. Construction was not what I had in mind considering I had no experience in that field whatsoever. I knew it would be a very long 2 years of probably getting yelled at. but I was willing to do whatever it takes, so I took the job.
I’d be lying if I told you I liked my job. I didn’t at all! I contemplated quitting numerous times. I was tired of getting yelled at all the time. I felt out of place, for not knowing how to do certain things. I’d come home annoyed all the time over the smallest things then vent to my girlfriend for hours on the phone. I’m sure she loved that. (kidding). Eventually, all this stress would be lifted off my shoulders. In 2017, my girlfriend had moved from Orange County to my hometown! This would change everything!
With her here, I could conquer anything. We were able to start saving money instantly! She found a job full time, and we would begin putting money away together in hopes of finding a place back in L.A. within a year! Everything was starting to come full circle. We planned, and now we were acting. I’d come home from work much happier and motivated. I was doing better at work, becoming great friends with my co-workers. Things were really starting to look up!
Now here I sit, one year later. It’s August 11th, 2018. I am proud to announce that I have accomplished my ultimate goal! My girlfriend and I will be moving back to the city in a few weeks and I will officially be enrolled in my dream school! On October 4th, I will have my first class at Icon Collective and I couldn’t be any more excited!
I hope that this story can inspire somebody out there to chase after whatever it is that makes you happy. If you truly want something bad enough, you will do whatever it takes to get there, no matter how hard it may seem at first. Create a goal. Plan, Act. My name is Devin Callen and this is my story.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a DJ/Music Producer. I have been a DJ for about 4 years now, and have produced for 3 years. My favorite genre of music to create would be anything electronic. To be specific, I enjoy making Dubstep and Trap the most! Anything with lots of bass, haha! I grew up a hip-hop head, so that’s where I draw a lot of my inspiration from. Some of my biggest inspirations would be guys like Dr. Dre or Eminem.
I am currently a student at Icon Collective Music Production School in Burbank, CA. The music I make is all done from my laptop using Ableton Live which is a music production program. My goal one day is to headline EDC Las Vegas which is the biggest music festival in North America. I want to make music that people from around the world can relate to. I want to be an inspiration for those who grew up in a small town and think that they can’t chase their dreams! I’d like to prove that no matter where you come from, anything is possible with hard work and discipline.
Growing up, I was always the quite kid in high school. I never partied, or got into any trouble. Honestly, I was kind of shy. I hung out with a pretty small group of friends. The music I create is driven from the moments where I felt like I didn’t fit in. It is a release, or better yet the voice I can now create for others to speak to. I want you to feel what I felt while I was creating the that particular track. Whether it’s, a happy, sad, angry, or motivating song. My end goal will always be to bring you into my world.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
I believe the biggest challenge artists face today would be originality. Creating your own signature style/sound. In the music industry in particular, in order to be successful, you must do something that nobody else has done before which can be extremely difficult being as the market is so over saturated right now. There are many artists trying to mimic what somebody else has already done because its what’s “popular” right now, and they lose focus on creating something from the heart. Once you are able to create what YOU enjoy, no matter what anyone else thinks, that’s when you have something special!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
If you would like to stay updated with any shows I have coming up, or would like to hear any new music I release, you can find me on any of the following social media platforms below!
Facebook.com/djdevincallen
Soundcloud.com/devin-callen
Instagram: @devin_callen
You can also email me anytime at djdevincallen@gmail.com for booking inquiries.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 707-349-2316
- Email: djdevincallen@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/devin_callen
- Facebook: facebook.com/djdevincallen
- Other: soundcloud.com/devin-callen
Image Credit:
James Gross – Spawnzone
SB Films
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