Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Massey.
Hi Christian, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
So I have always had an interest in music stemming from my mom at a young age. She was part of a sorority step team and as the campus baby of course i was right there with her at a lot of practices (S/O to Delta Sigma Theta!). So yeah, music and dance was a big part of my life since then. The next step of interest I took with music was being the “DJ” for our high school mens basketball team and girls volleyball team in Brunswick , Ohio 20-30 min outside the greater Cleveland area. I put quotations around the DJ aspect because all i was doing was using this online site I do not remember to just make long mixes on CD’s. This was back when lil wayne was going CRAZY with all the mixtapes and Datpiff was still around , RIP Datpiff.
At the start of COVID I was deployed in Yokosuka , Japan and was looking for something to learn to just kill time. I had friends that were the local DJ’s around town out there and i had always wondered how they were doing everything so i started doing research on DJ’ing and the equipment needed. I took the jump and bought my first deck at this DJ store in downtown Shibuya (yes near the crossing), i’ll never forget it. Took that home and just went straight to Youtube University. And now the rest is history.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Man this industry is not for the weak, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions. Some nights just aren’t your nights and other nights you’re on fire. Most of the struggles is just internal as far as “do I continue to put time into this craft that might not benefit me in the long run , or should I put my time elsewhere?”. For me it was never about the benefit of DJ’ing but more so the passion of adding my own twist to music. It’s such a fun and powerful thing, music is a universal language. It has a vibe and a energy to it that just makes everything better.
I can say that I have hit a streak of very fortunate events to be in position of where I am today. I genuinely am thankful for anyone that has helped me with my questions , gave feedback and even more so given me a chance to display my passion.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am currently a full time DJ here in San Diego! I go by the stage name of Mixtape Massey and play downtown , PB , North park and Normal Heights. I started out mainly doing weddings actually to build up experience and confidence and now I mainly do the clubs and bars around here. I still do weddings but not like I use to, id rather watch my Ohio State Buckeyes play than be on my feet all day managing a wedding . But yeah, thats what I do now along side going to school studying Cybersecurity & Networking.
If i’m known for anything at all around here i’d like to think its for me being unapologetically myself and giving back when i can.I’ve been blessed in this life abundantly and I feel as though I should pay it forward.
What I am most proud of is honestly taking this dive into music and just going for it. Everyday i wake up and think how crazy it is that I get to play music for people and get paid for it. Its surreal. The saying is true if you could do something for work and not get paid and be happy then thats the thing for you. I am very blessed to be able to not only do what I love for a living but also have the flexibility to do almost anything i’d like.
What set’s me apart from others… hmm honestly I can’t even say. If anything currently i’d say my newly acquired interest in plants and hydroponics.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
If there’s anything I could share with the readers it would be to do what makes you happy in life and don’t compare your life to others. Its the recipe for your downfall. Live and do things at your pace and treat others how you’d like to be treated.
Also if you see little mini Jesus figurines at your local bar or club take them, i’ve been handing them out spreading the love. Thank you for yalls time , Massey out. You stay classy San Diego!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixtapemassey_/
Image Credits
IG:
BranMedia
Svnthmedia
Kendle.photography
Thecliqueproductions_
