Gray bearded DJ at 46
Learning to Be a DJ at 46: Rekindling Chicago’s House Music Magic
Growing up in Chicago, house music wasn’t just something I listened to—it was part of my DNA. Since I was eight years old, I was hooked. WBMX FM was the gospel, and the Hot Mix 5 were the preachers. Bad Boy Bill, Julian Jumpin’ Perez, and the rest of the crew had the city locked in every weekend, taking over the airwaves after 9 PM. When they later moved to B96.3, their influence only grew stronger, and I was right there, soaking it all in.
Back then, I’d imagine what it would be like to be inside the clubs they hyped up on the radio—Key Lime Ricky’s, Oasis, Kaboom, Eric’s North. Those names carried a mystique. If you were there, you were part of something legendary. It was the era of mixtapes, vinyl, and raw, unfiltered energy on the dance floor. Everybody wanted to be at those parties, and the music made you feel like you were already there.
Fast-forward to today—I'm 46, and I finally decided to stop imagining and start doing. I want to be the DJ. I want to bring that energy back, not as a nostalgia act, but as a living, breathing force that can move a crowd just like those legends did.
The Sound I Love
I know exactly what I want to spin, and I don’t care what anyone thinks. House music is an evolving beast, but my love is rooted in the classics while embracing the underground and the new school. Disco house, deep house, bass house, tech house—those are my weapons of choice. Green Velvet? An absolute legend. The raw, hypnotic grooves of tech house? That’s where my head is at. The soulful energy of disco house? That’s where my heart is.
The Chicago house scene has changed, but its soul is still alive. I want to tap into that energy, learn the craft, and create something special. Whether it’s rocking a small underground party, curating a vibe that takes people on a journey, or just losing myself in the mix, I know this is where I’m meant to be.
Why Now?
Some might say 46 is too late to start DJing. I say, why the hell not? The passion never left—it just sat in the background, waiting for me to make my move. And now, with all the technology and access we have, there’s no excuse. Controllers, CDJs, vinyl setups—it doesn’t matter what you use as long as you can make people feel something.
I don’t want to be a bedroom DJ forever. I want to play for real people, real dancers, real house heads who understand the groove. The ones who feel that bassline in their chest, who lose themselves in the rhythm, who know that house is more than music—it’s a movement.
The Journey Ahead
I’m diving in headfirst—learning the techniques, studying the masters, perfecting my transitions, and finding my own signature sound. I know the road isn’t easy, but that’s the best part. Every great DJ started somewhere, and now, it’s my turn.
So, here’s to late nights practicing, crate-digging for hidden gems, and that first mix that makes a crowd go wild. Chicago, I’m coming for you.
House music all night long
