Hear how DJ Mario is building his business by mixing his skills with C+K guidance

We are always so pleased to see young people from the area beginning their career journey and starting to achieve their career goals. In this article we hear how Bradley (DJ Mario) is building his business as a local DJ while preparing to study music industry skills at college.

Bradley’s story

I grew up and was educated in Illingworth, Calderdale. I am currently taking my GCSEs and I’m aiming to achieve the correct grades to get into college to study music industry skills. I have an EHCP which provides additional support whilst in school.

Current career status

I am a mobile DJ, offering a musical entertainment service for weddings, birthday parties and anywhere that needs a good vibe for a party night to people all around Calderdale. I work closely with my clients to understand exactly what atmosphere they want. I’m confident in advising clients on lighting, smoke effects and music genres to create the perfect setup for their event.

How I prepare for events

To make sure everything runs smoothly, I ask clients to create a WhatsApp group so we can share ideas and specific information about the event clearly. Once I understand what the client wants, I gather all the music and organise it into a playlist. I personally like to organise tracks in energy order – from low-energy songs for arrivals to high-energy tracks for when the dancefloor is full.

I then practise mixing the songs together so the night flows naturally from start to finish. This is where my skills really shine, as I focus on creativity whilst also making it sound professional, smooth and enjoyable for the audience.

What got me into Dj’ing

Music has always been a huge part of my life. When I was five, my parents bought me some little decks (Pioneer ddj400). At first, I couldn’t really wrap my head around them, and I wasn’t seeing any progress, so I decided to put them away for a while.

A few years later, while we were cleaning the house, I found them again, although this time I was prepared and willing to put the grind in and so it began. Day after day practising, watching YouTube videos, playing around with them, digging for different styles of music. This is the foundation of where I am today. Still working hard, still committed, still experimenting.

How I started my business

I started my DJ business by turning a personal passion into something professional. After years of practising and perfecting my skills at home, I started digging into where DJs play in specific places. At this point I didn’t even know what a wedding DJ was. I came across someone called James Hype, he’s a huge DJ from Liverpool and I started to follow his career on YouTube. He was the guy who made me decide I want this to be a career. I started searching for how to get bookings and play in front of an audience. I started getting a few gigs and I became more confident playing in front of different crowds. I’ve been able to use social media to advertise and expand my business.

Who helped me with my career

I’ve had support from several people throughout my journey. My parents play a huge part in this, they have been, and always will be, my biggest supporters right from the word go to the current day. Mark and Julie Robinson gave me a huge opportunity by playing at their events such as bonfire nights and a straw race to raise funds for Overgate Hospice.

I had my first wedding event as a DJ for Clare and Adam at Long Cann Hall. It was a fantastic night, and by incorporating guests’ requests submitted prior to the big day into my set, I kept the dance floor bouncing! Clare works for C+K Careers and has since been instrumental in helping me navigate the business side of my career. She introduced me to the King's Trust – a great resource for grants and loans – and provided links for building a startup from scratch.

Future goals for my career

My main goal in my career is to grow my current business, and the big dream is to start playing at festivals be it small or large. I am hoping to study Music Industry Skills to grow my knowledge of production, the small details of music, and event management. I aim to be a recognised DJ in my local area and beyond, and work with event organisers within the Calderdale Authority and the Piece Hall.

What I enjoy most about my career

What I enjoy the most about being a DJ is the pure freedom and creativity of mixing music. Another huge part I love is the atmosphere and bringing people together, music is known as a universal language that in one way or another everyone loves. Seeing the crowd bouncing along or singing their hearts out is the best feeling in the world knowing you’ve brought that vibe and energy.

What advice would you give to other young people starting out on their careers?

I would say don’t give up in the hard times because you’ll see the benefits, it just takes time. Never think I’m not good enough because you are, you just haven’t found the right people yet.

I’m proud of the journey that has brought me to where I am today, music has always been my escape. C+K Careers support people wanting to start their own business.

And finally ...

If you need a DJ, please reach out to me via my socials! https://linktr.ee/djmario1

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We would like to say a huge thank you to Brad for sharing his story, and for his advice to young people starting out on their careers. We wish you continued success with your growing business and future studies.

If you are a young person and need careers advice and/or you are interested in starting your own business like Brad, you can speak to a C+K careers adviser, Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm via our Chat Service. Call 01484 213856 or email chat@ckcareers.org.uk Outside of these hours, please leave a message and a member of the team will get back to you.