Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Bonds.
Hi Shawn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started making music and DJing at the end of middle school. For the first two years of high school, I would practice DJing on a small DJ controller that I got for Christmas. I would wake up early before school to practice DJing and come straight home from school to DJ again. When I felt ready to DJ in public, I started DJing parties for friends at my school and other nearby high schools. Once word got around that I was a DJ and had the equipment to DJ parties, I got more and more gigs for house parties, sweet 16 parties, and charity events. During my senior year of high school, I relocated to Southern Illinois and shifted my focus to getting DJ gigs in a brand new area. After creating the right relationships and networking, I began DJing college and university events for organizations around SIUC. I spent two more years in Southern Illinois pursuing my Bachelor’s degree. While in college, I would DJ at local college party venues every weekend while still DJing University events for greek life and Homecoming.
After 2018, I transferred back to the St. Louis area to complete my Bachelor’s degree at SIUE. Shortly after graduating, I began DJing for Saint Louis University Men’s and Women’s Basketball at Chaifetz Arena. I would continue to DJ university events, parties, and events around the Saint Louis area. In the summer of 2021, I began DJing in the Greater St. Louis Area nightlife, allowing more connections and opportunities to arise.
Since starting out, I have accomplished many goals and have been fortunate enough to work with some of the most talented and well-known creators, brands, and organizations known locally and worldwide.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been plenty of ups and downs. That’s all part of the journey. I taught myself how to DJ when I started at a young age, so there are things I have been ironing out over the past couple of years. Even just finding my own lane and deciding the type of DJ I wanted to be was difficult. There is a lot to learn as a DJ, and I am always wanting to learn. DJs are a brand, so there’s more to it than just the music side. Lately, I’ve been learning more about the business and marketing aspect of being a DJ. Thankfully, I have a good group of mentors I can learn from and go to when I need advice. Also, just learning to be patient has helped me tremendously. Being patient allows for that preparation to meet that right opportunity. Timing is everything, and what’s meant for you will find you.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an open-format DJ, meaning I am a multi-genre DJ instead of focusing on one or two styles of music. More importantly, I want to be a music curator. My goal is to walk into a room and be able to create energy for any environment. Whether it’s a party, corporate event, sporting event, etc., I want to curate the correct music vibe for people from all walks of life. One thing that sets me apart from others is that I always want to learn from people. I enjoy learning from DJs in my age range and hearing their stories, but I also like learning and soaking up knowledge from older and wiser DJs who might have more experience. There’s always something valuable you can take away from those interactions. Overall, I am proud of myself for how far I’ve come. I started out DJing in my bedroom as a kid, and now I have been fortunate enough to work with several world-renowned brands, international artists, and some of the top party establishments in the city.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Being a DJ was always mainly a hobby or side job for me. Not until a few years ago was I fortunate to make DJing a primary job or career. It’s a blessing. Your situation can change in a year or even several months. If you’re passionate about something, go all in if you can. There are always ups and downs, but you’re doing what you love to do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnbonds_/
Image Credits:
Elena Lin Alyssa Schwalm Sekondtry Zac Day Chris Del Gaiso Aaron McLaughlin, Sekondtry
