Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio Feliz Gomez.
Hi Antonio, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Being a DJ represents who I am, where I am from, and the way I perceive how life should be. Being from the Dominican Republic, we are known for our music, happiness, and folklore. Since I was a child, I remember seeing my aunt clean while she danced and listened to music. I remember how these songs stayed in my mind, and I sang them as if I was feeling the passion the singer shared in the song itself. When I was 15 yrs old, I started working in a club as a DJ in Barahona, Dominican Republic. At 19, I worked at a radio station. Later, I was a DJ at a bar and a video and music editor. When I came to the US, I started working in public schools as a teaching assistant, and sometimes I used music to gather my kid’s attention, signal for them to line up, and during free time. I saw how music brought happiness to the kids. That reminded me of the passion I have had for music all along. I started saving to purchase music equipment to provide professional entertainment services. Now, I provide music, animation, and lighting services for weddings, quinces, birthdays, and events in Spanish and English in the Triangle and beyond in North Carolina. I am a DJ because I enjoy bringing happiness to others through music. It’s one of the few ways to show that life isn’t just about working every day, but a little music and dancing can also provide peace of mind and build a connection with others. I got my DJ name because my suegra (mother-in-law) says I am like a ray of sunshine (rayo de sol) which is how I became DJ Rayo.
Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road because I am a new DJ in the area and people have yet to learn about my work. Despite being a new DJ in North Carolina, I have more than 10 years of experience in music entertainment in the Dominican Republic. I take pride in bringing happiness to others through music. I do this by getting to know my clients, understanding their taste in music, and learning about important times in their lives. Based on that information, I spend hours preparing for the events by researching and pulling from my knowledge to create sets that will bring back memories and bring out happiness in everyone at the event.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Aside from being bilingual in Spanish and English, I also specialize in providing entertainment for kids events. Working in the school system has provided me with insight on the different types of music that kids enjoy. And I continue learning from the kids each day.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.? I learn so much about different cultures and families by listening to people’s stories. That is where I get my greatest inspiration.
Pricing:
- $200/hr base rate.
- $100/hr non-profit and school rate.
Contact Info:
