Dj Nick Martin shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Dj Nick , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I believe that people have a misconception about djs or running a dj business. They do not understand that like any business, there are factors that need to be considered.
Overall, we djs just don’t come and play music. There is preparation behind every party, every gig, every wedding. Each opportunity to play is different and requires music search, sorting and prepping before hand. Customer engagement and communication. Follow ups with clients. Getting to know their vision, their taste in music, their cultural background. Each gig is unique and each event requires s a set of equipment or different types of it. It is not like we pull up and BOOM! Magic happens! Setting up equipment to sometimes can take more than 2 hours and when the party is over, there is packing to do and can also take 1, 2 or 3 hours.
There is also the experience part from the DJ. How long he has been doing this. Remember, that even when you are hiring a DJ, there are expenses and it should be treated as a business like any other one.
Most cases, people think that you are showing up with a small speaker and you will be playing from a playlist on your cellphone. They do not realize the equipment is also and investment made. These are tools used to set up the mood, create an ambiance to suit and deliver a specific need.
There is also the entertainment part, because while you are dancing, bouncing and popping from place to place within your event venue, that DJ is creating the perfect atmosphere that triggers your emotions, feelings and mood though music, lighting and effects. You are being musically hypnotized!
Some djs are also MCs and whey they grab that mic to communicate a short announcement or to get the crowd hyped and pumped up, you notice how the crowd responds and how they are influenced by his/her words.
So, yes! Being a dj, working as a dj goes beyond just simply playing tracks.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Music has been and continues to be a devotion, passion, and a hobby for me since my childhood. I remember being a kid and listening to music from the ’70s, growing up listening to ’80s songs, and feeling the vibes from the ’90s. I started very young, when I was 14 or 15 years old, collecting music, old records, and tapes. It was not until the year 2000 when I decided to become a DJ. Another friend who was into music and I together started our local DJ business called “MUSICMAN DJs, Audio and Lighting,” and we began doing private events and parties. Time goes by, and after a year, we decided to go separate ways. My friend was more focused on photography and filming, and I was more on the music side. Another year goes, I continued carrying on with the company I started with my previous friend until I met another local DJ. From there, we started a relationship, sharing ideas, experiences, knowledge, and events. Our relationship continued for another year and we finally realized that by joining forces, we could do much more, so we decided to start our own DJ business known as “MINITECA VENMAN DJ, SOUND AND LIGHTING”.
During this time, we were busy every weekend with up to 3 to 5 parties per weekend; sometimes we had to subcontract other DJs to cover more events. Business was booming, and we were investing in equipment for future plans. We were able to do bigger events such as concerts and local festivals. Apex Latino Arts Festival, Dominican Festival, Don Omar’s 1st Charlotte Concert at the Bojangles Arena, formerly known as Cricket Arena, Oscar De Leon, La Makina, Wisin y Yandel held at The Backstage, Franco DeVita performing at the Blumenthal Performing Art Center, Victor Manuelle, Orquesta Guayacan, Grupo Niche, Fernando Arau, Priscila y sus Pistolas, and many more regional and international talent. As a DJ company, we were also playing at local nightclubs such as Latorre’s, Forum, Salamandras, Skandalos, Buckhead Saloon, Suite, Illusions 1000. Back then, I was taking audio engineering classes at CPCC and at the same time being a DJ. I was just starting out, getting to know the ways of keeping the crowd going, building my music library, learning new tricks of the trade, and being mentored by other DJ friends.
“MINITECA VENMAN DJ, SOUND AND LIGHTING” remained in business until around 2010, when the house market completely collapsed, and business overall declined. It was hard for us to stay in business to the point that we had to go separate ways, and again, I was on my own carrying on with the company I started with my second business partner.
With the economy being impacted by the housing bubble, not many events were getting booked. I was not heavily involved with DJing and gigs, and I was more focused on school, work, and family. Some time went by, and I decided to switch things around and rebrand my business to something more trending and easier to remember. That is when I came up with Nick Martin. Since then, I have been DJing for different venues here in Charlotte and surrounding areas. The Pub at Gateway, Barrel, Tilt, The Union, DJ’s Skylounge, El Centenario, QC Social, Charlotte’s Tin Roof, Snug Harbor, Mambo Nights, Vida Cantina, Big Ben, Clutch, The Boatyard, Scorpio, Press Box, La Capital MX, Charandas, La Lena, La Fonda, Kate’s Seafood Rest, The Fairwoor, RSVP, The Dandelion Market, Buho’s Rooftop, Yancey Brewing Company, Noda Brewing Company and many more.
I have performed for different festivals such as Apex Latino Arts Festival, Festival Latinoamericano, Charlotte’s Parranda Venezolana, Festival Viva Venezuela, Summit Seltzer Fest, Charlotte’s Donut Fest, and Charlotte’s Empanada Fest. International talents I have shared stage with Joel and Randy, Billo’s Caracas Boys, Cardenales del Exito, Diveana, Desorden Publico, Tecupae, Los Amigos Invisibles, Ronald Borgas, Nelson Arrieta, Neguito Borgas, Luis Enrique, Tito Nieves, Gonin. Regional talent I have shared stage with, Conjunto Pentagrama, Swing Gaitero, Skynfolks, Davisson Brothers Band, Smokey Jones and the 3 Pistols, Ultima Nota, Orquesta Mayor, Bakalao Stars, Desorden Publico, Voces de Platino, No Te Va Gustar and more. I have done many private events. Weddings, Sweet 16 and Sweet 15 (Quiceaneras), Parties, and more since I started as a DJ. I currently offer sound and lighting equipment rental, Master of Ceremony for events along with DJing.
I am an open-format DJ, offering the crowd a mix of everything. I keep the music going nonstop, blending hit after hit and fluctuating depending on what the audience’s vibe tells me. From current dance hits, top 40 songs, pop, rap, hip hop bangers (classic, old school to new), house, remixes, mashups, and because of my diverse background and knowledge on music, I always keep some other genres up my sleeve surprising the audience all seamlessly blended, keeping the energy level at its peak, and the crowd anxiously waiting for the hit banger.I focus on events regardless of type. Weddings, Sweet 16 and Sweet 15 (Quiceaneras), Partes, Homecoming, Graduations, Festivals, Concerts, Corporate and private events, Bars, and nightclubs. I offer multicultural professional DJs, bilingual Spanish English master of ceremony, top-of-the-line sound and lighting equipment rental, Silent disco headphones, video DJs.
I can be found on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Mixcloud, and TikTok)
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
I believe life and being the family provider. Having a family keeps me focused on what is important, necessary and a priority.
I have been working since early in life, probably 16 or 17 years old. It is important to know the value of earning your own money from early life stages. It teaches you how to manage your own finances and set your own goals. It also teaches you that in most cases, things are not easy. It gives you a different angle about life, how your parents dedicated part of their lives to be there for you being the providers when I/you anyone was younger (depending on the case)
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, plenty of times I have seen myself under these circumstances. When I don’t feel motivated.
When I am not getting calls, requests for quotes or getting booked; I worry and ask myself if I should quit. When I am not playing at nightclubs or bars. When I am not being called by other dj friends, promoters or event organizers. When I see someone else name instead of mine. When on the flyer, another dj name is there instead of mine. When social media posts are talking about another dj and not me. When social media flyers from other venues are promoting someone else and not me, and probably other moments I can’t remember.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
My background and roots. Growing up in a multicultural family, I always take the opportunity to play a few songs that represent these two.
Where I come from, having different nationalities besides USA is always an excuse to blend a few tracks. The region I represent, since there is a huge diversity. I take this opportunity to show the crowd that there is more than what you hear nationally, expand your music knowledge and taste. Do not expect me to play the typical songs you have heard on the radio here in the USA when it comes to it. I will throw in something you probably have not heard and leave you bewildered, lost.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I think I do on a daily basis even when some days I do not feel like doing it.
People in general will never recognize the efforts you do. This does not happen to me only; it happens to many of us. You, your close friend, your mother and so on. Many times, you do things with the best intentions and you get nothing in return. But let’s look at it from a different angle. It is not about getting praised or recognized for what you do. It is about you feeling that you are doing the right thing. It is about behaving correctly and caring for others. It is about the help and the impact this help have among others.
Regardless of religion and probably every religion is based on the same principle, caring for others, helping others and being a good Samaritan to others should be applied regularly. Today you are able to help someone and tomorrow somebody else. In the future, you will get help from other or others. It comes and goes. Just keep practicing it and in return, it will happen to you.
In a recent event I have been volunteering for years, I was recognized with an award during the event. When I had to come on stage because I had to receive this award I had the chance to say a few words. These words were something similar to “I don’t do this because I am expecting something. I do this because it comes from within”
Help without expecting something in return. Be kind to others…
Contact Info:
- Website: https://SUNEVP.com
- Instagram: @NickMartindj
- Facebook: @NickMartindj
- Youtube: @NickMartindj
- Other: TT: @NickMartindj
IG: @NickMartindj
Mixcloud: @DJNickMartin
