Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Dyson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My DJ career started in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where I was heavily influenced by the eclectic & funky music that became known as the “Minneapolis sound” (Prince, Shelia E, The Time) and vibrant music scene.
When I was younger, I was bullied terribly throughout school, so music was a profound escape. As a result, I became very good at constant threat assessment, which later served me exceptionally well with “room awareness” when DJing at nightclubs and events, which is the #1 skill required to excel at being a DJ.
Eventually, I began looking for a way to express my own musical creativity and found my way to a pair of turntables when a local bar’s DJ called in sick, and my DJ friend invited me to come with him to cover the shift. I had no idea how to mix, but my ability to read the crowd and pick the right song selection impressed the manager, so I was offered a happy hour position with the understanding that I would come in on my days off and practice mixing.
Initially, DJing became a way to engage socially with people at a safe distance physically and emotionally. I learned to appreciate how powerful music is and how much impact it has on human beings, and I love the fulfillment I get from starting with an empty room and building it up slowly and methodically. I feel accomplished and take pride in the result of having a totally packed dance floor.
I spent several years moving up from small bars to more prominent nightclubs. I was eventually hired as the Director of Entertainment for America Live- a 60,000-square-foot multi-entertainment complex featuring five different nightclub concepts under one roof. I spent the next several years traveling the Midwest, opening new properties, training DJs, and managing the music format for all five concepts.
I hit the Los Angeles club scene in the 2000s and quickly became one of the town’s most in-demand talents for nightclubs, lounges, and all types of special events. Over the years, I held many weekly residences at Hollywood’s top venues, was the official DJ for Mercedes-Benz LA Fashion Week, and was featured in several Las Vegas DJ showcases. I was also very fortunate to spin for some of LA’s most elite clientele and parties, such as the Oscars, Emmys, Jerry Bruckheimer, Jeffery Katzenberg, Don Michener, Seal, Jim Carry, Heidi Klum, American Idol, DreamWorks, Sony, Disney, NBC Universal, Go Daddy, Saks Fifth Ave and more.
In 2008, I saw a niche that wasn’t being filled: most DJs were either mobile or club but not both. Mobile DJs were perceived as dependable but not necessarily cool or great at mixing. In contrast, club DJs were perceived as stylish and cutting-edge but not always professional or reliable.
I started my company, Hey Mister DJ, to merge lanes and blend the best attributes of each DJ world for special event clients. The response was immediate, as many clients and event planners were searching for a more polished DJ option for weddings, Mitzvahs, and corporate events.
We eventually incorporated full production into our services and now offer music, sound, lighting, and design for every type of event.
During the pandemic, we pivoted and found a whole new & exciting lane by producing fun & engaging virtual events for corporate clients.
Once the world opened back up, live events came back stronger than ever. Consequently, we have grown and now have a very talented team of DJs, MCs, and production crew.
Wow, I worry this sounds like way too much bragging as I write this. I’m extremely fortunate, humbled, and eternally grateful for every opportunity and client that has ever trusted us to entertain for their event.
Sending everyone a huge thank you!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, it’s a perpetual struggle. Dealing with imposter syndrome, FOMA, scarcity mindset helped push me and achieve some success, but makes it hard to find a solid work/live balance or feel like I can ever stop or rest. It’s challenging because the nature of the industry is that you are always looking for the next gig and rarely stop to celebrate your wins or accomplishments. Filling out this questionnaire has been extremely fulfilling because I get to stop, look back on my career and remember I’ve done some really amazing & cool stuff.
Over the last few years, having a therapist, business coach, and assistant, along with support from my friends and dog Misty, has been crucial as I continue prioritizing and working on better self-care.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m the owner of Hey Mister DJ which specializes in DJs, music, sound & lighting production for Special events. Especially proud of how we pivoted over the pandemic and brought joy to so many people through virtual events.
Hey Mister DJ has won BizBash’s “Best DJ in Los Angeles” and California Wedding Day’s “Best Wedding DJ in LA” awards with multiple nominations over the years, along with constant 5-star reviews on The Knot, Google & Yelp.
A few career highlights have been opening for:
One Republic
The Red Hot Chili Peppers
John Mayer & David Chapelle
Kevin Nealon & Pete Holmes
This past year I’ve focused more on working as an MC, Host, and Speaker, which I find rewarding and gives me the opportunity to use my Improv skills. Also, we are very excited as we launch our new sister company, which will provide a live Game Show experience for all types of special events.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
In no particular order:
Creativity
Punctuality
Dependability
Playfulness
Talent
Drive
Curiosity
Compassion
Ingenuity
Gratitude
Humbleness
Adaptability
Contact Info:
- Website: www.heymisterdj.com
- Instagram: @heymisterdjlee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lee.dyson.50/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hey-mister-dj/
- Youtube: @HeyMisterDJ
- Yelp: Share business https://www.yelp.com/biz/hey-mister-dj-los-angeles-2?uid=7TMAttUuXd6H3W_Wv_3wGw&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
- SoundCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/Hey_Mister_DJ/
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/user/hey-mister-dj?si=3c8a0e57c4c7484b
Image Credits
VeroFoto Aurelia D’Amore Photography Brook Mason Creative Gilded Photo Next Exit Photography https://www.girlsquadllc.com/
