Check Out Neky Mahmud’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Neky Mahmud.

Hi Neky, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Music and DJing specifically, was something I took an interest in at a very young age. Growing up and knowing a couple of older friends in the industry, I had a front-row seat to their experiences and performances. It was in early 2000 that I began experimenting using a friend’s equipment where I started with two turntables and a mixer. I began mixing a few tracks and soon realized that I had a knack for the art form. My first set of turntables were a gift from a close friend who encouraged me to pursue my newfound talent. Within a few months after continued practice and experimentation, I began playing backyard parties, house parties, school dances and other small events. Over time, I was trusted to headline parties, clubs, corporate events, and weddings all over the world.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I always say it’s important to see the joy in all things, no matter the challenges presented and while it hasn’t been a linear path to success, I think that’s part of the beauty in all of this – the growth, learning and development through it all. Working through and overcoming trials and adversities allows us to grow and learn valuable lessons. For me, my struggles are what fueled my desire to get better and improve. Whether it pertained to the craft itself, the business side of it, or the relationship management aspect, it was through those challenges and setbacks that I gained some of my most valuable life lessons both personally and professionally.

I remember at the beginning, I couldn’t cut or scratch. I could mix, but I wasn’t able to chop up a record the same way I was hearing it in my head. Those ideas and bringing them to fruition were a challenge. When you grow up on DJs like Jazzy Jeff, A-Trak, and Skratch Bastid, these guys were beasts on turntables. I wanted to cut and scratch like them and when I couldn’t, I’d really get down on myself. But I think, as an artist, you quickly realize your strengths and weaknesses. You lean into what you’re good at, all while continuously working on those weaknesses.

Back then, just being seen or heard was a struggle. I mean the internet and accessibility to music didn’t exist the way it does today. Online streaming and platforms like iTunes, Spotify, and Soundcloud didn’t exist. You made a mixtape and you had to stand outside, physically handing out your sh*t. Before the internet enabled it, you had a whole street team pushing the artist, whether it was blasting it in barbershops, clothing shops, wherever. You just needed to be seen and heard. Nowadays, the internet is a very powerful marketing tool for artists to get their shi*t out and heard worldwide.

Another recent struggle I faced was the pandemic. DJs were moving digitally to online platforms like Twitch or Instagram just to make ends meet or stay relevant. Personally, I had to learn how to play music online in an attempt to reach a larger and broader audience. Whether I was playing on balconies, corporate Zoom calls, or playing for causes and charities, I had to think outside the box on how to bring people together during times of isolation.

So, while it has not been a smooth road, these sorts of hurdles are what have shaped me and made me more resilient, and I can confidently say it’s been worthwhile 🙂

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I can tell you that the DJ experience is full of ups and downs but in those highs and lows, there’s a lot of growth too. Not only did I grow in my personal life, but I also developed great business acumen, built amazing professional partnerships, collaborated with other DJs on some great projects and made a lot of good friends who supported me throughout my career.

What started as the audio soundtrack to my life has turned into me creating inspiring and motivational broadcasts worldwide. Whether it’s live or through an audio playlist, for me, music is the canvas through which I create a sound that resonates. My hope is to uplift and inspire others.

Through DJing, I’ve been able to travel the world and play for audiences internationally. Nearly two decades in, I’ve developed a flair for blending sounds that evoke strong emotional responses; whether it’s drawing people to dance floors, kitchen dance parties or even vibing solo, my creative mixes are guaranteed to make you dance!

What sets me apart is how I piece together playlists to form a narrative that my listeners can relate to. My music compilations are personal as I draw from my own encounters with love, loss, heartbreak, and passion. This is how I get to tell my story and, in the process, sometimes find healing. That’s the journey I want to take my audience on, storytelling through music, hoping they too find comfort and joy.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
For me, being a DJ is taking a risk in itself. It’s taking a leap of faith and trusting that your personal taste in music and ability to read crowds is going to help you connect with them. Initially, every time I went to a club to DJ, I would be incredibly nervous not knowing if one of my peers would be there judging me or if the crowd would like me, or if the club owner would be happy enough to bring me back. Any mixtape I dropped, not knowing how it would be received, was essentially a risk I was taking.

I have certainly taken risks in my life; one of the most major being my move to the west coast in 2016. Having to re-establish myself and my brand was definitely a challenge, especially in a place and around people that I didn’t know. But without taking these risks, I wouldn’t have received any of the rewards. Building my reputation on the west coast wasn’t easy but I persevered, believed in myself, my resume, my skills and my experience all of which helped me forge new relationships and connections with people who gave me a chance and provided me opportunities to prove myself and my craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nekythekid.com
• Instagram: @nekythekid
• Facebook: Neky Mahmud

Image Credits
Red King Photography – @redkingphotography slsnaps (Last 3 photos) – @slsnaps