Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Brodnax.
Chris, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Since I was young, I was always intrigued by entertainers, especially in music. Coming home after school and turning on 106 & Park and being exposed to music that defined the decade really jump-started my love for music. I also played clarinet from 4th to 8th grade, which introduced me to music theory.
In high school, I was always the kid who had my headphones in making playlists and organizing them by genre, artist, vibe and decade; and putting each song in a specific order so that they flow together. From there, I always knew I had an ear for music or at least an ear of how certain 808’s flow together.
The first music class I had was my freshman year of college at California Lutheran University and learning about DAW systems and producing music. At first, I was a Computer Science and Music Production double major, but after a year of being in college and figuring out my true passion of music, I dropped my Computer Science major to become just a Music Production major to further pursue my music production and DJ career. My Sophomore year, I wanted to DJ so that summer before the start of my sophomore year. I called my cousin who was also a DJ and asked him for advice on how to start. He had me download an app and after a week of playing around with it, I fell in love with DJing and decided to get my own controller to start my career. I had my first gig at my mom’s job when they had a special event for the new iPhone that was coming out at that time. My breakout gig was for Wendeezy, one of my friends, big birthday party. It was such a success that it birthed the start of DJ CB5 and I’ve been Djing parties and events with the same group ever since.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There were a lot of struggles along the way. When I first started DJing my only mentor to help me was my cousin who DJ’d but he was in out of the state at the time I was about to start my career as a DJ. He gave me basic DJ and business advice but everything else I had to learn on my own such as the DJ controller functions, how to mix, scratching techniques and other things. When I first started out, I was a nobody so when I told people I was a DJ they would look at me funny or laugh in my face thinking I wasn’t serious and it wasn’t until Wendeezy’s birthday party that people took me serious. I was also doing a lot of parties for free for two years at the place that I created the best parties for my school and started my base following. As a producer, I felt behind because I didn’t know as much music theory or composition as other producers so when it came to translating it into making music it took me a couple of years to fully understand how to make beats
So, as you know, we’re impressed with DJ CB5 – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I’m a Music Producer and DJ for Hip Hop and R&B. I’m part of an independent record label called Respect The Real music lead by UraelB. I also have a photography package with my DJ services that include pictures from wobproductions.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Currently, I’m working on an album called “Lost Legends” that will come out late January/ early February featuring multiple artists and producers I’ve met on my journey including the sensational trumpet player Dontae Winslow. With that album, I’m planning to go on tour with everyone featured on the album during the spring. I’ll also be continuing our “Respect The Mic” open mic sessions in the spring hosted by UraelB and Wendeezy. I’m also going to be featured on WendeezyLive’s YouTube channel that includes vlogs, pranks, skits, and other content. I’ve also been partnering with WeCleanBeaches lead by Tyler to help promote a great cause in cleaning our oceans that is in desperate need.
Pricing:
- DJ services $100/hr
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/th3kidcb5/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dj_cb5
Image Credit:
wobproductions
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