Rising Stars: Meet Allen Dent

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allen Dent.

Hi Allen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story. 
I am from North Atlanta, Georgia, but about nine years ago, I made the leap to San Diego, California, where I resided for six vibrant years before making the move to LA. During my time in San Diego, I shared a living space with a rotating cast of roommates sourced from Craigslist. Among them was O’Neil, a seasoned DJ whose passion for the craft ignited my own interest in DJing. Learning from O’Neil, I dove into the world of spinning and blending music. With the house hosting house parties, these gatherings served as invaluable opportunity for me to perform in front of a live audience. As fate would have it, the Covid-19 pandemic brought my growing DJing career to an unexpected halt. Undiscouraged, I pivoted to online platforms, broadcasting my sets via Twitch and Instagram Live, thus ensuring that my passion remained alive and kicking throughout the lockdown period. Towards the end of 2020, I made the strategic decision to relocate to Los Angeles, determined to elevate my DJing endeavors to new heights. 

Embracing the city’s vibrant nightlife scene with eagerness, I embarked on a tireless quest to establish myself within the competitive landscape of the Los Angeles music scene. Through relentless networking and a steadfast commitment to self-promotion, I gradually carved out a niche for myself, securing residencies at three esteemed venues across the city. I’m staying focused to get my career to the point where I will be performing DJ sets at big events/parties, festivals, and venues around the world. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has been anything but smooth. Facing a lot of rejections, unread messages, and the sheer disappointment of not given a chance can weigh heavily. In the competitive world of DJing, success often depends on your ability to draw a crowd or sell tickets. Failing to attract a certain number of attendees can jeopardize future bookings at the same venue. While skill is undoubtedly important, popularity frequently takes priority. There were moments in the early days when I found myself playing to empty rooms. It is a disheartening experience that tested my determination. Yet I performed with the energy and enthusiasm of a packed venue, regardless of the actual turnout. Witnessing peers secure opportunities I aspired to was challenging, occasionally leading me to question my own path. However, I’ve shifted from comparing myself to others to using their successes as a source of motivation to push harder. Overcoming these challenges are shaping me into the individual I aim to become. Honestly, would the journey be as rewarding without the struggle? 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
As an open-format DJ skilled in playing multiple genres of music, I’ve established a unique presence by highlighting underground and overlooked tracks. I first started mixing hip-hop and RnB music. Yet, I’m now transitioning towards a focus on house music, a genre that truly captivates me. In my experience, the shift has been somewhat tough, as house music doesn’t always get the same demand and opportunities as other genres. Nevertheless, it is my favorite genre to play, and I am confident that I will make it happen. Reflecting on the last four years fills me with pride for the progress I’ve achieved. My sets are curated to create immersive experiences, with each transition, song selection, and blends aimed at keeping the audience engaged and dancing. I constantly refresh my DJ library with new music, ensuring my performances are always unique and energetic. My objective is to deliver an unmatched experience, distinguishing me from other DJs. Reflecting on the last four years fills me with pride for the progress I’ve achieved. Opportunities are starting to increase, and my efforts are gaining recognition. I’m optimistic about what lies ahead and excited for the next phase. 

What matters most to you? Why?
Making my family proud is what matters to me the most. Their unwavering support and encouragement have been pivotal in shaping me into a better individual. They fuel my determination to overcome challenges and steadfastly pursue my goals. My parents always taught me to never give up. I look up to my sister because of all her accomplishments. Upon revealing my aspiration to become a DJ, despite any initial hesitations, they offered nothing but support for my chosen path. My gratitude towards them is boundless. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allendentt?igsh=YzVkODRmOTdmMw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072030824399
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allendentii/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9p9q3yzN2w6tow4W4A20lw
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/allendent

Image Credits
Sean-Michael Ryan
Denise Neshay