Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Teo.
Hi DJ, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Growing up in the Bay Area, I was surrounded with such a rich culture at a young age. My parents stemmed from the cities of San Francisco and Vallejo, which were cities I lived in throughout my upbringing, along with a city named Fairfield. My family as a whole were all musically inclined when it came to the acknowledgment of great artistry. Which became my initial experience to overall music but wouldn’t be determined until later on. Being heavily involved in sports as a kid, I experienced discipline within extracurricular activities and traveling for games, tournaments, and camps throughout the years. As time progressed, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to play college football. My senior year of high school, I became a four-star long snapper and was awarded the honors of being an All-American football player.
Eventually, I decided to attend Davenport University in Grand Rapids. In the midst of being a student-athlete, I pursued the idea of becoming a DJ, and it blossomed quickly within that region of the Midwest. I ended up playing for different fraternities, sororities, and other universities within Michigan and even obtained great support from DU themselves. Evidently, with my coaching staff leaving, I decided to transfer closer to home to have more access to my family. I chose to attend Weber State University to continue to pursue my football career and be around a plethora of teammates who were also from California. On my visit to see Utah for the first time, I realized I loved it and loved the potential opportunity more than anything.
Once I became familiar with more individuals, I realized that I was meant for DJing and began to get booked more. Football ended at Weber State University after receiving news that I tore my rotator cuff, and it crushed me. Due to my personal circumstances with the team and my financial situation, I knew having an income was imperative at the time. Alongside, struggling with my identity after being a collegiate athlete is something a lot of individuals face, but DJing and being involved within music always dug me out of that hole. After being employed with a job in marketing and investing those funds in my DJ business, I decided to independently move to Salt Lake City. Traction grew heavily to the point where I was voted the Best DJ of Salt Lake City and Best DJ of Utah back-to-back years. Immediately, I wanted to make a push for other markets domestically. Since, I’ve been able to provide services and tour in markets such as: San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Diego, Austin, Houston, Chicago, Dallas, New Orleans, Denver, Miami, Orlando, Seattle, Portland, and Philadelphia. Within the states, it’s been an honor to share the stage and provide services for A-List celebrities, sports organizations, collegiate athletic departments, tech giants, airports/airlines, and will continue to expand daily. In addition to DJing, I founded companies in hospitality, creative-tech platform, music/sync placement dedicating myself fully to their success. Now based in Downtown LA, I split my time between Los Angeles, Northern California, and Salt Lake City for work-related commitments. Along with being in Los Angeles, I’ve been blessed with being on some notable productions with clothing lines, athletes, artists, streaming networks, innovative tech, and more… & I’m excited for what’s to come!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The process has been short of smooth. To make a leap of being a full-time DJ was an obstacle within itself, along with that. Utah is not profound or accepting of partying as a whole, but there’s still a ton of good happening within the market. Considering Utah was a part of my upbringing for my career, and as a young adult, I will continue to shine a bright light on the established culture out there. As the city of Salt Lake began to diversify, I attempted to express who I was and identify my niche quickly. Which was Hip Hop/R&B with a sprinkle of all other great genres as well.
As I began to leap into other markets, it was not and is not seamless as people might think. There is so much talented individuals in other markets, it’s difficult to essentially prove your worth until you get opportunities. Being a DJ is a profession that is taken seriously, and I will continue to demonstrate my talents while leading with genuine intent to support others. When I received the well-deserved opportunities, I gave them all I could, which has reflected in a positive manner. My profession and my passion are things I emphasize to keep separate. However, if there’s any ways to intertwine the two, I’m more than willing to do so.
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?
Award Winning DJ Executive Producer
Music Supervisor
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I will continue to pour my heart and soul into DJing, as the opportunities it has brought me so far have been truly breathtaking. Moving forward, I am committed to expanding my presence on an international level by curating sets worldwide. Excitingly, in 2024, I will be making debuts in certain countries (which I cannot disclose at this moment). Additionally, my YouTube channel will play a significant role in showcasing recaps, mixes, live shows, and more in the near future.
In addition to my DJing pursuits, I will be taking on the role of executive producer for albums by talented artists I have encountered across the globe. Alongside this, I’ll be advancing the initiatives of my other companies in film, tech, and hospitality. Being impactful in various ways beyond just being a DJ has always been important to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.officialdjteo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mateowns?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mateowns?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dj-teo-b71072221?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MateOWNS/status/1424516157852192770
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mateowns?si=hiO2-st2iEdG6VTk
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/EwutAwnCJRFB7zC78
Image Credits
Tim Semple
Hive Artists
SLC Pix
AC Collins
