Today we’d like to introduce you to Joey Tang.
Hi Joey, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was at home with the flu in the 2nd grade watching MTV when “Parents Just Don’t Understand” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince played on our television. Beside the colorful set and comedic lyrics, another sound really caught my attention. It was the turntable scratching by Jazzy Jeff. I was immediately drawn to that sound! When I returned to school a few days later, it was our class’s turn to visit the library. It was always such a treat to get the opportunity to miss about 30 mins of classwork to check out new reading material. I signed out a Berenstain Bears book that had a 7-inch record attachment. It was one of those “read-along” audio books. I remember placing the needle down on the record in my classroom and did not hesitate to put my hand off the record to make that wicky-wicky sound. That action landed me in the principal’s office and a phone call to my dad while he was at work. He was not happy.
In my teens was when my interested became an obsession. I would flip through music magazines and cut out any images with a DJ or Turntables. I’d stay up late to listen and record the radio mix shows on my Awia stereo system. I’d ignore my girlfriend’s (wife now) calls if it meant me missing a Friday night flava mix. I’d attend all of my school dances not to hang out with friends but to watch the local DJs get down. They were my idols! They were my hero! I knew this is what I wanted to do. With my oldest brother’s help, I was able to save up enough money to buy a pair of turntables and mixer. This was all I did…as soon as I got home from school, it was practice time til it was time to go to bed. It eventually paid off. I played my first warehouse party when I was 16. Seeing my name on the party flyers meant… This is it… I’m a DJ!
Today, I’m more than a DJ. I’m a Husband and a father of 3. Twin boys (Jayden and Justin) and daughter Camila. I’m a small business owner. The Grey Orange is your local good vibes provider. We specialize in event lighting, live sound reinforcement, and, of course, DJs. Our team just celebrated 10 years of business and looking forward with excitement to see what the future has for us. I’d like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of our clients who’s trusted us with their celebrations and All of the vendor friends we’ve made along the way. Thank you for all of your love and support! Cheers!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My biggest challenge has always been myself. There’s a part of me who’s always putting myself down regardless of success. Learning how to channel those negative self-thoughts was my biggest struggle. I’ve come to realize that I’m never going to be happy if I let those thoughts outweigh all the good work that I’ve done… and I’ve done some cool stuff!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve been extremely fortunate to play at all of the popular Los Angeles nightclubs at the time, including The Avalon, The Mayan Theatre, and The world-famous Century Club, to name a few. I even got to tour the country as one of Hot Wheels official DJs with 3 of my closest friends. How cool is that?!? I’ve worked events alongside some of my favorite artists and musicians, including Pharrell Williams, Black Eyed Peas, and The Chain Smokers, and just wrapped up a private event featuring Marshmallow. I feel extremely blessed after all these years to still continue to get to do what I love. Not just the corporate events but all of the weddings, too! Getting to share those intimate moments with my clients and their closest family and friends is truly something special.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Don’t rush, take your time, DO NOT COMPARE yourself to others. It’s ok if things aren’t perfect all the time and don’t live inside your head. Overthinking is the biggest vibe killer.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thegreyorange.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheGreyOrange.Creative
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/the-grey-orange-los-angeles
