Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick.
Hi Patrick , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in Los Angeles, California, music, food, and vibrant culture were always a huge part of my life. Born to a Trinidadian father and a Los Angeles native mother, I was surrounded by a unique blend of sounds — disco, R&B, and Soca music flowed through my childhood. My grandfather, a well-known Blues pianist in Los Angeles, would perform for us at family gatherings, cigarette in hand, creating unforgettable moments that felt like magic.
My mother fueled my musical curiosity early on, buying me Michael Jackson and Chaka Khan albums to play on my Walkman CD player. By middle school, I was completely immersed in music, especially hip-hop. Websites like Digital Drip, 2DopeBoyz, and DatPiff became my daily go-to sources for discovering underground artists. The digital blog era shaped my appreciation for emerging sounds and introduced me to a world beyond mainstream hits.
In high school, I was still just an obsessive music enthusiast, unsure of how to break into the industry but certain that music had to be a part of my life. Everything shifted after I moved to Sacramento. At the age of 19, on a visit to Lancaster, I attended a party and was surprised to see a good friend of mine DJing. Shoutout to Isaiah Blueford. The energy in the room was electric. People were dancing on countertops, the building was packed, and the vibe was unforgettable. Seeing him control the crowd, setting the mood and tempo of the night, sparked something deep inside me.
That night changed my entire life. I told myself, I want to re-create that same feeling for others and bring people together through music. When I returned to Sacramento, I was determined to learn how to DJ. What started as a passion quickly evolved into a career, blending my love for music with my desire to create unforgettable experiences. Each event I play is a chance to share that same joy and energy I felt at that life-changing party. And that’s what keeps me going today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Hell no, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. As my career progressed, the obstacles changed — but they never stopped me from chasing my goals. My first major challenge was realizing that although I was a great DJ, I wasn’t a promoter. I hated the idea of socializing and soliciting people to come to events just to get booked or paid. I’m a creative, not a salesman.
Another obstacle I faced was covert racism. Sacramento’s nightlife often caters to non-Black patrons, which means many clubs stick to Latino music, house music, or early 2000s rap. Unless it’s Tyga or YG’s latest hit, there aren’t many spaces where Black people can relate to the music and truly enjoy the environment. It’s frustrating to see so few venues that reflect the diversity of the city.
Lastly, I faced backlash from older generations of DJs. As a younger DJ bringing in new sounds and using newer technology, I — along with many other talented up-and-comers — was pigeonholed. Some older DJs saw us as threats to their residencies instead of the next wave of creativity. I expected guidance and mentorship from the OGs, but I quickly realized that many were stuck in their high school egos, more focused on holding onto their spots than fostering the next generation.
This journey has taken blood, sweat, and tears. You can’t be soft about what you believe in. As I learned to maneuver and build my identity within the creative space, my current challenge is ownership — creating opportunities and finding funding for other DJs. Sacramento’s creative scene can be very cliquish, so my focus now is on building a community and fostering more diversity within the city’s creative spaces.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a DJ and entrepreneur, with most of my bookings in private spaces such as weddings, corporate events, and club performances.
I specialize in curating events, collaborating with other creatives to enhance their ideas, and spotlighting up-and-coming talent. I’m known for being a connector. I discover talented individuals and help provide them with opportunities to grow beyond what they initially imagined.
One of my proudest achievements is my latest project, Next Selection Radio. It’s a visual and audio experience that highlights four specially selected DJs in each episode, capturing live recordings of their sets. This project has been a huge success due to its high level of artist collaboration and for challenging the traditional ways music is consumed.
What sets me apart from others is my vision and passion for artistry. There are no rules in creativity! Art isn’t just for the individual. It’s a language and a state of being for the entire community. My thought process around music and art is forward-thinking and innovative. I’m constantly pushing the boundaries of traditionalism, exploring new ways to integrate technology, community, and collaboration to reshape the creative landscape. For me, it’s not just about the music, it’s about creating lasting, meaningful experiences that inspire and connect people.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Without taking risks, you either remain nameless or become just another shadow in someone else’s story.
Everyone’s tolerance for risk is different. For some, it’s choosing a path their family disapproves of. For others, it’s making a financial leap without knowing the reward. Sometimes, the greatest risk is reinventing your entire identity and mindset — leaving behind what’s comfortable to chase the unknown.
Life without risks is a life of mundane, predetermined routine, which often leads to depression or a future filled with regrets. I’ve taken countless risks throughout my life, and even now, I push myself to challenge not only my personal limits but also the expectations of the society around me.
Some of my biggest risks include defying stereotypes, striving to break generational financial barriers in my family, overcoming trauma, and even risking my own freedom at times. I’ve never been the type of person to accept “no” as an answer. If there’s a will, there’s a guaranteed way. Without this mindset, dreams and ambitions can quickly come to a dead stop. Risk isn’t something to fear. It’s the price of admission for a life that’s truly your own.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/dntn
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamdntn/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextSelectionRadio
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/iamdntn
- Other: [email protected]
