Today we’d like to introduce you to Karl Redwood.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Karl. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Hi, I’m from Fort Lauderdale, FL. Both my parents were born in Spanish Town, Jamaica. I grew up around music. My father was DJ back in Jamaica, so he continued to DJ when he moved to America. Almost every weekend when I was growing up, my dad and his friends would play on DJ setup, so I would hear all types of music playing in the house.I use to fall asleep with the big bass sound banging sweet reggae against my room walls. My father played a huge role in making me fall in love with music. From foundation Reggae, Soul Music, Funk, Rhythm and Blues, and of course Dancehall. I use to always wonder how he would hear a song and know who was by. That knowledge of music made me want to learn as much as he did.
My love for music led to me learning to play the piano and read notes to understand it even more. When I first started to learned how to DJ I was around 13, and my father started teaching me the skills of mixing on turntables. I was very lucky and blessed to have a mixer and turntables to practice on to help perfect my art. Besides Dj’ing family functions, I really got my first big gig in high school at Pompano Beach High School my Junior year as the pep Rally DJ. That all started because that summer going into my junior year of high school, I joined Student Government, and told them I’m a DJ and they gave me the opportunity. That is where and when the name DJ Redwood really started. I DJ’ed almost every pep rally from there on, I also did the schools first Junior Prom.
After I graduated from High School, I went to Broward College to get my AA, and I was still DJ’ing private gigs here and there. Even at my alma mater, I was Dj’ing many events there including some pep rallies and proms. When I received my AA, I transferred to Florida Atlantic University(FAU) and joined an organization called Beats Rhymes & Vibes, where I met liked mind individuals that enjoyed making and mixing music. Along with joining that organization I also join OWL Radio, a student ran radio station on FAU Boca ration campus. In being enrolled in FAU, I met some people that helped me grow as a DJ, such as Eleon, DJ Koolie, DJ Thunder, DJ Hercules, DJ Jazzy Jeff and list goes on. I was given the opportunity to DJ at some events on campus by Owl Radio, and I did an amazing job. That lead to me DJ’ing all over FAU campus, and even opening up for some acts such as Waka Flocka, DRAM, 21 Savage, Yung Joc, Juicy J, Travis Porter and many more.
Now I’m DJ’ing for big events in South Florida such as Pangea, Islandsfever, and Concerts. I’m also DJ’ing in different parts of Florida as well plus different colleges.
I’m always practicing to further perfect my craft. I’m blessed to see the journey I am on but my next venture is to travel to different states and countries to Dj.
Has it been a smooth road?
For the most, the road was smooth with some continued bumps on the road. One of the biggest struggles I had was getting my name out there, but once I did well at one gig/event, word started to spread. More and more gigs started coming my way. There were times I wasn’t being contacted for bookings. I didn’t let that stop me though, I just kept practicing and perfecting my art until the right opportunity came my way.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the DJ Redwood story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a DJ. If you don’t know by now, DJ stands for Disc Jockey. My DJ name is “DJ Redwood.” I got that name from Dj’ing back in High school like I said. If you haven’t notice thats actually my last name. I’m known for bringing the Caribbean Vibes to an event. Everyone loves culture music, and not everyone is able to bring those vibes. I’m one of selected many that is able to do that. So when it comes to dancehall, Soca, reggae, kompa, Latin, etc. I’m very knowledgeable on those genres of music, old and new.
I try my best to brand myself with bringing good Vibes to all events, it doesn’t matter what genre I am playing. I can play country music, and bring the same energy I bring to island music. I’m very proud I continued to have positives outlooks on my DJ’ing. I also have bit of experience in graphic design, so it helps when it comes to making flyers for my DJ mixes.
I think what helps set me apart from others is I’m willing the help anyone thats really passionate about what they are doing, and I try my best to remain humble. I’ve been told that many times that I’m humble. The main reason I stay humble is because I want to be the one of best and I want everyone around me to be one of best.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is any bit of progress moving forward in something you love to do. So for me to be successful, it starts from practicing my craft. When I practice, it gets me ready for when I’m live in front of people and allows everything to go smoothly. As each month goes by, I try to set goals to help be a success. One of the goals I have is to give 110% to every event I’m booked at because I want positive feedback and I also want someone to ask for business card or ask for my contact information after each gig. I want each gig to lead to more gigs, higher-paying gigs, and more clients. That goal right there helps me become more successful in this industry full of DJs.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 9545361290
- Email: Djkredwood@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/DJ_Redwood
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamdjredwood
- Twitter: twitter.com/Dj_Redwood
- Other: soundcloud.com/Iamdjredwood
Image Credit:
EJVisualz, LouieViews, Focal Muse
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
