We had the good fortune of connecting with Gary Clary and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gary, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Life is a gamble—every decision carries a risk, and I’ve been taking those gambles since I was a kid. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family meant there were no handouts; everything came from hard work and determination. My mom has always been my biggest role model. After my dad passed away when I was around seven, she not only raised me but carried on his legacy and businesses single-handedly. The older I get, the more I recognize how incredible she is.

My grandmother’s journey is equally inspiring—she became the mayor of my hometown, and I know she wouldn’t have reached that position without taking bold risks. She, like my mom, bet on herself, and they passed down the mindset that the difference between gambling in life and gambling at a casino is that the odds, whether you realize it or not, are almost always in your control. It just takes patience and perspective.

My grandfather’s story has had a profound impact on how I view risk, too. He took a leap of faith when he met my grandmother, and even more so when he took me in and treated me like his own son. His long lectures—often interrupting my TV time as a kid—were lessons in resilience, accountability, and self-belief. Looking back, those conversations helped lay the foundation for the mindset I carry today. My family are my biggest fans as a DJ and business individual, I don’t know if I’d be the successful individual I am now without them.

In my life and career, risk-taking has been about more than just growth—it’s been about honoring the legacy of those who came before me. It’s a way of turning the uncertainty of life into a canvas for possibility.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is all about creating unforgettable experiences and making people feel seen, heard, and celebrated. As a DJ and event professional, I focus on bringing energy, authenticity, and creativity to every event—whether it’s a wedding, a college party, or a club night. What sets me apart is my commitment to understanding the vibe and vision of every client and crowd I work with, and then delivering exactly what they need to make the moment unforgettable.

I’m proud to be recognized as the youngest wedding DJ in the Tallahassee area and as one of the best wedding DJs in the region—known for my super energetic and passionate approach, as well as my attention to detail and relationships that last a lifetime with my clients. I’m not the kind of DJ who just stands behind the booth; I’m the one out there dance battling with guests and clients, bringing the same level of fun and connection to a bar as I do to a wedding. I’ve been called the kind of energy the wedding industry needed by WeddingWire personally, and in 2024, I was voted one of Tallahassee’s top 5 up-and-coming DJs overall.

One thing that truly sets me apart is my unmatched song selection—no matter the genre. I grew up listening to everything, which has given me an ear for mixing and curating sets that bring everyone together. I’ve built a reputation for absolutely crushing multicultural weddings—like Latin weddings—and I love that every wedding brings its own unique blend of cultures and energy. Some are country-heavy, some lean into house music, and some are all over the place—from hip-hop and Miami bass to Latin tropical, pop, and beyond. Each client brings their own vision and energy, and it’s my job to honor that 100% of the time.

For me, weddings are a test of my ability to adapt, read the room, and even discover or rediscover songs that I might later add to a club or bar set. It’s about putting the client’s view above my own and making sure the music reflects their unique vibe. Communication and good vibrations are everything to me—I want every couple and every guest to feel like they’re part of something special and personal.

Sometimes, I find it unbelievable that I’m even where I am today—a senior at Florida State University, the school that made me the entrepreneur and DJ I am now. I came into college in 2022 not knowing anything about the nightlife scene or ever thinking I’d touch a DJ board. But as a senior graduating in 2026, I’ve not only found my passion in DJing but also created applications and written code that help make DJing and managing my time as a student and business owner possible. The balance of technology and creativity has shaped me in ways I never imagined, and it’s taught me that no matter how different your passions may seem, they can work together to create something incredible.

My DJ/producer name is DJ Neo, later shortened to just Neo. I came up with it partly from *The Matrix*—that idea of forging your own reality—but also from my love for extravagant light shows like those at EDC’s Circuit Grounds and Kinetic Field. Those breathtaking visuals and energy have always fueled my dream of becoming not just a DJ, but an artist who transforms every performance into something unforgettable.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. It took a lot of hard work, countless late nights, and a lot of growth—personally and professionally. But I leaned on the examples set by my family—especially my mom and grandfather—and kept reminding myself why I started: to have fun and give people the fun, memorable moments they deserve, whether they’re stepping into a wedding, a bar, or a club.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you have to bet on yourself, even when the odds seem uncertain. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s the small wins along the way that build the bigger picture.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that this isn’t just about music—it’s about connection. It’s about creating an atmosphere where people can let go, have fun, and make memories they’ll carry with them for a lifetime.

Looking ahead, my ultimate goal is to break into the Top 100 DJs in the world and showcase my personality and art on the biggest stages. I want to play at venues I once only imagined DJing at—places like Club Space, EDC, and festivals and clubs across the world. One day, I want to be known as one of the best in the world as a tech house and EDM DJ, while still staying true to my roots and putting my open-format twist on every set I play. Because at the end of the day, it’s about sharing my journey, my energy, and my music with the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was coming to town for a week, I’d make sure they got the real Tallahassee experience! We’d spend most of our time in College Town and the surrounding bars and restaurants—there’s just too much energy to miss.

During the day, we’d eat at some of my favorite daytime spots: brunch at The Egg Cafe & Eatery, Maple Street Biscuit Company, or Canopy Road Cafe, and lunch at places like Vale Food Co., Little Masa, or Merv’s Melt Shop. We’d keep it casual, soaking up the vibes of College Town and prepping for the nights ahead.

Monday is all about Mandatory Makeout Monday (MMM) at Clyde’s & Costello’s—it’s always poppin’ and full of a little bit of everything, music-wise.
Tuesday we might hit up Recess for Jacked Up Tuesday, where it’s free entry all night and the energy is crazy, or go to Bowden’s for karaoke night, which I host myself!
Wednesday we’re definitely heading to White Trash Wednesday, a staple for pop music and college vibes that’s always packed and wild.
Thursday is all you can drink at Potbelly’s, and the music never disappoints—it’s one of those nights that everyone knows will be a blast.
Friday is up for grabs! We’d probably start with Flip Friday in College Town at Township, where you can flip a coin—if you call it right, your drink is free! After that, we’d hit Bowden’s (where I’m usually DJing after happy hour), but there are tons of other spots to check out like Vice, Coosh’s, or Madison Social. If it’s that special Friday, we’re absolutely going to Latin Night at Baja’s—the biggest event in Tallahassee and a must for Latin vibes.
Saturday would be a mix of daytime eats at places like Brickyard Pizzeria and relaxing at Cascades Park. Then back out to College Town or The Tally Strip—where I’d probably end up DJing again as Neo, and we’d wrap up the trip with some unforgettable memories. or go to bajas again for free students night, Bajas is in my opinon the best diverse and overall fun club in tallahassee.

It still blows my mind that I even get to call this my home and playground—Tallahassee has some of the most fun, interesting, and welcoming people you’ll meet anywhere, and no matter what night it is, you’re guaranteed to find good vibes and make some lifelong memories.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my mom, dad, stepdad, grandparents, great-grands, and all the mentors in my circle who keep me moving forward and growing every day. I’m also incredibly grateful for the companies, bars, and clubs that support me—not just as a DJ but also as a college student who strives to stand out as a leader among my peers. Bowden’s College Town will always be my forever home; they’ve not only supported me but also believed in me, respected me as a person, and truly become like family. Lastly, a huge shoutout to my friends who show up and support me every night, whether they’re near or far.

Website: https://www.itsdjneo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_.djneo/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/itsdjneo

Other: https://linktr.ee/djneo850?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacOt2lQaYamZiQuH4qkm0zFkPo-9cKFC0GFT7a2VvHtpp5ic4nkIxvii9tOnw_aem_jOHPE7BUU5slf-ay8FVR1A

Image Credits
Bowdens

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