We had the good fortune of connecting with Joshua DJ Swaye Bautista and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joshua DJ Swaye, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
The single most important decision you made that contributed to your success outside of working for myself would be making the decision to expand DJ’ing into a full business ( ie.. LLC ). Working for myself is one thing and self satisfying, however, there had to be more to it than that. So with some motivating in-depth conversations I finally decided to grow DJ’ing into a brand and an Independent production and entertainment company. While some DJs just spin records which is cool, I decided to venture into the entire aspects of a full show. I learned about Lighting equipment, special effects equipment, Laser lights and high definition video equipment as it pertains to the DJ/Entertainment world. I now incorporate all of these external elements into DJ’ing a show or and event. expanding my DJ’ing into a business that can handle any size event and be in full control of every entertainment factor has been the best decision I have made other than working for myself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What I feel that sets me (DJ Swaye) apart from others is that I am versatile in music and strive to learn my audience that I am performing for. I also have and Associates in Arts (A.A.), Associates In Science (A.S.) and a Bachelors of Arts (B.A.) Degrees. I feel that having expanded knowledge in several aspects of life assists with grasping the entertainment platform and its ever evolving arena within the digital and streaming age. Starting from vinyl, cassettes, cds and now mp3s, the way music is delivered and received is vast and we as DJ’s have to develop and progress with change. My most proud achievement today has been asked to DJ for the YoungBloodz at the 2020 Funkfest! OMG! this has to be the greatest honor and of course I said Hell Yes to be on the main stage with them getting crunk! DJ’ing for one of my favorite Atlanta Hip Hops groups of my time was and is the most prestigious experience I have had thus far. My transition into Dj’ing was different than most people that choose to DJ. My love of music eventually lead up to my current career. however, I started DJ’ing through my early days making music compilation cassette tapes for friends that wanted certain music on a cassette tape and I had the capabilities to do that. No formal scratching no intricate mixing, just song after song. This led to getting into real DJ’ing, and the rest as they say is history. What people should know about me is that I have only truly begun this DJ path. I originally started this musical journey as a drummer in middle school and high school. Switching to dance and singing as a junior and senior for talent shows in the Atlanta, GA area. After high school my musical journey stopped as I joined the U.S. Marine Corps right out of College Park GA in 94. I didn’t return to Atlanta until 2015 after retiring from my service to the Department of Defense, I then had some DJ equipment cause I knew this is what I wanted to do after leaving the Armed Forces.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Visiting the Atlanta area for a great time would be first a place to eat. I love to eat at Big Chow Grill at the Atlanta Galleria and Juicy Crab. Visit the Martin Luther King Center Downtown. Of course visit the Mall of Georgia, Cumberland Mall, North Point Mall and Kennesaw Mall during the days. At night visit, the Buckhead Clubs and Lounges and of course Suite Lounge for the night life. In my opinion the most fun places to go right now is Atlantic Station for mostly everything. The Gathering Spot ATL is becoming an awesome upscale place to visit as well as the Mansion Elan. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This is a loaded and thoughtful question. However, lets dive in: I’d like to give a huge shout out to The UrbanSoulDJs with their continued guidance and professionalism I continue to strive for improvement to DJ’ing and showmanship. I would also like to give a quick shout out to Nuradio (Mook B from D4L) for giving my first show slot on internet radio! This was a huge experience and much respect is due to DJ Mook B for staying on top of Atlanta in his own right. All of the DJs, to many to mention that I have learned the craft and business from like DJ Woods, DJ Shade, DJ Double EL (R.I.P.), DJ Chris B. and DJ K.J. (Grown & Sexy DJs).

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dj_swaye/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-bautista-8703054a

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dj_swaye/

Facebook: Joshua DJ’Swaye Bautista

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY0yM5ThZ3_jot29ZPR9KOA

Other: The Knot https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/swaye-productions-and-entertainment-atlanta-ga-2033697 WeddingWire https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/swaye-productions-entertainment/09fead6c1d027d80.html

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