While my career today revolves around data and digital transformation, there’s another side of me that’s always been playing in the background, music. From growing up surrounded by sound system culture to DJ’ing in front of 10,000 people, music has always been more than a hobby. It’s a passion that’s shaped my mindset, my approach to work, and my outlook on life.
Where It All Began
I started DJ’ing around the age of 14, but truthfully, music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Coming from a heavily music-oriented family, it was second nature to be surrounded by speakers, vinyl’s, and soulful grooves. Whether it was R&B, Dancehall, Soul or Funk, I grew up absorbing it all.
My dad and uncles were deeply into the sound system scene, and I’d watch them with admiration. My uncle, who was one of my earliest musical mentors, recognised my enthusiasm and gifted me a pair of his 1210 Technics turntables when I was 15. That moment changed everything!
The Grind and the Growth
Soon after, I saved up to buy my first pair of Pioneer decks, and the grind truly began. I started by releasing mixes online, playing at under-18 parties, family events, and any platform that would allow me to hone my craft. I studied the art, listening religiously to DJs like Charlie Sloth on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Black Coffee and watching how they controlled a crowd, told stories through sound, and brought energy into a room.
Creating a Name for Myself
Building a name in the music scene wasn’t something that happened overnight, it took consistent graft, late nights, and creative thinking. I began by producing curated mixes and uploading them to platforms like SoundCloud, Mixcloud and YouTube, slowly building recognition through quality and consistency.
Back when streaming wasn’t the only way to get your music heard, I’d burn CD copies of my mixes and hand them out outside nightclubs, pass them to friends and family to play in their cars, and do whatever I could to spread the word. Every interaction was an opportunity to get my sound in front of someone new. I’d attend nightlife events and approach promoters face-to-face, confidently asking for a set or offering to warm up for other DJs. I wasn’t afraid to get old-school with it either, putting up posters around the city for events I was DJ’ing at or ones I’d organised myself. The aim was to make sure people saw my name regularly, whether it was on a flyer, online mix or club poster. I also connected with other likeminded creatives in the city, collaborating on ideas, mixing styles, and challenging each other to level up our skills. These partnerships were vital, not just for visibility, but for growth. We spent hours in bedrooms and studios planning, brainstorming and practicing. That commitment to the craft built the foundation I still stand on today.
The Art Behind the Decks: Strategy Meets Passion
DJ’ing isn’t just about turning up and playing tunes, it’s a deeply strategic practice that’s rooted in data, timing, and emotional intelligence. Every set I play involves hours of preparation. It’s about knowing your audience, understanding the vibe, analysing what works in different locations, and tailoring your catalogue accordingly.
Just like in the world of cloud solutions and tech, staying up to date is crucial. I spend time researching what music is trending in specific areas, what’s charting locally, and even what resonates culturally depending on the event, be it a festival crowd, a corporate setting or an international audience.
Time management is also a major component, juggling bookings, planning sets, keeping your musical library fresh, and still leaving room for spontaneity. In many ways, it’s a data-driven craft, and I find those parallels with my day job at Cloud Perspective fascinating.
Music, AI and the Modern Landscape
The intersection of music and technology is more exciting than ever. AI is increasingly being used in music production, from songwriting to sound engineering. Artists are leveraging AI tools to experiment with new sounds, while platforms use algorithms to curate personalised playlists and suggest tracks based on listening habits.
As someone who works in the data space professionally, it’s fascinating to see how machine learning is influencing the creative process, not just analysing trends, but actively shaping artistic decisions. It’s a reminder that data isn’t just for dashboards, it’s becoming a creative collaborator too.
Milestones and Memories
Over the years, music has taken me to incredible places. I’ve had the privilege of managing artists from America, including talent from Future’s Freebandz label. I’ve played at major events like Witcombe Cider Festival, performing in front of crowds of over 10,000 people. I’ve DJ’d abroad, hosted sold-out events under my own brand, and even brought acts like D-Block Europe down for shows.
Why I Still Do It
Music, for me, is therapy. It’s an escape. It’s also a responsibility, when you’re behind the decks, you have the power to control the energy of the room and shape someone’s night. That feeling never gets old.
More importantly, I make it a point to keep doing what brings me joy. Balancing a professional career with creative passion isn’t always easy, but it’s rewarding in ways that numbers alone can’t measure.
Keeping It in the Family
Recently, I welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world, and it’s made everything even more meaningful. As someone who grew up surrounded by music and inspired by the culture around me, it’s important to keep that energy flowing through the next generation. Music has shaped so much of who I am, and I want to pass that passion on to my daughter. Just like I watched my dad and uncles control the vibe at family functions, I hope she’ll grow up seeing me do the same, and feel inspired in her own way.
For me, it’s more than just sound, it’s about proving that with hard work, consistency and drive, you can be and do whatever you set your mind to. Whether she chooses to follow the same path or not, I’ll always aim to show her the importance of passion, creativity, and self-belief.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s through music or data, I’m constantly analysing, adapting and striving to connect with people. DJ’ing has taught me how to read a room, think quickly, and lead with emotion skills that I carry with me into every business conversation.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: no matter how technical the world becomes, there’s always room for a bit of soul.
