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

Hi LIV, what principle do you value most?
I felt that it was important to highlight a value that I hold very close to my existence. The value that I connect with deeply would have to be integrity. I chose integrity because I believe it is a building block for success when trying to develop a business or brand. Blessings are cultivated through connections. This is why it is so important to navigate your creative world with a level of self-awareness that people are drawn to. I’ve always had a passion for music but fell in love with DJing during my sophomore year of college at Kent State University. It started out with me spinning house parties around the city and eventually progressed to me DJing on-campus events. Building a creative business gave me this sense of freedom that I could never let go of. This inspired me to relocate to Los Angeles. The city of LA, although complex, is a melting pot of culture and soul. The big city environment helped me realize that music is a universal language that can unite people of all cultures and ethnic backgrounds. This became a motivating force that continues to push me to follow my dreams. My DJ name is “DjLIV” and I often get asked what LIV means. By definition, LIV means “to live your life with no worry, regret, or fear”. Existing on this frequency embodies what it means to create with integrity. A brand that is built with integrity will achieve longevity and ultimately become a household name.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Music has always played a significant role in my existence. At an early age, I would visit my Nana and we would eat good, listen to good music, and talk about life. Her record collection never ceased to amaze me. We Would listen to Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and my personal favorite The Isley Brothers. My Nana introduced me to music but most importantly introduced me to vulnerability and how to express myself creatively. Over the years I’ve continued to cultivate a diverse ear for music and I believe this is what sets me apart from my counterparts. As a DJ I am not afraid to push the fold and go against the grain musically. A DJ set with me could be anything from Hip-Hop & R&B, to Jersey Club, and then back to some Afro Beat or Trap/EDM. Embracing all types of music has helped me hone in on a sound that is highly energetic, bouncy, and authentic. Being different comes with a lot of challenges. One of the biggest challenges I faced as a DJ was my sound being too eccentric for certain venues. When faced with rejection I’ve chosen to focus on the positive rather than the negative. One closed door makes room for an open one that can help you achieve unimaginable success. I hope that my story and journey will inspire other creative minds to follow their dreams and manifest the life they want to LIV.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Okay, so I’m coming up on my 8-year Caliversary which is crazy to say out loud. When people come to visit me I like to give them a “Taste of LA” because this city has so much to offer. This is what a Los Angeles trip would look like kicking it with me.

We’ll just say my friend gets to the city on Wednesday afternoon. After we get settled and catch up on how life’s been I would probably take them to BlaqHaus in North Hollywood for some good soul food. Wednesday is also karaoke night which is always a vibe.

Thursday would definitely be a beach day. Honestly, what is a trip to LA if you don’t hit the beach? If we’re trying to stay local I would take them to Venice beach. Venice gives you that hippie vibe and is good for souvenir shopping. Now if we’re being adventurous I would take them to Zuma Beach in Malibu. The drive to Malibu alone is scenic but the actual beach boasts views of the mountains for miles. Perfect place to reset and recharge. That night we would get dressed up and go to Granville in West Hollywood. After dinner, we could check out a few bars in the area and call it a night.

Friday would definitely be dedicated to shopping. My favorite place is Glendale Galleria so we would probably check out some stores there. After shopping, we could grab some sushi for lunch at Katsuya. They have super fresh sushi, and views of the Americana which is perfect for people-watching. Friday is always a good night to step out. In Hollywood, we could go to Station 1640 which has a reggae night. We could also check out The Continental Club in DTLA for a 90’s 2000’s soundtrack.

Saturday is a good day to take in the outdoors. We would do the Hollywood Sign hike which is perfect to get some pictures in front of the sign and check out all the mansions in the hills. Saturday night we would check out BYBLOS Hookah. They have the best deals on hookah and the food is bomb.

Sunday’s are made for brunch and bottomless mimosas! I would say my two favorite brunch spots right now are Escala in Koreatown and Catch LA in West Hollywood. We would check out one of those or maybe even both. If we’re feeling up to it we could check out Saint & Sinner in North Hollywood for a nightcap to close out the weekend.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If I had to choose one person that I would dedicate this shoutout to it would have to be my Nana. She has inspired me so much throughout my life and continues to push me to be the best version of myself possible. If I ever needed advice or wanted to vent she was always there with a listening ear. Growing up my Nana launched her own daycare business Nana’s Comfort Zone from the ground up. She introduced me to entrepreneurship and what it means to be your own boss. Watching her forge her own path allowed me to view life from a different perspective. She taught me to never give up and always remember where you came from because family is where the heart is. I’ve used these gems throughout my creative journey and they’ve kept me focused on what’s important during those times when I may have doubted myself. They say behind every successful black man is a strong woman who helped him get there and she has been that for me.

Website: www.DjLIV.com

Instagram: @DjLIV_

Twitter: @DjLIV_

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe1xSlZocOjkHCbVfpXeQTw

Other: SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/djlivsounds

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