Famous DJs Jobs Before Making Big in the Music Industry
John Summit - Accountant
John Summit's journey from a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to a global DJ sensation is a testament to his unconventional and transformative career path. Originally making waves in Champaign, IL, during his college years at the University of Illinois, Summit later graced legendary Chicago venues like Spybar and The Mid while balancing a day job at Ernst and Young. His transition from crunching numbers as a CPA to mixing tracks showcased the adaptability and versatility that DJs bring from their previous careers. Working tirelessly, Summit's days were spent in the office, and his nights were dedicated to crafting beats in his apartment, a skill he honed through self-taught music production via late-night YouTube tutorials. This dual life propelled Summit to meteoric success in the EDM scene, emphasizing the harmonious balance between a conventional career and an extraordinary passion, making his journey a narrative of resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of one's true calling.
Dom Dolla - Graphic Designer
Dom Dolla's journey from graphic designer to dominating the electronic music scene is a testament to the unexpected turns that define the DJ landscape. Before making waves in music, Dolla immersed himself in the world of graphic design, specializing in typography, logo development, and 2D art. Working at Frontier Touring and Mushroom Records, he designed tour posters and merchandise for international artists touring Australia. Despite having a successful career in design during his early twenties, Dolla's passion for music led him to run club nights and DJ over weekends, where he taught himself music production. Balancing both worlds, he met his manager, James, who saw potential in Dolla's music career. Given an ultimatum to quit design and pursue music full-time, Dolla took the risk. Within a few months, his music was gaining traction, and he began playing interstate and internationally within a year. The transition allowed Dolla to focus on refining his skills as a producer, showcasing the transformative power of taking risks and pursuing one's true passion.
Calvin Harris - Grocery Store Clerk
Calvin Harris, synonymous with electronic dance music, embarked on his professional journey as a humble grocery store clerk, a choice that would lay the foundation for his future success in the music industry. Harris's leap from the aisles to DJ booths was not just a shift in career but a profound journey fueled by his passion for music. The skills he honed in customer service and accessibility during his time at the supermarket paved the way for his rise, transforming him into not only a chart-topping DJ but also a symbol of breaking barriers in the music world. Reflecting on the roots of his success, Harris revealed that his track 'My Way' was inspired by his experiences working in a supermarket in his hometown of Dumfries. He expressed the struggles of trying to make a living through music while working in the store, emphasizing the desire to break free from the limitations and dedicate more time to his musical aspirations. Harris's story resonates as a powerful reminder that dreams can transcend the confines of one's circumstances, encouraging others to explore the possibilities beyond their immediate surroundings.
Nina Kraviz - Dentist
Nina Kraviz, a distinguished female DJ, embarked on a unique journey, balancing her life as a dentist with a profound passion for techno music during her college years. Hailing from Irkutsk, Siberia, Russia, Kraviz later moved to Moscow to pursue dentistry, where she earned her residency. However, her diverse roles in the early 2000s went beyond dentistry; she fixed "cosmonauts' teeth," hosted a local radio show in Irkutsk, contributed to a fanzine, and held a club residency on Friday nights. Kraviz's dual life as a student and DJ not only shaped her distinctive perspective but also allowed her to challenge stereotypes and showcase the multifaceted nature of DJs. Beyond dentistry, she has become a captivating force in the global music scene, using her beats to fix smiles and leaving an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.
Solomun - Filmmaker
Solomun's journey from his birthplace in Travnik, Yugoslavia (now Bosnia and Herzegovina) to becoming a global DJ icon is a narrative of reinvention and passion. After relocating to Hamburg with his family, he spent his early years working in construction alongside his father. However, it was the discovery of his love for filmmaking that became a pivotal moment in his life. Founding a small production company with friends, Solomun delved into creating short films for about five years. His musical awakening came when his cousin, a nightclub enthusiast, introduced him to tapes that opened his eyes to the diverse world of music beyond commercial radio. This revelation led him to start collecting vinyl records and eventually DJing at House of Youth at the age of 16. Taking a break from music, Solomun returned to it at the age of 23, transitioning from filmmaking to producing and creating music. This bold decision marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that propelled Solomun to global success, with his name becoming synonymous with mesmerizing sets. His story exemplifies the transformative power of reinvention within the dynamic landscape of the music industry.
FISHER - Professional Surfer
In 2014, Paul Fisher, widely known as Fisher, underwent a significant transformation from an unsuccessful Qualifying Series surfer to a charismatic surf internet personality. Renowned for his Fish Tales blog and unconventional interviews at surfing events, Fisher's outlandish persona, coupled with irreverent humor, became a rare and addictive treat in the often sanitized corporate surf world. Despite the expectation of a limited shelf life for his entertaining antics, Fisher seamlessly blended pure surfing talent with charisma and humor, influenced by mentors like Fanning, Parko, and Dingo Morrison. Transitioning to music, Fisher, along with Leigh Sedley, formed the duo Cut Snake, and after moving to L.A., his solo career took off around 2018. His track "Losing It" became a massive hit, reaching number one on charts and earning a Grammy nomination, propelling Fisher to global DJ stardom. Today, Fisher's unique journey stands as a testament to the unexpected paths that can lead to success in the dynamic and diverse landscape of the music industry.