INSPIRED BY….DEEJAY T-JR.

COMPETITIONS

• 2021 Canadian DMC Finalist 
• 2019 Goldie Awards Finalist (Top 8 in World)
• 2018 RedBull 3Style (3rd in Canada – making her the first female in the country to do so)
• 2018 24Hours 24DJs – Battle of the Codes
• 2017 Kame House Classic North America
• 2017 DMC Canada East Coast Scratch Battle
• 2016 IDA Canada Online Scratch Battle
• 2016 DMC Canada East Coast Scratch Battle
• 2015 Wild Cuts Online Scratch Competition

NOTABLE MENTIONS

• Performed live at the 2019 Skratch Bastid BBQ in Toronto alongside Masta Ace & Marco Polo, Kid Capri, Greg Nice, Rob Swift and Amsterdam’s Jaël (2019)
• Special DJ Guest appearance on SiriusXM Radio, where she played live from New York City on Shade 45’s famous Sway In The Morning radio show (2018)

I sat down with deejay t-jr. to get the inside scoop about what inspires her to keep going. Here’s what she said:

Let’s jump right in! I think it’s no surprise you’re kind of the black sheep of the family. You weren’t really exposed to other DJ role models in the fam, but you did have other family members that inspired your love of music. Tell us how that ultimately sparked your interests and helped pave your path to where you are today. 

My earliest memories with music were with my uncle. He would have us sit down with him every weekend in the basement watching hours and hours of music documentaries – our favourite being Michael Jackson. While other kids were playing video games, we were being educated on music without realizing it at the time. 

He had an endless collection of CDs and DVDs and I remember sneaking into the basement when he wasn’t home and “borrowing” a few at a time (and not returning them). Specifically, the Marshall Mathers LP by Eminem and Until The End of Time by Tupac Shakur. I listened to these two records back to back non-stop! At that point – I realized my love for hip hop. 

I also had older cousins that would often play hip hop in their basement – and given the nature of the musical content and my age at the time, they wouldn’t share their music with me. So, when they weren’t home I would sneak into the basement and write down all the hip hop songs I liked, go back home, learn to download these songs on the internet, and burn them on CDs.

“I’m forever a student of the game.”

Over time, I became highly preoccupied with researching music and learning as much as I possibly could on the genre of hip hop. These experiences definitely shaped my musical interests and contributed heavily to who I am today.

---

When it comes to DJ’s, let’s be real, the industry is dominated by men. Talent aside, I think one of the biggest differentiators about you is that you are a female DJ. What has it been like for you as a woman pursuing a career as a DJ in a male dominated industry? Have you/do you ever feel intimidated? What do you do to get past that?

“When I came into the game, I never saw it as male vs. female. I saw it as a skill thing. I always saw it as me being the best I can be vs. the competition. And the competition happens to be all men, which is great.”

It has been an interesting and amazing journey for me. When I came into the game, I never saw it as male vs. female. I saw it as a skill thing. I always saw it as me being the best I can be vs. the competition. And the competition happens to be all men, which is great. And the fact that I get to (and still do) compete as a female against all males is amazing. I love it. It has made me a better DJ, it motivates me, and there’s a greater competitive edge overall. And the guys are all very respectful. Always willing to help and give feedback, advice and encouragement. I have been welcomed with open hands and respect because they know how passionate I am, and what it means to me. I’m real about it and it’s not a gimmick or a front. 

All my DJ mentors and DJ peers are males and they have helped me a lot along the way. So when we talk about who paved the way for me – historically, we turn to the Turnstylez Crew, X-Ecutioners, DJ Craze, Vekked, etc. I have to pay homage to all these guys before me that did it, and brought the game to a certain level and standard. 

I don’t feel intimidated. In the beginning, I was a bit nervous to perform and battle in front of crowds and especially the judges because I was new to it. I knew my skills and creativity weren’t at the caliber that I wanted them to be at. The only way to get past that is through experience. Putting yourself through uncomfortable situations even when you’re not 100% ready, will help you grow and improve exponentially rather than remaining stagnant and “waiting for the perfect moment and perfect routine.” There is no perfect – just do it. 

---

Something that people may not know about you, is that you’ve been on this grind for about 10 years now. That’s a hot minute. I think it reiterates that success doesn’t happen overnight. One of my most recent favourite songs talks about this theme. It’s ‘Last One Standing’ by Skylar Grey, Polo G, Mozzy and the 🐐 Eminem. If you want to dissect the lyrics, I’m sure athletes such as professional fighters in the UFC, can relate, especially when they’re literally fighting to be the last ones standing in the Octagon, but beyond that, I think anyone could be the ‘last one standing’ in any situation. For you, I want to touch on your own resiliency.

How do you stay committed and inspired after so long? Did you ever feel like giving up?

This is a great question, and a very important one. You have to have a certain level of resiliency in you, and a motivation to keep going. If you develop that early on in your life and choose to make it a priority, then it will benefit you in all areas of your life. You have to be prepared for all the hard times that come with this line of work: rejection, failures, bad performances, no sleep etc. the list goes on. The key is to take each and every experience, good and bad, re-evaluate what works and what doesn’t, adjust accordingly and keep going. Everything should be going towards the goal of getting better and better. 

The thing is, people only see and choose to see your successes. They have no idea about the grind that happens 24/7 in the background, day in and day out. It’s not an overnight success – it’s blood, sweat, stress, tears, and a commitment and investment of over 10 years in the making. You have to put your decade in, minimum, to start. 

I’ve always had a burning desire for music in me. That was natural. But when I discovered turntables, and the ability to create something new from existing “somethings” that I love, that was a game changer for me. It allowed me to develop, practice a skill,  and master a craft. I’m forever a student of the game, even though I’m teaching it. 

The inspiration comes from everywhere. I get inspired every time I get better. And that comes from practice and sacrifice. Nobody ever regretted working hard. There are no shortcuts. It’s a simple equation: hard work = better results. And you have to love it. You can be good, but if you have no heart, it’s going to show. 

I get inspired by learning from others as well. Sharing ideas and creativity is one of the best experiences. Everyone has their own unique style and skill set so I like to surround myself with those that I can learn from, and those that are better than me. It’s important to stay open-minded and always have a willingness to learn, continue to adapt and evolve. Teaching others and inspiring others is also a big source of inspiration for me. I love to see results. One of my students took my entire DJ program and trained with me for a year “from scratch” – she is now DJing in the city, on her own. That makes me so happy!

Building my business and investing in additional music ventures keeps me inspired and motivated as well. I recently built my own private recording studio, where I work with a lot of talented artists from Toronto. Becoming an audio engineer was one of my favourite things that evolved from DJing. I love the detailed work involved, and the intimate atmosphere and peace of a studio environment. I enjoy it a lot. 

---

Now I might be biased because we’re family, but I’ve truly been proud of every milestone in your career. What’s one of your proudest moments you’ve achieved?

The 2019 Goldie Awards was a big moment for me. Being a Top 8 Finalist Worldwide felt good. It took a lot of work and preparation to be ready for that opportunity, and it was worth it. To battle in front of hundreds in a New York arena with other elite DJs, and Top DJ/Producer Legends as Judges was definitely a huge milestone.

---

Let’s talk about your next project, T-Jr. Apparel. It’s more than just about clothes. What inspired you to start this project? What does it represent?

I always wanted to start a clothing line. A few years ago, I developed the vision around my logo. It was a lot of brainstorming on my end. And when I got the logo back from the designer, I couldn’t be happier. It’s a custom, hand-drawn logo with my name, and I instantly pictured it on apparel. I wanted to keep building my resume and credentials before dropping a line though. The timing had to be right, and after 6 or so years, the timing is right. 

I inspired myself to start this project – I wanted to represent myself to the fullest. Again, it all started with the vision, and then the right designer to help me execute on it. A lot of people actually asked me for merch, and I thought “I could do this, and I will.” My clothing line is a natural extension of my style and brand. It represents authenticity. If you attract what you are – then I know real people will gravitate towards my brand and my clothing line. It’s made by a DJ, for everyone. 

---

I love a good quote, so to end off, I want to ask you, what’s one quote that inspires you that has really resonated with you. 

“The saddest thing in life is wasted talent. You could have all the talent in the world, but if you don’t do the right thing, then nothing happens.” – A Bronx Tale (1993) 

deejay t-jr. is one person I know that has been resilient in her career. Starting off at an early age, she didn’t follow norms. She pushed boundaries and continues to be a great inspiration for other women in the industry. I have the honour of calling her family. 

Instagram: @deejaytjr

Facebook: @deejaytjrofficial

Website: www.deejaytjr.com/shop

Clothing: @tjr.apparel

Inspired by Lila Micevska

Inspired by Poorva Misra Miller

Inspired by Adam Rodricks