Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ GoodKnight
Hi DJ, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was raised in Duluth, Minnesota, with my brothers, primarily by my grandma (shout out to G-Ma Knight!). Music was always by my side growing up, and my first tape passed down from my older brother was Beastie Boys – Licensed to Ill. My aunt babysat me often and was always playing 90s hip-hop and R&B, so that has always been my primary influence. My mom came across some turntables when I was a young teen, and I would go to the local record shop Electric Fetus (RIP to the Duluth location), and I’d go in and get my hands on records and CDs and would go home and make my music.
Fast forward a few years, and I moved to Minneapolis. I worked at a venue at the University of Minnesota, setting up for events and weddings. I would see the DJs there, and I knew I had to do that instead. I got linked up with a large DJ company in 2010 and started getting introduced to weddings on a large scale and fell in love with it. After doing that for a few years, I shifted gears and got a gig on an international cruise ship. It was by far one of the best experiences of my life, and I miss that lifestyle. They flew me out to Singapore in 2015, and I DJ’d every night for 6 months straight, traveling to over 50 countries.
Growing up, I didn’t travel much at all, so this opened my eyes to many different cultures, and I’m forever grateful for that. I did a few contracts and ended up in Melbourne, Australia, for a year, where I continued to perform at venues down under. When my visa expired, I eventually landed back in St. Paul and got back into weddings and events around the Twin Cities. I got linked up with a fantastic experiential marketing company. After working with them, I got a call asking if I was interested in DJing events for the Minnesota Vikings. Say no more. I started DJing charity events and eventually being one of their DJs for the official pregame parties before their home games at US Bank Stadium. My grandma is proud.
Over the years, I’m blessed to have participated in many fantastic events, weddings, and parties. I’ve met some genuinely amazing people because of how I turn knobs and press buttons. Nowadays, you can catch me teaching my 2-year-old daughter (DJ Stella-Ella-Ella) about music. Life is good.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not. There have been so many trials and tribulations, and there will be more. From long nights and weekends with strangers, feeling like you’re missing out on memories with your friends and family, to unruly partygoers and clients, to feeling like you’re not where you should be, it will always be a challenge. I remain humble and respectful to everyone when it’s not always reciprocated. Hard work and dedication to your passion pay off, but there’s always a price. I’m still trying to balance it all, but I can’t complain; I get to do what I love.
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about DJ GoodKnight?
Honestly, I don’t even like to call it a business. I just found a way to do what I love, and it helps me pay the bills and play in the game of life. I get to play other people’s music and provide an atmosphere that makes people happy and creates memories surrounded by people I love. That should be a main priority in life.
You should know that I’m one for the people. I specialize in being adaptable to any situation within events and have a good grasp of all kinds of music from all around the world. I always strive for better and thirst to expand my knowledge in music. I don’t take myself too seriously and try to make things light of things, but I know when to turn that off and get things done. I also pride myself on my MC skills; many DJs don’t even talk on a mic. I love to host a great party and make guests feel comfortable. It’s not about me; it’s about you and your people. Brand-wise, I’m most proud that I’ve been worldwide and slapped some DJ GoodKnight stickers in club bathrooms in cities I can’t pronounce. Growing up, I left Minnesota twice and always dreamed I could see what else was out there, which I take pride in. I also got to DJ with the Vikes, which I still can’t believe. Anyone reading this knows I’m a nice dude. Play music you want to hear, and I’m happy to do it. Whether it’s a wedding, a divorce party, your aunt Brenda’s backyard birthday party, a boujee fashion show, or whatever, I will provide the vibe! Oh yeah, I also can give a 360 booth. I’ve never seen someone not have the time of their life on that.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I was being humble. I was raised by a strong woman who was always kind to everyone she met and supported everything I did. I owe a lot of where I’m at to her.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://djgoodknight.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/djgoodknight
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/goodknightdj
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/djgoodknight
