Allow me to introduce you to Kelvin—better known as @DJMIXEDKID—a Chicago native whose journey from the Windy City to the heart of Phoenix is a powerful testament to resilience, reinvention, and relentless ambition. Rooted in a strong family work ethic and inspired by the rich, fast-paced culture of Chicago, Kelvin has brought that same drive and passion to his new home in Phoenix, where he’s steadily built a name for himself in the local DJ scene. His stage name, DJ Mixed Kid, is a proud reflection of his multicultural background and a symbol of the inclusivity and adaptability he brings to every performance.
After stepping away from a career in an MLM company, Kelvin followed his true passion for music, diving headfirst into the world of DJing. His ability to connect with diverse audiences and create unforgettable experiences has led to the creation of the “Crowd Control” event series—an electrifying blend of energy and community, inspired by classic MTV pool parties. Beyond the turntables, Kelvin is fueled by a commitment to self-improvement, consistent networking, and maintaining a positive mindset, even in the face of challenges.
Now engaged and surrounded by a support system that champions his vision, Kelvin dreams of performing on the biggest stages and one day owning a wedding venue. His story is still in the making, but one thing is clear: DJ Mixed Kid isn’t just moving crowds—he’s making waves. And as he shared with TBTU ahead of the upcoming July 16th “Crowd Control” event, the best is yet to come.
KB: Hello! Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today! First and foremost, I want to say thank you for even reaching out to us and thinking of us. I did watch some of your other interviews, and you know- even though you are a Chicago native, you’re giving back a lot to the Phoenix community. Before we get into all of that, what’s your name?
DMK: Yeah, so you want the government [laughter]. my real name is Kelvin, so that’s my government name. That’s what everybody in Chicago actually knows me as- and that’s where I’m from, but everybody here in Arizona knows me as DJMixedKid. You know, it’s funny, because a lot of people will hear my fiancé call me Kelvin and be like, “Who the hell is Kelvin?”.
KB: You’re well known out in Chicago. how did you get your alias DjMixedKid?
DMK: It really just derives from my background. My mom being white, my dad being African American, and it’s just a mix, Ive always been somebody that can really just fit into different crowds. That’s where that comes, that mixed kid thing to where I can adapt to any type of event. Whether it’s a corporate event, a wedding event, a club event, a black, white, Hispanic crowd. It doesn’t really matter, mixed kid tailors towards the background of it. Beyond race, its going into any room to curate any event- like a chameleon.
KB: it sounds like your alias is a large proponent of everything that we see on social media. You do wedding events, but you also are cultivating a space for people to come together in a non-generic way, within Phoenix. Your alias DjMixedKid is reflective of how multifaceted you are and goes well beyond your physical characteristics. In being a Chicago native what’s the large difference that you’re seeing, what’s the reception to you and your presence?
DMK: One thing I will say is that now there’s a lot of people out here from Chicago. I meet somebody almost every other day that’s from the Midwest or Chicago. Do I see a difference? Yeah, 1,000% I mean, it’s very different. I almost had to learn the West Coast culture coming from the Midwest, because it’s very different. In the Midwest, we move a lot faster. We’re very fast paced over there, over here, I noticed it’s a little bit slower paced. We have longer days. Everyone’s a little bit more relaxed. Which I love, I feel like it helped me come over here and really make a name for myself fast. I was able to take that mentality I have in Chicago – apply it over here and just climb through the ranks quick.
KB: Having family members out in Chicago they’ve iterated similar sounding on the opposite end of that spectrum. Moving out there to Chicago, it was a very fast paced city. Out here in Arizona, everything is a bit more lax. You’ve used that to your advantage moving up so quickly in the scene. As a DJ, a large component of your job is to curate the experience for everyone. Beyond being a curator, there has to be a passion behind what you do. So I want to know where you found your love for music?
DMK: The love for music has always kind of been there just from growing up as a kid. I love music because it can bring me back to certain times in my life. Thats another thing where my alias comes in- the different genres of music that I grew up with. When my mom used to work at this restaurant, she always had me there. They would play 40s music, and I would hear the Beatles. So, when I hear Beatles now, it’s like, I know that music, and it takes me right back to those times. Music has always been engraved into my life.
KB: KB: What life experiences and realizations led you to discover your true calling, and how did you know when you found something worth pursuing with passion?
DMK: When I moved to Arizona in 2017, I was trying to figure things out. I got involved with an MLM company that trained me in entrepreneurship and shaped my mindset. When that company went under, all my dreams and hopes went with it. I had to find something that wouldn’t feel like a job. Growing up, I watched my single mom work 40-60 hours a week raising three kids, and we were still broke. Most adults didn’t seem to like their jobs but were stuck. I knew I didn’t want that. I needed something I could do because I actually liked it, not just for money. I knew if I could get passionate about something, the money would follow. That’s how I found DJing. I thought if I could get good at this and get passionate about it, game over. Seven years later, here we are.
KB: Well, seven years later. That hard work definitely paid off. The MLM, that you threw a lot of your drive and passion into went under. Walk me through that, when that company went under and you switched gears towards your true passions without even having the goal of, you know, being financially stable within it. To now be in that space – what does it feel like?
DMK: I still don’t feel like I’ve arrived. I mean, I don’t even feel like it’s there. Don’t get me wrong, like you said it’s financially stable, but there’s seasons of stability as an entrepreneur. It’s a roller coaster, you know? you can make $20,000 in one month and then the next week you can literally have 5$ left. So it’s really never like, a stability thing. It’s always what’s next? what’s that next level? What’s that next thing? To get to where I’m at now, I remember when I first got into DJing through a wedding company. They trained me and showed me the professional side of DJing. When I started with them, I was making a couple hundred bucks. Now I just raised my prices to a few grand for weddings. To see how far that’s come is still shocking to me – that somebody actually likes me enough to pay me that much for my services. It feels good because it’s been a long time coming. I wanted to get to this point.
KB: Growing up with similar backgrounds – both having single mothers working 40-60 hour weeks – creates a unique drive when you witness that struggle as a child. Now that you’ve transitioned into DJing as an entrepreneur, do you feel that charging higher rates for your services provides validation that you’re finally being paid what you’re worth?”
DMK: Absolutely. I recently raised my DJ prices and am now building stronger relationships with planners—and getting booked at those higher rates has been real validation. The higher pay reflects my value, but the impact I have makes it truly fulfilling.
KB: I was looking through your page and noticed that, in addition to weddings, you’ve been heavily involved with Spin Room. Can you walk me through what that experience has been like? What’s it like curating that space, and how do you approach blending different cultures and musical genres in your sets?
DMK: Spin rooms already a dope spot. It’s a unique space. Spin room is centered around the music and overall vibe. They’re really trying to get away from section culture.
KB: Thats amazing, getting away from the idea of the lack of unification section culture can present itself as at times.
DMK: Exactly, Spin Room brings something different—people actually come to dance, connect, and enjoy themselves without being overly judgmental about the music. What I love most is that it focuses on 80s, 90s, and 2000s music, which is what I grew up on. While I appreciate some of the newer artists, that classic era resonates more with me. I originally auditioned for Spin Room, got the spot, and have been a resident DJ there ever since. I usually spin on weekends—Thursday through Sunday—rotating with a few other DJs. It’s also the venue where I hosted my very first Crowd Control event.
KB: I’m glad you brought that up, and we’ll dive into Crowd Control in just a moment. But before we do, something I noticed early in this interview—and through your social media presence—is how you intentionally move beyond the surface-level ‘vibe’ often seen in club culture, section culture, and even the influencer space. You seem to focus on authenticity and real collaboration. How has that mindset helped you navigate and find the right partnerships and collaborations as a DJ in Arizona?
DMK: You don’t always know who’s the right fit until you start working with someone—but people reveal themselves over time. I’m not interested in making everything about me. My focus is on collaboration—bringing people together to showcase what each of us does well and creating something bigger than ourselves. I love seeing creatives unite, whether it’s for an event or a project. As an entrepreneur, being creative is essential, and that’s how I approach brand partnerships, too.
With Crowd Control, we’re working closely with vendors and brands to integrate their presence into the experience. I’ve used the relationships I’ve built over the years to bring in the right people and make sure many hands are involved. That collective effort has been a huge part of what’s made this work.
Coming from Chicago, I’ve developed a good sense for authenticity. Real recognizes real—and I haven’t had much trouble spotting the fake. Thankfully, I’ve got a solid team and community around me now, which helps me stay grounded and make the right moves.
KB: Crowd Control is the hottest thing out right now- with influencers across the state coming to join in on the fun. in a previous interview, you said that you’re using this as a way to give back to Phoenix. Tell me how you even got started, you know, thinking about crowd control, like, what was the motivation behind it?
DMK: I went to one of my boys who’s a videographer and creative—he’s really the driving force behind the production side of Crowd Control. Initially, I approached him for brand management because I needed help refining my image, improving my marketing, and getting more video content out, especially from weddings, private events, and corporate gigs. I wanted a better way to showcase my work.
He suggested doing a live DJ interaction stream, like the ones you see on YouTube. People had been telling me to try it for a while, but it’s not as easy as it sounds—there are a lot of moving parts, and I don’t do anything halfway. If I was going to do it, it had to be done right.
We started brainstorming and decided to move forward. I ran the concept by one of my graphic design guys—he’s experienced and does a lot of local events. He told me, “You need to name it. It has to have a brand.” He sent me a list of four potential names, and Crowd Control stood out immediately. That’s the one we chose.
From there, everything came together—we picked a date, settled on a theme (the first one was an all-white party), and just decided to see where it could go. Now, here we are planning the third Crowd Control event.
KB: As you head into the third installment of Crowd Control on July 16th, you’ve described it as a modern take on the classic MTV pool parties—which, in today’s blog-era resurgence, feels like a brilliant move. MTV really laid the groundwork for that kind of cultural influence and event energy. Is Crowd Control something you’re aiming to host annually, monthly, or more frequently? And what can people expect from this upcoming edition of the event?
DMK: You can expect an experience unlike anything else in Phoenix. We’re taking this event to a level the city hasn’t seen when it comes to pool parties—elevated production, top-tier collaborators, and a fresh concept. With every Crowd Control, we aim to build on the last, improving both the experience and the theme. The first was an all-white party, the second a 2000s throwback, and this one, given the summer heat, is inspired by MTV’s TRL-style pool parties.
While it won’t be a monthly event, Crowd Control will happen every other month or so. Each edition will feature a new theme and location—we want the flexibility to take it to different venues and, eventually, different states or even countries. The goal is to grow it into something truly scalable and unique.
KB: One thing that often gets overlooked with events like Crowd Control—especially when they’re brought to cities like Phoenix, where this kind of culture hasn’t always been prominent compared to places like New York, Chicago, or L.A.—is the people working behind the scenes. The spotlight tends to stay on the event, but not always on those making it happen. So, who in your circle or at home has really been the backbone for you—someone supporting you, helping with the planning, and being that steady voice behind the scenes?”
DMK: My fiancée is my rock—she’s been my biggest supporter since day one. A lot of my success comes from her. She knows everyone, she’s an incredible networker, and she’s built a strong name for herself here in Phoenix. I always say I’ve got the top female promoter on my team, which is clutch. We’re getting married in October, and she’s not just my partner—she’s my best friend.
We’re both entrepreneurs chasing our dreams, constantly motivating and pushing each other. Just the other day, she was on the field doing photography for the Rattlers game, which was a huge moment for her. We feed off each other’s energy, and that drive keeps us both going.
KB: You and your fiancée clearly motivate each other and have built a strong support system. Would you say that having that kind of foundation—both personally and professionally—is what drives you to keep making bigger moves and finding real success and peace within Arizona’s music scene?
DMK: Yeah, it definitely helps. They say when you find the right person—someone you can truly build with—it elevates everything. For me, that’s been 100% true. My fiancée has helped me grow in so many ways, and because of what we’re building together, a lot of new doors are opening.
KB: What advice would you give to someone in your position—maybe an up-and-coming DJ or creative—who feels stuck? A lot of people in the scene are trying to find mentorship, make connections, or figure out how to break through, but they’re unsure of the next step. What would you tell them to help push forward?
DMK: I’d say—go out and create your own lane. That’s what I had to do. I got frustrated with the club scene and the politics, so I started carving out my own space. And don’t limit yourself to one type of event. Too many DJs box themselves in—some club DJs could never handle a corporate or wedding setting, and vice versa. I made sure I could thrive in both.
That flexibility became my niche. Even in the wedding space, I stand out—I don’t look like the typical wedding DJ, but I own that. I embrace the difference and deliver an experience people don’t expect. That uniqueness is part of the DJ Mixed Kid brand, and I run with it. I’m often the only minority in the room, but I use that to my advantage. I’ve built a space where I can be exactly who I am and still win.
So my advice: never stop grinding. Never stop creating opportunities for yourself. I recently saw a DJ post that he was quitting, and it made me wonder—what pushed him to stop? I’ve had moments of doubt too, wondering if this would work, but I’m too resilient to quit. I’ve already burned the bridge behind me, and I’m committed to figuring this out.
A lot of it comes down to mindset. Mine was shaped years ago through personal development and training in MLM—stuff that prepared me mentally for the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. DJing isn’t just about skills anymore. It’s business, branding, endurance—all of it. So if you’re serious about this, you have to think beyond just the music.
KB: A lot of what you’ve said really comes down to mindset—personality, work ethic, and turning losses into something meaningful. When people feel stuck, it often shows in how they talk and carry themselves. Sometimes, stepping away from the scene leaves a heavy sense of failure. So I completely understand and respect everything you’re saying—it’s real out here.
What stands out is how you’ve navigated being one of the only people of color in certain spaces, turning that into confidence rather than letting it isolate you. That speaks volumes about your drive.
So, my last two questions—what’s next for you, DJ Mixed Kid? What projects, travels, or creative shifts are on the horizon?
DMK: I have big goals ahead, especially as I’m about to get married and start a family. First, I want to become a well-known DJ—tour with artists, perform at major festivals like Lollapalooza or Rolling Loud, and build my name on those big stages.
At the same time, I’m focused on elevating my wedding DJ career. That’s been my bread and butter, and I’ve developed a real passion for it. Being part of such an important day for couples, helping create memories they’ve dreamed about their whole lives, is incredibly rewarding. Hearing guests say they never left the dance floor or thanking me for making the day special makes it all worthwhile.
Looking further ahead, my fiancé and I want to own a wedding venue together, where we can host weddings and create experiences from the ground up. It’s exciting to build this future as a team.
KB: That’s amazing. You speak with a lot of ambition, and throughout our conversation, I’ve tried to share your story while highlighting your impressive events and the achievements you have ahead. It’s clear from everything you say that you’re doing incredible work and truly paving the way for younger creatives like myself. I appreciate the motivation you bring.
As we wrap up for the magazine, we like to give everyone a chance to share any final thoughts or shout-outs. You know yourself best and speak so eloquently—do you have any closing statements, quotes, or messages you’d like to leave with our readers?
” Walk by faith and not by sight”
-DJMIXEDKID 2025
“DJ Mix Kid,” reflects his mixed racial background and ability to connect with diverse audiences. He has created the “Crowd Control” event series, which aims to break down traditional club culture barriers and create more inclusive, engaging experiences. Supported by his fiancée and driven by entrepreneurial spirit, DJ Mix Kid has rapidly established himself in Arizona’s entertainment landscape. His goals include becoming a major touring DJ, performing at significant festivals like Lollapalooza, and eventually owning a wedding venue. He emphasizes the importance of creating one’s own lane, being adaptable across different event types, and continuously working on personal growth. His journey represents a testament to resilience, networking, and the power of staying true to oneself while pursuing creative passions.
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