From An Anniversary Evening to DJ Aspiration

October 2023: The Y Club Toastmasters celebrated its 65th anniversary at the Italian Culture Center in Edmonton. Different members participated in people in organizing that evening, whether it was inviting guests, managing caterers or guest speakers, and so forth. I was delegated the evening's music, yet had no idea how to DJ. However, I pulled it off by understanding the fundamentals of the event:

• The theme and program of the evening

• Knowing the audience

• My love of music

A DJ's Genesis

If you've ever been to a roller skate rink, or watched movies or TV shows featuring them, you're thinking of the 1970s with soul/funk/disco music, disco ball, bell bottoms, and afros, right? Didn't that era have everyone groovin'?

Following the anniversary, I visited a local skating rink because I heard about it through a CTV news segment. When I arrived, the atmosphere stunned me: only two people were on the rink, not skating, and no DJ, only a Spotify playlist. And the song I hear playing... Katy Perry?! You'd think on a Saturday night, a venue like that should be packed! And like that, I decided to become a DJ.

The First Taste of Mixing

With newfound ambition, I rented a DJ controller—Pioneer DDJ REV1—and speakers—YSM5 Yorkville—from Long & McQuade which I eventually purchased. With online help, I spent hours learning how to mix.

I remember my first attempt at a mix was clumsy and far from perfect: I struggled to match beats and tripped over transitions. Yet, there was something captivating about those moments. As I experimented with all those sounds, I became hooked on the magic of mixing: you drop that song out of nowhere, and it transforms the crowd. Each failure taught me something new, like an athlete after a game: evaluating what you did wrong, and fix it. I started to see DJing not just as listening, but as creating a unique atmosphere. The thought of becoming someone who can blend different sounds and evoke various feelings excited me.

The Debut

As I improved and grew more confident, I took a leap of faith and posted my first set on YouTube in August 2024. My first set was as DJ Kasongo. It was a 70s and 80s soul, purely for people to enjoy music, and it got a large amount of views! I couldn't have anticipated that outcome.

I realized the impact I could have. That moment lit a fire in me—a vision to entertain people through music, and I was more determined than ever to improve.

Soul in Authenticity

"What?! Me?! Business owner?!" That's right, I did. In late 2024, I founded Soul in Authenticity and I went from DJ Kasongo to Pete the Wizard. Why that company name? Because music has a soul, like humans. Each songs represents a feeling or evokes memories. In addition, the songwriter has an authentic story to share. As for Pete the Wizard, two things: 1) A former guest on my podcast gave an accurate summary of my views on music: "When you DJ, you're up spinning your music, you're holding all the powers in making sure everyone has a great time." 2) 2024 Olympics breakdance gold medalist Phil Wizard. Who better than to base it of a Canadian champion? (No offence, Raygun)

DJing became more than a hobby—it's a passion. I solidified my commitment to grow as an artist and create unforgettable experiences.

Growing a Business

Who says growing a business is easy? When you're running the ship, be prepared to hustle. You'll face expenses, objections, paperwork, and you have to readjust your marketing method not once, not twice, numerous times, until you find the method that works. If you elevator pitch is not right, there goes your chance at a gig. You'll spend what feels like an eternity adjusting your website to get traffic, yet there's so much more left to be done. And of course, you need to train yourself at the CDJ, or controller, or turntables, whatever you use. Are you willing to put the effort to become a DJ? As a DJ, you're not only selling your services, your selling your brand, experience, and establishing a partnership with your clients.

The First Gig

"Hold up. We just read the story from 2023 all the way to 2025... and he got his first gig now?" Like I said, don't expect a shortcut if you're going to be a DJ. You have to face many "no's before you get some "yes". Now, this comes the big test because I got my first signed agreement, spoke with the event organizers, did a walkthrough of the venue, and over the past few months, was connected with other DJs who will help me to prepare. With that, come the day of May, I make my in-person debut. More to come soon!

A DJ controller setup ready for an electrifying performance.