Today we’d like to introduce you to Rizz McCleary.
Hi Rizz, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I was born & raised in Philadelphia, PA. I’ve enjoyed music since a very young age; Philly is diverse and music-driven. Growing up listening to plenty of hip-hop and R&B, Reggae music greatly influenced Baltimore club music. I got into djing by my brother Cory bringing home a set of turntables & a mixer one day. Although they were his, it was a present for me too. Being the inquisitive little brother, I watched, learned, and taught myself this career, from equipment setup to playing records, with guidance from my brother and cousin Mark (RIP). This was the vinyl records in the crates era; no digital programs like Serato, Rekordbox, Traktor, etc., existed yet. I would tag along and carry the record crates to any event I could attend with them. Doing so, I’ve learned a plethora of music, and genres, how to read a crowd, MC very well, and have fun with it, taking it from a hobby to a career. With this knowledge and guidance, I’ve built a solid reputation as a quality DJ with a wide music range throughout the city and surrounding areas, leading me to host multiple nightclub/bar/lounge residencies and many private events.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are smooth parts to the road; then there are the bumps and ups and downs. One of the struggles is politics, especially in nightlife. There’s lowballing, favoritism, entitlement, and a lack of respect for the craft. This is a skill and an art and should be respected as such. Plenty of doors will open, and many doors may close on you, but ultimately the opportunities will present themselves when the timing is right. Networking and having a well-versed team around you will help put your name in rooms you’re not in and bring forth major opportunities.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the CEO and Creative Director of RM Entertainment Company. We are a full-service entertainment company offering mobile DJs, photo booths, lighting, and other specialty services. We specialize in private events (i.e., corporate/social parties and weddings). We are known for providing a fun atmosphere and an unforgettable experience while turning you into a fan. I am most proud of building my company from the ground up and scaling it in less than 2 years. It has not been easy, but my love of what I do and the hustle behind it makes it worth it. What sets me apart is that I am not one-dimensional. I pride myself on being well-versed in all genres of music to motivate any age group to fit the client’s music taste. As music and entertainment trends change, I stay ahead of those trends and give clients a full-service entertainment experience.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
The answer is always NO! Until you ask. Finding a mentor and networking go hand in hand. When you’re out and spark a conversation with someone, they ask, what do you do? Don’t tell them about your 9-5 job. That’s irrelevant. Confidently say I’m a full-time DJ or whatever field you’re in, to let it be known. As for the DJ world, the conversation can segue you into a business or a relationship you didn’t know you needed. Social media can be a big help for networking, connecting with others alike, showing up to events and introducing yourself to the DJ and promoters, exchanging info, showing up for support to their other events, inviting them to yours, and building a relationship. It costs nothing to support one another.
Contact Info:
- Website: RMENTERTAINMENT.CO & DJRIZZONLINE.COM
- Instagram: INSTAGRAM.COM/RMENTERTAINMENTCO & INSTAGRAM.COM/DJRIZZONLINE
- Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/RMENTERTAINMENTCO & FACEBOOK.COM/DJRIZZONLINE
- SoundCloud: WWW.MIXCLOUD.COM/DJRIZZONLINE
Image Credits
Hannah Charis Photography
