Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad Barrows.
Hi Brad, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into the world of DJing and becoming DJ BSquared truly began when I received my first CD stereo as a Christmas gift in 1996. The centerpiece of that gift was the “Best of Santana” album, which further fueled my lifelong love for music. I’ve always been into music; as a child, I would raid my grandparents’ and parents’ cassette tapes and record albums, listening to as many as I could. Over the years, I collected hundreds of CDs, each one adding to my growing appreciation for diverse sounds and rhythms.
I graduated from Madison High School and grew up in a family that has deep roots in the area, tracing back to the time of The Alamo. I even have direct lineage to the Chisholms of the Chisholm Trail. Also played football for th Mavericks, was active in the youth group at church and am an Eagle as out. My passion for music took a turn when I purchased a three-disc changer from Walmart, only to discover it was broken. Frustrated and unaware of the return policy, I decided to head to Radio Shack and invest in a 24-disc changer instead.
During my college years at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, my friends and I would set up my sound system in the concession stand at the outdoor stage, hosting weekend dance parties that became the highlight of our social lives. In 1999, while working at the Baptist church across from the football stadium, we took a bold step and acquired a club right across the street. I took on the dual role of running and DJing the establishment, transforming it into a community center that featured a weekly college coffee house and dance night.
Life took a turn when my first marriage ended in a nasty divorce. I spent two and a half years taking 18 credit hours each semester while working countless hours as a server and head waiter at Pappasito’s, all while having only visitation rights with my children. Despite these challenges, I remained dedicated to my kids, serving as my son’s baseball coach, a scout leader, and staying active in church activities. I’ve even been a lead actor and director for our church productions at Schertz UMC.
After graduating from college, I worked for a Fortune 500 company in the banking regulation sector and am currently employed by another Fortune 500 company in a similar role, supporting quality work in this critical field. Balancing my professional life with my passion for DJing has been a challenge, but it has also enriched my experiences.
I completed my degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio, all while navigating my responsibilities as a single parent. My full-time job was necessary for supporting my kids, which limited my DJing opportunities. However, I continued to contribute AV support at church whenever I could.
Eventually, I met my wife, and I even DJ’d our own wedding. To help cover costs, I took on a few side gigs, bartering for items like our wedding cake. One of our wedding emcees had neighbors looking for a DJ and recommended me, which launched a whirlwind of opportunities. To this some reference, we got married right before COVID shut us down. In just five years, I secured over 300 gigs across Texas, including events for the San Antonio Rodeo, Austin City Limits, the San Antonio Zoo, the first DJ at the Alamo, and various celebrity functions, weddings, BBQ cook-offs, festivals, and two tours through Las Vegas.
With my extensive knowledge of dance music and the advancements in technology, I now focus on producing music for shows, businesses, and parties. You can even catch our hit song “Roy Richards Drive” along with others under DJ BSquared on all the platforms. My team and I have collaborated with local schools, churches, and several charity organizations. We live out in the country, although it has become more suburban over the years. Looking ahead, we have a Halloween concert scheduled for October 31st at Wraptitude and are actively seeking additional venues for a local tour. Additionally, we are preparing for a festive Christmas concert this holiday season.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. Balancing my passion for DJing with the responsibilities of being a single parent was particularly challenging. After my marriage ended, I had to navigate life without child support or visitation from my ex-wife, which put a significant strain on my time and finances. Juggling a full-time job to support my kids while trying to keep my DJing dreams alive was a constant struggle.
There were moments of frustration, like when I bought a broken CD changer and realized I had to pivot quickly to find a solution. Additionally, the transition from sporadic gigs to establishing a full-time DJ career came with its own set of hurdles, including building a reputation and securing consistent bookings.
Despite these challenges, each struggle taught me resilience and determination. I learned to adapt, whether it was finding creative ways to earn income through side gigs or leveraging my connections in the local community. These experiences ultimately shaped my journey, fueling my passion and commitment to the craft.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in providing high-energy DJ services for a wide range of events, including weddings, corporate functions, festivals, and private parties. With over 300 gigs under my belt across Texas, I’ve developed a reputation for curating diverse playlists that keep people dancing and engaged. My extensive music collection, built from years of collecting CDs and exploring various genres, allows me to tailor each set to the specific vibe of the event or audience.
I’m particularly proud of my ability to adapt to different environments and the unique experiences I create for each event. Whether it’s a lively college dance night or a more intimate wedding reception, I focus on reading the crowd and responding to their energy, ensuring everyone has a memorable time.
What sets me apart is not just my musical knowledge but also my personal touch. My journey has given me a deep understanding of the challenges people face, especially in balancing work and family. This perspective allows me to connect with clients on a personal level, understanding their needs and aspirations for their events.
Additionally, my experience producing music for shows and businesses adds another layer to my offerings. I’m not just a DJ; I’m someone who can create custom soundscapes that enhance the overall experience. I’m also committed to giving back to the community, collaborating with local schools, churches, and charity organizations, which enriches my work and keeps me grounded. Ultimately, I’m most proud of the impact my work has on people’s lives, from celebrating milestones to bringing communities together through music.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Absolutely! For those just starting out in the DJ business, my first piece of advice is to invest time in building a diverse music library. Explore various genres and styles to understand what resonates with different audiences. This will not only enhance your sets but also help you adapt to different events.
Networking is crucial. Attend local events, connect with other DJs, and engage with the community. Building relationships can open doors to gigs and collaborations you might not find otherwise. Don’t hesitate to reach out to venues or event planners; sometimes, a simple introduction can lead to amazing opportunities.
One thing I wish I had known when I started is the importance of promoting yourself effectively. In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence through social media and a professional website can help you reach a broader audience. Share your mixes, testimonials, and event highlights to showcase your skills and attract potential clients.
Also, be prepared for challenges along the way. There will be ups and downs, and it’s essential to stay resilient. Learn from every experience, whether it’s a successful event or a less-than-perfect one, and continuously refine your craft.
Finally, always remember the joy of music and the impact it has on people. Stay passionate and focused on creating memorable experiences for your audience, and that love for what you do will shine through in your performances.
Pricing:
- $400-$5000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lonestareventdj.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b_squared_lse?igsh=MThjdGhkYXVrNWM4dw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16Eu2bbwTr/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dj_bsquared?si=jhDzdGAFvzF8ciuY
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bsquaredlse?_t=ZP-8zyBJyxPAgZ&_r=1
