Today we’d like to introduce you to TJ THE DJ. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Thalia Alaniz, known as TJ THE DJ, grew up in a border town called Citrus City in The Rio Grande Valley. Growing up as a predominate athlete, she took on music as an extra activity. She was raised listening to her mom’s country and Spanish music, which influenced her to dabble in different instruments, such as the saxophone, piano, and guitar. However, she always felt drawn to the exciting synths and scratching she’d hear on her dad’s old-school Rap and R&B CDs. TJ was always a small-town girl with big-city dreams. Therefore, after graduating high school, she decided to start a new chapter by moving to Austin for school and searching for new opportunities. She had the chance to meet rapper 21 Savage and network with his DJ. She was drawn to the idea of becoming a universal female DJ. She bought a beginner DJ controller and spent hours in her room watching YouTube videos, teaching herself how to mix. Once she was ready, she started spinning at local showcases and promoting her services on social media, and then it began! She started getting booked for multiple showcases, concerts, and events for bringing her fashionable style, colorful wigs, and “Setting the Vibe”! She created a unique brand, positioning herself as a well-known public figure in the Austin music scene. In the 5 years of her journey, she’s played over 500 events across the United States and performed with artists such as BeatKing, Tay Money, Ken the Man, Lil KeKe, Lil Flip, Quinn NFN, and many more. Not only is she a DJ, but she is also a stylist and photographer, and she has starred in multiple music videos, such as “Like Cola” by Tribe Mafia, hitting over 1 million views on YouTube.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Her biggest challenge was pushing to break through in a male-dominated industry to be respected and viewed for her talents. But none of her obstacles stopped her from chasing her dreams because no road worth taking is easy.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
TJ THE DJ is known for her unique DJ style and contagious energy. She curates custom mixes, introduces new local music, and creates a fantastic atmosphere. She has residencies at Wiggle Room, The Far Out Lounge & Stage, Industry Eastside, The Violet Crown, Lefty’s Brick Bar, and The Davenport San Marcos.
What matters most to you? Why?
Spending time with her loved ones, pursuing new passions, and making memories matter most to TJ. These things matter most because they give her something to look back on and cherish all the ups and downs she’s faced along her way!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_tjthedj/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TJthetinyDJ/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/_tjthedj
Image Credits
@gioshothat @p_reli @lyriqphotography @512cowboy
