Today we’d like to introduce you to Darius “dj Dmoney” Martin
Hi Darius, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my dad’s love for music filled our home with vinyl records, cassette tapes, and CDs—there was always something playing, and it became the soundtrack of my childhood. Whether it was a family gathering or just a regular day at home, music was always there, bringing people together. It’s a part of my family’s life as well. Just like my dad filled our home with music when I was growing up, I’ve done the same for my own family. Music is always playing in our house, whether we’re celebrating, relaxing, or just enjoying time together. It’s something that connects us.
One of the proudest parts of my journey is seeing my oldest son follow in my footsteps and become a DJ himself. Watching him develop his own style, learn the craft, and start making a name for himself reminds me of where I started. It’s an amazing feeling to see the passion for music continue through him, and it motivates me even more to keep pushing forward in my own career.
In school, I was heavily involved in the band from 6th grade through high school, which gave me a deep appreciation for sound, rhythm, and performance. That passion led me to start producing hip-hop and R&B beats, gaining some traction on both a local and national level. But it wasn’t until 2016 that I really found my lane in DJing. I started out doing small family and friends’ gatherings, just having fun with it, but soon, I began booking gigs at small bars and venues around Austin. That’s when I realized I could turn this into something bigger.
Breaking into the Austin scene wasn’t easy, but I kept grinding—networking, showing up, and proving myself. Over time, the opportunities grew. I landed gigs at major festivals like SXSW and AfroTech and got into the sports world, DJing Austin Spurs G League basketball games, Texas Volleyball, Texas Football recruiting events, and multiple San Antonio Spurs activations in Austin. That opened doors to performing in some of the biggest venues, like the Moody Center, Frost Bank Center, and even the Caesars Superdome.
Along the way, I also built a career as a software engineer in the tech space, which has actually played a huge role in my approach to music. Both fields require precision, problem-solving, and creativity—whether I’m coding or mixing live, I’m always thinking ahead, adapting, and making sure everything flows smoothly. My background in tech has helped me stay ahead of trends in music technology, production, and performance, allowing me to bring a unique edge to my DJ sets.
I’ve held multiple residencies at some of Austin’s top bars and lounges, and brands like Sneaker Politics, Soho House, and Nike have trusted me to set the vibe at their events. Beyond nightlife and retail, I’ve also worked with universities and government organizations for events that celebrate culture and community.
Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come—from spinning at small gatherings to rocking stadiums and private events for celebrities and sports legends. My journey has been all about persistence, skill, and a deep love for music, and I’m excited to keep pushing forward.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Breaking into the Austin DJ scene was definitely a challenge, but it was also a journey that shaped me into the DJ I am today. In the beginning, getting bookings wasn’t easy—Austin is a competitive market with established DJs already holding down residencies and prime-time spots. Without the right connections, it took some real hustle to get my foot in the door.
At first, I took whatever gigs I could get—sometimes playing just for the opportunity to prove myself. A lot of venues already had their go-to DJs, so I had to be persistent, reaching out to bar owners, promoters, and event organizers. There were plenty of times when messages went unanswered or I was told they weren’t looking for new talent. But instead of getting discouraged, I kept pushing, showing up to events, supporting other DJs, and making sure people knew who I was and what I could bring to the table.
Austin’s music scene is diverse, but live bands have always been the city’s backbone. As a hip-hop DJ, I had to work even harder to carve out space in an industry that didn’t always make room for my style. But I saw it as an opportunity rather than an obstacle—I knew that if I could bring the right energy and prove that hip-hop belonged in these spaces, the doors would eventually open.
And they did. The breakthrough came through persistence—networking, building relationships, and consistently delivering whenever I got the chance to play. Word-of-mouth became my biggest asset, and as I started landing small bar gigs, my reputation grew. One opportunity led to another, and before I knew it, I was playing bigger venues, major events, and working with some of the biggest names in the industry.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. The struggle made the success even more rewarding. Breaking into the Austin market wasn’t easy, but the grind, the relationships, and the passion I put into every set are what built the foundation of my career. Now, I use that same energy to keep growing, pushing boundaries, and making every event an unforgettable experience.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in creating high-energy, memorable experiences through music. I bring versatility to every set, seamlessly blending genres like hip-hop, R&B, Top 40, and more, depending on the crowd and vibe. Whether it’s a packed nightclub, a major sports event, a corporate function, or an intimate private party, I know how to read the room and keep people engaged.
What I’m most known for is my ability to rock any crowd, no matter the setting. My experience ranges from spinning at massive festivals like SXSW and AfroTech to high-profile sports activations for the San Antonio Spurs and University of Texas. I’ve played in some of the biggest venues, including the Moody Center, Frost Bank Center, and Caesars Superdome, and I’ve even had the privilege of DJing private events for celebrities, athletes, and industry leaders.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come from my early days—starting with small family gatherings to now working with major brands, teams, and organizations. I built my name through hard work, consistency, and networking, proving that persistence pays off.
What sets me apart is my adaptability and ability to curate the perfect vibe for any event. Some DJs stick to one style, but I pride myself on being able to switch it up depending on the audience, whether it’s a high-energy sports arena, an upscale lounge, or a corporate activation. My professionalism, crowd control, and ability to mix seamlessly make me stand out in a competitive industry.
At the end of the day, my goal is to create experiences people won’t forget. It’s more than just playing music—it’s about setting the tone, building energy, and making every event feel special.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is seeing people genuinely enjoying themselves through the music I play. There’s nothing like the energy of a crowd reacting to a perfect transition, singing along, or hitting the dance floor because they feel the vibe I’ve created. That instant feedback—whether it’s in a stadium, a nightclub, or an intimate private event—fuels my passion.
I love knowing that my music can bring people together, set the tone for unforgettable moments, and even be the soundtrack to someone’s best night. Music has always been a big part of my life, so being able to share that with others and create an atmosphere where people can let loose, celebrate, or just vibe out is a huge reason why I do what I do.
Beyond that, the journey itself makes me happy—seeing my hard work pay off, building relationships, and continuously growing in the industry. Every new opportunity is a reminder of how far I’ve come, and that motivates me to keep pushing forward.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmoneyindabuilding
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djdmoneyindabuilding
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/dmoneythedj
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djdmoneyindabuilding
