Conversations with Christopher Waldron

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Waldron.

Hi Christopher, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Chris Waldron but I also go by Dj Chris Diablo – I’ve been a Dj for over 30 years starting in High School. I grew up for the most part in Colorado. I did move to Las Vegas, NV and Dj’ed out there for 5 1/2 years. Djing on the Las Vegas Strip at clubs like RA in the Luxor, Club Utopia, Forbidden Club and others. I then moved back to Colorado in 2001 where I was the Entertainment Director for the Doubletree World Arena. Providing entertainment to national touring artists that performed at the World Arena. I then held a few resident Dj positions in Downtown Colorado Springs at Southside Johnny’s (2 years), Thirsty Parrot (6 years), Gasoline Alley (4 years). Also during that time I started doing a lot of events during legalization. I have done more Cannabis related events then any other artist or Dj in the state. I worked as GM for Speak Easy and also worked at Dab Lounge which were cannabis clubs. I was also a resident dj and was in charge of the art for Bongathon for 10 years. During this time I was part of a crew called The Weed Pimps which was 3 friends and me. What had started as a clothing line as we grew we threw a couple of big events like “Rock The Canyon 1 & 2” We worked with Tommy Chong and Marisol Dispensary in Pueblo on a few events and ended up in High Times Magazine. Which I also had Dj’ed at 2 of The High Times Cannabis Cups in Denver, and I was booked to Dj at the “Las Vegas Hempfest” with “Los Marijuanos”. Then “The Weed Pimps” and I were ask to come do a show on FM/AM Radio where we started the first FM radio cannabis talk radio called KHigh even making history and was featured on the CBS Morning show for the first Cannabis Talk Radio on the FM dial. That turned in to Blazin’ FM where we did a hour show 5 days a week during rush hour called “The Weed Pimp High Drive At 5”. I’ve dj’ed for and opened for many national touring artists over the years. I still get booked for many shows and events through out the state.
Now I’m currently working on my new project, which is something that has not been done before. I’m creating a series of illustrated books on the “History of the Nation’s Best Dj’s”, I’m doing all the art and the layouts. Starting off with Colorado and then plan to take it state to state. It showcases some of the states best dj’s, and features 4 pages on each dj, with exclusive pictures, logos, and also includes their bio showing what they have done. Also has multiple QR Codes linking you to EPK’s, webpages, shops, merch, Youtube, social media, and many music sites like Twitch, Soundcloud, Mixcloud, Bandcamp and others. Paying tribute to some of Colorado’s best dj’s in clubs, events, EDM, radio, dj battles, and Pro Sports Teams, and giving respect to those who have helped shaped the Colorado music & club scene and giving them each a spot to shine. There will be 3 volumes but one book it will be in alphabetical order starting at volume 1 and ending in volume 3. They will be 8.5×11 hard bound books with 220 pages in each volume showcasing 50 Djs per volume. I then have a few different 3D comic versions where you wear red and blue lens glasses, which I would like to release at the same time as the book. Shortly after the hard bound book is released I also plan on putting out a coloring book version soft back cover. Also it will serve as a directory for club owners and I also include a QR code that goes to their booking info. This is something Dj’s, families, friends, fans and new music lovers will hold on to for their whole life. And also again this has never been done before so I have created a new path in my industry where I’m helping and promoting my peers and in return I have gain overwhelming support. I am about halfway done with the art and been working on it everyday. I project about 3 months to finish. It will be a amazing piece of art when completed and it will let these Djs live forever through the pages of a book.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As far as the book, I came up with the idea and have done all the work and art myself. The struggle I am having is coming up with the funding to get it printed. I have reached out to companies to sponsor this project and also taking donations to help complete – I thought about crowdfunding but I don’t like that if you don’t meet your goal you don’t get any of what was donated. Which if you fail you will have people lose faith in you and what your doing if you have to go back to those who donated once and it was returned because you didn’t meet your goal and then ask them again. That’s the only obstacle I foresee is getting the printing done. I would need to raise around $30,000 to get it printed the way I put it together. If you would like to donate to this project and help me get it printed my Paypal is djchrisdiablo@gmail.com

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Worldwide best selling mash up artist on Bandcamp, with usually 20 or more albums on the Worldwide best selling charts top 60 in the Mash up Category since April of last year when I was featured on “Radio 1” in the U.K. my numbers have continued to climb daily with around 70,000 plays per month and at over a million plays. I create original mash ups and remixes and sell them Worldwide, with over 1,220 albums out.

I also had a love for art since I was young, Drawing was second nature to me, and I was self taught on Adobe Photoshop by watching Youtube and have done graphics for merch and album covers, also through the years I have created 1,000’s of flyers for clubs and events. At one time I was also a art teacher for the Boys & Girls Club. Art and creativity has been a huge part of my life.

I am known for my unique style of mixing all genres and eras and creating original mash ups and remixes that are known Worldwide. I am also member of “The Blend Twinz” which is me, Dj Chris Diablo and Dj Gravity on 4 tables mashing instrumentals and acapellas in to something unforgettable. Also people know me for my art which has been featured on flyers for years, Also on merch for multiple projects such as for The Weed Pimps, Bongathon, Concentrated Art, etc. but now I’m trying something new and it really blows my mind that it has not been done before. Creating this collection of books is the new chapter in my life, I wanted to take all my skills and talents and combine them on something unlike anything else. and as the idea manifested in my mind. I wanted to do something that would bring my industry together at the same time paying tribute and showing respect to those who helped create the “Colorado scene or Colorado’s music landscape”, from all corners of our industry. Showcasing the top Dj’s in Clubs, Events, Radio, EDM , Industry Events, Pro Sports Teams, City Events, Festivals, DMC Championships and battle dj’s from across the state and create a work of art people would want to keep forever. and Dj’s could be proud of and something that could be passed down. Also recognize all my peers that have put in the work, carried them records and equipment, the first ones in and the last ones out and those who have progressed through the years. and have made their mark on Colorado’s Dj Scene and industry. But I also wanted to come at it in a unique, interesting, artistic, creative and fun way while reflecting on Colorado’s music and dj culture. This being my first in a series of books I have learned that printing is my only challenge. I’m trying to show people, organizations and companies what I’m doing and I’m hoping I can get enough people who believe in me and believes in the project and in the arts to donate to this amazing collection of the states top dj’s all illustrated and a look and listen in to each of their life’s and careers.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up mostly in Widefield, CO, I have always been in to music and art all my life. My brother Michael “Dj Lil Joe” and I grew up in a deaf household. My mom was born deaf but she has always been my biggest role model. Growing up despite her disabilities my mom was a accomplished inventor and was the keynote speaker for all people with disabilities. She also won the Presidents Trophy for people with disabilities, where she was picked among 1,000’s of other successful people with disabilities. Before she retired she had represented 4 President administrations on issues with people through out the nation with disabilities. She is also one of the Nations top lip readers. and learned how to speak through the vibrations of a balloon. A truly amazing lady my mom is and she always supported my brothers and I creative side since when we were young. I never was very good in school due to my learning disabilities which I’ve had to deal with all my life. But what helped me was I learned what I was good at, at a early age. I had won multiple art awards in my school years. Then I started Djing in High School where I spent about a year practicing In my mom’s basement before I played anywhere. After learning the skills it takes to really Dj I started spinning at house parties and some warehouse parties. Then I started djing at a gentleman’s club where I dj’ed at for 4 years, while still spinning at other events too. But then my best friend Terrence Fells who I grew up with and also did music with passed away in a car accident. That really messed me up at that time in my life and I just didn’t want to be in Colorado at that time because everything reminded me of him. So I got transferred from the club I was at to it’s location in Las Vegas, NV. Where I got with the number one promotion and production company. Who started a majority of the big club events at that time. I had learned a lot of skills in Djing, events, production and promotion during the five and a half years I was there. Las Vegas is a 24 hour town and there are Dj’s from all over the world there trying to get a spot to spin, so its very competitive and if you are not always ready to spin someone else will take your spot. So I was living to the max and it started take toll on me. Then I opened a new chapter in my life, with the skills I had learned in Vegas, I returned to Colorado Springs and became the Entertainment Director for the DoubleTree World Arena. Which I dj’ed for and played trivia for groups like Linkin Park’s band and crew Super Bowl Party, and The Eagles, and many others. Then I had started getting more gigs and offered a residence at The Thirsty Parrot. I just wanted to dj and concentrate on music. So that’s what I did. and have continued to do for many years. All my talents, skills, experience, hard work and never giving up has brought me to this point in my life.

Pricing:

• Need Donations to complete Book – Please Donate
• Paypal Donations – djchrisdiablo@gmail.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://djchrisdiablo.bandcamp.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djchrisdiablo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djchrisdiablo/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djchrisdiablo/
• Twitter: https://x.com/djchrisdiablo1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/djchrisdiablo
• soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djchrisdiablo
• Other: https://djchrisdiablo.wixsite.com/djchrisdiablo

Image Credits
Christopher Waldron all art