Today we’d like to introduce you to Tommie Ellis.
Hi Tommie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Denver but raised throughout the state, living with family, in foster homes, and at times homelessness, Being able to grow up constantly moving from city to city I was exposed to many different people and walks of life. My whole life, no matter what was going on, I’d have music as a constant. I’ve used music to make opportunities for myself to grow.
I started working in the night in Denver after a few years of throwing private parties and house parties. Starting at a nightclub as a bar back in 2017 I worked my way up to general manager by the beginning of 2019. I used my position to meet and network with people from around the city and artists from out of town to build relationships.
After 2019 I worked for the top 3 night clubs in the city Managing VIP, Marking Management, Creative direction as well as a few other creative roles until the pandemic came. At this time I found myself lost, I picked back up my Dj controller and started making mixes I would upload on SoundCloud every week to keep me sharp.
As some restrictions had lightly been let up, I and a few others would throw speakeasy type of events where I would DJ. These events grew and grew until they turned into something bigger than the community would come to enjoy weekly. After all of this momentum, I again called on my connections and favors to put myself in places where I was able to DJ and build an audience of my own.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not always been a smooth road in any way. I struggle with my battles on a day-to-day basis. I’ve faced a lot of naysayers and come across many doors I’ve had to break down. No matter what struggles I face, I can keep my eye on the bigger picture and brush those to the side or stomp them out!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I think what I’m known for best at the moment is my design work. I’ve created a few thousand graphics (including original logos, and websites) in the past 10 years for hundreds of clients, including clubs, bars, restaurants, clothing/wearables, politicians, artists, musicians, DJs, energy companies + many more industries.
Right now I’m transitioning my path into DJing. I can say I’m most proud of DJing because it allows me to do what I love and bring other people along with me who have similar aspirations, as well as being the person who designs the visuals for my events.
What sets me apart from others as far as being a DJ, I’d say is the fact that I can DJ solely off my iPad or iPhone making the need to bring a lot of equipment or cords obsolete. Though I like to DJ off my controller with my iPad in place of a laptop. I can do the same set solely off my iPad or iPhone and 2 cords.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Due to the covid crisis, I’ve realized that I can make the life I want for myself and others around me by just being the real me and monetizing it.
Pricing:
- DJ – $400 ( starting)
- Logo – $250 ( starting)
- Graphics – $80 ( starting)
- Websites – $1000 ( starting)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/tah.me
- SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/7dhPscBHjobQHWvu7
Image Credits
@vineramazani, @paulabulu_, @dirtswrld, @mylurr, and @milolee11
