Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie “dj Trub” Tolbert
Hi Jamie “DJ Trub”, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started DJing in 2005 while working at Radio One in Cincinnati, OH. There was an All Star Basketball Game featuring the DJs from the station and I was asked to change the vinyl records on the turntables during the game. I already knew how to use turntables because my Mom and Dad had record players but I had never done it in public. Needless to say, that was the start of my obsession for DJing. Over time my roommate, DJ Tae Boogie, began teaching me how DJ by locking me in the basement until I got the assigned blends correct, lol. Those lessons helped me grow into the DJ that I am today. Over the years I picked up different skills from other DJs that elevated my game. Soon, I built a name for myself in Cincinnati, especially in the LGBTQ community. When I moved to Columbus, I had to rebuild my brand and get new clients. I began DJing for a private Ohio State Tailgate and for an organization called Black, Out, and Proud. Those opportunities launched me into the world of corporate events, special events and weddings. With hard work and making the right connections, I was able to leave my career last year and I now DJ full time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course, there are ups and downs in any business. Keeping my calendar full was big issue in the past. When business is slow, I have to step outside of my comfort zone and get new clients by visiting venues and networking. The biggest challenge of my career was Covid because I worked hard on my 2020 schedule and I was set to be booked every weekend from April until October. When everything shut down, ALL of my gigs were cancelled indefinitely and I was at a loss of words. Thankfully I launched my marketing company, Trendustry Media Group, in Fall of 2019. I was able to help small businesses get started and create marketing strategies for them. That was the only way that my business survived Covid and was definitely one of the hardest times.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I own TrubMuzik Enterprises, LLC and we specialize in providing DJ Services for weddings, special events, festivals, concerts and venues. People know me mainly for being the official DJ for Bengal Jim’s Before The Roar Tailgate held in Cincinnati during the Bengals season and DJing at LGBTQ events in Ohio.
I am most proud of the fact that I get to do what I love and represent my family and community. It is important to me to be the representation of the intersection of being a lesbian and being black. Representation matters so much, especially for our youth, and I am thankful that I get the opportunity to carry that torch.
My personality and passion is what separates me from others. My personality is filled with spontaneity and I believe that smiling and laughing are food for the soul. My passion is the fuel for everything that I do. I love music and I know that its is the universal language. I am living my dreams because I have been passionate about providing the soundtrack for people & spaces by creating unforgettable experiences.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think that the DJ industry will continue to grow especially with the advancement of technology. With the rise of AI, it will be easier to allocate your time and get more accomplished as a DJ. The DJ gear will continue to evolve as well as the DJ software that we use. I am excited for the future of DJing and excited to welcome the new changes and new DJs that it will bring.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bookdjtrub.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trubmzk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TRUBMZK
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/trubmuzik
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@trubmzk
