Inspiring Conversations with Aaron Stone of The Blender Live LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Stone

Hi Aaron, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It all started when I was 12. That was 1983 and I’ve been a fan of music since as long as I can remember. I liked mostly soft, punk rock, and some metal. Even some R&B. Then there was the big bang, hip-hop bursting on the scene, and I was hooked. There were a couple of DJ’s in Cleveland who were legends, One being DJ Johnny O. And then there was the local icon DJ Cochise. But my main inspiration was the one and only Jam Master Jay. I mean, come on, who can resist the magic of Run-Dmc? They are still my idols to this day. I learned to mix records on two component systems, gifted by my Mom & Grandmother. I actually started doing talent shows while still in Jr High School.

After graduating high school in the summer of 1989, I was already a well-known local house party DJ. I was also getting a start in music production, doing some studio engineering, and singing backups for several music groups.

In the early 1990s, I started to think that I could become a full-time musician, and I took a hiatus from DJing to pursue my dream. But the music career never panned out. This was during the early days of Hip Hop, and as I look back on it, I was definitely ahead of the curve. I did start my own record label and had a few artists working under it, which lasted a few years, but after that, I was kind of adrift. I missed the energy of the parties and crowds, and eventually returned to the scene in 2008 as a digital DJ.

In 2010, I got my first gig playing for a wedding and I started doing many of them, eventually performing for more than 200 weddings. The money wasn’t great, but I learned a lot about playing for an audience with a broad spectrum of tastes. This experience, I believe, was critical to my development as a seasoned DJ.

By 2011, I had established my reputation in the local scene, playing at all the hottest bars and clubs in Cleveland. Then, in 2017, I joined forces with a few local DJs to form a new group, the 216 DJs. This group rapidly became a key fixture in the Cleveland nightlife scene. Along with playing events, we started feeding the homeless and doing something nice for the local community. I personally felt that I had finally grown into the role of being a “community jock,” and that role came with real responsibility. The next year, in 2018, we started giving out backpacks and school supplies to underprivileged youth. By 2019, we had built up the distribution effort to the point where we can give out 200 backpacks every year. The Blenderhood, an online mix show, was also launched in 2019 and continued to build traction over the following years, which was especially true during the COVID pandemic, fast forwarding to present day where my online presence has viewership of (more than) 50.K viewers per month.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m ready to take on any gig, no matter how small or big. I believe that there is enough work for all DJs to share, and it’s high time we came to that realization. I just wish that we could all come together as a collective and take on the industry together. It’s going to be difficult to make it for everyone if we keep stepping on each other’s toes. We need to rise to the occasion together.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Blender Live LLC?
The Blender Live LLC is the total package for your special day. Whether it’s a 360 booth, the right speakers, dancing on the clouds, or the song selection. I provide everything from ambience to a full-blown VIBE! Whatever you require to make your event special is what I am tried and proven to do. Hire The Blender, and you will join the 100’s of satisfied customers. Contact me today!

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my fondest moments is when I was able to purchase my 1st mixer from Radio Shack i 1985. I definitely went in the next few months after.

Pricing:

• 216-212-5027

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ajscratch.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajscratch/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djajscratch
• Twitter: https://x.com/ajscratch
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@djajscratch216
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@djajscratch_216
• Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/DJAJSCRATCH216/