Dialed In

Dialed In with Taylor James ’05 aka DJ Tay

What was your path to becoming Justin Bieber’s DJ/A&R (Artists and Repertoire)?

I started DJ-ing at 12. I DJ-ed for the Calvert Hall basketball games and the Black Awareness Club mixers (now known as the Black Student Union). When I went to college, I started DJ-ing at a number of clubs in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area like Love Nightclub and Park. Two months after graduation a mutual friend introduced me to Justin. My audition was one of his first big shows in Oklahoma. We have been working together ever since.

Your profession allows you to travel all over the globe. How many countries have you travelled to, and which has been your favorite?

I have been to too many countries to count. I have travelled to six of the seven continents. My two favorite continents are Australia and Europe.

How do you find balance in your career?

It is all about structure. I typically wake up, go to the gym, and then go to rehearsals and the studio. On off days, I find myself organizing music and finding new music. I am always looking for the new projects. I like to work, and don’t want time off. This is fun for me and comes naturally. During the height of the pandemic, I wasn’t DJ-ing. This time allowed me to pursue my passion for fashion. I have partnered with Polite Worldwide and Purple Denim. With restrictions lifting, I am able to DJ again, and am keeping these fashion projects as a part of my day-to-day.

Who was your favorite teacher at The Hall?

I have two favorite teachers - Mr. Hooper and Mr. Magrogan. They both encouraged me to think outside of the box and helped me become a better student.

What skills or knowledge did you learn at Calvert Hall that you find to be the most useful in your career?

Calvert Hall is a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds. I learned how to connect with different groups of people, to adapt to my surroundings, and to become more personable.

Where was your favorite place to hang out during frees?

George Young Hall just opened when I was a student. I liked to hang out in the library; the computer lab was crazy. I also liked to hang out in the cafe.