Today we’d like to introduce you to Motaz.
Hi Motaz, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Music has consumed my life since 6th grade when I first learned drums. From then I became obsessed with playing; going through one CD after another with headphones on drumming to anything from Michael Jackson to Jay-Z. As time went on I wanted to learn more, and was self-taught guitar, piano and how to record music on my 12-track. I regularly played in rock bands as a drummer or frontman singer. In 2009 is when I truly went solo, and put my focus into R&B music but still wrote songs of all other genres, never keeping myself or my sound in a box since I’m a fan of most music. I moved out of Portland and spent a few years in Phoenix and San Diego, making music and getting regular gigs and residencies. In 2018 I moved back to Portland. I spent almost 8 months writing and recording my album “Burnside”, had a sold out album release show, then shortly after that the pandemic happened; halting all my album tour plans and promo. While this is was disappointing, I took took it as a time of reflection. I have released an album /singles every year of my career since 2009, but the years of the pandemic I didn’t, as I was uninspired and wanted to go back to the drawing board and improve my skills as a vocalist and producer. When the world started to open back up, I started going out to DJ sets in Portland. It was only 2 places to hear R&B/Hiphop music. I asked around, “why do people only go to these two spots?”. Apparently because that was the only option. I always believe to be the change you want to see in the world; not just talk about change and complain online, but actually make an effort to create change. So I figured, “I play 4 instruments, produce, engineer…. I’m pretty confident I can learn to DJ”. Sure enough I locked in for weeks learning the technology of DJing, and figuring out until I felt comfortable enough to perform for crowds. I got my first gig on the 5th of July at a dive bar in NW Portland in 2022. From there I went to restaurants and bars that I felt would like the music I spin, and some places I told them I’d do it for free and if you like it and generates money, lets talk about making this regular. Sure enough, that’s what happened. One venue led to another, and word got around about my skill. In a short few months I went from having 2 residences to 12. New bars would open and hire me for their opening and give me residency. The city had more places to hear R&B/Hip-Hop music. Fast forward to today, I have done over 700 gigs, with clients raging from Nike, the Blazers, Adidas, and have DJ events with Michael Jordan, Cardi B, Kehlani, Tina Knowles and many more. DJing was not only a job I loved, but it was a way to expand my fan base and get people to know who I am so when I release music I have more of an audience. This week I just released my first single since the pandemic called Cruise Control, and it is getting great response. I will be releasing more music this year and showing the world my artist side again, while still DJing all over Portland and beyond.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing great comes easy and I learned that a young age, and was also mentally prepared for it because music to me has been and always will be driven off love and passion. When I started music there was no social media or anything like that, and I still did it with a smile and at a high level, so nothing from today’s society of social media and content will ever make me compromise my intentions with music. It’s definitely a struggle to cut through “the fat” of content. It’s much more difficult to get someone’s attention of your art now when there’s non-art related content just a swipe above or below what you are trying to push. Luckily I have a background in design and video editing, so the content side of things comes easy to me, but it can be an uphill battle for attention. For example you’ll see a video of a guy just sitting in his car bobbing his head to a song that isn’t his, and it gets 3m views… yet the artist creating a song or singing gets 78 views. I get the game, but I try to always remember why I do what I do and how it makes me feel; the other stuff is secondary.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My job is to DJ, but I am a musician. There is a big difference. Not all DJs are musicians, and what I mean by that is the way I mix and blend songs is intentional, based off key signature, tempo, similar instruments, vocal cadences and lyrics; and that’s what I specialize in, giving the best DJ mixes and putting on a show. None of my DJ sets or mixes are planned, which I’ve learned in this industry is a rarity. I read the room and act accordingly, and all my blends are off the dome based off of my audience in the moment. I am proud of myself for having music and my performances be the means of how I make a living without having to seek 1 or 2 other side jobs to stay afloat; most importantly while being infinitely happier than my prior 9-5 jobs. . I am able to work as DJ on weekends, and be regularly booked with no struggles of gaps in my calendar; and then on weekdays I spend my time being an artist and writing songs in my studio. I’m also proud that I have separated myself from others, meaning that my skill set and talent speaks for itself and the audience hears it in my sets. People plan their weekends around my DJ schedule and I love putting a smile on people’s faces with the music I play. I genuinely care about every set I play no matter how big or small the room. I treat DJing like an artist treats a stage; play live, play at a high level, and play to the room. My branding also sets me apart from others. I design all my own flyers and promo myself, not with Ai, because of my background in graphic design. I always have graphics projected on a wall or tv during my sets as well, so people know who I am without having to approach me.
Lastly a big factor in my success is the relationships I build with the people that manage the venues I play it. I’m reliable, communicate clearly and treat them and the staff with the utmost respect and it is reciprocated. Leading with kindness and care gets you a long way and I am proof of that. Ego needs to be left at the door with DJing because at the end of the day, it is your job to keep customers in the place of business you are at, so you must play to the room and accommodate to the any needs of the business. I am always trying to help the staff by picking up glasses between mixes, be an extra eye for security to make sure people, especially the women in the crowds are safe. You absolutely cannot be a selfish person and be a DJ; you will fail and not get booked. I play to perform and make the venue money by keeping people dancing and drinking. I don’t go to my sets and play 4hrs of my favorite songs; but I do sneak a few of them in there.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
None. I haven’t had any luck it’s all been clear cut results of my hard work and talent If I was lucky, my first gig wouldn’t have been for 12 people in a dive bar. I have well over 10,000 hours in music as an artist, producer and DJ. When you put that much time and practice into something, the results speak for themselves. Nothing happens overnight and I am 20yrs in still getting better. That’s the key; progression. You have to want to get better and put the time in to learn to get better. You can’t be surrounded by people who tell you you’re doing great and you stay stagnant in your skills. If you can’t hear what’s wrong, then you probably shouldn’t be working in music.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motazmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motazmusic/
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/motazmusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/motazmusic/
- Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/motazmusic/
