Today we’d like to introduce you to Harvey (DJ Tunez) Anthony
Hi Harvey (DJ Tunez), so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a Memphis native, and I have been a DJ for 12 years. However, I started to pursue music as a teenager. At 13, I was making beats, and I aspired to become a producer. My DJ journey only started in college at the University of Tennessee at Martin, as a means to make money as a student(I didn’t make much money lol). It was actually more of a learning journey in college. Upon returning home to Memphis, I worked for a few years to invest more into my DJ craft. After about 2 years, I obtained a DJ residency on Beale St (Coyote Ugly), and I became a preferred vendor for Premiere Palace Ballroom (Edge District). I’m also a mixshow DJ for Memphis radio station Hot107.1 KXHT- MEMPHIS, Flinn Broadcasting.
I make most of my income from hosting events such as the Memphis Rave series, which has been a huge success. I am bringing the throwback/millennial vibes to life with events as well. My goal with all of my events is to provide a fun, safe environment, and I want to bring dancing back to the party scene in Memphis.
I have also been a part of several charity events, and I donate my services every year to the edge district’s StrangWaze Wednesdays every May. Im always looking for opportunities to use my gifts and talents as a way to give back.
My ultimate goal is to help change the narrative of Memphis. This is a great city, with so much talent that goes unrecognized. I’d like to help change that.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has not been an easy one. There have been many times of doubt. Gig work isn’t always consistent as it is, but the pandemic shut down was an even greater test. The DJ world has also become more saturated, so there is a lot of competition out there when it comes to landing gigs. However, my passion and love for what I do has kept me afloat at times. These days, hosting my own events has taken the competition aspect away. I’ve also built very strong relationships with venues, so I’m usually their first choice when they are looking for a DJ.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a DJ, I consider myself the life of the party. I connect with people through music, and I bring crowds together. I am an open format DJ, and that is where I am most comfortable. I think I would be known for my versatility and ability to DJ any type of event and crowd. I think that’s something to take pride in, however I’m most proud of being able to do what I love for a living. I think my versatility, crowd interaction and professionalism as a DJ can set me apart at times.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was always interested in music or sports, and that’s where you would see most of my personality. But believe it or not, I was more of an introvert. Very shy, and I usually didn’t have much to say around large crowds, strangers or new people.
This didn’t change until I was forced to give a speech in 6th grade. I finished that speech, and I received a standing ovation from the whole assembly. I’m pretty sure that’s where the switch flipped. I liked the feeling of having controlled a room and the response it received. It helped me get over the fear of “what if they don’t like it?” I was able to change that question to “what if they love it?” This still helps me to this day with my DJ sets.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ayotunez.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djayotunez?igsh=YXY5NG94ODlmOG81&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ayotunez?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/8Nq3MYFDZqEz4DAY7
