What It Takes to Grow as a DJ | Alex Walker

DJing isn’t just about the moment when everything clicks — it’s about everything that happens before it ever does.

In this episode of The Open Exchange, I sit down with Alex Walker to talk through his DJing journey — from early gigs and teaching himself equipment, to learning how to read a room, build confidence, and grow through repetition and trial and error.

Alex shares what it’s really like to develop as a DJ over time, how creativity fits into real life, and why staying consistent matters more than chasing attention. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the learning curve most people never see.

Whether you DJ, create on the side, or just appreciate the work behind the music, this episode speaks to the journey itself.

Chapters:

00:00 – Reconnecting and early DJ memories  
02:15 – The “Kanye” nickname and early identity  
05:40 – DJing in New London and first gigs  
09:20 – Wanting more after early sets  
12:30 – Teaching himself DJ equipment  
16:10 – Looking unpolished and doing it anyway  
20:45 – Learning to read the crowd  
26:30 – Confidence built through repetition  
32:10 – Creativity, branding, and growth  
37:40 – Trial and error as the real teacher  
42:10 – Advice for DJs on the journey  
46:30 – What makes the work worth it  
47:50 – Where to find Alex

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