28/07/2025
💔 FROM A 14-YEAR-OLD KID WITH A DREAM… TO THIS 💔
This is the post I never thought I’d have to write.
I was just 14 years old when I first stood behind a set of speakers and played music for a crowd.
It wasn’t flash. It wasn’t fancy. But it was everything.
Mum and Dad believed in me before anyone else did — scraped together what they could so I could chase this crazy dream.
While others laughed, they drove me to gigs, helped me carry gear, and told me I could when most people said I couldn’t.
I remember the looks. The whispers.
“You’re too young.”
“It’s just a phase.”
“You’ll never make it.”
But I didn’t stop.
And slowly, those speakers got bigger. The rooms got fuller. The lights got brighter.
And for the past 21 years, I’ve had the absolute privilege of bringing joy, music, and magic to people’s lives.
Weddings. Pubs. Birthdays. Community events. Clubs.
I’ve played first dances, final songs, unexpected encores, and packed dance floors that felt like the whole world was singing along.
I built something. From nothing.
But now, I’m heartbroken to say… it’s time for me to step back.
The world has changed.
Covid tore through this industry.
Weddings scaled down. Gigs disappeared.
And now the cost of living is breaking people — parties are fewer, venues are cutting back, and Bluetooth speakers and playlists have taken over what used to be live, shared experiences.
The phone stopped ringing. And I kept hoping. And waiting.
But it’s quiet now. And it hurts.
So with a heavy, aching heart — I’m putting the decks away.
Not because I want to. But because right now… I don’t see a way forward.
💔 All current bookings will still go ahead — I’ll be there, and I’ll give you every bit of what I’ve got. That’s my promise.
To those who supported me — I can’t even begin to thank you.
To the venues that gave me a chance.
To the brides and grooms who trusted me with their big day.
To the mates who danced till 4am.
To Mum and Dad — for every early morning and every quiet “I’m proud of you.”
And to that 14-year-old kid with a dream…
You did it.
You really did it.
This isn’t a goodbye.
But it is a pause. A breath. A thank-you.
Thank you for the dance floors, the memories, the moments.
Thank you for making me feel like I mattered.
Thank you for 21 of the best, hardest, most beautiful years of my life.
🎶 From the bottom of my heart — thank you for the music.
I’ll never forget it.
- Dj barndawg, dj matt dj mattie c MC rudders and every other crazy name that was used.
