Today we’d like to introduce you to TRYFE.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story started in a dorm room at Howard University. I initially did not aim to pursue a career in deejaying. I purchased some deejay software and started to play around during my free time. After I graduated, I moved to New Jersey to start my career in tech at Johnson and Johnson. I found myself with a lot of free time. I purchased a beginner deejay board and would mix in my free time after work. I would mix when people came over or when I just felt like it. I would even record them to use while I worked out in the gym. One day, a co-worker who would hear me spin asked if I would spin at their birthday party. I remember telling them that I wasn’t really a DJ but would do it. I went and purchased speakers and eagerly awaited my debut. Ironically, both speakers were defective and blew when I set them up. In a panic, I ended up connecting into their A/V closet and kept playing from the closet. I couldn’t see anyone, but I was dedicated. I gave her the money back afterwards and decided this wasn’t really for me. She wouldn’t let me give her the money back. She said my dedication to the event is proof that I should keep going. Another friend in DC asked me to do their birthday party…I got new speakers and proceeded to execute the event. A club promoter was there, he asked me to do an event for him – it was to open for Danity Kane. My first club event was for a celebrity. It was kinda crazy. That was the beginning of TRYFE. Since then, I have played on multiple continents, been featured in a Google commercial, 4-5 appearances on Real Housewives of Potomac, and the opportunity to work with people like Lil Nas X, Megan thee Stallion, Paris Hilton, Serena Williams, Trina, Mya, Sevyn Streeter, Jasmin Sullivan, K Michelle, Tweet, and Mya to name some.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Success is best enjoyed after a difficult journey. I would not appreciate where I am without the obstacles along the way. Branding in the social media age isn’t for the faint. Your actual skill is no longer what gets you booked; it’s your social currency. Your talent is what could get you re-booked. I started out spinning mostly LGBTQ events, and that proved very difficult when trying to get booked in more mainstream events. My management has been approached with the question, “Is he gay?” too many times to count.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Calling myself just a DJ feels limited and like a disservice to myself. I consider myself an entertainer. Almost anyone who has experienced my performance would agree. It’s rare that you’re able to keep me behind a booth, especially if there is a stage to be had. My strong points are feel-good/dance sets. You will 100% sing, dance, twerk, and be your most confident self during my set. I am historically known for my high-energy R&B sets and my electric energy on stage. More recently, it’s the introduction of my band that plays with me while I DJ. It’s what I am most proud of, and now people can enjoy TRYFE and the TRYFElins on occasion throughout the area. It allows me to bridge a live concert and a party. It is an absolute amazing experience – everything you love about a concert and a party at a club all in one. In the past year, we have had the opportunity to have Paris Hilton, Tweet, Ro James, and Tamar Braxton grace the stage with us.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Learning to separate myself from my art is an essential characteristic in this industry. As much as I try, however, it’s very hard to separate the two. Trying to create or give an audience something new will always be met with pushback, so ‘being different’ or ‘trailblazing’ definitely isn’t easy. I’m not deaf to the criticism of my sets or what people want more of. I have to parse through what is true criticism that I should take heed of, and what is just folks wanting me to sound like every other party they go to. I really try to find the balance of giving the people a little of what they want while continuing to grow in my craft.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @djTRYFE
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/calvin-seino
