Meet Dustin Garonzik

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dustin Garonzik and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dustin, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind where I am today is the relationships I’ve built in the community. To be a successful DJ it has to go beyond just the sets. The art, the culture, the people, that’s what makes it matter. I’ve never chased what’s hot or locked myself into one genre, I just stay authentic and I think people connect with that. If the scene grows, I grow too, which is why I put energy into booking local talent and giving new DJs opportunities. At the end of the day it comes down to putting on a good show, moving the crowd, and being consistent. I’ve built that trust over the years by showing up, adapting to the energy in the room, and staying curious about new sounds.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m part of HAM Promotions and Sounders, and what sets us apart is that we’re not just throwing shows, we’re building a culture in Dallas. Sounders is a venue with a 60k-watt PK sound system and a heavy focus on bass music, but what really makes it special is the community we’ve built around it. For me personally, being both a resident DJ and the local booking manager means I get to live on both sides of the business. On stage, I’m creating moments and moving the crowd, and behind the scenes I’m curating lineups, working with artists, and making sure we’re investing in the local scene.

It definitely hasn’t been easy. This industry comes with long nights, financial challenges, and plenty of trial and error. But that’s where I’ve learned the most, to stay consistent, to adapt, and to always lead with authenticity. Over the years I’ve realized that DJing is as much about entrepreneurship as it is about music. You have to build a brand, market yourself, and treat it like a business if you want it to last.

What I want the world to know about me and my story is that everything I do is about more than just me. My success is tied to the scene, to the other artists I book, and to the community we’re all building together. If the scene grows, I grow too, and that’s the philosophy that has carried me this far.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh I love this question. I’m definitely someone who’s always searching for new spots around the city to explore, whether it’s through friends, Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram. Of course my favorite place and where I spend most of my time is Sounders. On nights when we’re not open, I love tracking down new pizza spots. A few of my favorites are Cane Rosso, Partenope Ristorante, Pie Tap in the Design District, and Serious Pizza. I recently visited Reunion Tower for the first time and that was incredible, and I’m a big fan of the AT&T Discovery District downtown. Every now and then I’ll make it over to Movement climbing gym to switch things up. When new people visit Dallas, one of my favorite things to do is hop on scooters and ride across the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge to take in the scenic views of the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
No doubt the first two people that come to mind are the founders of my company, HAM Promotions, Austin Ham and Michael Holtberg. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today if they hadn’t given me opportunities eight years ago on some of the first lineups they ever put together. Over the years they’ve become not just business partners but close friends and mentors. I’ve been able to support Mike with the local lineups at Sounders, and Austin has been right there alongside me building something bigger than all of us. I honestly don’t know where I’d be today without them, so my shoutout definitely goes to those two and everything we’ve built together on this ride.

Website: https://soundersdallas.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dustingaronzik/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-garonzik/

Twitter: https://x.com/DustinGaronzik

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dustin-garonzik

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DustinAfterdark

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DJDustinG

Image Credits
shotbypreston | kinyauphoto | sdotzphotography