Meet Tim Trilla | DJ, Music Educator, Saxophonist

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

Hi Tim, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
There are two important ways to determine wether to keep going or give up in my book. The most important aspect is by simply remembering why you started. As a creative in today’s society it is so easy to get caught up in what other people are doing or become frustrated about why the public is not interacting with your product/services the way you would like. I started DJ’ing because I have always had a passion for music and it was something new I never thought about trying. Eventually it became something I used as a solution, I did not want to pay other DJs for the parties I was throwing (LOL). After putting some content out on Soundcloud and getting my first few bookings, I fell in love with the energy exchange I experienced as a DJ. Being in control of the vibes, making sure people enjoy themselves for special events, and being able to get paid to have fun? I was instantly hooked. I mention all of this to just give a brief glimpse into my “why” and I think back to those early days whenever I have thoughts of giving up. I believe all creatives/entrepreneurs have high and low periods, which leads me to mention the second aspect of determining wether to give up or keep going – looking back on your progress. Staying consistent is one of the aspects of life almost everyone struggles with. If you look back on how far you have came since beginning your business and there is any sort of progress that has to be a direct result of consistency. Remembering that you moving at your own pace is truly what matters and how you determine your progress is so important. Through all of my highs and lows I have used both of these tactics to keep pushing my craft forward for the sake of my why and my progress.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am what is called an open format DJ as well as mobile DJ. I believe there are two things that sets me apart from other DJ in the market. I try my absolute best to be as versatile as possible. Opportunities that are out of my comfort zone are looked at as a healthy challenge instead of a detrimental risk. I enjoy playing a wide range of music for a wide range of people. Wether that is age, race, nationality, etc. Music is a universal language that everyone understands and is the best way for people to connect. Alongside this I have a musical background. I graduated from Molloy College with my Bachelors in Music Performance. Although it is not necessary to have an understanding of music theory to be a DJ, artist, producer, etc. it has helped my train my ear and increase my appreciation for all styles of music. I got where I am today by staying consistent and remaining creative. It definitely was not easy but it has impacted my life in so many ways. From having my laptop stolen, hard drives crashing, losing all my music, not having a car to travel to gigs, and endless amount of inconveniences that come along the journey I have learned that preparation is key. Staying prepared so that when things go wrong you can still perform properly is the biggest trick. I want everyone to know that my brand is no where near where I want it to be but that is the beauty of being a creative – enjoying the road, path, process to greatness. I enjoy constantly learning, networking, and updating who I am as a creative.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is question is funny because I have a best friend that lives in Florida and I have been wondering what we will do the next time he visits NYC. A week is not enough time to experience a good summer in NY but I would definitely have to visit some of the underground food spots around Queens and Brooklyn. Without a doubt go to some of the best clubs in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Of course if I’m booked to do any events that week they have to come along and get that experience. I think it’s dope to experience different restaurants, lounges, and clubs because there is so much culture in NYC no matter what borough you are in. Not to mention we have some of the best city views in the country here!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many names come to mind when I think about who deserves credit and recognition in my story. First and foremost I have to shoutout my mom for believing in her 15 year old son that kept bothering her to buy a laptop. After the laptop came my first controller, a Pioneer DDJ-SX2 to be exact, and after the controller my first set of speakers which I still use to this day. My girlfriend has been by my side through every single high and low I have experienced as a DJ. My family and friends have shown endless support with all of my musical endeavors. My very first music teacher Julian Meyers did such a great job turning my interest in to music into a passion by putting a saxophone in my hands. Dr. Tom Zlabinger was a very impactful music director I met in high school. I was able to learn some tips and tricks from the late DJ Tommie Allen, DJ Big Mel, and DJ Shug early on in my career. Lastly, someone that played a huge role in developing my skills early on as a DJ was Mr. Kool Guy. Kool Guy brought me to his gigs, he came to my gigs, we did events together, he let me use his equipment before I had any, and always pointed me in the right direction as a young upcoming DJ in NYC. When they say it takes a village, it truly does and I am no where near finished with my journey!

Instagram: www.instagram.com/timtrilla

Twitter: https://twitter.com/timtrilla

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM8ahr4RPa0AniRwLPF_CbQ

Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@timtrilla Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/timtrilla

Image Credits
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