We’re looking forward to introducing you to James Barr. Check out our conversation below.
James, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
What a funny question. I guess I lose track when I’ve worked a long weekend and have a show I’ve been missing. It’s not unwise when I just need to unwind and recharge, but I can also give into that easily when I either have nothing to do, or something major I’m putting off.
After maybe 3 years I’ve been dreaming of the next step. At first I wanted to throw in the towel. But then I realized I need to be proud of what I’ve created and instead aim for growth and diversity. I knew this approach would keep me engaged. So, after maybe a decade, my black and sleek box of a booth is retired. She served me well, but it was time for some uniqueness. I have finally built The London, a red telephone booth model for amazing historic ambiance. You may recognize this telephone from Christopher Reeve changing into the Man of Steal, or Harry heading to the Ministry of Magic.
I just turned 45 and I’m aging out of the DJ biz, but for now I’m relevant, and I’m excited for the different avenues I’m adding to spice things up! Hospitality is my gifting and I know If I can constantly be growing in my ability to provide joy to groups of people, I’ll be happy with the legacy I’m creating. Holding onto that understanding helps me stay grounded and press on. It’s an honor to have any talent that can pay the bills. I’m so thankful my clients in Kansas City have created this ability for me and my family.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
So I started this business officially in late 2012. I was a juvenile corrections officer, trying to give back to the youth I was once counted among. It didn’t work out, but I found something else out of those party years I could use for good. I grew up at the skating rink in Florida, and on the mountains in Colorado. I realized my musical pallet could please quite a few. And after my wedding in 2010, I kind knew I could provide a more professional experience than a lot of other pro’s in the market.
Our own DJ was rude and even belittled my mother in law. He was inflexible and easily offended when I told him 2 of my youth group buddies would be doing the hosting. It was then that I knew I could do the job. I started as a Craigslist DJ as I call them. I was charging $3-$400 a pop and mostly learning a lot. Now I’ve become one of the most well known Wedding DJ’s in the area and I couldn’t be more thankful. My clients are amazing! I’m so thankful for the blessing of having more time with my family during the week. And I will continue to provide the best experience for local gatherings that I can.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
This is hard to put on one person. My Dad taught me some wonderful character traits. He was the one who said to wake up with the sun, circle several jobs in the classified, dress for the job you want, and take a pen. But it was in Tallahassee, when I was 22, that I met an older logger named David. He taught me how to just get after it and not always ask too many questions. I owe much of my professional confidence to him. Now, clearly neither of those influenced my creative vocation of DJing. To be honest, I think it was a combination of good Godly influence that helped me use my past for good. The music and microphone experience came from my own up-bringing. I’ve always been an extrovert. I just love using it in a more grown up setting than I did in college.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Wounds are a dime a dozen after age 30. Most of us have had friends get married before us, lost a friend, lost a child, lost a parent, or lost a job. We all lose things and people. Coming to terms with your own loss on a major scale needs some adjustment. I’ve lost a handful of friends, a handful of jobs, and all my grand parents. Accepting loss helps us accept who we are in the world and own our place while it’s our time. Accepting how your parents want to control you is also part of moving on. Letting them speak, letting others comment, it’s just part of life. At the end of the day, we make our own choices and lie down in the beds we bought. We can always compare to what could have been, but choices must be made, and we play the hands we are dealt.
My parents got divorce when I was young. My daughter has type 1 diabetes. I had a bad car accident a few years back that made me unable to run. My Dad had half a dozen strokes last year and he’s like a different person now. Life is full of heartache, but it’s also full of wonder. My Dad is a Dr. and my brother is a nurse, so comparison can be an easy trap. But I make people smile on the biggest day of their lives. I come back to that for purpose and to press on. Soon I’ll provide a better photo booth and hopefully more will follow. If I can leave a legacy of known hospitality in my home town, that would be alright.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Fads are typically trends that are completely different from what we’ve ever seen before. A shift is done in areas that demand advancement. I’m thankful that photo booths have kept their longevity due to the experience. In-spite of photography advancements, nothing can ever replace human interaction. This serves me well as a DJ too. Friends and family will always gather to celebrate. Clothes can wow for a time. Music can swing to unique corners. Needing to have a good time with people you care about? That can never be replaced. The London photo booth I build should also have some longevity to it because it has already stood the test of time as a staple of England and a visually appealing piece of our public streets… even though we have no need for them anymore. The look is half the battle.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope to be known as a strong man who loved God and people. I hope to create more avenues to encourage youth and young men to find others to fight shoulder to shoulder with against the evils of this world. I want my family to know I did everything I could to create a fun and fulfilling life for them. I want to be known as a man who loved his wife above all else. And I want those around me to know I believed Jesus died for our sins so that we may be received with open arms when we leave this world. Every day is a gift, whether through hard work, or with your loved ones. Appreciating the breath in your lungs is the key to living in joy in profession and at home. We will always be less than something or someone, whether it be intelligence, athleticism, or fame. Owning the stewardship God has given us is how we become great at what we are called to be… whatever that is. And being famous to the few who matter is all the legacy you need to leave.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rtbdj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisethebarrdj/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaisetheBarrDJ/
