DJ John "Prince"

From Basement Beats to the Big Stage: The Journey of DJ John Prince: Hailing from Saginaw, MI, DJ John “Prince” Princinsky began his musical journey in the most unassuming of places—a basement filled with boundless creativity and the beats of their parents' 70s and 80s rock records. Early on, DJ John Prince captivated audiences at basement parties, turning a simple pastime into a lifelong passion. By the age of 11, they were already crafting mixtapes from radio recordings, showcasing a burgeoning talent for curating music. The discovery of a catalog full of DJ gear ignited a fervent obsession, further fueled by the dynamic rhythms seen in iconic films like "Juice" and "House Party." Determined to transform their passion into a profession, John took on multiple newspaper routes to save for their first set of "Digital CD Turntables" at just 14 years old. Countless hours spent mixing and spinning at local house parties paved the way for their first professional gig—a wedding at the age of 16. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a distinguished career in DJing.

Musical Influences and Early Inspirations: DJ John Princes’ eclectic musical background is a rich tapestry woven from diverse influences. Growing up, their early exposure to rock and rap combined with church and school choir experiences, laid a strong musical foundation. The vibrant Detroit scene, with genres like Motown, Techno, and Horrorcore Rap, left an indelible mark. High school musical performances and a fascination with genres like Wicked Rap further expanded his musical horizons. The blend of these experiences shaped DJ John Prince’s open-format style, where they seamlessly mix a broad array of genres, drawing parallels to the innovative mash-up techniques of DJ GirlTalk, while clearly showcasing his own unique sound.

Career Milestones and Influences: John Prince’s career is marked by a series of memorable gigs and meaningful connections. His journey began with a first paid wedding gig in 2004, and over the years, he has been fortunate to build relationships with influential figures in the local industry, some of which whom have had national exposure. From growing up listening to DJ Fade (Brooks Elhert) on the radio and getting to know him to learning from Dean Rusch, Ryan Rousseau, DJ Tazz (James Murray), Jeff Henning, and many others, DJ John Prince has been inspired and guided by these key individuals throughout his career.

Achievements and Highlights: Throughout their career, DJ John Prince has played at numerous significant events, continually earning praise for their innovative style. While specific awards or high-profile collaborations are not mentioned, their impact is clearly felt through their engaging performances and the lasting impressions they leave on audiences.

Personal Touch and Passion: For John, the joy of DJing lies in the ability to surprise and delight even the most reserved of listeners. The greatest reward comes from receiving heartfelt compliments and knowing that they’ve created unforgettable experiences for their audience. Whether it’s a wedding or any celebration, DJ John Prince takes pride in making each event memorable.

Looking Ahead :As DJ John Prince embarks on a new chapter in North Carolina with Split Second Sound, they look forward to exciting collaborations and continuing to weave their passion for DJing into every event. The goal remains simple: to keep DJing as an integral part of their life and never retire from what they love.

Fun Fact: Over the last decade, John Prince has led an adventurous life beyond the DJ booth. They’ve moved around the country running martial arts schools, served as an 11B in the Army National Guard, and worked in real estate finance. These diverse experiences have enriched their perspective and added depth to their creative approach, reflecting the multifaceted nature of their journey both personally and professionally.