August 22nd, 2022 is when we landed in Vancouver for the first time. Expectations were high and it was both scary and exciting. We came here from a place we called home. That place was Queenstown, New Zealand. Whether it was the right decision or not, we don't really know. We often bring up Queenstown in our conversations and it still holds a very special place in our hearts.
But over the years of traveling, I've learned that each new place/country presents new opportunities. After all, you are a nobody in that new environment and it's up to you to decide who you want to be and which path are you willing to take.
Sometimes, I look at it as if... it's life giving you a new chance to be whoever you want to be. No one knows you and you can pretty much do whatever you want. Although, usually, that's easier said than done.
New place and new opportunities.
Ever since I quit playing basketball, I shifted my focus towards music. The shift wasn't immediate and it took me a good couple of years to figure it out, but music was always there. Looking back at those three years I've spent in New Zealand, I can easily say that the one thing that the place really lacked was the electronic music scene. A good electronic music scene. Especially, when compared to how huge the music culture was in Europe.
You see, there are many DJs and producers that I follow and admire, but most of them never make it to New Zealand. Maybe Australia, but New Zealand - not so much. Fortunately for me - Vancouver is a whole different story. Just this past year, I got to catch some of my all-time favourite DJs spin here. I saw people like Eli Escobar, Black Loops, Derrick Carter, DJ Heather and was fortunate enough to get a chance to shake hands with Lars and Maarten from Dam Swindle, Mark Farina and even the legendary Miguel Migs. Sounds surreal when I think about it.
On top of that, I'm now helping one of the Vancouver-based, independent, Deep House record labels - Nordic Trax with promos, posters & other little bits, which not only gives me a great opportunity to see how the music industry works from the inside, but also opens up many doors to meet & learn from people who've been doing this for years.
Just a few weeks back I was sitting in a basement, chatting to the guys who've been DJ'ing for 30+ years, while Mark Farina was bumpin' a sick house set to a fully packed 600-person venue right above us.
Or, or just a few months ago, while in Seattle, I was chatting to Miguel Migs right before he went to play an incredible rooftop set. I was having a real fan boy moment, this is the guy who I've been listening to for years. Not only me, my older brothers too. Migs is a true OG of Deep House.
Who could've thought this would happen?!
These are the moments that I'll remember for the rest of my life.
Go for it.
All of this is to say that you never really know how what's waiting for you just around the corner. It's always easier to stay where you are now, do what you're doing and only think about what could happen if you did this or that. I think that my life is a pretty good example of what happens when you embrace the change and say "f**k it, let's do this". Not that it's an easy thing to do, as it comes with a lot of challenges, but I honestly, wouldn't change a thing. One thing I know for certain is that I don't want to live a life full of regrets.
Whatever it is that you really want to do, find a way to do it. If you end up making it happen - amazing! But even if you don't (as that is a real possibility), everything that will happen along the way (all of the experiences, relationships, life lessons) will make your life a whole lot more exciting. That's a fact. Okay, go on then!
Til' next time,
Vinny The Guy