DJ JESSE INTERVIEW: DJ Jesse has become one of Ireland’s most sought-after selectors. From headline slots at Electric Picnic and Longitude to high-profile performances for Red Bull, Hennessy, Coca-Cola, and Def Jam’s 0207 Block Party, his resume reads like a greatest hits reel of culture-defining moments. This year alone has seen him on tour with Offica and the West Coast legend The Game, electrifying cities across the UK with his signature energy. We spoke to him about his career so far…
What inspired you to start DJing, and how has your journey evolved over the years?
Music’s been part of my life from day one playing instruments at church, rocking the music group in secondary school, and catching the attention of my brother’s friends. My real break came when my brother’s best friend asked me to DJ his wedding… even though I wasn’t a DJ yet! I jumped in, and I’ve been locked in ever since. From learning the basics to building my own style and rocking bigger crowds, every set just fuels the fire more.
Can you describe the creative process behind selecting tracks for your sets?
For me, it’s all about the vibe. I pick tracks based on the energy I feel in the moment, mixing crowd favourites with hidden gems to keep people guessing and locked in. Every set’s like building a journey, one track at a time.
How do you stay connected with your audience while performing, and what role does that connection play in your sets?
Watching their energy, feeling their reactions, that connection drives everything. It’s a back and forth vibe that shapes where the set goes next. I’m not working off a playlist; every set is created on the spot, making each one unique.
In your opinion, what is the most significant change in the music scene since you began your career?
The biggest change I’ve seen is how accessible music has become. With platforms like social media and streaming, anyone can get their music heard, and the audience can connect with you instantly. But COVID-19 really shifted the club scene, live shows took a hit and we all had to adapt. On top of that, people’s attention spans are shorter than ever, so keeping the crowd engaged is a whole new challenge. It’s all about finding creative ways to stand out in this fast-paced world.
How has technology changed the way you approach DJing, and what tools do you find indispensable?
Technology has completely transformed how I approach DJing. Serato has become an essential tool for me, especially with its AI-powered vocal and instrumental isolating features. Being able to separate vocals and instrumentals on the fly lets me remix live, layer sounds, and create unique moments in real-time. This ability to manipulate tracks on the spot has taken my sets to another level, giving me way more creative freedom than ever before.
What challenges do you face as a DJ in today’s music industry, and how do you overcome them?
The biggest challenge these days is cutting through all the noise. With everyone online and posting content, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. I stay focused on delivering something fresh every time whether it’s a mix, vlogs, day in the life’s, or connecting with my audience. Being consistent and authentic helps me stay true to myself while standing out.
Can you share a defining moment in your career that shaped your identity as an artist?
A defining moment in my career came when I DJ’d my first wedding. At the time, I wasn’t even a DJ yet, but my brother’s best friend asked me to take over, and that one experience sparked everything for me. It showed me the power of connecting with people through music and set me on the path I’m on today. Since then, I’ve always focused on creating that same energy and connection in every set, whether it’s performing alongside global artists like Burna Boy and Ice Cube or curating unique experiences with my brands, Disturbing and DJ Jesse & Friends.
How do you incorporate your personal experiences or emotions into your performances?
Whether it’s the energy of the crowd or what I’m feeling that day, I use the music to express that. Every night, I’m telling my story and it shows with how I play that day
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they impacted your style?
I draw inspiration from a range of artists and DJs from the energy of Burna Boy to the creativity of DJs like Black Coffee and DJ Puffy. Burna Boy’s global energy taught me how to control the crowd, while Black Coffee’s deep house vibes and DJ Puffy’s mastery of blending Caribbean sounds with modern beats inspire how I mix Afrobeat, Hip Hop, and House in my sets. Their influence pushes me to bring raw energy, soul, and versatility to the decks.
What message or vibe do you aim to convey to your audience through your music?
It’s not about whether you know the song or not if it’s played right, people will always vibe. My vibe is all about blending different sounds, cultures, and emotions to create an experience that feels real and unforgettable. I want the crowd to feel every moment, no matter what’s playing, and leave with that energy still with them.
How do you handle criticism or negative feedback regarding your work?
I take criticism as a chance to grow. Not everyone will vibe with what I do, and that’s cool. I listen to feedback, learn from it, and keep pushing forward. At the end of the day, I stay focused on what feels right for me and the crowd, and use anything negative as fuel to get better.
What are your thoughts on the current trends in DJ culture and music consumption?
The trends in DJ culture and music consumption are constantly evolving. Right now, there’s a huge focus on digital platforms, with streaming services and social media shaping how people discover and consume music. DJs are also leveraging technology, like AI and vocal/instrumental isolators, to create more dynamic sets. But with so much content being consumed on phones, it feels like the intimate, real connection with the crowd is sometimes lost.
I think we’re seeing a shift where people are more focused on capturing the moment for social media than being fully immersed in the experience. That said, the true power of DJing is still about reading the crowd and creating an unforgettable live experience. I’ll always keep it real by focusing on the vibe
What advice would you give to aspiring DJs looking to make a mark in the industry?
My advice is simple: stay true to yourself, put in the work, and never stop learning. Build your sound, don’t just follow trends. Get to know your crowd and create an experience, not just a set. Network, collaborate, and be consistent — your passion and authenticity will always stand out. The journey takes time, but if you keep pushing and stay focused, the right opportunities will come.
Looking forward, what goals do you have for your career, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue expanding internationally, bringing my sound to even more cities and collaborating with global artists. I also want to take DJ Jesse & Friends to the next level, making it a globally recognised brand. I plan to keep creating unique experiences and pushing my boundaries as an artist, whether that’s through new music, bigger performances, or more brand partnerships. Staying true to my vision and keeping the energy fresh is how I’ll get there.
