Jody Vukas stopped by the Nexus Lounge Miami during Miami Music Week. A figure who’s transcended the bounds of genre, Jody’s journey from vinyl enthusiast to a celebrated DJ and producer reads like a compelling novel with twists and turns only the music industry could offer.
Jody reminisces with infectious enthusiasm about his early days. “Learning to DJ with just turntables was enlightening,” he said. “The skies opened up, and angels sang when I first matched those beats.” His beginnings in a humble record shop in Tampa are a far cry from the extensive reach he enjoys today, with a career spanning 25 years and a history of channeling beats into a symphonic mix of melody, tech, and progressive house.
A decade-long hiatus from Miami Music Week was broken only recently when serendipity played its hand. “Seven Fisher reached out,” he laughed, recalling the spontaneous reconnection with old friends and the resulting lineup of events. “It felt like the universe was telling me I was making the right decision.”
Teaching himself the art of DJing with no instructionals or classes, Jody’s philosophy of perseverance shines through. As DJing has evolved, he acknowledges the advances that younger generations enjoy today, “The sync function makes it easier, opening doors for creativity with stem separation and on-the-fly remixes.”
Yet, it’s not just the glitz of DJing that fills his narrative. A detour into the cannabis industry also marked his journey, where he found success and accolades. But, as he explains, “Music is calling… it felt like a part of me kept saying, ‘over here.'” Returning to his calling, Jody embraces the changing landscape of DJing, leveraging technology to hone his art.
The conversation took a whimsical turn with DJ Davis’ infamous “Take Five” questions, where Jody humorously declared, “A possum would definitely be the rudest animal if they could talk,” inducing laughter and an anecdote about a possum trap gone wrong.
As the interview wrapped, Jody hinted at exciting new projects, including his first album and collaborations with remarkable artists. “I’m taking my time,” Jody insisted, eager to craft an album that resonates deeply with listeners. Listen to the full interview below.
