Share
From wild college parties to headlining major events, DJ Trauma’s journey is as legendary as his sets. In fact, even his DJ name is a testament to his ability to set the dance floor off! With a resume that includes touring with the legendary Dave Chappelle as his official DJ and creating the Trauma Unit Retreat, an annual event focusing on wellness through music, community, and celebration, Trauma is more than just a DJ; he’s a cultural force.
In this exclusive interview, Trauma shares stories of his rise to fame, unforgettable gigs, and the driving force behind the Trauma Unit Retreat. Let’s jump in.
Where did the name Trauma come from?
I used to throw a party in college at a legendary ATL club called Ethiopian Vibration. It would be so packed and so hot that people would be drinking and passing out, and the “trauma truck” would come to revive them. One time, I was sitting outside and saw this happening, I said, “Yeah, I want people to party so hard the Trauma Unit gotta come scoop them.” (laughs)
How did you first learn to DJ?
I learned from one of my friends in high school. I also just listened to the radio a lot, to DJs like Red Alert, Kid Capri, and Funkmaster Flex.
Growing up, did you always want to DJ? How did you get into music?
I was a nerd growing up. I went to Bronx Science, one of the top schools in NYC. When I went to high school, I started to really get into music and nightlife. NYC in those days didn’t card you and I had the earliest curfew of my friends, which was 3:00 am. (Sounds insane now, but times were different.)
I think I fell in love with hip hop first through dancing and the clubs. I had friends who were DJs and being a nerd and engineering-minded kid, I was always fascinated and asked questions about the equipment and how everything worked. At one point, my friend Rob said, “You know you can DJ too.” The thought never occurred to me. He broke down what I needed and said, “Just start buying records and you will build your collection.” And so my DJing began.
What’s the craziest gig you’ve ever played?
Ava DuVernay’s 50th at Oprah’s Maui House. Let’s put it this way – the NDA was thick! (laughs) Such an amazing experience.
How did you originally link up with Dave Chappelle?
It was definitely a case of being ready and being persistent. Dave came to Atlanta and at the time, was using different DJs in every city. I was one of the top DJs in the A, so they tapped me to play and open his shows. I did eight of his nine shows.
I had never met him before, so I played what I thought he would like from what I saw on “Chappelle’s Show” and “Block Party.” I took him around Atlanta and brought him to the clubs I thought he would feel the vibes.
After those dates, I just kept in touch with his team, and every so often they would call me to play shows. And I would kill them! People around him took notice.
Dave would also just pull up to random bars and clubs and ask if I could take over and no matter the club, pop, hip hop, country, I could find a lane where the crowd was happy and Dave was happy.
I think Dave loved the versatility I had because his music tastes range from jazz to hip hop to rock. His music knowledge is insane. This went on for a few months and in November of 2013, Dave did a short residency at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The first day, he wasn’t feeling the DJ they had gotten and his team called me in. I was too excited because First Avenue is where they filmed Purple Rain. It’s an iconic venue. I came and brought my AAA game and crushed it! At the time Dave was doing two shows a night and in between shows, he asked if I wanted to be his DJ. The rest is history!
What’s your favorite song to drop in a set?
If I can squeeze in “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers, I am happy. I got a hip hop blend, reggae blend, bounce blend, Afro-beat, etc. (laughs)
What is your DJ setup like?
My home setup is two Pioneer DJ 1000 turntables and an S9. My tour rider is the CDJ 2000s and a Pioneer DJ S11.
Tell us about the Trauma Unit Retreat this past June. What was a highlight for you?
The Trauma Unit Retreat is my favorite thing I have created. It’s about building a community through music and travel, and the energy/vibes of the people are incredible. The highlight for me is seeing all the new people (“the freshman”) and my alumni blending together. This is the magic and is my favorite part of the retreat.
How did you choose the talent and location?
A combination of my friends/people I have been rocking with for decades, DJs that have the same community-based vision, and party killers. The energy that a DJ has and creates is the most important thing.
What can you tell us about the Trauma Unit Retreat for 2025?
I am about to perform a magic trick for 2025! This is year FIVE, so it’s time to ELEVATE! If you’re reading this, book ASAP. It’s going to be life-changing!
