Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Castenholz.
Hi Derrick, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
# DJ DC: From Michigan Wedding DJ to Creator of The One Note Challenge
I DJ’d my first wedding at 16, but building a professional career took more than a love of music. My journey from a side hustle to running DJ DC Productions, a Michigan wedding and event DJ company serving Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids and beyond, began with investing in education, relationships, and myself.
A turning point came about 15 years ago when I attended a DJ conference in Las Vegas. There, I connected with successful DJs who became a support network of mentors and friends. Those relationships helped me understand what it takes to turn a passion for DJing into a sustainable business.
To strengthen my technical skills, I went back to school to study audio engineering and sound production at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Beyond learning about sound, I met like-minded creatives and professors who had built careers in music. Being surrounded by people who were making a living doing what they loved helped me see what was possible.
My network became the foundation of my business. As I approached DJing with a business mindset, bookings grew, and I needed more DJs to meet demand. I began booking weddings and events for trusted DJs in my Ann Arbor and Detroit network. Over time, those collaborators became part of DJ DC Productions, growing the company from just me into a team of 10 talented Michigan wedding and event DJs.
Then came 2020. The pandemic brought live events, and my business, to a sudden stop. I needed a creative outlet and a way to stay connected with people until we could celebrate together again. I turned to social media to share my love of music.
That decision opened a new chapter. Today, I’m known as the creator of **The One Note Challenge**, with nearly one million followers and more than two billion views across social media platforms.
From my first wedding at 16 to building a DJ team and connecting with music fans around the world, relationships have shaped every stage of my career. Investing in my craft, learning from others, and staying open to new opportunities have helped turn my love of music into a career that continues to grow.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There will always be challenges along the way. When a road closes, you have to find another route. For me, tenacity has been one of the most important parts of building a successful business.
The pandemic lockdowns were the biggest setback I’ve faced. Based on our business numbers, they erased roughly four years of progress. Four years of hard work, growth, and momentum—that’s a tough reality to confront as a business owner.
But I wasn’t ready to walk away from what I had built. I had to adapt, get creative, and keep moving forward, even when the next step wasn’t clear.
That experience changed how I approach both business and adversity. DJ DC Productions is stronger today because of what we learned and how we responded. I can’t predict every challenge ahead, but I have greater confidence in our ability to adapt, rebuild, and keep growing.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a DJ, business owner, and music content creator. Through DJ DC Productions, my team and I specialize in weddings, school dances, and corporate events throughout Michigan. We’re known for creating celebrations that are “uniquely you” events shaped around your personality, your music vibe, and the experience you want your guests to have. Every celebration deserves its own personal approach.
What I’m most proud of is my crew. DJ Adrenaline, DJ Danny Fantom, DJ/MC Quan, DJ Xav, The Groovematist, The Maestro DJ, DJ Dorian Deaver, DJ Maxx Makau, DJ Aesthetic and MC Queso Tone They understand how much these moments matter and care deeply about the people who trust us with them. They love what they do, and that passion comes through in every event. We’ve built more than a team; we’re family.
Online, I’m best known as the creator of The One Note Challenge, along with videos that celebrate music and the memories it brings back. It’s a simple concept that connects people around the world through the excitement of recognizing a song. Whether I’m behind the turntables or in front of a camera, bringing people together through music is at the heart of what I do.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see AI and technology driving some of the biggest changes in the DJ and entertainment industry. As those tools evolve, our work will demand an even more personal approach. AI can help curate playlists, but a memorable event takes more than a great song selection. It takes trust, connection, and someone who understands what a moment means to the people celebrating it. Recognizing when the energy shifts, knowing when to change direction, and making people feel valued are human skills that will remain at the heart of what we do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.djdcproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theofficialdjdc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theofficialdjdc
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djdcproductions/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theofficialDJDC
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@djdcproductions
