By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
With only three years of professional appearances, DJ TDon (AKA T’Don Marquis) has quickly established himself as a multi-talented artist and sensational performance DJ across North America. Up next, he is headlining the Dark + Frutty party that kicks off the Joining Hearts Weekend. David caught up with the busy DJ ahead of his return to Atlanta.
You’re coming to Atlanta to open the Joining Hearts weekend at the Heretic with Dark + Frutty party. But you actually used to live in Atlanta, right?
I get this question a lot, but I’ve never actually lived in Atlanta. However, it was in the works many years ago as I planned on moving there for an internship for my undergraduate program in 2016. My degree is in Kinesiology, and I chose to complete my internship out of state, which was in Oklahoma at the time. I traveled frequently to Atlanta in 2016 to start building my life there – housing, school, work, gym, friendships, etc. – but life had different plans for me at that time. I ended up moving to Miami, Florida to participate in an internship, which is where I ultimately stayed after graduation until my career shifted into software sales in 2017. I then moved to Dallas in January of 2018 and have been here since.
How does it feel to be returning to Atlanta?
Atlanta is and always will be a second home for me! It holds a special place in my heart because of the ever-lasting memories and friendships I’ve cultivated there over the years. It’s also where I discovered what “Circuit parties” were – funny enough! It was a fantastic introduction as I was surrounded by loving friends and some of the best music the industry had to offer. I often reflect on that time in my life as it was when I came out to my family and close friends, so I have many nostalgic and joyous memories that I hold onto dearly. This in turn brings out the best and deepest emotions in me, which we all know makes for the best DJ sets.
I’ve watched you grow as a DJ, and you’ve had quite the trajectory. What do you think you can attribute to your success as a DJ?
I stick to what I love and how I feel. I gravitate to music that makes me happy and genuinely makes me feel “some type of way.” Personally, I like to describe it that way because we’re all capable of feeling multiple emotions when it comes to music. It’s the universal language. Beginning this journey during the pandemic, I simply wanted to share my love of music with others through mix sets and playlists on applications like Spotify, Apple Music, and Soundcloud. At that time, I had no idea I was capable of becoming an international DJ and Producer, but I am incredibly grateful every day that life has presented me with the opportunity to do so. It’s the most gratifying feeling in the world to express myself and my love of music while I get to bring happiness to others as they dance their worries away. At the end of the day, or even in this case, it’s not about them or me; it’s about us, together, as one, on a journey through sound.
What other events will you be attending Joining Hearts Weekend? Will you be at the pool party?
I will certainly be attending the Main Event at Piedmont Park with DJs Brian Kent and GSP. It’s quite a magical event, and I wouldn’t miss it as it’s been a few years since I have been able to attend. I always try my best to make it to as many events as I can as I enjoy supporting my colleagues and event organizers, especially in Atlanta. It will be an incredible weekend of music with Isis Muretech, Alex Acosta, Joe Gauthreaux, Cesar Hernandez, and Jerac spinning. I’m ecstatic to be included amongst these industry giants!
What’s next for you as a DJ?
I have quite the schedule over the next year, but in the next few weeks, I will be DJing in Vancouver, British Columbia on Friday, August 4th for “Cruise Pride”, Chicago, Illinois on Friday, August 11th for CircuitMOM “Housegasm”, Montreal, Quebec on Sunday, August 13th for Fierté “Pride” Montréal, and Washington, D.C. on Friday, August 25 and 27th for Bunker “Haus Friday’s” and “Disco Daddy”. I will also be in Los Angeles, New York City, Dallas, Nashville, Palm Springs, and Puerto Vallarta before the end of the year!
When can we see you in Atlanta again?
It’s in the works! More to be announced soon.
You can catch DJ TDon on Friday, July 28, 9 pm – 3 am for the Joining Hearts kickoff party at the Heretic.