Today we’d like to introduce you to Antoine Barriere
Hi Antoine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always known I wanted to be a creative, but the path to becoming the creative I am today wasn’t always clear. I didn’t know what kind of artist I was nor what kind of artist I wanted to be. I began my pursuit of photography as well as DJing in 10th grade. My love for DJing emerged from my dad. He used to be a DJ when he was younger and the music he played for my sisters and I growing up deepened my love for music even more. The base knowledge of DJing came through playing DJ hero, the Wii game, and Virtual DJ on my computer. Eventually, I grew to start djing at some of my classmates’ parties and school functions. This all happened while I was still building up my photography portfolio and developing creative concepts to pursue. In college everything changed, I stopped pursuing photography and decided to study the business of the music industry. With three years left in college, I dove deeper into djing but also realized that I was more of an all-around creative and I wanted to stay in touch with every aspect of my creativity. Therefore, I developed an umbrella company called ToineyToineyVision (T+V: Talent plus Vision). That company houses KNOWHERE, a party collective, that I started in college, as ANTWIGADEE! (DJ). I’m currently integrating a creative agency hub as well, where people can look for artists to hire for their projects. My DJ career really took off in the middle of my college career and definitely after. I started out djing at crazy house parties and a slew of events for local colleges. After many years of hard work, I moved to DJ much bigger events, more notable venues and festivals in New Orleans and outside of New Orleans. Some of these include: (Buku Festival, Fried Chicken Festival, Essence Festival), House of Blues (New Orleans, Houston, Dallas), The NorVa (Norfolk, VA), The Ritz (Raleigh, NC), The Tabernacle (ATL), Historic Scoot Inn (Austin, TX), Tower Theatre (Oklahoma, Ok), First Avenue (Minneapolis, Mn), The Metro (Chicago, IL) and more. My career has allowed me to go on tour and open for some amazing artists like, Pell, PJ Morton, Tank and the Bangas, and Big Freedia. One of my favorite opportunities gifted to me by my career is that I was the DJ in the opening scene of Girls Trip. Since COVID, I DJ a residency every Thursday with Nola Art Bar, every other Wednesday with Loyola, that I thank God for every day, since last year having three residencies was on my goal list. I also have self-proclaimed residency every Monday on Instagram, called Mix it Monday, and occasionally host Gospel Grooove on Sundays via Instagram as well,
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My career path definitely has not been easy, but I don’t think life is easy for anyone. College was a big challenge; I was unsure about all of the options that I was interested in. After college more obstacles came, I kept feeling like I was supposed to be further in my career, making more money, and having more in general. That thought process is a product of the way society has glorified the idea of post-grad life. It would cause me to go through waves of self-doubt. Throwing my own events brought a totally new series of obstacles. For instance, my team and I battled with finding the perfect space for our crowd, one that wouldn’t overcharge us because of our age demographic, potential damage, or potential low drink sales or the challenge of throwing a successful event as a startup company and being profitable was a balancing act in itself. I am thankful for that learning opportunity now that I look back on it, but in those moments, I was really hurt, it made me question what made something successful. Currently, everyone is dealing with Covid so that’s a new obstacle on top of the others. But now with all of those lessons under my belt I look at challenges differently. As long as I treat my obstacles and challenges in real life like I treat obstacles and challenges in a game I will be ok. Face every adversary not as if it is a make or break-it moment, but as if you have lives stacked on deck and you have an unbeaten track record; there’s always a way you just have to be creative.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a full-time creative director at my church, Household of Faith FWCI, where I oversee the social media accounts, website, and edit our Sunday services to be broadcasted every Sunday. In my freelance work I am a DJ and creative entrepreneur. I am super proud of my 50th Mix it Monday ( https://www.instagram.com/tv/CIg1lSCFV2B/) it was the first time I directed a music video on a large scale. I included only New Orleans artist in the mix for music and creative directed the graphics for the video as well. What I believe sets me apart from others is my creative vision and ability to thrive in multiple creative fields at a high level; while maintaining quality work.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
God, my family, and my ability to create. God has kept me through a lot, gives so much wisdom, and wakes me up every day. My family supports me 100% and they push me while also keeping it real with me. I could lose everything I have, my controller, my speakers, my computer, even my external hard drives but my mind can create new designs, think of new sets, and make new business plans. It’s not what you have the makes the difference, but what you do with what you have.
Pricing:
- DJ: $375 for 3 hours or less + $75 every additional hour
Contact Info:
- Email: toineytoineyvision@gmail.com
- Website: antwigadee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antwigadee/
- Youtube: antwigadee
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/antwigadee
- Other: https://linktr.ee/antwigadee
Image Credits
Trenity Thomas, Lou Dorsey, Jabari
