Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Saltz
Christopher, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
This story started, like most, as a dream. I had just moved back to Houston, after spending a year and a half living in NYC. Struggling through a terrible romantic breakup, I moved back in with my parents in North Houston. I couldn’t keep a job for more than three months; working as a waiter or general laborer, I was struggling with acclimating back to life in Texas from New York. Living at home with my non-supportive parents at 21 was a nightmare; neither of them could understood my passion for music. They helped where they could, but after getting into some legal trouble, I decided Austin was a place for me to expand my portfolio and try a shot at some type of music career. I packed everything I could carry and hitchhiked down 290 until I was picked up by a truck, and taken to Austin where I would spend the next twelve years of my life cultivating a music scene.
When I arrived in Austin, I was essentially homeless – living at the ARCH, downtown, while I went from job to job trying to make ends meet. I slept on couches, ate at soup kitchens, and even laid concrete to help keep a couple dollars in my pocket. All the while, never giving up hope on music production and performance. I finally got a break one night from a dj pal, D-Disko, and my first show was at the famous Barbarella on Seventh and Red River. In twelve years, I became one of Austin’s most premier local djs, opening for acts like Twelfth Planet, Jacque Green, and Darius; while working for a syndicated radio station, Hypersonic Radio (Syndicated through Clearchannel on 101x). I was a resident dj for clubs like Ethics, Kingdom, and Plush, with weekly showcases spotlighting other various local talent from across the globe. In 2021, I decided to leave Austin (due to oversaturation of the market) and turned my focus on production; packing all my things and moving back to the Bronx, New York. Within a year, I released my first album – Triple E Dance Music – alongside subsequent singles on our recording company “Night Date Recordings”. I recently just released my second album “This is a Test”, which can be found on Spotify, Youtube, Amazon, and Itunes. Moving back to Houston in winter of 2024, I now live in West University where I produce music and play dj sets to those who will listen.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh my goodness – I not only struggled with homelessness, but with keeping a job due to a criminal record. Also, when you are competing with people who would step over their dying grandmothers to play a dj gig, you lose faith in what you do, and whether or not any ‘ethics’ or ‘morality’ still exist in the entertainment business. The biggest struggle was staying true to myself and not conforming to the sound that event planners and promoters wanted me to play.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
On-stage, I am known as DJ Saltz. While I do not pretend to classify what my music is, I CAN say that my dj sets are eclectic, action-packed affairs guaranteed to make your shoes groove. My production is an even broader affair, inspired by Jazz, 80s and 90s Hip Hop, and House music. I am most proud of the relationships I have developed over my 20 years as a performer. What sets me apart from others is my authenticity – I do not put on ‘masks’ or ‘airs’ – and I take that on stage; it makes a huge difference when performing pieces you are comfortable with rather than what you are forced to play.
Some links to my media online:
https://saltzdj.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4R8VYHI2z8v9SihNQNRwkA
https://www.youtube.com/@saltzdj
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-i6IKXacpvgLjujBghRq-g
https://www.facebook.com/SaltzDJ/
https://soundcloud.com/christopher-michael-saltz
https://www.mixcloud.com/SaltzDJ/
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dj-saltz/1717458072
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The most important lesson I have learned is to listen. I have found that listening is a lost art, not just in music, but in life. Covid 19 allowed me the chance to listen to people and their plight.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaltzDJ
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saltzdj
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/christopher-michael-saltz
- Other: https://saltzdj.bandcamp.com
Image Credits
Real Music Events has the only credit for cover photo
