Dj Jay D

In a sea of push-button DJs with narrow Serato crates, Methuen, Massachusetts, native Jason Dowd spends the bulk of his time finding ways to both evolve and challenge himself—standing out from the competition in the process.

“I got involved in music because I needed saving,” he says honestly. “Music was my inspiration to do better things ... [my inspiration to] push and elevate. I owe everything to music, and I feel each opportunity I get to perform, I am giving back and paying it forward.”

Many in the field seem to ignore the ultimate science of genuinely being a great DJ—reading the crowd. This sense of knowing the right song (tempo, genre, vibe) to drop at the right time is something that comes naturally to Jason. A testament to his ability to connect with people are the countless (professional) awards he's amassed for his superior sales skills.

His crowd/people reading is a talent he has prided himself on; as he explains it, “it’s all about giving people the absolute best time possible.”

Spinning everything from throwbacks, reggae, dancehall and top 40, to drum & bass and house, Jason has played all of the most notable local nightclubs (alongside local music royalty), held multiple residencies, and played exclusive special events.

As well, he’s worked with a host of charities, and numerous brides and grooms to help provide the soundtrack to the most important day of their lives. He’s invested a lot of his time into developing his distinctive sound and building a strong foundation—and following.

Currently working on phone apps, business plans, and a host of opportunities poised to take his brand to the next level, Jason proudly cites his most significant achievement as developing the next big act. “My stepson is following me into becoming a DJ,” he says with a smile, “by far it's the biggest achievement ... to [help] develop these skills in another person and set them up for success.”