Inside Story - DJ Ricky Myers



Ricky Myers

Age Range
36-45

Countries of Work
USA, Far East, Australia

Study and Career History
For the past 15 years I have been DJing around the world. Most of my residencies have been in upfront contemporary dance clubs. For the past year I've been working in Asia, namely Shanghai and most recently Bangkok. I have a good working knowledge of global dance trends as I've worked in Asia, The Middle East, Africa, Australia, North America, and Europe.

How long have you been doing the job?
15 Years.

Did you decide on your career path or did it all happen by accident?
While studying economics at university I got involved with college radio. One thing led to another an soon I was DJing in clubs throughout the states. By the time I graduated from uni I was offered a job in Japan and have since then continues to work abroad. Since then, things just seemed to fall into place, contacts were made, and my career has continued to grow.

How did you get your "Glamour Job" ?
Between semester at uni, I went to a night club and inquired about a job. I already had some radio experience and since I was in the right place at the right time, I got the job.

What does the job involve?
Two Words... Entertaining People.

Describe a typical day at work.
I usually sleep until 10-11 am. Depending on what's going on at the club I'm either, choreographing dance routines, rehearsing with musicians, programming lights, sourcing costumes, creating artwork for promotional development, installing or modifying audio visual systems, meeting with promoters, tending to requests from special event planners, scheduling entertainment staff (dancers, dj's, musicians, special attractions), liaising with record companies, sourcing music, etc

What do you like most about the job?
Because trends are always changing in the club scene my job is constantly changing. That's interesting and I like that. My work has many dimensions as well (see question 10). I also like the chance to travel. I've worked all over the world and I'm lucky.

What don’t you like about your job – if anything?
Sometimes I wish I could see more of my family. I have really cool parents and siblings and I don't see them much because I'm often out of the country.

During your teenage years did you have much vocational guidance from school, university, family or friends? What was your biggest influence?
I had a lot of guidance from my parents, teachers, and coaches. I went to a good school and everyone managed to steer me in the right direction(s). I suppose my biggest influences growing up were sports, music, religion (I'm hardly a pious man but the religious training I received shaped me and had a big influence on who I've become), and theatre.

If you took end of school examinations did you get exam results you were happy with from your education?
I did well enough on my "end of school" exams (aka SAT exams in America) to get into the university of my "first choice". I had a fine university experience and finished when I was 23.

Do you think that what you studied in school or in your further education was right for the career you are in now? Any regrets?
Yes. No regrets. Although I studied economics and later became I DJ, my degree has opened doors that would have other wise remained shut had I not graduated.

Have you taken further studies since leaving secondary or tertiary school. If yes, what did you study and why did you decide you needed more qualifications?
I studied Japanese at the university of Hawaii as I was living and working in Honolulu and had just returned from a contract in Japan. I wanted to keep my Japanese skills sharp. I spent a long while in France & Indonesia and did the same there. I'm also a certified Personal Trainer as I was an Ironman Triathlete from 1998-2002.

What was your first job?
One summer I worked as a dish washer at a busy breakfast restaurant on the New Jersey Shore, 1976. I was the hardest job I've ever had. The line-cooks were really tough on me and it seemed like there was enough work in that kitchen to last a lifetime.

What has been your most bizarre or challenging job to date?
I've had many challenges throughout my career; They've all been different and I wouldn't say one was more challenging than the other. Most recently, I opened a night club in Bangkok last year. There was a lot of pre-opening work to be done and we all worked many long hours. In the end we had a great club and it's become the talk of the town.

What is your ultimate goal.... is this it, or do you have a pinnacle you have yet to reach?
My ultimate goals are personal. One goal we all share, at least most of us, is to make a lot of money. That's what I'm up to at the moment and I have yet to reach that pinnacle.

What are your top tips for personal success?
Stay on the Road...Keep at it!

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