WHO IS DJ DUSTIN C
Get The Real Scoop
DJ Dustin C first spun his way onto the Muscle Shoals music scene in 2016. In that time, he has established a reputation as one of the most reliable and trusted DJs in his field.
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But who is DJ Dustin C?
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DJ Dustin C is Dustin Coan. Dustin is a musician and photographer from Muscle Shoals, AL. He grew up shadowing record label talent scouts as a child and was introduced to touring musicians by members of his family who worked closely with artists such as Fleetwood Mac, KISS, Wet Willie, Billy Joe Royal, T. Graham Brown, and others. Dustin knew from a young age that he wanted to play music. In elementary school, you can join a beginner band to learn the fundamentals of music theory, notation, and how to play an instrument. Dustin excelled at this and by his sixth grade year, was marching with the High School Marching Band in the drum line. Concert season was always a down time for the drum line as there weren't many parts available, so Dustin innovated and learned new instruments. This lead to him playing with bands such as Cypress Run, Brendan Young, and others as well as recording at some of the Shoals most legendary studios. To date, Dustin proficiently plays SIX instruments and can get by on another seven different instruments.
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After High School, Dustin wanted to divulge himself in the music scene. As such, he founded Shoals Area Music (SAM) to progress the awareness of the Muscle Shoals Music Scene and help local musicians get their music out to the world. At it's peak, SAM encompassed a collection of over 200 artists and bands with a website having full electronic press kits for local artist, a podcast featuring local music, a monthly showcase show, and an annual fundraiser show to help the Shoals less fortunate. Sam is still active to this day, however it is scaled back to a social media presence only.
Dustin knew there was more to learn and in 2016, he was reintroduced to the world of photography and used it to combine his passion for art and music. Since 2016, Dustin has worked both in studios and on the road as a photojournalist and freelance photographer for hire. His work has appeared in such publications as SET Magazine, Americana Highways, The Southern Rambler, The Times Daily, The Courier Journal, Muscle Shoals To Music Row, Buscadero (an Italian music publication), and numerous online outlets. His travels have taken him to festivals such as Sloss Music and Tech Festival, Live On The Green Music Festival, Moon River Music Festival, The Helen Keller Festival, The CMA Music Festival, and more. Dustin has photographed over 300 artists including Kris Kristofferson, Chris Stapleton, Charlie Daniels, The Alabama Shakes, Margo Price, Kacey Musgraves, Delbert McClinton, Billy Bob Thorton, Nathaniel Rateliff, Vance Joy, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Mavis Staples, John Schnider, Drivin' N' Cryin', Patterson Hood, Donnie Fritts, and more. For a full list, visit Dustins photography website at www.coancreations.com.
Music and art lie at the heart of everything Dustin does. (Check out the photos of Dustin with artists and during performances below!) With that said, it's only natural that he wanted to give back in some way. His photography led him to the Shoals Community Theatre in Florence, AL a short distance from his home in Muscle Shoals. There Dustin was introduced to the mission statement of the Theatre and fell in love with it's history. In 2018, Dustin joined the Executive Board of Directors for the Shoals Community Theatre and proudly serves as the marketing and public relations director as well as an adviser for talent booking. This isn't the only nonprofit that Dustin is affiliated with though! In 2017, Dustin was invited to attend a board meeting for the Helen Keller Festival. After attending a few meetings and discussing ideas, Dustin offered his insight and experience as an entertainer and festival photographer as he officially joined the Board of Directors in 2018.
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As a DJ, Dustin has been active since 2016 when he filled in for a night club gig at PJs Country Club in Muscle Shoals, AL. This sparked something in Dustin as he enjoyed making people dance with his song choices, much like they danced when he was on stage with an instrument in his hands. He started sub contracting with local companies and DJing events all over the Southeast. Dustin constantly strives to improve upon his skills and that drive lead to him taking in person lessons from DJ's such as DJ Q-Bert (3 Time World DMC Champion), DJ Digital Dave (Pittsburgh Steelers In-Game DJ), DJ Flipside (Founder Of Jump Smokers, Toured With Pitbull), DJ Casper (The DJ Behind The Cha-Cha Slide) and more. Dustin worked to build his mentor network and has done private zoom lessons with DJ's like DJ Ragoza (2 Time World DMC Champion). All the skills and knowledge Dustin learns is visible in his work as a DJ. This is why you won't see a bad review anywhere online. Dustin is available through sub-contract or by direct booking. Want to hire a tried and true DJ who does it not just for the money, but for the joy of seeing people truly enjoying themselves? Then don't wait, reach out to discuss booking DJ Dustin C today!
