DJ Laser uses talent to resist temptations

Nineteen-year-old Jandell Haywood, known in the Vincentian music circles as “DJ Laser”, is fulfilling a dream, and is using disc jockeying as a means to resist temptations.

Born in Rose Bank, Haywood said it was always his ambition to become a disc jockey, having been exposed to music systems from a young age.

Relating his initiation to the craft, Haywood said his stepfather DJ Dive Out had a sound system in a shop which he ran.

“Music has been part of me from a young age… I have been pressing buttons since I was 10 years old… I used to see my stepfather operate the system and whenever he was not around, I would take a chance and go on the set and play some music,” Haywood recalled.

“I also got the name laser from the shop, as my stepfather at the time used to sell a brand of razor blades by that name,” Haywood revealed with a chuckle.

Haywood said his deeper involvement in disc jockeying came when he entered the St Vincent Grammar School, and credits the distribution of the Acer laptops in the enhancement of his desires.

“When we were given the Acer laptops by the Government (of St Vincent and the Grenadines), I know it is given for research purposes, but I used the opportunity to download apps, so I could get to practise my DJ skills and yes that did work,” Haywood related with a sense of satisfaction.

“From there, I made the choice to become a radio announcer and a DJ,” Haywood stated.

He noted that although he is experiencing some upward mobility both in his skills and the procurement of better equipment, he has to face up to the challenges of a real world.

“As a young man, choosing this path, my mother has not fully embraced my decision; as you know most parents want their children to have a 9 to 5 job… Also I am getting other negative vibes from others as well, but they are not going to deter me,” he added.

“I also have to be fighting against being lured into some of the negative things in life, so when things get tough with me, I use music to stay focused on the good,” Haywood admitted.

He, therefore, is advising young persons who are going through struggles to go after something that is positive and uplifting.

Haywood thanked his manager Radiq Oliver of D Society Promotions, for sticking with him and is grateful for all who have accepted and embraced his talent thus far.