We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ishjon Hawkins . Check out our conversation below.
Hi Ishjon , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Absolutely- I’d hire me. I show up with energy, creativity, and consistency every single time. Whether I’m producing tracks or performing live, I bring a mindset that’s all about connecting people through sound. I understand the crowd, adapt in real time, and keep things professional while still having fun with it. I wouldn’t hesitate to hire myself because I know I deliver results from making a crowd move to helping a brand or event leave a lasting impression.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m DJ Rent EM Spoons a producer, performer, and curator based in Salt Lake City. My brand is built around connecting sound, culture, and emotion through high-energy DJ sets and original productions. What sets me apart is how I bridge local artistry with broader creative influences, blending hip-hop, house, and experimental sounds into something that feels both homegrown and world-class.
I’ve had the honor of performing at events like the Utah Arts Festival and collaborating with some of Utah’s most talented rising artists. My goal is to elevate the city’s music scene and spotlight the voices that deserve to be heard. Right now, I’m gearing up for a new wave of releases, including a collaboration with Mugga220, and continuing to craft live experiences that turn every crowd into a community.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that’s shaped me the most is the one I have with music itself. It’s been there through every phase of my life — from digging through CDs and mixtapes as a kid to performing onstage now. Music’s taught me discipline, patience, and self-expression. It’s also connected me with people and communities that reflect who I am and what I stand for. That bond keeps me grounded and reminds me why I do this — not just for recognition, but for growth, connection, and legacy.
Another relationship that’s deeply shaped me is with my mother. She’s been my biggest supporter and motivation from day one. Her strength, faith, and work ethic taught me how to move with purpose and never give up, no matter what’s in front of me. Between her influence and my connection to music, I’ve learned what it truly means to stay driven and authentic
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering teaches you what success can’t, how to keep going when no one’s watching. When everything’s smooth, it’s easy to feel confident. But it’s the hard moments, the losses, the doubts, the times when you feel unseen — that really test your purpose. Those moments taught me patience, faith, and how to move with intention. They made me appreciate the small wins, the process, and the people who genuinely believe in me. Success feels good, but struggle builds character — it’s where I learned who I am and why I’m doing this.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think a lot of smart people get it wrong when they start chasing perfection instead of purpose. Everyone’s focused on analytics, algorithms, and trends trying to predict what’ll go viral, but they forget the human side of creativity. Real art, real connection, comes from feeling, not formulas. You can have all the data in the world, but if there’s no soul behind it, it won’t move people. I think the smartest thing anyone can do right now is slow down, listen, and create something real something that lasts longer than the moment.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m creating music, but not just for the sound for the connection it brings. Whether I’m in the studio or performing live, there’s a calm that comes from knowing I’m building something that reflects who I am and honors where I come from. Moments with my mother and family, watching them support me through the grind, remind me why I keep pushing. That mix of creativity, reflection, and the people who’ve shaped me is when I feel grounded, connected, and truly at peace like I’m leaving a legacy worth remembering.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://djrentemspoons3.bandzoogle.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djrentemspoons?igsh=MTN6N3dqNWw4MXEydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@djrentemspoons504?si=mu5APAXpjX5WPvTq
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/pzytSPj9fqx0CMNLF1
Image Credits
Kealii Smith
