Alumni Spotlight: Jonathan Santos Aka JonJukebox

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Meet Jonathan, from streaming to living as a DJ

Jonathan Santos is a Sound Academy graduate, multimedia journalist, graphic designer, and DJ from Camden New Jersey. During the pandemic, he and his brother hosted a storytelling stream for an entire year. Now Jonathan is embarking on his own creative journey with plans to launch a YouTube streaming project called John Jukebox. He also balances his DJ career between club gigs and community events.

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Before Sound Academy

Jonathan joined Sound Academy to elevate his technical and creative skills as a DJ and music producer. He was drawn to the academy's reputation for giving artists professional tools and industry knowledge. Jon asked us to elevate his sound, his network, and to gain practical knowledge in a studio environment.

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The Sound Academy experience

Jonathan described his time at Sound Academy as transformative. He emphasized the importance of community in the program, emphasizing how being surrounded by other musicians encouraged growth. He appreciated the practical and professional nature of the training, which allowed him to navigate both the creative and strategic aspects of the industry. He learned how to manage content creation and effectively plan successful deployments, while gaining insight into industry partnerships. He also gained confidence in presenting ideas to industry professionals, such as DJs and radio collaborators. He also learned to recognize the value of staying proactive and consistent in applying strategies.

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Ongoing projects:

• Development of John Jukebox, a YouTube streaming project, with plans to launch between March and early summer 2025.
• Collaboration with a journalist and DJ from New Jersey to produce exclusive remixes, scheduled for release next week.
• Restructuring approaches for partnerships with DJs and radio stations in Miami.
• Actively engage with creative communities in Camden and Philadelphia through networking events and collaborations at local studios, such as JPEG Studio.

Tips for future students:

1. Take notes: always document what you learn to maintain essential information.
2. Ask questions with confidence: no question is too small; everyone is there to grow together.
3. Be punctual: arriving early is a sign of professionalism and preparation

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What's next for JonJukebox?

Jonathan wants to strike a clear balance between DJing in clubs and participating in community-based events. He also wants to extend the reach of content beyond his local area and perfect deployment strategies for continued success. Jonathan aims to take advantage of Sound Academy's resources and partnerships to advance his career. Jonathan expressed his gratitude to Sound Academy for playing a role in its growth. Jonathan remains optimistic about working with Sound Academy on future projects and contributing to his community.