Meet Paul Allen | DJ/Producer & MC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paul Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paul, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have an enormous passion for music. My father first asked me what I wanted to do and I said “I want to be a DJ.” Obviously he laughed but just like a good father he supported me. He helped me get all my equipment and even came out to a few of my venues. After a while I wanted to expand from just my single bar gig. I ventured out and put some time into some promo events for the community. It was then I did my first wedding. After that I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to make and play music all the time. From that Hazardous Entertainment was born. I now do events all over the country.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I would go out to bar and clubs I always noticed the same thing. The DJs have a set or refuse to play requests. I told myself I would never do that. I was told to never say no to someone but make suggestions. I love getting those suggestions, those requests. I also learned that it’s not about me. I maybe the show, the entertainment, but it’s not about me. It was about you, the audience, the crowd. What was making you move, what was making you sing. From there it’s just a build. Everyone has a rhythmic bone in there body and it’s up to me to find it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First we would be off to La Trattoria on Duval. Amazing Italian style cuisine and to die for martinis. Definitely have to ask Alex or Pip to make you a Vespa. After that slide over to Mary Ellen’s. Always a good vibe there. Killer Jamaican style food with a little touch of their own. From there down to Fat Tuesdays. One of my favorite residencies that I had DJing. You got to have a 190 Octane with a double shot. Then skip over to General Horseplay. If you love killer craft cocktails, amazing music and a nice environment. There is none better than here. Try the espresso martini or my personal favorite, the “el querno.” After pop right next door and head to the roof of the Bull. This is the Garden of Eden, always great entertainment and some sights that you’ll never forget. It is most definitely an experience. Back down to Duval street and to Irish Kevin’s. Try to catch the man himself on stage, he’s a riot. Slam a Car Bomb or two. Now head across the street to Rick’s and dance the night away or listen to the Dirty Bags downstairs. Which ever tickles your fancy. After stop by Ingrid’s cart for some amazing street food and pop into Tattoos and Scars/Shots and Giggles for a drink. Now if it’s a night with the boys we finish it off at Vixens just off of Truman. Great bottle prices and the scenery is very nice.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As much I would like to take the credit as all my own, I can’t. I had a lot of support not just from my community but family (mostly my dad and my sister). My friends showing up to my random events when I started and promoting me. My sister to always being there and giving me song suggestions. The city of key west for allowing me to do a lot of the community events. I mean there are so many people and groups I could thank. I definitely have to give credit to DJ Gyver and DJ Gunns for teaching me the basics and pushing me. Most of all DJ Buggy, without you, I don’t where I’d be. Trying to be you, do what you did growing up with you. Pure inspiration and drive. Always going to be my friend.

Instagram: Djhazard88

Facebook: Dj Hazard Ent.

Other: SoundCloud and website are unfortunately under reconstruction. But they will be available soon. Keep your eyes and ears open.

Image Credits
@Djmisseden for all the photos she took.
@Afxofaphoto for all the amazing photos and videos he took.