Embarking on his musical journey at the tender age of 12, DJLj’s initial setup was humble—two cassette players and a volume knob fader. Fueled by a passion for diverse genres, he gravitated towards electronic music during his early teens. The transformative moment occurred in 1997 at his first rave, where the ethos of peace, love, unity, and respect (P.L.U.R.) captured his spirit. Embracing the culture, he delved into mixing trance, progressive, and house, setting the stage for a musical odyssey that continued into the early 2000s.

In 2002, DJLj found a new home in Portland, falling in love with the city’s vibrant essence. Despite facing a battle with cancer shortly after his move, he emerged victorious. During his healing process, he became a part of the collective minds at the Temple of Sound (ToS) in Portland—an entity recognized as a legal church. In their shared dual-leveled warehouse space, ToS spread their message of passion and love through music every weekend. Serving as a gateway for many into the EDM world, ToS became a transformative force, changing lives and etching a significant chapter in DJLj’s history.