About DJ Misha
A Love for Dance Music and Approach to DJ’ing
DJ Misha is a dedicated and passionate DJ, who understands the emotional power of music and the unique blend of art and science that defines DJ’ing. His appreciation for the aesthetic aspects of DJ’ing and a dedication to the craft drive him to spend countless hours collecting and spinning vinyl records, curating DJ sets that expose audiences to exceptional music and unique artists. With each set, DJ Misha aims to create an environment where people can dance and connect with the music on a deeper level.
DJ and Saxophone Performance
Since 2007, DJ Misha has been performing alongside long-time collaborator Jason Whitmore as a DJ and Saxophone duo — a dynamic pairing that brings a unique live element to every set. Together, they were among the first to pioneer this now widely popular concept startin in Southern California and spereading worldwide. Together they travel across the country performing at destination weddings and enterprize corporate events. The combination of expertly curated DJ sets with the soulful, improvisational energy of a live saxophone creates an unforgettable sonic experience that elevates any celebration.
DJ Misha’s Music Styles
DJ Misha plays a curated collection of modern dance music, blending tracks seamlessly from one song to the next to keep the dance floor moving. His beginnings were rooted in house music, and he has since branched out to all kinds of dance music — including dance pop, EDM and festival-style anthems, and a wide range of house flavors such as progressive house, deep house, and tech house.
When the moment calls for it, Misha can turn the energy down with groovy nu-disco, downtempo, funk, trip hop, electronica, lounge, and chillout selections. Learn more about how DJ Misha approaches music on the music page.
Vinyl Enthusiast and Selector
When DJ Misha first stepped behind the decks, the primary method for spinning music was vinyl records and turntables — and that tradition left an indelible mark. From the very beginning, Misha started building a personal collection of records, digging through crates and hunting down rare pressings with a passion that only deepened over time. His collection runs deep in house music, featuring West Coast deep house, Chicago-style house, and UK house — much of it sourced from the same early 2000s era when he first started his DJ journey.
Today, DJ Misha maintains a rich vinyl collection and can deliver an all-vinyl set ranging from house music and disco to 80s funk and beyond. From the very start, Misha has been captivated by the aesthetics of working with vinyl — the ritual of placing the needle, handling the turntables, the warmth and high fidelity of analog sound, and the unmistakable quality it produces. Collecting and spinning records is a lifelong journey, one he has dedicated himself to with the same energy he brings to every dance floor.
Current Day Gigs and Performances
Over the last decade, DJ Misha has become a sought-after performer at weddings, corporate events, and private parties across the United States. Traveling coast to coast, DJ Misha brings his aethetic curated approach to music and expertise to every event – captivating audiences and elevating the musical experience to new heights — whether playing for an intimate gathering or a party with thousands of attendees.
Professional DJ Gear and Equipment
DJ Misha has the capabilities to handle sound for events of any size. For intimate gatherings and private parties up to a few hundred guests, Misha brings his own professional setup — Technics turntables or DJ Contoller, JBL speakers, microphones for toasts and announcements, and dance lighting to set the mood.
For larger-scale events, DJ Misha works with trusted partners and vendors who can provide and install full sound and production systems, ensuring seamless execution no matter the size of your celebration. Whether it’s a wedding, a corporate gala, or a private party — whatever your event calls for, DJ Misha can handle it.
Career Highlights and Experience
Starting Out as a DJ
DJ Misha’s journey as a disk jokey officially began in the summer of 2001 with two turntables, a mixer, and a handful of records. Inspired by the late 1990s Southern California rave scene and the progressive house mixes of legends like Sasha and Digweed, and Paul Oakenfold, he immersed himself in the world of DJ’ing. During his college years and through collaboration with other local DJs, he helped run a successful multi-year club event focused on various flavors of house music, steadily building a following of loyal fans while honing his craft.
Nightlife and Club Experience
DJ Misha further honed his skills in the vibrant nightlife scene of the San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, holding residencies at popular venues. He has shared the stage with world-renowned artists like Kaskade, Mark Farina, Third Eye Blind, and various artists from San Francisco’s Om Records label. His involvement in the nightlife scene included hosting successful events and parties as part of a DJ and promoter collaboration, establishing his presence and experience in the nighlife DJ industry.
Past Clients — Global Brands and Corporate Events
DJ Misha has had the opportunity to set the vibe for some of the world’s most recognized brands, bringing unforgettable energy to their corporate events and celebrations. Among the names he has collaborated with are Salesforce, Banana Republic, Intel, Essence of Australia, and Zero100 to name a few. Misha continues to partner with global brands for corporate events of all sizes — setting the mood, curating the music, and keeping the dance floor alive for their parties, celebrations, and elegant soirees.
Past Clients — Local Brands & Venues in San Diego
DJ Misha has partnered with many of San Diego’s most notable local brands and venues to bring quality music and entertainment to the community. For many years he was the resident DJ at Pacific Magazine events, and has performed at Brian Malarkey’s acclaimed restaurants — including Searsucker, Herb & Wood. He has held residencies at popular nightlife destinations like Vin De Syrah, Firehouse PB and many others. These collaborations were formative — each one sharpening his musical ear and deepening his connection to San Diego’s music and events scene.
Early Life Musical Influences
From a young age, DJ Misha was surrounded by music, thanks to his father’s extensive vinyl record collection and reel-to-reel tapes. Growing up, he listened to a diverse range of music, including disco, rock, pop, and jazz, with influences from iconic artists like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and ABBA.
Coming from a family with a rich history of music performance and appreciation, Misha is a multi-instrumentalist at heart — playing piano, guitar, and occasionally lending his voice to songwriting and singing. These early experiences laid the foundation for his music career, igniting a lifelong passion for music performance that continues to drive him today.
