Lukas Misiukevičius is what you might call a modern-day fairytale. He quit his successful day job in marketing to pursue his hobby – music – full time. Now filling clubs to the brim and living life on his own terms, Lukas makes the rest of us wonder what would happen if we actually chased our passion – all gas, no brakes.
Music is your passion. You quit your 9–5 and started playing full-time – what pushed you to actually make the jump?
Listening to music has always been the thing that brings me the most joy in life. So it felt almost natural when one of my friends suggested throwing a party 15 years ago. DJing stayed my main hobby for years, but when I realized I couldn’t balance my work and personal life anymore, I had to make a hard decision. So I left a job I actually really loved.
What did your last day at the office feel like?
Well, since it was premeditated, it felt natural. I’d been living with the decision for almost a year and put my notice on my boss’s desk three months before my last day. Of course, things get a bit emotional when you say goodbye – but that’s only natural.
Was anyone skeptical about you going all in?
I don't think so. Everybody around me was really supportive, and that only validated that I’d made the right decision.
What was the hardest part of transitioning into full-time music?
Financial planning. When you're used to a regular salary, uncertainty can be scary.
What did you have to sacrifice to make it work?
Since most of my “work” happens on weekends, I got used to skipping various plans with friends. That’s what hurts the most.
Where do your ideas come from – emotion, environment, chaos?
That’s totally random. I might be watching a movie or hearing a song and think it would work in a certain situation or combination. I get most of my new ideas when playing live and experimenting. When I find a combo I want to try, I always put it in my notes. I just checked – I currently have about 200 ideas waiting to be tested.
Do you create more from discipline or inspiration?
It’s a combination of both. Every day I spend at least half an hour working on DJing. Sometimes, when preparing for gigs, I’ll spend up to eight hours in one sitting staring at my computer screen.
Do you remember your first set? Was it at someone’s house?
Actually, my first set was already a public gig – and it was the most fun I could imagine. It was stressful, of course, but it was my first time doing this DJ thing – and I had nothing to prove. That mindset made it easy.
When you started posting Reels, were you confident or overthinking everything? And when did it feel like people were actually listening – not just watching?
When posting anything on Instagram, I don’t like to overthink. I just wanted to make fun content that felt right in the moment. I realized people were really listening when some of my mashups started getting radio airtime – that was the best proof I could get.
What about your early content makes you smile – or cringe – now?
Trying to be too serious and showing off skills that I don’t really have :)
What does Young’s Club represent in your journey?
Young’s Club is like home to me. I started playing there eight years ago, and it remains the only place where I still play regularly.
How has that space shaped you? Does it feel different from other venues?
It shaped me, without a doubt. When I first started there, I tried to be a rap DJ. Then one night I threw a party where I played stupid, fun music – and that was it. That became my path.
It always feels different there. The place is so tight – you see and feel every single person. Usually, the crowd just turns into this lovely chaos. I somehow feel more responsibility and tension there too. Psychologically, it’s much easier to DJ in front of 10,000 people than to open the night at Young’s when the first guests are just walking in.
Who are you when you’re not DJing?
I’m a regular guy. I spend time with friends and travel when I can. I also really like photography.
What’s a misconception people have about you?
Most people think a DJ’s life is all about parties. In reality, I’d much rather have some quiet time.
Do you ever feel pressure to maintain a certain image?
Not really. I’ve never tried to pretend to be something I’m not – not in DJing, not in job interviews, not in dating. It’s much easier just being yourself. Always.
Your fashion game is strong. Intentional branding or instinct?
If you say so :) I joke that I have to “keep my image,” but it’s mostly just an excuse to buy things I like. I know what fits me, but usually it’s instinct.
What’s one item you own that feels symbolic?
My first watch – the one I bought after quitting my day job. It felt like proof to myself that I might’ve made the right decision.
Do artists today have to care about visuals as much as sound?
I’m not one to judge, but if someone cares more about visuals and that helps them achieve their goals, they might be on the right path. There have always been artists whose image was a bigger part of their identity than their sound – and that didn’t make them any less of an artist.
You’ve said there’s no such thing as “making it.” So what are you actually chasing – or running away from?
There’s no such thing as “making it.” It sounds like stopping – and in this world, you have to keep moving forward, even if it’s just to stay in place. I’m not running from anything. I think I’m chasing moments of stimulation or meaning – some kind of creative outlet, whether that’s music or photography.
I don’t know where I’ll be in five years. Maybe I won’t be DJing as much. But as long as I can keep putting my energy into doing what I love – not chasing some material or abstract “goal” – and still put food on the table, I’m good.
What scares you right now?
Getting old – but not physically. I’m scared that one day I won’t understand the world around me.
If your life had a soundtrack, what kind of energy would it carry?
Oh, emo rap. By my favorite band, Atmosphere.
What do you hope people feel when they leave your set?
Tired – but happy.
Photography and interview by Julia Vargalyte Intro and edit by Paula-Stina Tasane