DJ Mel, famously known as "Obama's DJ," is a versatile and highly acclaimed DJ based in Austin, Texas. With an impressive roster of past performances, Mel has graced stages at premier events and festivals including Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Bonnaroo, Voodoo Festival, and the X Games. His career highlights include iconic gigs like the 57th Presidential Inauguration for Barack Obama, the 2012 Democratic National Convention, Election Night 2012 at Obama HQ, Obama’s Farewell Address, and the White House Easter Egg Roll (2013–2016, 2022–2024).
DJ Mel has also played a pivotal role in political campaigns and events, spinning for the 2016 Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire Primary for Bernie Sanders, Beto O’Rourke’s 2022 Texas gubernatorial campaign and the 2011 California Democratic State Convention. Beyond politics, his resume includes DJing for the NFL Draft (2015–2019), the 2011 Tour de France and the 2010 NCAA Women’s Final Four.
A cornerstone of Austin's music scene, Mel helmed one of the longest-running DJ weeklies in the U.S. at Nasty’s (1996–2017). Currently, he serves as the Official DJ for The University of Texas Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams and continues to tour nationally and internationally. In recognition of his cultural contributions, The City of Austin proclaimed June 6, 2019, as DJ Mel Day. Additionally, in 2014, he was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of Texas’ most dynamic DJs.
Awards
2022 Best DJ - Austin Music Awards
2021 Most Innovative Pivot - Living Room Dance Party - Austin Chronicle - Best of Austin Awards
2021 Best Party Starter - Austin Monthly - Best of ATX
2021 Best DJ - Austin Chronicle - Best of Austin Awards
2020 #1 Livestream Artist - Austin Chronicle - Faster Than Sound’s Top 10s of 2020
2019 Best DJ - Austin Monthly - Best of ATX
2018 Best DJ - Austin360 Awards
2016 Best Club DJ - Austin Chronicle - Best of Austin Awards
2015 Best Club DJ - Austin Chronicle - Best of Austin Awards
2014 Best Club DJ - Austin Chronicle - Best of Austin Awards
2014 Austin Music Hall of Fame
2013 Best Club DJ - Austin Chronicle - Best of Austin Awards
2012 Best Club DJ - Austin Chronicle - Best of Austin Awards
2011 Best Club DJ - Austin Chronicle - Best of Austin Awards
2010 Best Club DJ - Roaries Austin Music Awards
2007 Best Club DJ - Austin Chronicle - Best of Austin Awards
2006 Best DJ - Austin Music Awards
2005 Best DJ - Austin Music Awards
2004 Scion "Free Up Your Mix" Texas Champion
2004 Best DJ - Austin Music Awards
2004 Best Club DJ - Austin Chronicle - Best of Austin Awards
2000 Best Club DJ - Austin Citysearch Audience Awards