Student Spotlight: From Military Compound To Packed Dancefloors

Andy Fermo never expected a volunteer DJ slot at his wife’s networking group would change his life. But that’s exactly what happened when he dusted off his old CD decks after seven years away from music.

“I hadn’t touched my gear since 2010,” Andy recalls. “After the Army, I hit a dark patch and didn’t touch music for nearly seven years. Then my wife volunteered me to DJ a local fashion parade. I pulled out my old CDs and bookshelf speakers, set up in the corner, and gave it a go.”

That corner set-up was the spark that reignited everything.

Mission-essential equipment

Andy’s relationship with music started young. As a teenager in Australia, he fell in love with underground dance music – progressive house, breakbeats, techno, and deep house. But vinyl decks and CDJs were expensive, and the dream had to wait.

It wasn’t until he was serving in the Army that Andy finally had enough money to buy his first dual Pioneer CD deck. He shared a room with a mate who owned vinyl decks, and they’d swap techniques, pushing each other to improve.

“Music became part of our downtime, especially the underground scenes we loved,” Andy explains. “Even on overseas deployments to Afghanistan, I brought my decks. In the Special Forces compound, we’d crack a few beers and spin tunes after operations. We jokingly called the decks ‘Mission Essential Equipment.'”

He laughs at the memory. “Picture a Top Gun-style moment – Special Ops guys and our US counterparts vibing to underground and Ministry of Sound-style house sets, shirts off dancing. Music was a release. It brought us together.”

The digital restart

After leaving the Army, life took a difficult turn. Andy stopped touching music entirely from 2010 to 2017. The decks gathered dust. The passion seemed lost.

Then came that fashion parade. Then a friend’s daughter’s 13th birthday party where Andy burnt CDs – Taylor Swift, early Justin Bieber – and the kids asked if he was a “professional DJ.” They’d never even seen CDs before.

“That moment reminded me: I can actually do this.”

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Andy realised DJing could be more than a hobby. He started researching the digital DJ scene, bought a laptop and entry-level controller, and donated his old decks to a school music programme.

“That’s when the journey truly restarted,” Andy says. “And that’s when I discovered Digital DJ Tips.”

Andy’s first purchase from Digital DJ Tips was Mixing Mastery – and he credits it as the turning point in his development as a DJ.

“Mixing Mastery taught me the fundamentals of open format DJing – genre-hopping, tempo management, and creative transitions,” Andy explains. “That was the foundation. From there, I jumped into scratching, wordplay, and advanced skills from all the amazing course tutors.”

The comprehensive training gave Andy the confidence to take paying gigs. He began playing weddings, birthdays, and corporate events, developing a reputation as the all-rounder who’s always having a good time behind the decks.

“Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday, or just a jam with mates, I bring the energy and vibe,” Andy says. “That joy and connection? It’s as important as the mix itself.”

One of Andy’s proudest moments came unexpectedly – winning a Rane One motorised DJ controller from Digital DJ Tips.

“I was blown away,” Andy remembers. “At the time, I was diving into Serato and wanted to explore the feel of spinning platters and scratch-style mixing. That win came at the perfect moment and gave me the push to try a whole new workflow. I was stoked.”

Sunny Coast Beats

While paid gigs are rewarding, Andy’s most cherished memories come from Sunny Coast Beats – a weekly session with mates that ran for a couple of years pre-COVID.

“Every week we’d fire up the BBQ, have a few beers, and go back-to-back-to-back on the decks,” Andy recalls with obvious fondness. “I’d grab a fresh record pool folder, we’d each bring our flavours, and we’d stream for fun. It was pure creativity and connection.”

“There’s something special about DJing in a relaxed environment with people who just get it – no pressure, just pure love of music. As a working DJ, you rarely get to play with other DJs unless you’re on a lineup. So those wrap-up jam sessions were gold.”

The all-rounder approach

Today, Andy balances his DJing carefully with family life. He’s selective about gigs – fewer bookings, better-paid ones, with upgraded gear and more time to build a following for the underground music he’s truly passionate about.

“I rehearse with purpose,” Andy explains. “I review transitions, update playlists, and clean up my music library in the off-season. I’m always planning for the year ahead.”

His advice? Go back to your roots often. Jam with your mates. Take a break. Come back with fresh ears.

“It’ll elevate your sets.”

For aspiring DJs, especially those who might feel it’s too late to start, Andy’s message is clear:

“Just start. Don’t wait to be perfect. Set a goal, put in the hours, and be OK with mistakes – they’re how you grow.”

“I’ve known incredibly talented DJs who never play out because they’re scared to make a mistake. But here’s the truth: the best mixes aren’t flawless – they’re real. I personally prefer hearing a mix with the occasional wobble. It means there’s a human behind the decks.”

“Whether you’re playing weddings, clubs, gyms, fashion parades, or streaming from home – there’s a place for you. It can bring so much joy, creative expression, and even a solid income. You don’t need the best gear – you just need heart and hustle.”

Finally…

From Special Forces compounds in Afghanistan to Australian wedding receptions, Andy’s journey proves that it’s never too late to reignite a passion. The seven-year silence wasn’t the end of the story – it was just an intermission.

“To Phil, Steve, DJ Angelo – and all the incredible DJs and tutors at Digital DJ Tips over the years – thank you,” Andy says. “Every course, tutorial, livestream, and bit of guidance has helped shape my journey. You’ve helped me find my groove again – personally and professionally.”

“It’s been an amazing ride.”