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).
He has also played a pivotal role in political campaigns and events, spinning at the 2016 Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire Primary for Bernie Sanders, Beto O’Rourke’s 2022 Texas gubernatorial campaign, and the 2011 and 2025 California Democratic State Conventions. 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.
