Never Live In An If: How Music Changed My Life

From singing in a choir as a child to performing as a professional beatboxer and now entertaining crowds as a DJ, Ryan “DJ Cheeky Boy” has built a life around music.

Living with a disability has never stopped him from chasing his goals.

Instead, it’s become part of his story, proving that with determination, passion and persistence, it’s possible to create the life you want.

His message is simple:

“Never Live In An If.”

It’s a philosophy he’s followed since he was 15, and one he hopes inspires others to take chances, try new things and make unforgettable memories.

Written by Ryan “DJ Cheeky Boy”

A lifelong love of music

I’ve always been addicted to music.

Whether it’s electronic, pop, rock, hip hop, jazz, classical or something completely different, if it has a beat, there’s a good chance I’ll love it.

Music has taken me on an incredible journey. I started singing in a choir when I was young before joining the Australian Boys Choir. Later I discovered beatboxing and spent more than 10 years performing professionally, competing, teaching people of all ages and sharing stages with some of the world’s best beatboxers. Along the way I also picked up a little piano.

Over the past five years I’ve poured my energy into DJing, and it’s become one of the most exciting chapters of my life.

Ryan doing what he loves most – behind the decks and connecting with the crowd.

Finding my passion behind the decks

In 2020 I entered YourShot, Australia’s largest DJ competition. Like many events, it was postponed because of COVID and finally took place in 2022.

Looking back, entering that competition was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

It taught me discipline, confidence and determination. I met lifelong friends, developed new skills and discovered a passion that continues to grow every day.

Since then I’ve spent countless hours building my music library, practising my craft and taking every opportunity to perform. Sometimes that simply meant walking into a venue, introducing myself to the DJ and asking if I could have a turn behind the decks.

More often than not, it led to an unforgettable night.

Creating moments people remember

You’ll usually find me at concerts, festivals or gigs somewhere, smiling from ear to ear in the middle of the crowd.

Seeing people completely immersed in music inspired me to become a DJ myself. I wanted to create those same moments for others.

Today I’m lucky enough to DJ professionally, helping people celebrate, dance and create memories they’ll never forget.

People often say, “Do what you love.”

I’m living proof that it really is possible.

Never Live In An If

When I was 15, I wrote a simple phrase that I’ve carried with me ever since:

Never Live In An If.

Don’t spend your life wondering what might have happened.

Take the risk.

Try something new.

If you fall over, get back up and keep going.

One day you’ll look back and be grateful that you gave yourself the chance.

Ryan’s favourite accessible venues in Brisbane

Ryan has visited hundreds of venues across Brisbane and recommends these as places worth checking out:

• Ric’s Backyard
• RG’s
• Cloudland
• The Warehouse / Family
• Finn McCools
• Retros
• The Beaumont (formerly Birdees)
• Hey Chica
• The Met
• Pawn & Co
• Susie Wong Good Time Bar
• GPO / The Tax Office
• The Beat
• Maya Mexican
• Emporium
• Lina Rooftop
• Viscosity
• The Osborne Hotel
• Pig & Whistle
• The Star Brisbane
• Sixteen Antlers
• The Prince Consort
• La La Land
• Felons Brewing Co.
• Fortitude Music Hall
• The Tivoli
• The Triffid
• Princess Theatre
• QPAC
• Brisbane Entertainment Centre
• Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
• Suncorp Stadium
• RNA Showgrounds
• The Plough Inn

A note about accessibility

The Fortitude Valley precinct can be fantastic, but accessibility varies between venues.

Ryan recommends contacting venues well before your visit to confirm:

• Accessible entry
• Lift access
• Accessible toilets
• Companion Card acceptance

If you’re unsure, ask a friend, family member or support worker to check the venue beforehand.

Ryan’s concert and festival tips

After attending hundreds of concerts, festivals and club nights, these are Ryan’s top tips:

• Rest the day before.
• Eat a good meal before you leave.
• Stay hydrated.
• Charge everything – your phone, wheelchair, or mobility device – and bring a battery pack.
• Pack only what you need.
• Plan your transport before heading out.
• Check the weather.
• Research the venue and its accessibility.
• Bring your Companion Card if you have one.
• Sunscreen and free water are often available at first aid tents.
• Decide on a meeting point in case your group gets separated.
• Screenshot set times and save them as your phone’s lock screen.
• Remember that mobile reception often fails in large crowds.
• If texting someone, be specific about your location rather than simply asking, “Where are you?”
• Most importantly, have fun and be kind.