Sometimes opportunities in life don’t come through applications, agents, or big industry connections. Sometimes they happen simply because somebody was prepared when the moment showed up.
For Charleston, West Virginia’s own Todd Hutchinson — better known as DJ ActRight — one conversation at a concert eventually turned into becoming the official DJ for platinum-selling rapper Petey Pablo. And like many real stories in the music industry, it happened naturally.
Before linking with Petey Pablo, Todd was already active in the music and nightlife scene, DJing for artists and building his reputation through consistency and experience behind the turntables. One particular opportunity came while DJing for an artist out of Marietta, Ohio who had been asked to open a concert featuring major hip-hop names including Petey Pablo, Chingy, and Twista.
That night ended up changing everything. While working the show, Todd noticed something important — Petey Pablo didn’t have a DJ with him. Instead of overthinking the moment, the two exchanged information and kept in contact afterward. At the time, there was no guarantee anything would come from it. Just a simple networking moment between artists and DJs crossing paths in the industry.
But a few months later, another opportunity presented itself. Todd saw Petey Pablo had an upcoming show in Ashland, Kentucky and decided he was going to pull up simply to support. At the same time, he made sure Petey knew if he ever needed a DJ, he was ready.
That preparation turned into opportunity almost instantly. “He was like, ‘Bring your stuff and you can DJ my set,’” Todd explained What could have been a nerve-racking situation became a breakthrough moment. The show in Ashland went well, and the chemistry was immediate.
Then came another performance the very next night in Lexington, Kentucky. After seeing how everything worked together on stage, Petey Pablo made the decision official. “After the Lexington show, he asked if I wanted to do more shows with him on a regular basis — and that was that.” Just like that, DJ ActRight became Petey Pablo’s official DJ.
For many people outside the music industry, moments like these look sudden from the outside. But the reality is opportunities like this are usually built through years of preparation, networking, consistency, and being ready when the right situation presents itself. That’s especially true for DJs.
Being a successful DJ today requires far more than simply playing songs. Timing, crowd control, stage presence, professionalism, adaptability, and understanding energy all matter. Touring with a major artist also requires trust, chemistry, and reliability because live performances can change quickly in front of thousands of fans.
Todd’s journey also reflects something bigger about regional talent from places like West Virginia, Ohio, and Western Pennsylvania. Many talented DJs, artists, and entertainers from smaller cities often have to grind harder because they don’t always receive the same visibility as people from larger markets.
But stories like this prove opportunity can still come from anywhere. From Charleston, West Virginia to stages alongside one of hip-hop’s most recognizable artists, DJ ActRight’s rise is a reminder that preparation and persistence still matter in the entertainment industry. Sometimes all it takes is showing up ready when the opportunity finally calls.
What was going through your mind when Petey told you to bring your equipment?
When he first told me to bring my stuff and DJ his set, I was excited and I was very grateful for the opportunity.
Did you feel pressure DJing for him the first night?
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel something before the first show. I wouldn’t call it pressure though. I would compare it to an athlete getting ready to compete in a game. The mentality is “you know what you gotta do, you know what you can do, now you just gotta go execute the game plan”. What made the first show so easy and smooth was how great Petey was (and is) to work with. He was asking for my input and thoughts about putting the setlist together for the first show which I thought was really dope, to have that much trust and confidence in me.
What’s the biggest crowd you’ve DJ’d in front of with Petey Pablo?
We have performed in front of some very large crowds in a lot of different places around the world. One that stands out in my mind in particular was the Lovers and Friends Festival in Las Vegas back in 2023.
What’s one thing fans don’t realize about touring with artists?
In my particular situation, one thing fans don’t realize about touring with Petey would be how every show is different. Sure, we might do the same songs but sometimes we don’t. Sometimes we change the order around, sometimes we replace certain songs with other songs. We both collaborate before each show and put together what we think will work best for that particular crowd or that particular venue or situation. Petey’s fans come first in his eyes, so he always wants to make sure he gives them a memorable experience and a great show no matter what. And he ALWAYS goes out into the crowd after the show to interact with the crowd and his fans.
How different is club DJing versus DJing concerts?
I would say one of the big differences, just from my perspective, would be that club DJing you are focused more on your blends, your actual mixing, your wordplays, and things like that … vs concert DJing where you are more focused on crowd interaction and keeping the crowd engaged, it’s easier to just “hard cut” and jump from song to song hitting key parts of the track during concerts.
What’s your craziest Petey Pablo show memory?
One of the craziest Petey Pablo show memories I have as of late, we did a Tacos and Tequila festival in Cincinnati and there were several bras thrown on stage while Petey was performing 😂😂 and also, sometimes we will get the occasional ppl that somehow get by security and just want to come out on stage and dance with Petey during the show 😂
How has the music scene changed since you started?
I would say the music scene has changed since I’ve started because a lot of music is being put out nonstop now and it can be hard to keep up with. Back when I started, artists would release a song or 2 and give it time to marinate and build up and give people a chance to actually enjoy it and appreciate it. I’m exaggerating a bit here but now it seems like artists are putting out a new song every hour almost. Also, the music in general has changed. When I started and even before I started, the music being put out was original and it was timeless. It just isn’t the same anymore.
What advice would you give DJs trying to break into the industry?
My advice to DJs trying to break into the industry would be to have thick skin, don’t try to compare yourself or copy what someone else is doing just do what works for YOU and run with it, and lastly don’t be afraid to take risks
What artist would you still love to work with?
I have really enjoyed being Petey’s official DJ and plan to continue that for as long as possible so I can’t say I have the desire to work with another artist directly, but as far as doing shows with other artists, it would be fun to do another show with Teddy Swims or even have Petey on a country festival (yes Petey has some dope country records 😂
How important was networking in your journey?
Networking was, and continues to be, huge in my journey. Being able to build those connections and relationships with other artists, other DJs, club promoters, venue owners has been very instrumental in my growth. It’s a pretty cool feeling knowing that no matter what city we go to, there is someone there that we know or have met from previous stops there. Personally, I have enjoyed getting to know several of the DJs of other artists we are doing shows with and just share stories and advice with. It’s a really dope community to be a part of.
What separates a good DJ from a great DJ?
To me, a good DJ vs a great DJ would be can you read a room of people and play what needs to be played at the right time? Do you have technical skills (blending, beat matching, scratching, smooth transitions, etc)? Do you have great mic skills? There are so many other aspects of DJing, but I think a great DJ carry all of those qualities whereas a good DJ might only have a few.
How important is crowd control and reading energy?
In my opinion, crowd control and reading energy is one of the most important for a DJ. For example, DJs can mess up a transition or something simple like that, but if the energy is right in the room and the DJ is controlling the crowd then the people are still going to be vibing and enjoying themselves no matter what.
What’s your favorite Petey Pablo song to perform live?
The most obvious answer would be Freak A Leak or Raise Up because those are the 2 that get the biggest pop and crowd reaction, but my personal favorite Petey Pablo song to perform would be “Vibrate” because it is a high energy song and because of the back and forth that Petey and I have during that track.