DJ Stewart

DJ Stewart, the heartbeat of J.J. Bennett and The Mercy, began his drumming journey at age 3, pounding away on his father’s 1975 Vistalite acrylic blue Ludwig kit. Raised in a Christian household, DJ’s early rhythms echoed through church services, where by age 5, he was playing on his father’s lap during worship. For DJ, drumming is not just a passion but a way of life, deeply rooted in gospel and contemporary Christian music, with countless hours spent perfecting country albums like Rascal Flatts’ Melt from sunrise to sunset. Throughout his school years, DJ expanded his versatility, mastering percussion in school bands and shining on the high school drumline while performing across genres with various groups. After graduating high school, he pursued an Associate’s degree in Music Science and Technology at the Atlanta Institute of Music, focusing on drums and production. Influenced by drumming icons like Tony Royster Jr., Eric Moore, Dennis Chambers, Thomas Lang, John Bonham, and Buddy Miles, DJ has crafted an eclectic, genre-blending style that adapts seamlessly to any musical context. His dynamic and versatile drumming fuels the band’s fusion of ‘60s rock, southern blues, and psychedelic grooves, bridging the raw energy of the past with J.J. Bennett’s bold, innovative vision for the future. With ambitions to tour full-time, DJ’s infectious rhythms are set to captivate audiences everywhere.