Are you ready to discover the next rising star in the music world? Look no further than our exclusive SHEDJ of the Week Weekly Feature! Each week, we handpick an incredible talent from the world of underground and independent music and showcase their exceptional skills, unique style, and captivating sounds.
What can you expect from SHEDJ of the Week? Prepare to be blown away by the electrifying beats, soul-stirring melodies, and boundary-pushing creativity that these emerging SHEDJs bring to the table.
Whether you're a dedicated music enthusiast, an aspiring artist, or simply someone who loves uncovering fresh, innovative sounds, our weekly feature promises to deliver a captivating audio experience like no other. Join us in celebrating diversity, originality, and the raw passion that fuels the underground music scene. Ready to embark on a sonic adventure unlike any other?
SHEDJS: What initially sparked your passion for DJing, and how did you get started in the music scene?
Honestly, I think for many people who become passionate about bass music, especially the underground stuff that is a bit harder to come by, it’s a natural progression to move from fan to DJ. Especially when you surround yourself with friends with a similar passion, the desire to share knowledge and skills is strong. I started off within the industry as a talent buyer for Heart Beats NYC and then with a group called Pressure that was impeded by covid in throwing our first party. I also cofounded a femme inspired collective called Goddess Records. We hosted a couple of events before it fizzled when most members moved away. Meanwhile, I had been learning to DJ from an ex-boyfriend but didn’t really ramp it up until I acquired my own gear, which included a set of turntables.
SHEDJS: Can you share a memorable experience from one of your performances or events that stands out in your mind?
My most memorable performance experience was the whole set at Resonance Music Festival. It was just perfect. Not only was it the largest crowd I’ve played to, but a whole heap of my homies were there, the sunset was glorious, my execution was impeccable from a technical point of view, and the selections were an ideal representation of my musical range. I was able to incorporate sexy dub, tough dubstep, jungle, and drum and bass, which had the people going NUTS. I had never had so many pull up requests or seen people dancing as wildly as they did that day.
SHEDJS: How do you approach creating a setlist or choosing tracks for a particular event or venue?
My process is very particular. I typically plan the set list thoroughly beforehand, and there are several steps in this curation process. First, I’ll try to wrap my head around what the vibe or energy is going to be in the room at the time I am playing. If I’m the opener, I will make a very different plan than for closing sets. Then I’ll decide what direction to take the set in. Am I keeping it to a more limited bpm range and or genre or am I going to do a more journey type set with varying bpm and styles? Once I’ve made these key decisions, I carefully choose my opening track and then spend a few hours a day in the week leading up to the gig building out the setlist (sometimes longer, often shorter). I write down relatively detailed notes about the transitions, equing, etc. If I have time, I record a demo mix, or what I call a vibe check, to see if I like the flow of energy in the mix. Depending on this, I’ll sometimes change things around. Despite the time I put into these preparations, I’m always ready to chuck the plan out the window as I read the room.
SHEDJS: Are there specific genres or artists that have had a significant influence on your style?
I always try to stay true to my reggae roots. My musical heart and soul belong to dub and reggae. There is something about the community in that scene that is really special to me.
I find Soundsystem culture to be perfectly representative of what I value in music and even in life. The music is the message, and the crowds are wholesome, diverse, and full of positive energy. Sound system parties are a place where I feel at home and comfortable; I’m at my happiest and freest.
For that reason, I try to incorporate roots vibes into all my sets. If I’m playing drum and bass, there will be a solid ragga jungle section. If it’s a dubstep set, I’m weaving in skanky tunes and blending in reggae vocals.
SHEDJS: In a constantly evolving industry, how do you stay updated on new music trends and technologies?
I follow my favorite producers and labels on socials, where I engage often, and on bandcamp, where I get e-mails about releases regularly. I’m always watching and listening to what is going on across genres around the world. I also review my Spotify release radar and stay connected digitally with a lot of producers and DJs, which helps me stay hip to what’s going on. I try to use digital media “smartly” by purposely engaging with the content I want to see and paying attention to new music, trends, and even the surrounding drama. I’m privy to a lot of it and am constantly talking about music or related topics with friends and acquaintances. I learn about up and coming local and regional producers/DJs from US, Canada, and beyond through my affiliation with the label Rewind140. Our mix series and releases often feature new musicians and are another avenue where I stay connected with underground music.
SHEDJS: Do you have any advice for aspiring DJs looking to break into the scene or enhance their skills?
Talk to people! If you want to be a DJ or need to boost your presence, it really helps to be well connected with people at different levels of the scene and industry.
You’re more likely to get booked if people know you and what you are about. Engaging with people genuinely is the key. Don’t be fake nice for opportunities, make real connections instead. It is helpful to attend events, talk to the organizer, bring your friends, share their posts, etc. Small gestures like showing up early to catch the openers can never hurt.
There are so many little things you can do to bolster your network. Also being active online without being gimmicky about it is a huge help. Creating content in today’s day and age is unfortunately necessary, but also not something that should stress you out or consume too much of your time. There is always a balance.
SHEDJS: What's next for you in terms of projects, collaborations, or upcoming gigs?
I’ve honestly had a bit of a lull in bookings and am trying to use that time to focus on polishing up several mixes I’ve been trying to finish, reorganizing my library, and starting to learn production slowly but surely. However, as we speak, I’ve had a few messages come in with exciting opportunities for late spring and summer. I’ve also submitted applications to play a few festivals in the area, which I’ve never done before but figured couldn’t hurt to try.