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?
Barron S DJ origin story -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrERg9LppvY/?igsh=azYwYWtudXlzeTU4
SHEDJS: CAN YOU SHARE A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE FROM ONE OF YOUR PERFORMANCES OR EVENTS THAT STANDS OUT IN YOUR MIND?
After DJing a High School Grad party I got a message from the Principal of the school asking where he could send students who expressed an interest in learning to DJ after experiencing my performance. He said ‘you have no idea how many young women you inspired to learn to DJ last night!’
Currently only 20% of the music industry is female; which is something I am incredibly passionate about changing. I love encouraging other women who already work in music, as well as helping women I meet with a passion for music explore DJing as a career possibility for themselves. However, it’s like I sometimes forget that I can make a positive impact in this area, just by standing up on that stage, sharing my art, and being my authentic self.
It made me think to myself…
‘Isn’t it WILD how much positive change we can create in the world via what happens at a party!?! That’s so cool.’
SHEDJS: HOW DO YOU APPROACH CREATING A SETLIST OR CHOOSING TRACKS FOR A PARTICULAR EVENT OR VENUE?
I see DJing like playing musical chess.
When I pick the first track, that’s my move.
Whatever happens on the dance floor (meaning however the crowd responds), that’s their move.
Based on their last move, I’ll plan my next move, which includes not just picking the next track to play, but also choosing what mixing techniques I’ll use to mix into it.
That said, I will build a number of playlists in advance of my set, to make it easy to find and freestyle with tracks that I think will resonate most with the audience we’re expecting.
Here are some of the types of questions I’ll ask a promoter to help me zoom in on the kind of sound I’d like to create for their audience:
A. What is the age demographic of your audience?
B. Does your event have a specific theme?
C. What other acts are playing this event? (Especially before and after my set.)
D. Are you advertising specific genres of music at your event?
SHEDJS: ARE THERE SPECIFIC GENRES OR ARTISTS THAT HAVE HAD A SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE ON YOUR STYLE?
I have trained as a dancer for most of my life. There are definitely artists that have significantly influenced me, but I’d say the biggest influence on both my musical choices as a DJ, as well as my writing choices as a producer + vocalist, is dance. As in movement, not as in ‘dance music’ in particular.
The driving force behind almost everything I do is that I just wanna dance.
And I want you to join me too.
Trust me, it’s the most FUN that way.
SHEDJS: IN A CONSTANTLY EVOLVING INDUSTRY, HOW DO YOU STAY UPDATED ON NEW MUSIC TRENDS AND TECHNOLOGIES?
One of my best friends is an incredibly talented DJ and A/V expert who I call ‘A/V Batman’.
Shoutout to IG: @MarkySkyline.*
He’s taught me much of my own technical knowledge in A/V, and he is always in the know when it comes to the best kind of gear to buy, gear to stay away from using/buying, or how to use a paperclip to MacGyver your busted mixer into working for at least the rest of the night.
I’m not suggesting everyone who needs to stay up on trends calls my own personal A/V Batman, but I am pointing out the power of community.
If keeping up with gear + industry trends is difficult for you, dive into your local music community and find a friend who eats, sleeps, and breathes gear… and then take them out to lunch every now and then, and ask them all kinds of questions. They get to talk about their passion, while answering all your own tech and gear related questions. And they get a free lunch! So my advice is to find a cool friend, and create a win-win situation.
SHEDJS: DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING DJS LOOKING TO BREAK INTO THE SCENE OR ENHANCE THEIR SKILLS?
A. Take Lessons - Find a reputable DJ school in your area (like IG:@TableTutors) +/or dive into the community, meet other DJs who live near you and ask if they would give you a lesson. Some DJs offer paid lessons, and some might even give you a lesson or two for free.)
B. Performing - The only way to learn how to perform is to do it. As in live + in front of people. I realize that’s super scary. It even was for me + I’m an extravert! But the more you do it, the better you’ll get, and not knowing how to perform on stage is not a good reason to keep your incredible art from its audience.
If performing in front of an audience sounds like too daunting of a place for you to start to learn, then I suggest starting to learn to perform through an online platform like Twitch or Instagram Live. This way you can start to get used to people watching you perform, while it still feels mostly like you are just in your bedroom performing for your cat.
C. COMMUNITY! COMMUNITY! COMMUNITY!
Online isn’t enough. Seriously.
Go to live shows, connect with other artists, promoters, and music lovers IRL. These are the people who will help you grow, and you’ll help them grow too. Creating a successful career in music requires a community,
AND it takes a community to create a community. None of us can do it on our own, and not only that, but the journey is a hell of a lot more fun with your besties at your side.
SHEDJS: WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU IN TERMS OF PROJECTS, COLLABORATIONS, OR UPCOMING GIGS?
I have four new singles coming out in 2024. The first of which is called ‘Saturday State Of Mind’ and it is a collaboration with Edmonton Producer, Jay Slay (IG:@JaySlayMusic). Alongside super vibey beats, the song explores how any day could feel like a Saturday, if you just take with you your ‘Saturday Mind’.
***Wanna be friends?
Get the latest Barron S updates, as well as free music and mixes by following @BarronSmusic