The entertainment industry has been hit hard by the covid-19 pandemic. How have music professionals coped? Todays episode will focus on the life of a DJ, specifically how she has adapted her trade to cope with the new circumstances and offer her skills to help others continue to party despite the mess of 2020!
She does corporate events, weddings, parties, and other special occasions. She was raised in Miami Florida USA. Her name is DJ ZELDA.
Episode highlights:
- [01:27] - family Nicaraguan, absorbed cuban, haitian, puerto rican cultures from Miami
- [03:33] - DJ'ing side gig. Took risk by starting small whilst continuing her career
- [04:25] - average of 2 events per month
- [04:43] - lots of preparation time before each event, especially for weddings, meeting bride & groom. Same for corporate event.
- [05:30] - "It's not just hit play". Same with podcasting, lots of behind the scenes work & research
- [06:30] - lots of investment needed in good equipment, organisation is key.
- [07:15] - Sterotypes. What its like being a Female DJ. Business first, not just a hobby. Word of mouth is the highest compliment. Lots of marketing not needed.
- [09:10] - Has gained the respect of male DJ's
- [11:15] - Nice benefit of pandemic - collaborate with other female DJs.
- [12:45] - Now considered as 'just a DJ', regardless of male or female. Equality despite only 10% being female.
- [15:55] - as a female DJ you have to be really good, because of the bias
- [17:01] - will start to explore other genres, she attends new workshops for this, good way of CPD (continuing professional development)
- [18:19] - most embarrassing thing that's happened to her as a DJ. Happened at a wedding, Groom & his mother, wrong song! Funny story
- [21:39] - Audiences reaction at the wedding
- [23:16] - Once covid started, did you and other DJ's assume it was the end of things for the time being?
- [24:29] - Zoom was easiest platform to use for online virtual DJ events & parties
- [26:30] - first two events were international. Interacting with the guests via spotlighting
- [27:30] - Re-energises by interacting and even dancing during other sets
- [28:52] - She collaborates with DJs from places such as U.S.A, Germany, France - bringing together different 'spices' genres & styles
- [29:35] - Equipment set up over zoom is easy than traditional real live event
- [30:42] - Technical issue despite sound check at national corporate event
- [32:15] - virtual not the same for their corporate event
- [33:00] - Zoom settings have to be on point
- [34:15] - 500-1000 people, from all over the world, cater for different music tastes, with people from all over the place. Keeping open mind is key! Knowing how rhythms tie together
- [35:53] - Greek music mixes well with reggaeton!
- [36:58] - travelling opens your mind to new music, be adaptable & humble
- [38:15] - Kompa (Haitian), Brazilian music & other communities
- [39:38] - will leave her contact info for any shared dialogue
- [40:33] - How to feel the vibe / crowd over videoconferencing ?
- [45:30] - virtual vs normal party dynamics discussed
- [46:50] - can track cameras and judge peoples reaction & the chat for feedback
- [47:22] - breakout rooms labelled portuguese, spanish, toilet etc.
- [50:55] - Guest composition important
- [51:44] - DJ'ing / collaborating with others of different strengths/genres
- [53:40] - time differences on zoom
- [55:48] - lots of emotion, has pandemic changed you forever as a person & DJ? DJ world changed forever, virtual events continue?
Contact DJ ZELDA:
e: djzelda@hotmail.com
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