Name: KaliDean
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Current residence: Atlanta
How did it all start for you?
Well, I started about two years ago. I was around a lot of people in the music industry and some of them were DJs, so it just kind of rubbed off on me. Around that time, I also noticed that the industry was male-dominated, so I wanted to prove that girls could be great DJs, too.
Who is your biggest inspiration? Who do you respect?
It’s kind of difficult to choose one person in particular. Aaliyah, Rihanna and Jhené Aiko are some of my musical inspirations. I really have a lot of respect for Cardi B. The way she was able to overcome different adversities and achieve great success motivated me to continue my journey and achieve the goals I have set for myself.
What single night out has been the most memorable for you? As a DJ? As an attendee?
Earlier this year, I attended a silent headphone party. I thought it was really dope. It was my first time being introduced to an event where multiple DJs performed at the same time.
Can you any share any secret tricks?
I don’t know if I would call this a trick, but I think it’s a technique all DJs should try. I believe in telling a story through some of my mixes and performances. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes you have sets and mixes that require you to be very specific. But when you tell a story, you’re able to connect with your audience in a different way. It also challenges your creativity.
What is one mistake you see a lot of up-and-coming DJs make? What advice would you give to aspiring DJs?
The biggest mistake an up-and-coming DJ can make is completely ignoring the audience and playing what they want to hear. Adding your style is encouraged but it is very important to cater to your crowd.
Where do you think the scene is headed? One year from now? Five years from now?
Within five years, I see the industry becoming more diverse. Female executives, artists and creative, etc., will be at the forefront of pop culture.
If you could eternally be stuck in one year’s music scene, which year would you choose?
I can’t really pick one year in particular, but I would definitely want to be stuck in the ’90s. The vibes during that era seemed to be fun and genuine. Yes, there were times of turmoil, but for the most part, the vibes seemed to be very positive.
What is one subgenre you think doesn’t get the attention it deserves?
I think conscious rap doesn’t get the attention it deserves. A lot of people nowadays are more concerned about clout and following trends. Artists who push for social change and personal growth should be valued. Their messages are important.
What is it that you love about the music scene? Your subgenre’s scene?
I love that music has no boundaries. There are all types of genres, and as individuals, we can vibe out to anything we want. I listen to a lot of different genres, and I’m never afraid to explore something new. I always find myself being inspired when I do.
What is something that bugs you about the DJ scene?
To be honest, I don’t like it when people don’t take female artists [and] DJs seriously. We actually know a lot about the industry, and our ideas and insight should be valued.
What is your opinion regarding the difference between old-school DJing, where everything was restricted to vinyl, and modern DJing, where most tracks are never put on any physical medium before or after release?
I don’t think there is anything wrong with the way the DJing industry has evolved. Nothing stays the same. I do believe in learning as much about DJing as possible. That means learning how the OGs learned. It just makes you more valuable as a DJ.
Do you think this has hurt the exclusivity of having a certain sound? A DJ’s ability to have a unique style? Is having your own style separate from all the other DJs out there even important in modern deejaying?
I think its extremely important for us as DJs to be unique. If we all sound the same, what would make the industry exciting? DJs with different styles help push the culture forward.
What is one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?
I really like “Psilocybin” by Jhené Aiko. Every time I hear that record, I get positive vibes.
What is one track that got popular that you can’t stand?
I don’t a have record that I can’t stand. Every song isn’t for everybody. As a DJ, I sometimes end up playing songs that I don’t particularly care for.
If there is one thing that you want people to know about you, what would it be?
That I’m not here for the games. I’m here for the crown, and I am going to work hard to get it.
