DJing is becoming more and more popular with the youth of today. Women are slowing but surely growing and becoming more successful in DJing as well as radio, with popular faces such as Fearne Cotton, Annie Mac and Jameela Jamil.
If DJing would be your perfect career path and would love nothing more than getting the crowd pumped up for the night of raving and hearing your mixes echo through the club, but your dream slowly begins to fade with the fear of rejection and the sheer competitiveness that awaits. You’re in need of some words of wisdom that will see you on the path to success. We have the perfect women who knows the business inside and out!
DJ Aries is the first UK/African female DJ headlining in the top venues at The Palm in the Dubai, along with many other impressive moments.
She chatted with Female First about women in the DJing business, difficulties for women and the highlights in her career.
DJ AriesDJ Aries is a professional DJ who has recently generated a profile as the UK/Ghanaian premier female Fusion DJ.
Already a resident DJ at top London venues including No.5 Cavendish, Dolls House, Kings Place and Market Place- DJ Aries is the women of the moment.
Born and bred in London, DJ Aries describes herself as an international fusion music DJ, with fusion being ‘the blend of global music mixed with the contemporary, eclectic and modern sounds of the musical terrain’.
To add to her long list of triumphs, her schedule has never been busier than in the past year, topping up the air miles with requests headlining at sold out international party spots such as; Accra (Ghana), Lagos (Nigeria), Helsinki (Finland) as well as the trendy partygoers in Berlin (Germany).
DJ Aries is also the Official DJ for Ghana Fashion Design Week and was recently involved in the Girl Effect festival as DJ and music curator as well as guest DJ for BBC Radio 1Xtra's #Afroboss DJ Edu and
Having worked in the music and entertainment industry for over a decade, DJ Aries has seen the rise of distinctive quality music coming from her homeland of Africa and other hidden gems of the world.
Consider this lady DJ one of a kind devout music concierge who represents the modern woman through her vision of music and creative ventures.
DJ Aries for Ghana Fashion WeekYou were the music curator and DJ for the Girl Effect Festival. How was this experience?
It was such fun and an amazing experience! I loved every moment of it. Whenever I play, I like to throw my dance moves here and there. I'm not the kind that stands still- I have fun! With the Girl Effect Festival I wanted to provide a service that fully complimented the theme of the event so this is where my ability to pay attention to detail was of massive benefit! The geek in me came out. Funny enough, it reminded me of my A-Level days, studying Music Technology! I received some amazing feedback from the audience and Nike Foundation so I'm pleased!
Do you think it’s important for women to come together and empower one another?
Oh yes, and we should more than ever. Especially in a male-dominated industry. We are more powerful in numbers and the more we're heard or seen doing non-conventional 'female' jobs, the more credit we get.
Why do you think it’s difficult for women to enter male-dominated environments?
There's definitely some stiff competition. Also, I think women don't shout loud enough, only a select few. With men, they immediately support each other. I do get a lot of support and respect from the men, but I am quite wary of certain things - I always keep it professional and polite. You have to be firm when it comes to business otherwise promoters or those booking may try to take advantage.
There needs to be more unity amongst women and yes there is nothing wrong with healthy competition but we should still be supportive of each other. If one of us achieves something great, it opens the door for the rest of us. I love meeting other female DJs - I love it, I just want to meet more! I know they're out there. I know another female DJ quite similar to myself in Germany and we're good buddies. In fact we'll be out in town this weekend.
Are you a strong advocate of women being equal to men?
I'm definitely for equality in all job sectors because I've come across guys who DJ and aren't so great. Just because he's a man, doesn't mean he's good. You're good if you're good, no matter your gender. However, the pay is an issue for me. Women should be paid the same, I don't like the fact a man gets paid more because he's a man. You should get paid based on merit and experience.
When did your love of DJing occur?
It was so random! I've always been curious about DJing but I held myself back for these two reasons: 1- Not having the guts, 2- My 9/5 getting in the way (which I loved) as I was previously managing and promoting artists.
So a good friend of mine had these pretty decks which really got my attention - I instantly took that as a sign to go for it! From then, I practiced in my place like a mad woman for 6 months. I got into the habit of listening to my favourite DJs; Benji B, DJ Edu and DJ Kayper (an international female DJ), being influenced by their craft and styles.
My first gig was at a friend's NYE party, the moment someone approached me enquiring about my rates it dawned on me - I could turn my passion into a career!
Do you think it’s harder for women DJ’s to get noticed?
Yes and no. it could go both ways. This is a very cliché comment but London is very saturated - so many DJs! So the way I get noticed is by really being unique. I play music that other DJs don't necessarily play. My look is different and I play in such an eclectic range of countries. As a woman, I will admit it does help having the 'image' but for me talent and skill is what I love to push first and foremost. I stand out because I'm pretty much the only female African music specialist DJ - even recently. I was the first African female DJ to appear on BBC 1Xtra, so I will stand out amongst the male DJs even more. I sell myself on my music expertise as a music supervisor for visual media (film and TV) as well as creating that 'eye-opening' experience. I love mixing mainstream and alternative genres to my eclectic African sounds ‘AFROFUSION’. That is getting me noticed and pushing what I'm all about - I make a point of emphasising that by all means. Do something different, trying to fit in a box is the wrong direction - do that and you will be swallowed up.
Have you seen a change in the numbers of women who DJ compared to 10 years ago?
Back in the 80s/90s there was Spinderella part of Hip-Hop trio Salt & Peppa. The thing is there are female DJs but they're not 'visibly' there. Even the DJ/presenter DJ Edu on 1Xtra mentioned to me I was amongst the only 2 or 3 female African female DJ's he knows. Shocking and an honour as well! I've joined a few female DJ forums and some I've never heard of because they don't put themselves out there enough. It's all to do with your branding and image in this unfortunate fickle world we live in. Apart from being able to play skilfully and hype a crowd (now that’s another skill), you have to look good. I have no problem with that as people will feed into it and I take pride in my appearance. It's always been my thing and my followers NOTICE these things. It's human nature to gawk at a lovely lady on the decks... It's not rocket science isn't it? The crowd become inspired and mesmerised. DJ Melody Kane, DJ Kayper, Annie Mac, DJ She Devil, and Sarah Love, they all have consistent aspects of their look that their followers are familiar with. I could go on forever, but image and branding is an important factor to a DJ's success as well.
Why do you think men are the dominant sex in radio?
There's actually plenty of female voices on radio more than ever. However, I think sometimes it's assumed that women are not knowledgeable about the technical side of things. It seems that it's normal for men to have more tech knowledge, however, there are many women like me who are total geeks when it comes to technology! I'm already on the lookout for my next set decks with gadget pads. It's like a candy shop for me. Also be prepared to hear me on radio - soon.
What advice would you give to women who are passionate about DJing but are afraid to take the first step?
Just go for it! You have nothing to lose. But please just DJ for the love, not because it's some trendy hobby. DJing is a skill that requires patience, good ears and knowing your market. Requires hard work to grow your followers and brand and at times you'll get frustrated. It's so easy to get sucked in the 'lifestyle' but always remember why you're a DJ.
I DJ to uplift others as well as myself. That's to the world through the speakers, film scores or radio waves. I like to educate people and myself by learning more about new global music.
Lastly make sure you do your ground work, beware of those wanting to take advantage and groupie-wannabes, stick to your guns, and ignore the naysayers and research; music, the business, key people, venues and negotiate your rates. Don't be afraid to say NO to dodgy promoters. You'll be pulled in all directions if you walk around like a deer in headlights (laughs). This is a business at the end of the day.
Has there ever been a moment before you were successful that you wanted to give up?
To be honest there are bad days - especially when things don't go your way. You get this feeling with any job. I would say they were moments of frustration but I snap out of it and I realise I'm blocking myself if I continue to be in a negative rut. I have a vision and I'm taking the necessary strides with my team to achieve that dream. We know it's coming. There will always be more to do no matter what you achieve.
It must feel fantastic knowing that all your hard work has paid off and you are successful DJ?
Thank you very much! It is paying off and there are times I don't even appreciate it because I have this ambitious drive. Many of my friends and supporters remind me of the things I've achieved, especially with the niche music I play. I never thought in a million years that I would be DJing internationally. It's all down to focus and the big guy upstairs.
Is there anywhere that you would love to DJ but still are yet too?
Definitely loved playing in Dubai, absolutely an uplifting experience and I should be out there again soon. I would certainly like to target the Portuguese speaking nations Brazil, Angola and Portugal. I usually include a lot of Global Bass, Kuduro, Samba, Bossa Nova and Afro-Latino music in my mixes too. I would love to play in South Africa as well, they are the pioneers of Afrohouse and I'm in awe of the sound and very familiar with the scene. Look out for Mafikizolo and Black Coffee - amazing artists. All about taking Afrofusion global.
You can catch her mixes globally on www.soundcloud.com/dj_aries.
For more info on DJ Aries, visit: ariesmusicglobal.co.uk
Tagged in Women's Issues