DJ Miss Milan Speaks on How She Got Her Start
DJ Miss Milan Speaks on How She Got Her Start, How to Properly Build Your Name as a DJ, The Key Factors of a Great DJ, Her Current DJ Inspirations and Much More.
We are all aware that being a DJ is one of the most interesting but yet difficult jobs in the music industry. It’s not easy staying on top of music daily and learning how to put that knowledge into a performance setting. Also, being able to learn the fundamentals of DJ’ing such as captivating transitions is another challenge many face. I’ve seen tons of different DJ’s do their job effortlessly and DJ Miss Milan is one of the people who is currently helping lead the pack.
Over the years, people have watched Milan up her stock by continuously dedicating herself to her craft day in and day out. She has DJ’d events with AudioMack, Variety Magazine, Charlemagne Tha God’s TV show Uncommon Sense and more. She has also been feature in publications such as Paper Magazine and Def Pen.
I had the chance to catch up with the talented disc jockey to talk about how she got started in the DJ business, what made her want to be a part of this industry, what makes a great DJ, some of her struggles and more in our full interview below.
1 – What got you into DJ’ing?
The love for music and how it can and has literally changed and helped shape my life. Music is therapeutic for me so after I gave up on my dreams of becoming a singer, I was looking for other outlets to express myself and I came across the art of being a DJ.
2 – Being a DJ obviously means you have a love for music. Was that always the case for you growing up?
Absolutely!!! I was singing, dancing, writing my own songs, creating videos with my moms’ camcorder at the time, you know the VHS type mad old school lol. Not to mention my family being from the Caribbean, I was exposed to different sounds and genres early on in my life. I believe my mom to while pregnant with me would play music through headphones on her tummy, so yea my love for music has always been present.
3– When were you able to get your first set of DJ equipment?
I was bartending at the time between Hooters and Grand Lux when I first said I wanted to DJ three years ago and just literally saved up my tips to buy my own Numark turntables and some model mixer that I’m sure was trash and the sold it to me but because I was so eager to have my own I spent about $700 on that alone. Now I have my own official set-up and it made me interested in production.
4 – Did you always see yourself pursuing this as a career? In other words, did you see this as something long-term or did you look at it as a hobby?
At first, it was a hobby. An expensive hobby lol. I was paying for lessons in the very beginning but once I gained the confidence and felt like this is what I was meant to do, it turned into my passion project where now I have a purpose.
297 Likes, 32 Comments - FAIRY VIBEMOTHER🏁🧚🏽♀️ (@djmissmilan) on Instagram: "Listen... I told myself I would be the Beyonce of DJing & this is just the start! We doing big..."
5 – What was the first DJ gig you got? How did it happen?
Very first gigs you do get for me at least was baby showers and family functions for little to no money but I was eager and excited to play and didn’t care about the money. My first big break was at Starlets the strip club where I had to DJ for the first time and I don’t think people realize there are different forms of DJ’ing, especially in a strip club because it’s all about making the girls dance so the money could be spent. Thank God they were shaking all ass during my set lol from there I said yea I’m going to do this for real.
6 – The road to recognition as far as being a DJ is a bit more different than most creative professions. How were you able to build your name up and get the looks you deserved?
By educating myself on the craft first, focusing on my lane and truly being a genuine person in this business, people be fake nice to you to use you then leave when you have nothing else to offer. Everything I received is deserved because I put in the work and give it back to those who support me all while inspiring others to follow their dreams.
7 – In your opinion, what are some key factors that make a great DJ?
Musical knowledge, transitions/mixing, feeding off of the crowd but at the same time giving them your energy to feel and just having fun where you don’t look at the same DJ on your line up as competition because that’s an issue with these events sometimes is the DJs being on the same bill and wanting to have the hottest set. I believe in working together for the greater of every and anything.
638 Likes, 38 Comments - FAIRY VIBEMOTHER🏁🧚🏽♀️ (@djmissmilan) on Instagram: "You can do anything you truly put your heart into. 💜 Special thanks to @justineskye for having me..."
8 – What are some things you struggled with in regards to building your name and craft?
I would have to say as far as my craft goes, really it’s just finding the source of inspiration to be creative and do things and overthinking sometimes can and will affect that. As far as building my name I sincerely don’t worry about that because people see and know the work is real.
9 – You’ve DJ’d a ton of different events over the years. Which would you say was your favorite event to DJ? Why?
I haven’t reached that point to have a favorite because I believe all of my events mean something special to me, whether they are 5, 500 or 5000 people in a crowd I’m always grateful and glad to share a piece of me with people who see me DJ.
10 – Are there any DJ’s out there, whether established or upcoming, that you really admire?
Omg yes! I would be cliche to say the legends I am inspired by like Mister Cee & Kid Capri but up & coming definitely Ernzworld, DJ Saige, Genius in HD, Gab Soul and many others that I’m watching doing their damn thing and I’m just happy to see them as inspirations.
11 – Social media is crucial in building any name or brand. Although DJ’s offer a different type of service than most, how do you think a rising DJ should go about utilizing social media in order to get their looks?
Conduct your business/page to cater to your audience or the audience you envision yourself having. Don’t follow anyone else’s formula just do you and show your best self possible. Also, don’t be a spam page that’s gross.
12 – As a DJ, what has been the most important piece of advice anyone has given you?
Well, I have two. One DJ told me I should change my name from “Miss Milan” because it was whack and doesn’t really have a ring to it and the same day I was told by someone else to have confidence in who you are and what you bring to the table. That being said I didn’t listen to that DJ and had confidence in myself to go with my name and brand it and here we have DJ Miss Milan!
13 – What can DJ Miss Milan fans expect from you in this second half of 2018?
Fans sound weird lol I like “supporters” better but what they can expect from me is what they been receiving but now on a bigger scale so stay tuned.