How do you thrive as a DJ in a competitive industry? What strategies support authentic growth in music? Why is community support vital, especially for women in DJing? This episode features an inspiring conversation with AQUTIE, a trailblazing DJ whose rapid rise is marked by authenticity and community engagement.
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In this episode, we explore:
AQUTIE is a Harlem-born and raised South African/Guinean producer/DJ whose meteoric rise has led to sharing the stage with Black Coffee & Uncle Waffles, her Boiler Room debut, and curating a stage on the Coachella grounds, all within the past year. Through her own monthly Brooklyn-based event series, Heat House, AQUTIE brings the sounds of the African diaspora together, transcending borders and embodying her ethos of unity and inclusivity.
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Audio Engineer & Video Editor: James Fixx
00:00 - Intro to Aqutie
02:40 - How Aqutie got into DJing
06:15 - How her experience set the tone for other women DJs at her college
07:20 - Why it’s important to support the next generation of women DJs
08:30 - Tapping into your community
09:25 - Why being consistent matters
11:40 - Using the pandemic to skyrocket your career
13:03 - Why you should dare to be different
14:40 - Why you should get specific with your sound
15:52 - Introducing people to Amapiano and South African culture
16:55 - Why living in New York helps your DJ career
19:02 - How should new DJs approach incorporating new sound?
19:47 - Storytelling in DJ sets
23:09 - Planning sets - yay or nay?
25:17 - Why do so many DJs give unsolicited advice on Threads?
26:28 - Does equipment matter?
30:08 - How to protect your peace and stay positive
32:04 - Aqutie’s advice for new DJs