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.
Learn more tips like these from experienced DJs, producers, managers, and more at the upcoming Chicago Music Nexus. Get presale tickets here: www.chicagomusicnexus.com
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In this episode, we explore:
- The importance of being true to yourself as a DJ and how to maintain authenticity through music and branding.
-The significance of consistency and patience in building a successful DJ career.
-Strategies for connecting with the community and supporting other artists, leading to mutual growth and opportunities.
-The value of building genuine connections and surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals for personal and professional development.
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.
Follow Aqutie: https://www.instagram.com/aqutieee/
Follow Olivia: https://instagram.com/oliviamancuso__
Patreon: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso
Audio Engineer & Video Editor: James Fixx
00:00 Intro to Aqutie
2:40 How Aqutie got into DJing
6:15 How her experience set the tone for other women DJs at her college
7:20 Why it’s important to support the next generation of women DJs
8:30 Tapping into your community
9:25 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
