DJ Anash is getting ready for her next gig. She primarily plays modern dancehall, Afrobeats, reggae and pop. However speaking to her you get the sense that she is interested in other kinds of music. A bonafide singer and model, her physical features are as amplified as her party set.
She represents a new generation of female DJs who exist in between the fresh taste or the Gen Z’s taste as well as the nostalgia of the millennials.
She speaks with WMV about her triumphs and struggles a woman DJ in the entertainment business.
What inspired you to become a DJ, and how did you get started in the industry?
Ok, when I was in college around 2014 and 2015, My friends and I use to hang out in the kitchen and Play music from YouTube, I use to be the one selecting the music and everyone always love my selections. There was this one time that I went to a friend’s house party and again I was the selecta , after that party I remember my friend at the time telling me to get serious about djing because she thinks I’m good with the selections. So right after that I started doing my research and that’s when I discovered “Black coffee” a world known Dj/producer. I was just blown away by his productions, I loved the way he mixes vocals and sounds together, for me that was different and there and then I fell in love with afrohouse music. In 2016 I then discovered someone who really inspired me, Deejay Puffy and he boosted my confidence a little more when I realize he was from the Caribbean and he was djing big time. In 2016 deejay puffy won the red Bull 3style competition and that inspired me so much I became a bedroom Dj , for almost two years I studied and practice in my room. In 2019 I started promoting myself as a Dj and I got my first gig in that same year.
Can you describe your typical performance setup, and what equipment you use?
My typical set up would be 2 to 3 PA speakers with a bass, a Dj table or booth, a mixer and console and my laptop. It really depends on the event that I am playing at when it comes to the set up. I use serato Dj pro and pioneer, numark, serato console.
I usually ask the promoter what kind of vibe they want and then I would do my research, create a playlist and prepare my set for the event. I also practice my transitions and what songs works best with what songs .
One of my most memorable performance is when I put on my own event. It was a really good turn out, for me, being able to play at my own event was so fulfilling. Everyone was having a great time and i was djing out my life,lol , I was on cloud nine because for me playing at my own event was just a dream come through, and to this day I am still proud of myself for that experience.
I love interacting with the crowd, sometimes I would Mc while djing and talk to people, asking everyone how they feeling , big them up and give shout outs. One other way I use to interact is dancing while I am mixing, people seem to like when you are enjoying your own set and most of the times I am, when I am dancing I feel like people feel that energy and they dance also because the vibe feels good. I like reading the crowd energy because for me I need their energy, so i am always looking in the crowd to see the response from people and most of the time it’s always a good feedback. I sometimes would ask people if they are enjoying them self.
I think the way I mixed different genres and music together is one of my strong points. I love to introduce new music to my patrons so what I do sometimes is mixed in crowd pleasers with new tracks. I usually find the balance by not playing too much of one thing for two long, if I’m introducing a new track, I would find ways to mixed in songs that people are already familiar with, so when I am doing this I am reading the crowd reaction so I can find the right moment to create that transition. It’s really about finding that right moment.
Can you talk about a time when things didn’t go as planned during a performance, and how you handled it?
One time while playing something happened to the mixer and the sound went out, so I grabbed the microphone and talk to the patrons and explain what happened, I talked a bit , give some shout outs, just talk to them in jovial way and they understand, while this is happening the sound is be sorted and then in no time the music came back and everyone was ready again for a good time. Once you talk to people they will understand.
How do you stay current and informed about new music and trends in the industry?
I stay current by researching every single day, I am always looking for new music, new Artist, and djs. I study my favorite djs. I am always on Spotify checking out new stuff, I watch and listen to podcast and YouTube videos. I practice and try to be present in my socials as much as I can.
How do you maintain and develop your skills as a DJ?
I maintain by practicing and doing mixes, i do my mixes as a way of grading myself and how much I’ve grown, so I’d make mixes and listen to them so I can know where I am improving and where I need to pay more attention to. Practicing is very important to me as it relates to skills and development so I try my best to spend atleast 2 -3 hours a day practicing.
10. What are your future goals and aspirations as a DJ?
I am looking forward to becoming a world known Deejay. I want to travel the world and create beautiful experience for people, I want to give people musical experiences that they’ve never had through my Djing. I want be international because would allow me to connect my culture with the world. I want to be a superstar Deejay and also one that deserves it lol. I see myself growing into a very successful Dj/producer because I love love music, and I see myself pursuing this career for the rest of my life.
