Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Smoov.
Hi DJ, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been tied to music since I was younger. I played the several instruments, sang in choirs, and always loved different genres of music. When I joined the Army in 1991, I made playlists and sang in different groups. I had no aspirations of making it in the music business. In 2018, I was on my last leg of my tour in Iraq and was asked to DJ a party. Once I saw how the people enjoyed my song selections and genuinely had a good time, I fell in love with the art of DJing. I didn’t look more into DJing until 2016, when I decided to study the craft of DJing, buy some equipment and make DJing my next career move. I started out pretty rough in the beginning, I didn’t talk on the mic and was solely booking karaoke shows. When I studied other karaoke shows I saw that I needed to learn how to talk on the mic and come out of my shell. I had a Mentor DJ Kaycee, he was hard on me because he saw some potential in me that I didn’t see in myself. He challenged me to learn how to mix, read the crowd, expand my musical repertoire and put on a show. Fast forward to the present, I primarily DJ private events because I can customize my show for the Client.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No it certainly has not been a smooth road. As a female DJ, the bias with business owners is real. The DJ world is male driven and it is easier for a male DJ to get into spots than it is a female DJ unless a recommendation is behind it. The pay is not equal either. There are businesses that attempt to set a ” standard’ fee for all DJs or pay by the hour, but some businesses don’t understand what comes with DJing. If we have to bring our own equipment( ie. speakers, mics, cables, screens) those items are very expensive. So, paying a DJ $250 for 7 hours plus the DJ bringing thousands of dollars does not equate. While from the businesses perspective, DJs are expected to “bring a crowd”, amp up liquor sales, play music to keep customers in the building, and provide some form of promotion. That expectation is unreasonable and unrealistic. I have had situations where customers spill their drinks on my equipment or become belligerent and my safety is a concern. I have DJ’d at businesses who decide after I’ve done my part that they ” didn’t make any money” so I don’t get paid and I never receive any money owed. I don’t believe in bad mouthing businesses, but I also try to be an advocate for DJs. Many people believe a modern DJ just pushes buttons, they don’t see the hours of organizing music, paying monthly for insurance and record pools, paying thousands of dollars for microphones, speakers, controllers, computers, DJing software, and maintaining cables.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a female DJ in Houston, Texas. I specialize in creating an atmosphere that transforms a space musically. I select RNB/Neo-Soul tracks that either jolt a memory or open cerebral horizons to new music. I am know for ensuring the party space will have a good time. I will leave the DJ booth to dance with you and put a smile on your face.
I am most proud of maintaining my DJ career thus far. My Clientele differs from an Oil & Gas tycoon to an average 60th birthday party. What sets my apart from others is, I don’t take any and every booking, you won’t find me bothering DJs for an opportunity. I try to expand my network and if I can assist another DJ either by suggesting a song, sending music, or supporting their set.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I am originally from Dallas and what I like about Houston is that it is something for everyone. Houston is very diverse, there is literally something for everyone to do. If you are more of an introvert and don’t like to be around many people, we have spots for that. If you are an extrovert, but don’t know many people we have something for that. If you like to workout or be in nature, we have events for that. Houston is a happy medium between a fast paced city with a country feel. You can live in Spring, but venture out in Midtown. What I like least about our city is the traffic. I avoid driving during peak times as much as possible. I also dislike as much diversity Houston has it can also create an over saturation of the same events until the event becomes mundane.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djsmoov_214_20/
