Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Smoov
Hi DJ, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always been involved in music from an early age. I was serving in the US Army in 2008, in Iraq when I tried my hand at DJing. Initially, I was only interested in creating playlists and CDs for my own enjoyment, but I was mainly focusing on my military career and my children. In 2014, I made the decision to take DJing seriously after retiring from the Army. I started slowly with taking karaoke gigs and started building my karaoke catalog from there. I was getting booked strictly for karaoke shows, while building up my equipment around town. 2018, I decided to expand my business into not just karaoke, but cultivating my show by incorporating my musical knowledge with a unique party experience. I focused on building my clientele, updating my marketing, and getting into other avenues, such as, weddings, and private corporate events. I was recognized by the Down For The Underground Awards as DJ Of The Year, twice and was recently awarded the Queen Of The Turntables for 2024. My passion is music, whether it’s a live band, karaoke, DJing different genres, or simply just driving listening to Pandora. I believe healing is in music regardless of the genre.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Generally, the road has not been easy especially with me being a female DJ. Unfortunately, when clients book a DJ they expect a male to accomplish that. However, I still get the raised eyebrows and shocked looks when I tell someone that I am a DJ. It has taken a lot to garner the reputation and respect I have gained thus far. There are many businesses and club owners who would rather hire a male DJ versus giving a female DJ a honest chance. The pay discrepancies are definitely different. I am still finding myself in heated debates about standardizing rates for DJs. There are rumors or stigmas about female DJs and how we are hired for gigs. These same rumors or stigmas do not apply to the male DJs. While I can continually point out many struggles or tough moments, I would rather focus on the positive impacts I create while DJing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a female DJ located in Houston, Texas. My specialty is RnB and Neo Soul genres, however, I am well versed in many other genres to accomplish the job. I like to take my customers or clients on a musical journey by selecting and mixing different types of music that would normally not go together.
I am known for interacting with the customers and ensuring they have a great time. I like to crack jokes, do trivia, line dance, and overall make their experience in my hands memorable.
I am most proud of seeing the faces of my clients after I help them retrieve a memory from child hood or open their minds to new music.
My extensive musical catalog and knowledge sets me apart from my colleagues. Many DJs choose to sit in the DJ booth and limit their interaction, while I don’t mind getting out of the DJ booth to catch the vibe of my crowd.
Any big plans?
My plans for the future are to keep expanding my business and I would love to go overseas to DJ in another country. I would also like to be a traveling DJ for an artist. I do believe if I keep pushing forward and maintaining my positive attitude I will succeed.
I also want to grow my podcast to grow to assist other DJs to grow their following and give them a safe space to talk about the ups and downs of the industry. The podcast is called “Turn The Mic Up- DJ Interaction”.
Pricing:
- $450/4hrs – Regular DJ
- $750/4hrs – DJ + Karaoke Services
- $1500 DJ + MC Services for Weddings
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djsmoov420_2.0/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yvette.washington.503/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DJSmoov-yq5jk
