Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ K La V (Makayla) Davis.
DJ K La V (Makayla), can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I recall the exact moment when I said: “I am going to be a DJ.” I was living in Los Angeles, California at the time. Working a full-time job at CBS Corporation. I remember busting through the door of my apartment and running to the bathroom (as I normally would after an hour-long commute home). As I set on the toilet, a clear vision of me DJ’ing to a crowd of people flashed before me. I was on stage with dancers, a huge crowd, with lights and smoke machines. I saw myself traveling the world with my packed DJ tour schedule. I was deemed the hottest female Hip-Hop or House DJ in Los Angeles and the world.
Yes, that was quite the dream and I knew I had an uphill battle being that I knew absolutely nothing about DJ’ing. Oh yea, and I was soon turning 26 years old; which was kinda past my prime to start a DJ career. Even with everything stacked against me, I knew I had to follow this DJ dream. So, without hesitation, I started studying and watching and reading as much “How to DJ” content I could consume.
Before I even considered DJ’ing as an actual career, I had been heavily involved with the music scene in LA as an aspiring song-writer. I had friends with connections; record executives, music producers, and managers in the music industry. With that, I had the privilege of experiencing the music industry from the inside out. My song-writing aspirations changed the night my music director friend invited me to a Far East Movement show and afterparty. I watched in “awe” as DJ Virman (the DJ of Far East Movement) tore up the stage. His DJ set was epic. At that time, EDM- electronic dance music, was just hitting it big in the states, and he played the most creative Hip-Hop/EDM DJ set I had ever heard. I was so inspired. I also was inspired by a female DJ, DJ Sky Nellor, who appeared on an episode of Millionaire Matchmaker on Bravo. She was an international DJ and I thought if she can do it, then I can do it too. And so I did.
After buying some simple DJ equipment, I reached out to the only DJ I knew at the time and asked him to come over and show me the basics of DJ’ing. I practiced every day and night before and after work. Soon my friends started hiring me to play at their events. They would suggest me to anyone they knew who was looking for a DJ. Next, I created an all-girl band where I was the DJ in the group. We played events in LA like a Coachella after-party and a few fashion events on Melrose. We also traveled a few times across the country and played shows. Once the girl group disbanded, I was hired to tour and play shows with signed Rostrum Records artist Vali. We played several shows for the Marines and the Army. After running out of Paid Time Off at my full-time job from traveling so much, I decided too take a leap of faith and quit my full-time job at CBS.
After the Vali gig ended, I was hired on as a regular DJ with Scratch Music Group. Through Scratch, I’ve DJ’d for Google, Amazon, Mercedes Benz, Nike, Neiman Marcus, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruises, and I’ve done several events for JD Sports out here in Houston, and so many more brands; This is just to name a few. I still currently work with Scratch Music Group as well as take on my own clients. I have created and curated several events in the past and will continue to do so moving forward. Recently I created a blog site called DJGURL.com where I discuss my experiences as a female DJ in hopes that it will motivate and inspire new and upcoming women DJs along their journey.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road but that makes the journey much more valuable. Some of my struggles included having to find equipment that fits me, equipment that I was able to lift and transport around without it being too heavy for me to set-up and break-down by myself. Most gigs I play at, I have no one there to help me with set-up and break down, but the job still needs to get done. I remember one time I played at a wedding where I almost threw my back out trying to lift a speaker that was way too heavy for me, but a male counterpart easily able to lift it and set it up for me. I hated that. When I first started out I bought equipment that was much cheaper but was so heavy that I always had to rely on men and other people to help me prop up my speakers and carry in my equipment otherwise it would take me forever to get set-up.
I suggest researching the specifications of each piece of equipment before buying it. Making sure that it’s at a weight and height that you can lift. Having a cart or a dolly is a must for loading equipment in/out. I didn’t have one at first. Other struggles include not always getting the same respect as some of my male counterparts in certain instances. This included my pay rate being affected as well as having to prove my worth when my skill was being doubted solely based on me being a woman. This rarely ever happens but it has happened and I had to make sure the confidence I had in myself and my abilities were apparent. If this ever happens to you make sure you have full confidence in yourself and what you have to offer. Don’t let anyone downplay your talents. Practice and always come prepared. With Dj’ing, you can expect the unexpected but with preparation and practice, you can overcome just about any obstacle that comes your way. However, a lot of the time you have to go through the obstacles to even know what to prepare for; so it really all just comes with time. Be patient with yourself. In time you’ll naturally grow in your craft.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a DJ specializing in music that speaks to your soul. Meaning I love House music, soulful house, afro house, tech house, jazzy house music, Latin house, and international rhythms, whatever sounds good. That doesn’t mean I don’t play other genres of music like Hip Hop and RnB, I grew up off of that music; it’s just that House music is the most therapeutic for me. I like music that makes me want to dance. I’m actually a certified group fitness instructor and I teach dance classes to the music I love. It’s not enough for me to just play it, but I like to dance it out as well lol! On another note, most events I’m hired for I play all types of genres of music, from country to trap music. I have a large music catalog that I’ve been collecting since I was a child. This is why I am able to play a Muslim wedding one weekend, a Jewish event the next weekend, and a trap music birthday the following weekend. I understand music and how it speaks to people. How it connects people.
I believe you must be responsible with the music that you play out to people because of the way it speaks to people. So with my new blog DJGURL.com (that I am still building), I’ll be touching on that. My intention is to not only coach on “how to DJ” but to also discuss all the stuff in between. The stuff that makes us whole and well-rounded responsible people/creatives. I’m going to bring awareness to wellness through music, movement, sound healing, food healing, spirituality, and mindfulness. I’m most proud of this new passion project I can offer to the world.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
The biggest barrier for women in music or women DJs is that there just isn’t a lot of them compared to our male counterparts. I saw a statistic recently (which I’m not sure the full accuracy of it) but it said that 98% of music industry producers are men and 97% of music industry engineers/mixers are men. I’m sure if someone did a statistic of female DJs to male DJs it is up in those ranges as well, however I do see more women now entering into the music and DJ arenas which is great.
Pricing:
- Just a word to the wise a 4 hour event for a mobile DJ should not cost any less than $400 and that is honestly on the low end especially if the DJ is bringing in their own equipment such as speakers, microphones, lighting, a table, etc.
Contact Info:
- Website: k-lav.com
- Email: createeveryday@djgurl.com
- Instagram: @k.la.v
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KlaVmusic/
- Twitter: https://soundcloud.com/ms-v-810244388
- Other: djgurl.com
Image Credit:
Juan Gomez, M.F.B Entertainment, Ken Viale
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