Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Thundacat.
Hi DJ, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I attended Prairie View A&M University and my freshman year there was an event in our student center. My mentor, DJ Techtrix, was on the 1’s and 2’s and I came with my friends because it was just something to do that night on campus. When I heard him DJ that’s when the spark appeared. At the end of my freshman year, I asked him to teach me how to DJ and eventually, he said yes but even then it wasn’t that simple. I had to download so much music before I could physically practice and even after I could it took a little time for me to fully grasp those lessons.
It’s because of that mentorship that my mind works the way it does when it comes to DJing. I’m an artist and I’m sensitive about my craft. After that, I became a part of PVUKNODJS, which is a college DJ coalition at PVAMU. This gave me the opportunity to connect with my fellow DJs on campus and grow as a DJ. I started throwing my own kickbacks, events and getting booked more but we all have to wait our turn. The semester before COVID hit is when things started to take off. I was getting more recognition and becoming really confident in my skills. I got to DJ all throughout homecoming in 2019, in clubs (special shoutout to DJ Ari), and all of my events were prospering. as well. Now, I continue to grow my skillset as a DJ. I’m HBCU Buzz nominated, curate events with my team TTC Promotions, I’m a 1501 DJ, and my Soundcloud has over 100k listens but, overall I’m just trying to build my own lane in the city one brick at a time.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Being a female DJ alone is a struggle. I had to learn to stay focused on my craft and my path because I’m in a male dominated industry. It can be easy to get caught up on the fact that you put in the work to be great but it’s not happening. You just have to keep doing you and let your time come. For example, a male DJ could be just starting out and they’ll give him a chance, even on a big event, before an experienced female DJ and It happens. It could get frustrating at one point but in reality what’s for me will be for me. That goes for anything because as a woman in this business you can’t tolerate any disrespect. It isn’t personal it’s always business and good business doesn’t come with disrespect. Stand your ground because people will try you just because you’re a woman. So having my own name and reputation became even more essential to me.
Everyone in the room should be somewhat familiar with my capabilities as a DJ and if they aren’t one day they will.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a DJ because I love music. I have so much music but it’s still not enough. I can do things like make clean edits of songs because I’ve worked at radio stations where it’s a necessity. As a DJ I’m versatile with my song selection and I mix and blend heavily to carry momentum. It means a lot to me when I get compliments on how smooth my transitions are. I also found my voice on the mic and started to MC for myself. My style is constantly improving because I practice and love what I do. I DJ how I want to and I’m proud of that.
What matters most to you? Why?
Family, learning, growing, and having confidence in myself and what I do. A tight circle can really help you see that you have no ceiling. Simply put, I could always be better and I will aways be a student but I’ll never not know what I’m doing.
Contact Info:
- Email: djthundacat@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dj.thundacat | https://www.instagram.com/ttcpromotions
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-538477564/sets/all-of-my-mixes
Image Credits
@tmedia_
@TNVisuals_
