By: Brianna Smith-Herman

The DJ industry has historically been a male-dominant space, but, within recent years, many female DJs and producers have begun to rise within this industry.

There’s no shortage of women who can hold their own behind the turntables here in Memphis. There are countless impressive female DJs mixing tunes across the city, from seasoned veterans to rising stars. These DJs have performed for some of the city’s biggest festivals, held residencies at some of the most popular clubs, and they’ve assisted and worked with some of the industry’s most successful artists and agencies.

During Women’s History Month, we are working alongside Central Station’s DJ Series by celebrating their DJs: DJ Alpha Whiskey, Kerri Mahoney, and Janet Wilson and jamming out to the mixes they have created to empower us all.

DJ Alpha Whiskey
@djalphawhiskey

What skills do you think DJs need to be successful?

In order to be a DJ, you need to have several skills. The most important skill in my opinion is rhythm. If you don’t have rhythm or know how to count beats then you won’t get very far. Another skill you should have is knowing your music or what music to play when you are at events. Lastly, you need to be professional. Playing music is one thing but you have to be on time, have the right equipment, and scan the crowd to make sure they are enjoying what you are playing!

What would you say is the most rewarding part of being a DJ?

The most rewarding part about being a DJ for me is inspiring other females to follow their dreams. I’ve always wanted to be a DJ but it wasn’t until I saw other female DJs and that inspired me to go after it!

How did you become interested in DJing?

I’ve always wanted to be a DJ ever since I was a little girl but it was never the right time for me to learn and really take it seriously until 2016/2017. I told my good friend Zach Word that I always wanted to be a DJ and he put me in contact with the right people in the city. I started teaching myself how to DJ and the rest is history!

If given a choice to play a song you know will make the crowd go crazy, which do you play?

It never fails to play Too Short, Blow The Whistle. The crowd always goes wild! It’s a Classic!

Kerri Mahoney
@kmahoneystudio

What skills do you think DJs need to be successful?

Ultimately, it depends on what sort of DJ one wants to be— a club DJ, a radio DJ, a mobile DJ, or a turntablist.

Personally, for me, a deep knowledge of music is key, and a desire to keep discovering. As it pertains to my radio show, this is particularly true, as there are always more international funk/soul/boogie/electronic rabbit holes to dive into – new music finds keep the show fresh.

As it pertains to Elmertha, it’s been deeply helpful for me to know a lot about the variety of genres within Memphis, as we play only music that has a connection to Memphis in some way or another. It’s helpful for me to appreciate various genres, and the musicians within them, so I can build a variety of “mini-sets” — and to know what to play to seamlessly bridge the genres over the course of a 5-6 hour set.

What would you say is the most rewarding part of being a DJ?

When I’m asked (with excitement!) “What WAS that song you played?” The connection I make with others when sharing music is the best feeling.

How did you become interested in DJing?

I am and always have been a voracious music consumer— I listen to music 6 to 8 hours a day as I work in my studio. I have a penchant for sounds from West Africa, the Caribbean, Central, and South America, from the 30s to today – but I am very well versed in music – R&B, house, garage rock, electronic, exotica, no wave, experimental…. I love it all!

I’d share artists and songs with friends in conversation. When they’d tell me how much they liked the music I had turned them on to, I thought I might have something to offer on a larger scale with my discoveries.

I had been curious about hosting a community radio show since moving to Memphis – I was seeking to participate in the Memphis music community in a new way, outside of graphic design. I submitted a demo show to WEVL as a lark — it was accepted, and I hosted a show for two years, playing tropical music, and learning the ins and outs of DJing on the radio from the ground up.

Since I’ve started down this path, I’ve become exponentially more involved in DJ-related events —- I’ve played sets at “Record Store Day” events at Goner Records, for street parties, and regularly on Elmertha at Eight and Sand at the Central Station Hotel, where I spin records two times a month. I also have a show on WYXR 91.7 FM Memphis on Wednesdays from 1-2 called “Ring the Alarm”.

If given a choice to play a song you know will make the crowd go crazy, which do you play?

“I Know You Got Soul” by Bobby Byrd and the JBs is one of my favorite party songs of all time!

Janet Wilson
@janetmobanet

What skills do you think DJs need to be successful?

You have to be a producer, a manager, a computer scientist, a librarian, a hardware engineer, and a sound engineer. Oh, don’t forget a lighting expert if you are a mobile DJ.

Different skills are needed based on what type of DJ you want to be. DJing on the radio is different from djing in a club or djing at a private party. The most important skill is knowing your audience and goal. You have to adapt at any given moment. At Eight and Sand, your audience can change from minute to minute. I play 6 degrees of Memphis music – soul, pop, rock, blues and jazz often starting out more background-like and then building the energy up. On the radio, I keep the energy high for the 2-hour set. Wedding music is so broad. You have to entertain all generations with music and dance.

Technical skills are necessary to learn how to spin physical music like a record or use a DJ controller and software. You have to know how to manage sound levels because not all music is recorded equally. You have to learn microphone skills. You also have to learn how to set up your own sound system and DJ equipment. If you use digital music, you have to organize your library. You have to learn computer software like Serato to prepare, queue and mix your music.

Music research and acquisition is another necessary skill. I tend to buy most of my music locally or online. I typically don’t stream music during a live performance. I prefer owning the physical track to minimize connectivity issues with wifi or cell. You have to read music blogs, magazines, podcasts, or subscribe to music services to learn about new songs.

Time management is important. On average, a one-hour set of music is 13 to 14 songs. You should always have more music than you need in case you have to shift genres for some reason.

What would you say is the most rewarding part of being a DJ?

When I see someone moving their head, shaking their rump or tapping their hand or foot, that makes me happy. When I can make someone’s day better with music, that’s rewarding. If the party goers had a superb time, then I did my job.

How did you become interested in DJing?

As early as I can remember, music and I have a connection. I’ve entertained people with music as a child playing from 8 track tapes and records. I made mixed cassette tapes and CDs for friends. I started as a radio DJ first on WEVL FM 89.9 in Memphis. I DJ’d private parties next. Now, I DJ at Eight and Sand, on the radio at WYXR FM 91.7 and at private parties. Sharing music is my passion.