Today we’d like to introduce you to Dj Cozy Shawn.
Dj Cozy Shawn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I LOVE FUNKY MUSIC! Since 1991, my mission is to put my heart & soul into every funky groove I’m fortunate enough to spin in front of an audience! A native of Westbury, L.I., NY. A 70’s baby!! I’ve been djing in the eclectic Atlanta nightlife scene since 1997, specializing in new & classic funk, classic NYC disco, funky rare Grooves, jazz-funk, Latin, acid jazz, jazzy deep house, & golden-age classic hip hop. Even though I’ve had a passion for music all my life, I didn’t start djing/spinning for an audience until I became an on-air announcer on WNSB (1991-1994) while attending Norfolk State University. Upon graduating in 1994 & moving back to NYC, I landed my first professional dj residency at Sapphire Lounge (1994-1995), located in lower east side Manhattan. They are still open! Moving to Washington DC in late 1995, I earned a dj residency at State Of The Union Lounge (1995-1996). I moved to Atlanta in late 1996…The adventure starts…
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Staying relevant in a city that goes through constant change in the entertainment industry. Maintenance of your own lane, nurturing your style.
Please tell us about Dj Cozy Shawn.
2019 I celebrate djing professionally 25 years, spinning the funkiest classic grooves I can. That’s what I’m known for sincerely. The majority of my performances I utilize vinyl, a funky history lesson is how I describe my sets. Seamlessly mixing all genres & time periods of funky music, from the late 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, to present day eclectic grooves.
Please follow & dig the extremely funky podcast “GET COZY” with DJ COZY SHAWN on England’s soulandjazz.com. I have 130 plus episodes available for your listening pleasure upon subscription.
I dj weekly in Atlanta. Every Friday late night at Marcel European Steakhouse in West Midtown. 11pm-2am, spinning classic funk, classic NYC disco & more. Every Saturday at one of Atlanta’s top dive bars, 97 Estoria. 11pm-2:30am. Spinning all-vinyl, classic funk. Forth-Thursday’s of each month I spin at another top dive bar/cantina, Little 5 Points own, Elmyr. 10pm-2am for “The Cozyship Connection”. A night where I spin a lot of Prince, P-Funk, Rick James, & late 70’s/80’s classic funk.
I’ve been fortunate to hold dj residence at the world famous MJQ Concourse, weekly from the years of 1998-2010. Creative Loafing’s Best of Atlanta/Nightclub, eight times as a resident there… The original resident dj of Atlanta Botanical Gardens, “Cocktails In The Gardens”, 2003-2008. The Mark Ultralounge 2004-2005, Commune 2003-2005, Django’s 2005-2006, The Globe 2006-2007, The Glenn Hotel,2007, Pal’s Lounge, 2009-2012 , Rare Lounge, 2010, “Music In The Park”, 2011-2014,2016,2018, Sauced, 2012, Elmyriachi, 2014-2015, Bellina Alimentari (2017-2018), Elmyr (2013-present), 97 Estoria (2012-present), Marcel European Steakhouse 2017- present.
Opening Dj for concert/shows:
– Me’Shell N’dege Ocello -Noot D’Noot
– Spacek -Wolfmother
– Judi Chicago
– James Taylor Quartet/JTQ -Kebbi Williams -The Black Lips -Rizzudo
– Citizen Cope -Russell Gunn -Kinah Boto-Darryl Reeves,
– Blowfly/Clarence Reid -Whild Peach -Dashill Smith -Miquel Atwood Ferguson -Kudu & more.
After-party’s & private party’s for such artist as
– Earth, Wind, & Fire -Fishbone -Mastodon -“Lil’Jon Roberts -Joi Gilliam-Bad Brains -Cee-Lo Green & more.
Shared Dj line-up’s with over the years with
– QuestLove (of The Roots/Jimmy Fallon Show) -Madlib
– Bobbito aka Cucumberslice
– Dj Jamad -Dj Drama -Deep Dish
– LuvBugStarSki -Andy Smith (of Portishead) -Ubiquita NYC-Karl Injex -Lofty Love -Salah Ananse – PeanutButterWolf -Kai Alce,
– Cullen Cole -Klever – Rich Medina & more.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My parents taking me to see the Jackson 5, live at Westbury Music Fair (Westbury, LI, NY) in the mid to late 1970’s.
Contact Info:
- Website: soulandjazz.com
- Phone: 4046252596
- Email: djcozyshawn@gmail.com
- Instagram: Dj Cozy Shawn
- Twitter: @djcozyshawn
Image Credit:
Shawn Austin
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
