Today we’d like to introduce you to Daliah Bell.
Daliah, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My name is Daliah Bell, born and raised in Staten Island, raised in a home of hardworking individuals who never let an obstacle stop their grind. For as long as I remember, I always knew that I was put on this earth to be a barrier breaker, someone who thrives on achieving unconventional goals. Luckily, I have been blessed to break the barrier in the creative community in which I am so proud to be apart of. I have always been a lover of entertainment. The enjoyment of cheering in front of the stands in high school, to moving the crowds at festivals, my path has blossomed beyond belief.
I became a DJ at the age 19. I was introduced to the Serato Numark NS6 at a private kids spa themed venue I was working for as a host. It was no secret that I had the attitude to keep the party energy up, so the owner thought, why not teach her how to be the DJ. He taught me the basics of loading tracks, synchronizing BPM’s, and blending. I took the position with an open mind and taught myself as much as I could. Going home and watching hours of videos on the equipment, how it worked, and how I could make it work for me.
I enjoyed the job. It was flexible with school and my personal life. My family could see how much of a good impact it had on me, how much I enjoyed what I did. I didn’t think much of it then, but when I woke up on my 20th birthday to a brand new Serato DDJ-SR controller along with speakers. I thought of it then as a hobby, but now being a DJ had become such a building block for my career. I have met some of the greatest people, invited to the best parties, and given the opportunity to help make lifelong memories. Now, I have expanded by planning and coordinating community art ad music events.
Has it been a smooth road?
“If it is hard, it is worth it.” Although that quote seems easier said than done in the heat of the moment, it is true. Being that I decided to take DJ’ing seriously at the age of 20, I was not yet legal to perform in bars and clubs. I had been turned away at events that I had to carry heavy equipment too on public transportation, underestimated by older folks, and straight-up harassed by toxic masculine men.
With all that being said though, I am not a victim. I will not let the inconveniences of my journey define how hard I have worked to get to this point. The road hasn’t been smooth because it never was supposed to be smooth in the first place.
Please tell us about your work.
“GirlOnTheRocks was born from creativity, curiosity, and raised to redefine the successful Black Woman narrative. Her ability to hunt for authenticity in the creative world has opened doors and ignited change in her community. Writer, DJ, Coordinator, and lover of all things entertainment, GirlOnTheRocks is here to inspire, entertain, and educate.”
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
My longterm goal is to have my own venue. A space that is big and flexible, created to be the mecca of entertainment, inspiration, and education. My goal for five years would be to hopefully be apart of planning or executing some of the biggest events in the nation and then the world.
Contact Info:
- Email: girlontherocks2221@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlonthe_rocks/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/gotr
Image Credit:
Christine Cruz photography
Andrew Lujuan
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
