Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Ms. Eclectic.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
With an amazing mother as a trained pianist and vocalist, I grew up listening to nothing but good music from Gospel to R&B, Jazz, Hip Hop and Alternative. Through this, I feel like it was embedded in me to pursue a musical journey, so I started sharing my love for music as a Lyricist at the age of ten, frequently winning talent shows throughout high school. In college though, I shifted to Business major mode, leaving little time and motivation for music, but while attending Prairie View A&M University, through Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity for Women, I met vocalist and songwriter Yvette “Vet” Hardin and several years after graduation my creative juices started flowing again and we formed the bold, cutting edge urban gospel group F.R.E.E. (The only Hip Hop Female Duo with a Christian platform).
Our EP afforded us a lot of opportunities from tv to concerts, opening up for many breakthrough artists in the gospel like Kierra Sheard and Mali Music to name a few but after a while, our group started to lose its momentum. From there, I started focusing more on DJing and radio which led me to Washington, D.C. I never completely left lyricism behind while in DC, I released a few solo projects. All the while, I was working in Corporate America.
Just recently, I took a leap of faith, left my corporate job (Pray for me!) and moved to the great ATL with my creative stylings, I am establishing my lane in the Urban Gospel Industry infusing old school and new music, creating an exhilarating experience, whether it’s Radio, DJing or Emceeing. I’ve been blessed to be affiliated with numerous Internet/HD FM radio stations and make recurring DJ appearances on Radio One.
Has it been a smooth road?
What’s the gospel song “I’m coming up, on the rough side of the mountain.” It’s definitely been an uphill battle. Even though I grew up around a lot of musicality. I originally come from a city that doesn’t really have a strong music culture. I do believe that was a factor in the urban gospel duo I was in plateauing and never reaching our greatest potential. Moving was one of the greatest choices I’ve ever made.
My initial relocation was to the nation’s capital D.C. and that involved a lot of growing pains but I learned so much about myself, my ambition and willingness to succeed. On a personal note, I had to come to terms with some things that happened in my childhood that were hindering me from reaching my full potential from molestation to insecurity that I hid very well all of my life, even from my Mother but being F.R.E.E. took me to another level in life and another level in God. My DJ and radio career has flourished.
Through all of the accomplishments and setbacks, being a woman in the industry also brings about its own challenges, sometimes it takes a little more effort to gain respect in a sense but you have to let your voice be heard and learn to value your own opinion! This career has its pros and cons and I believe that’s industry-wide from mainstream to faith-based outlets in the industry I’m affiliated with. There is little representation from women in the mainstream from DJs to producers. I believe women are as skilled as men in music and technology and are a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
Then Moving to Atlanta was a pure act of Faith. Quitting a 9-5 where you are making good money and a “guaranteed” paycheck is tough! But you literally only have one life to live, and I would like to live mine with as little regrets as possible. It’s definitely not an easy road but I believe in my soul it’s all been worth it!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m an Urban Christian Creative through my Faith-Based company, Eclectic Music Enterprise, we offer DJ, Radio and Voice Over services, providing professionalism and creativity to help you achieve your desired results through engagement and music knowledge. As a Radio DJ/Personality and Emcee, I love infusing old school and new school, creating the Eclectic Experience. You can tune into my new urban gospel radio show Mixtape w/ DJ Ms. Eclectic” on New Praise Radio (A BDS Monitored Station) and listen to the podcast version on all digital platforms stemming from Thinking Out Loud, including Spotify and iTunes. You can also hear my DJ mixes on the all-new Rhythm & Praise Radio station as the featured DJ for “Those Baxters in the Morning.”
I’m proud to be one the few female DJs in this sector of the industry, representing for the ladies! It’s an honor to be nominated for Gospel Hip Hop DJ of The Year for the Gospel Hip Hop Awards and be slated for the biggest CHH and Gospel Concert of its kind, God’s House of Hip Hop Summer Fest, as the only females DJ announced to hit the stage. (Both the award show and concert have been postponed to 2021)
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Well, I’m originally from TX but what I love about Atlanta is the North meets South mentality. I’ve lived in both regions and it’s a hint of the North Hustle and ambition and the southern hospitality. It’s like the best of both worlds 🙂. I’ve only lived in the Atlanta Metro area for about a year but the day I touched down, I felt home and I can see myself building a life here. I love networking, the genuine people and the lifestyle. The traffic has to be my biggest gripe.
One of the greatest assets of this city is having a platform like VoyageATL to give independent creatives a voice. Thank you so much for featuring my story!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DJMsEclectic.com
- Phone: 6784877753
- Email: Booking@DJMsEclectic.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/DJMsEclectic
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DJMsEclectic
- Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DJMsEclectic
- Other: www.newpraiseradio.com
Image Credit:
Mayes Media & Consulting
Noviah Denise
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