The Importance of Supporting Local Performers and DJs

It is essential to support local artists and the venues that host them. This support can come in many forms, including attending live performances, sharing artist's music on social media, or simply promoting projects within the community. Many musicians rely heavily on ticket/door sales and merchandise to sustain their careers, especially when facing the increasing cost of living. This support leads to long term gig bookings, creative development, and earned accolades.

This month a noteworthy recognition for women in the DJ industry happened when Spinderella of Salt-N-Pepa was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as the first female DJ ever. During her acceptance speech she stated,"...I carry every female DJ who ever dared to dream," she continued. "Every woman who touched a turntable and said, ‘I can do that too.’ This is ours." Check the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame performance and acceptance speech.

I would like to point out that it took 40 years for this to happen and without the support of the creative community and fanbase this wouldn't have ever happened. This leads me to bring up several important points that are often not acknowledged when the topic of women and DJing are brought up. We are:

Role Models for Future Generations

Highlighting successful creative women and performers serves as an inspiration for younger generations. It lets others know that they aren't alone and provides a sense of empowerment.

We Aren't Traditional To Industry Norms and Challenge Expectations By supporting us, boundaries are broken and innovation happens naturally.

Community Building

By promoting us, it sends a message of value and openness. Some may say that music and DJ culture are oversaturated artists but there really is room for everyone to be there own version of what they want to present as performer. To support the community is a healthy way to inspire growth and development as individuals, networking, and building together as a whole movement.