AN UPBEAT MIXISSUE 207 JUNE 2019 WWW.MOBILEBEAT.COM

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AN UPBEAT MIX

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PublisherRyan BurgerMobile Beat

Editor-in-ChiefDan Walsh

Events DirectorJake Feldman

Circulation ManagerKitty Harr

Editorial Assistant / WriterRebecca Burger

Events Director EmeritusMichael Buonaccorso

P L A Y L I S TA DIFFERENT BE AT � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6

By Stu Chisholm

FE ATURE � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 10

By Staci Nichols

INSIDE THE INDUSTRY � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 12

By Kevin Freese

THE HE ALTHY DJ � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 14

By Mark Evans

FE ATURE � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 15

By Dr. David Chinsky

FE ATURE � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 16

By Dr. Steve Yacovelli

PRODJFILES � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 18

By Mike Cordeiro

MUSIC NEWS �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 22

By Mike Cordeiro

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In parts one and two, we’ve secured decent transportation and gotten our gear safely to

the venue. (And, hopefully, in style!) Next, it’s time to get it all inside and set up. But...your first encounter is with that huge curb, and look: There’s no handicapped cut! Your wheeled carts might have trouble. Luckily you have enough room in your vehicle for a small moving ramp. These can be found almost anywhere that hand trucks and other moving gear are sold. Not only have I used mine to roll in my gear but got to play hero at an event where there was a large step with no other access for guests in wheelchairs.

THE JUICE IS LOOSEIf you’ve done your homework, you’ve already completed a site survey by the time you walk into the venue, so you know the “lay of the land.” Save time by placing each piece of gear closest to where it will be when in use. Next, take the time to check the closest outlets with a circuit tester to see if they are “hot” and wired correctly. Be ready for an improper ground with a ground adapter, which you’ll screw onto the faceplate. (This is where your tool kit will come in handy.) Also, use a circuit locator to find out which fuse or breaker controls the outlet supplying your sound and lighting gear. (This can be done during the survey, saving set-up time on gig day.) Find out if a switch controls the outlet. Plugging amps into an outlet with a dimmer would be...well...not good. You also don’t want your show to suddenly stop because one of the guest’s kids got curious and started flipping switches. Have plenty of high-grade electrical cord handy should you need to find a better outlet farther away.

Once your gear is set up and powered on, it’s time to secure all of the loose power and speaker cords. For this, I recommend avoiding hardware store type duct tape and get some genuine gaffer’s tape or Stage Tape. Flatten and tape down cords as much as possible, especially where people will be walking. To avoid back strain, look for a neat little product called the GaffGun, which will make application a breeze. If your cables need to run across a high-traffic area, then bring along some medium to heavy duty floor cord covers, sometimes called “wire tunnels.” These can be a bit bulky and

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A D I F F E R E N T B E A T

Getting There, Part 3: At the Venue

YOU’VE ARRIVED. NOW WHAT?

By Stu Chisholm

A D I F F E R E N T B E A T

Getting There, Part 3: At the VenueYOU’VE ARRIVED. NOW WHAT?

By Stu Chisholm

iDJPool www.idjpool.comiDJPool www.idjpool.com

heavy but are essential for the safety of both guests and your cords.Yet another (and much cheaper) option is to carry some floor

mats. Just be aware that they can move, depending on the surface they’re placed on, so you may have to secure them with tape.

TYING ONE ONSpeaking of cords, you’ll want to make them as neat as possible by having plenty of Velcro ties or plastic wire tires handy. (I prefer the former, as no tools are required to remove them and they’re much cheaper to use over the long haul. Save the plastic ties for more permanent setups.) Skirts and covers for speaker and lighting stands can also help with cord management. They also create the possibility of adding inner uplights to accent your rig!

BUST A MOVEGetting power and signal to your rig is only half of the equation. I’m amazed by how often my colleagues overlook the most vital component of all: themselves! We take all of this care to protect our gear and keep it in peak operational shape, but don’t do a thing to make sure that we, the DJs, are protected.

So let’s start at the beginning: moving. During this phase of our day, we’re basically functioning like a moving company. Hefting gear means danger to our appendages, so during moving and setup, I highly recommend a pair of OSHA spec steel-toed boots. Breaking toes at 2:00 AM with a fumbled speaker is no joke. Also, have some decent work gloves handy. It’s easy to pick up nicks and scratches on your hands when moving and handling equipment.

Before engaging in any strenuous physical activity, it’s always a good idea to warm up, just as if you were about to begin a workout. Move those muscles and get them prepped for what’s ahead. Prepare your mind by taking a few minutes to meditate

and “ground” yourself. At the other end of your gig day, make sure that you stretch before heading off to sleep. A deep bend toe touch, stretching your neck from side to side, and clasping hands behind your head and opening up those pecs by bringing your elbows back can help you to not wake up feeling as if you survived a bar brawl the night before.

Wearing proper shoes while working is also important, and we DJs spend a LOT of time on our feet. My solution was to look to other pros: wait staff and first responders. Better uniform shops have a shoe department that can help with this. #1 is overall comfort, with good fit and arch support. If you have problematic feet, maybe talk to your orthopedic doctor about a custom insole.

LIFT YOUR VOICEAnother thing we entertainers do is talk a lot. When I started out, I often lost my voice after a few nights of heavy emcee work. On the advice of Barry Carl, the former bass singer for the acapella group Rockapella, I did two things:

1. Let the mic do the work! Rather than shout, make that great gear you’ve invested in so heavily earn its keep. If necessary, get a feedback eliminator so you can bring your mic volume up without the system squealing -- or you shouting!

2. Pick up some slippery elm. This special herb, available at most health and vitamin stores, works to keep your throat from getting scratchy and irritated. It’s been a secret of opera singers for years!

As you might guess, I’ve barely scratched the surface here, but hopefully have given you some good starting points (or perspective, for you long-in-the-tooth colleagues). Getting there is, after all, only half of the fun! A higher quality of life before and after the show can’t help but make your overall performance better. Until next time, safe spinnin’!

Stu Chisholm had been collecting music since he was about age 8 and began his DJ career in 1979. After a stint at the Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts, he studied the DJ arts with famous Michigan broadcaster Bill Henning, interned at Detroit's rock powerhouse, WRIF, and later added voiceover work and club gigs at Detroit's best venues. He has shared his extensive DJ experience through MB columns, as a seminar speaker and through his book, The Complete Disc Jockey: A Comprehensive Manual for the Professional DJ.

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Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

A D I F F E R E N T B E A T

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Mixware www.mixware.net

Last year, after speaking at MBLV22, I was invited to speak

at Midwest DJs Live in Milwaukee. I had never been to MDJL. I knew it was a more “boutique” show (about 130 attendees), and I knew my fellow San Diegan, Chad from Almost Famous Entertainment, had been before and said good things. Back in April, I finally got to check out this new, up-and-coming show.

On Sunday, April 28, at 4:00 am, I woke up on a cot in my office and headed for the airport—not the greatest start! But when I arrived in Milwaukee I was picked up by one of the show staff, which was a really nice touch. After arriving at the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, I checked in and a very thoughtful welcome basket with my favorite snacks and drinks was waiting for me. Milwaukee is definitely not natural habitat for someone who has been a strict vegetarian for 26 years, so that was a great touch!

After doing a walk-through of my presentation, I headed over to Big Ron’s Spin-Off. I’m definitely an introvert (or for students of MDJL host Vickie Musni’s color concept, a “blue/green” personality), so the

small crowd was actually a lot more com-fortable for me. I wasn’t sure how many familiar faces there would be, but I ran into plenty of friends. One of the highlights of the spin-off for me was watching 13-year-old DJ Dawson High drop one of the best sets of the night! During the spin-off, there were screens displaying messages that we could text into a special number—a fun extra touch.

The next day, I went to the Ladies Lunch and got to connect with old friends and new. After lunch, I headed to a mixing class lead by DJ Alton Olson. Show staff was kind enough to set up an extra con-troller for me so I could participate last-minute—much appreciated. The class was hands-on and beginner level. They had a GoPro set up looking down on Alton’s con-troller, which made it easy to really under-stand what was being discussed. At the same time, another session was going on geared towards the personality DJs in the other room.

One of my favorite parts of the show was the inclusion of afternoon table talks. There were a variety of round tables set up with signs on them displaying the discus-sion topics. Each table had a discussion leader, typically one of the conference speakers. On Day 1, I led the Instagram table and, on Day 2, I led the Blogging table. It was a chance to get really inter-active and one-on-one about the topic at hand (as well as easy networking for fellow introverts).

That evening I was in the front row for the much-anticipated mixing presen-tation by SCE Event Group’s Nick Spinelli. Nick talked about using effects, quick mixing, and showed us his now-famous “White Girls” crate (the home of gems like

Reflecting on Midwest DJs Live“THE SHOW BY DJS FOR DJS”

By Staci Nichols

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F E A T U R E

“Wannabe” by the Spice Girls and Beyonce bangers). Nick talked about how he’s always trying to put together new song combos that get the crowd to react with an audible “Ooooh!” This ended up being christened #NewOoh.

After Nick’s evening presentation, Thomas Heath from A+ Entertainment got on the mic and explained that MDJL panelist, Lucas Henrichs, had recently gotten married in Las Vegas, where they only had a wedding ceremony — no receptio). He brought up Lucas and his new wife, Jessica, whom I had met at the Lady’s Lunch. Suddenly, Lucas’ dad appeared and delivered a surprise wedding toast!

Everyone in the room was captivat-ed—we realized Nick Spinelli was going to be DJing a surprise wedding reception, and there was a palpable energy in the air. The new Mr and Mrs Henrichs did a proper First Dance and then a surprise wedding cake was rolled out. There was hardly a dry eye in the house! It was truly special to have been a part of the “pop-up” reception and to have witnessed such a touching event. The bride never saw it coming—so romantic! It reminded everyone what

power we all have to touch lives and create moments.

Day 2 started off with my morning keynote on Pinterest marketing—woot woot! Other presenters included Joe Bunn, Nate Nelson, Sean “Big Daddy” McKee, Rob Ferre, and Glenn Roush. A unique feature of MDJL is that after every 3-4 presentations, they bring up the pre-senters for an interactive panel discus-sion in which the audience can get their

presentation questions answered by the show host. They also had a variety of panel discussions not related to the recent pre-sentations—for example, Mitch Taylor and Joe Bunn were panelists discussing two different perspectives on sales.

There were two small rooms for exhibitors at the show as well. Exhibitors included the American DJ Association, EV,

Vibo, and a dozen others. The highlight for me was definitely playing with the Denon Prime 4. While I had seen the Prime 4 at NAMM and MBLV, here I was able to put my music library USB in and actually check out what my cue points looked like in Engine, test how the search features worked, and really get hands-on. Due to the size of the other shows, I had really just kicked the tires on the Prime 4 before.

For me, the biggest “con” of this show was the lack of acceptable vegetarian food at the hotel (the same complaint I have any time I visit the midwest though). Other non-vegetarians complained about the menu and food as well however. Next year, MDJL will be at a different hotel, so food should hopefully be better in 2020.

Midwest DJs Live calls itself “the show for DJs by DJs.” It was started by a group of local DJs 11 years ago, and continues to be run by a democratic, non-profit committee of DJs. I personally felt like the show packed a ton of value into the ticket price and would highly recommend it. If you are an introvert like me and find Las Vegas and Atlantic City intimidating, give this show a try.

www.midwestdjslive.com

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DJ Staci, the Track Star, has been a full-time mobile DJ for 10 years. She has performed internationally, on the Vegas strip, at festivals, celebrity weddings, and for companies like Lamborghini and Reebok. Staci has spoken at industry conferences and been featured on DJ News TV, ADJA and BookMoreBrides.com webinars, the Wedding MBA podcast, and a BPM Supreme Female DJ Forum. Staci is represented by both Scratch Events & Purim Agency.

L aurent Cohen grew up in the DJ gear business, so it’s natural

that he is now playing a vital role in the development of the industry as the owner of Mixware, LLC, a distributor of premium DJ equipment. As the son of Gerard Cohen—the founder of Martin Professional, who later went on to acquire Stanton and form the Stanton Group—Laurent recalls working in the family business at a young age. “One of my first jobs was making fluid for fog machines,” he says. “I started helping with deliveries when I was old enough to drive.” Laurent eventually went on to become the senior product manager for the Stanton Group—a position that put him in close contact with product development from start to finish.

So, with a wealth of experience, strong industry relationships, and a solid vision, Laurent founded Mixware in 2008. Gerard has also been involved with the business since day one. “Getting back into distribution was a natural evolution for us as we’ve spent our respective careers in this industry working with products, manufacturing, and distribution in one capacity or another,” explains Laurent.

Today the company offers products from over ten brands, including Decksaver, Magma, Mixars, ColorKey, and Novopro. From state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment to reliable support gear such as DJ cases and podium stands, Mixware exclusively distributes some of the hottest products in the industry to retailers across the country. “We work with all major retailers including online and storefront businesses,” explains Laurent, who enjoys partnering with other sales professionals to get the latest Mixware has to offer into the hands of customers.

Collaborating with manufacturers is another aspect of Laurent’s role that he finds fulfilling. “Mixware is focused on bringing quality products to market that service the Pro Audio, DJ, and Recording communities,” he says. “We evaluate brands and their products on their ability to provide new solutions to maintain a unique market position in comparison to their competitors and our own. We associate with these brands so that the market has a variety of options available to them to best fit their needs.”

Mixware specializes in bringing some of Europe’s most cutting-edge technology and trends to the US market through their partnerships with manufacturers. A native of France who has lived in the US for many years, Laurent is able to exchange ideas with his company’s European partners and offer insight on the US market.

Such was the case with Novopro, a company based in the United Kingdom, when they unveiled PS1 XXL, the popular podium stands for speakers, lighting, and other DJ equipment. Evolving from the PS1 XL, which extends to a height of 5’8”, Laurent suggested offering podium stands with many of the same great features that would also raise higher for customers in the US. Incorporating Laurent’s feedback, Novopro came up with the XXL, which stands at 7’8” when fully extended. Like the original, XXL requires no tools for assembly, comes with pairs of both white and black scrims, and is packed with plenty of other features designed for ease of use and sleek appearance. “The XL and the XXL are both great sellers today, and we’re proud to work with Novopro on them,” notes Laurent.

Gerard Cohen (L) and Mixware founder Laurent Cohen (R)

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I N S I D E T H E I N D U S T R Y

Mixware: A New PhaseAGILE DISTRIBUTOR PROVIDES CUTTING-EDGE TECH SOLUTIONS FOR DJS

By Kevin Freese

I N S I D E T H E I N D U S T R Y

Mixware: A New Phase

AGILE DISTRIBUTOR PROVIDES CUTTING-EDGE TECH

SOLUTIONS FOR DJS

By Kevin Freese

ColorKey Lighting products have also become a popular line with mobile DJs. From fixtures designed to provide a color wash for the dancefloor like the Mover Miniwash QUAD 4, to the versatile Twin Airship effects light, ColorKey offers a sturdy range of products that Laurent believes is a great fit for the mobile DJ community.

DJ mixers and controllers manufactured by the Italian company Mixars have become another line of all-star products distributed by Mixware. Though versatile enough to be used in any DJ setup, Serato software was specifically on the minds of developers at Mixars when designing their gear. Mixars PRIMO controller and mixer is one of the company’s newest products and was created for Serato DJ Pro. PRIMO is a 2-channel 4-deck controller with built-in sound card and 8 Performance Pads on each deck to control Hot Cues, Roll, Slicer, and Sampler. It also comes with a paid upgrade to Serato DVS—an expansion pack for Serato DJ Pro that allows you to unlock the system’s digital vinyl capabilities.

Speaking of DVS, on the wish lists of many DJs is the new MWM Phase distributed by Mixware. Creating a buzz at recent trade shows, Phase is the first wireless digital vinyl system to hit the industry. Wishes have now become reality as the innovative device began arriving on the doorsteps of customers and on store shelves in April. Laurent and his team at Mixware quickly saw the potential impact of a product like Phase when it was first in development, and they are excited about its recent release in the US.

What makes Phase so revolutionary? Through its use of wireless technology DJs are now able to control DVS tracks without needles and cartridges or timecode vinyl. As described by MWM, Phase works like this: “Two small wireless remotes sit atop the vinyl on each turntable’s platter, secured by the spindle just like a 45 adapter or record stabi-lizer. The remotes capture the turntable’s rotation information and wirelessly send the data to a receiver, which plugs into the mixer. The receiver will then process the information and apply it to the digital signal it generates to send it to the DVS software running on a connected laptop.

As Laurent points out, Phase is also long on battery life, with a single charge lasting up to ten hours. “From its reliability to its key features, we’ve had a lot of positive feedback about Phase since its release,” he says. The new product also garnered a lot of attention last March at MBLV23, where Mixware was displaying many of their most popular products on the tradeshow floor.

Speaking about MBLV as whole, Laurent says it was a wonderful show for them. “We’ll definitely be back next year,” he adds. As a company that has grown upwards of 20% each year since its founding, there’s no telling what Mixware and its group of manufacturers will be adding to the wish lists of DJs everywhere in 2020.

Both the present and the future are constantly on Laurent’s mind. “Mixware, as a small business, has the ability to make decisions quickly and in alignment with shifting market

trends,” he says. “The music industry and what’s popular can dramatically change due to new technologies being created.” This is something Laurent sees as an advantage for his company and an important part of Mixware’s growth beyond the busy year ahead. “We are always looking to expand our assortment and brand partners,” Laurent continues. “Diversifying is key for any company, even when dealing with niche communities, so that we never fall behind the current trends.”

You can view all of the products Mixware has to offer and find your preferred local and online retailers at their website.

www.mixware.net

Two products at the Mixware booth at Winter NAMM 2019: below, the MWM Phase wireless DVS system; above-right, Decksaver for the Pioneer DJM-900 Nexus 2

Kevin Freese began his career as a mobile DJ at the age of sixteen when he joined Chicago’s Bass Control Productions. There he performed at hundreds of elite events in the Chicagoland area, including an opening spot for K.C. & the Sunshine Band at the House of Blues. He later became the owner of Bass Control, operating the company until moving to North Carolina. Kevin continues to stay connected with the mobile DJ industry while also focusing on his career as a freelance writer. His work appears in Midway Magazine, Hair Trigger, F Magazine, and Carnival Magazine among other publications. With an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia College Chicago, Kevin also serves as an editorial consultant and writing coach.

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(Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, only a general look at health issues related to DJs.

Consult your doctor for specific health guidance. ~Ed)

The lifestyle of a DJ is not always the healthiest. We work late, often long hours, so our nutrition

is limited to hall food or a stop at a drive-through to grab a quick bite. Over the last 20 years I have watched DJ friends die from heart attacks, get diabetes and develop other health issues due to unhealthy lifestyles. Because of our unique schedule and job responsibilities (sitting in an office during the week, lugging heavy gear on the weekend, staying on our feet for hours at a time, etc.) we need to work extra hard to achieve and maintain healthy lives. This series will be an attempt to help a little bit in the battle.

Before turning to other DJs to find out about their individual struggles and solutions, first let me say a few words about my own. I can’t say for sure if the typical DJ lifestyle led directly to my own problem, but on December 6, 2017 I was rushed by ambulance to the ER because I was struggling to breathe; that day I found out I had suffered massive heart failure at the age of 56.

I haven not been without habits. I smoked cigarettes for 30 years but quit 8 years ago. I used to eat a lot of fast food for lunch but quit that over 12 years ago. My wife and I used to order a lot of carry-outs on the weekends; but I’ve learned that’s not much better than fast food. There are definitely healthier choices. I have not had a can of soda in 12 years as well.

Just to clarify, heart failure (cardiomyopathy) is different than a heart attack. To put it simply, the heart is electrical and is the core of your internal plumbing. When the electrical goes bad it cannot pump fluids through your system, and when that happens, your lungs fill with fluid, making it very difficult to breathe. You essen-tially become very congested, hence the term “congestive heart failure.” The plumbing side is what you generally hear more about.

That’s the blockage that occurs in your arteries and why they do bypasses, angioplasties and plaque removal.

After my hospitalization, the first thing I was told was to change up my diet. The biggest change for me was to reduce the sodium in my diet. It can be a real challenge to change our relationship to salt for my generation. Many of us who grew up in the ‘60s and ‘70s were given salt pills when we ran track or played sports. The salt pills would help retain the water in your body; the more sodium in your diet the more water is retained. I remember when I passed out in the heat during a high school track meet and they gave me a salt pill and had me drink lots of water.

But there can be too much of a good thing. It’s no secret that the American diet is loaded with sodium. As I look at every label now, I see how so much salt is in so many products. The FDA (fda.gov) recommends 2300 mg sodium intake a day; but the average American consumes 3400 mg a day. Excess sodium can raise blood pressure and is a major factor in heart disease and stroke. My cardi-ologist was fine with 2300 mg (about 1 teas/poon), but my general practitioner says 2000 mg of salt per day is a better number to shoot for.

And now it makes sense as to why I personally need to keep the sodium low. By retaining too much fluid, my lungs fill up, I get a wicked cough, and it becomes very difficult to breathe. I’ve been in and out of the hospital five times in the last year and every time they put me on an IV with drugs that help get the fluids out of my system quickly.

My situation has been a bit more dramatic than most DJs’ experi-ence. But it’s definitely a good example of how salt can mess with your health. My message to my DJ peers is: Check out your own sodium intake and if it’s too high (which it probably is), reduce it now, before it contributes to problems later on!

The good news for me is that since I’ve modified my diet, I’ve lost over 40 pounds. I topped out at 189 pounds in September 2017, and my low weight a few weeks ago was 143 pounds. At 5’6” that’s pretty good.

After this intro article, this series aims to look at what various DJs have done to get in better shape. I’ll talk with several DJs about how they’ve changed their lifestyles, either because they had to or wanted to; we’ll also check in with a few who have maintained healthy lifestyles consistently over the years, and ask them how they’ve done it. We will touch on diets, exercise, relaxation tech-niques, proper rest, dealing with stress, and health care, among other things. Our goal is to help you get and stay healthy, and keep you DJing for years to come!

For Mark Evans, it all started in 1979 after catching the Saturday Night Fever dance bug. Filling in for a teen disco DJ got him into DJing, and a regular skating rink gig provided early experience. He would go on to build the well-respected Mark Evans DJ Entertainment in his hometown of Detroit, as well doing some radio work. He is a founding member of the Michigan Chapter of the ADJA. For the last 15 years, Mark has also been a graphic designer, video editor, writer and all-around utility outfielder for Mobile Beat Magazine and MBLV.

A DJ’s Perspective on Personal Health and Wellness

PART ONE OF A MINI-SERIES

By Mark Evans

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T H E H E A L T H Y D J

E ven when leaders are clear about where they want to take their teams, pushback from colleagues,

combined with self-doubt, can cause them to become paralyzed at the point of action. Clarity without confidence is an ineffective formula for success.

All leaders are subject to resisters and critics—some external and some internal. Let’s look at some examples of external pushback that some of the world’s biggest innovators needed to overcome to achieve their dreams.

EXTERNAL RESISTANCEWhen Akio Morita, then chairman of Sony, proposed manufactur-ing a tape player that didn’t record, he was met with a tremendous amount of resistance. His critics questioned why someone would purchase a recorder that didn’t record. Sony was known for tape recorders that recorded and played.

Despite the heavy criticism, Morita pushed ahead, resulting in the Sony Walkman, a product that met with universal acclaim and ended up being a precursor to the iPod and other MP3 players that came later. Had it not been for Morita’s persistence in the face of opposition, who knows if we would have seen the iPod as early as we did.

Another example of a leader with a vision was Fred Smith, founder of FedEx. When Smith was selling his idea of delivering packages “absolutely, positively overnight,” critics were quick to point out that major airlines would already be doing this if there

was a market for this service. We all know the phenomenal success of FedEx, and its several competitors that emerged later, and this success is due largely to the willingness of Smith to go against the mainstream thinking of the time that this was not likely to be a profitable venture.

Leaders, at times, need to take leaps of faith, particularly when they have thought through their ideas and believe passionately in what they are pursuing. There will always be naysayers, and when we vest too much authority in their claims, we risk missing out on the tangible benefits that result when decisive actions are pursued despite the strong pushback that pioneers often confront.

INTERNAL RESISTANCEWhile external pushback can be powerful, it is often your own self-doubt that prevents you from moving forward. You may have noticed that the bolder your vision is, and the bigger your plans are, the louder these inner critics often become. In reality, the presence of these saboteurs often serves as confirmation that you are not playing small.

Some of the common “inner voices” we hear, if we are honest with ourselves, include:

Dr. David Chinsky is the Founder of the Institute for Leadership Fitness, a celebrated speaker, and author of The Fit Leader’s Companion: A Down-to-Earth Guide for Sustainable Leadership Success. After spending nearly 20 years in executive leadership positions at the Ford Motor Company, Nestle and Thomson Reuters, he now focuses on preparing leaders to achieve their highest level of professional effectiveness and leadership fitness. For more information please visit www.FitLeadersAcademy.com.

Wedding Word Search Call 970-302-0747

15JUNE 2019MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷

F E A T U R E

Casting Your Confidence NetFOUR STRATEGIES TO MANAGE SELF-DOUBT

By Dr. David Chinsky

F E A T U R E

Casting Your Confidence NetFOUR STRATEGIES TO MANAGE SELF-DOUBT

By Dr. David Chinsky

I f you turn to most organizations—including your own—you’ll likely be

able to list out the “core values” that anyone within the workplace should embody. Look in the break room, on the annual performance appraisal, or maybe on some cool tchotchke given out at an annual workplace event; you’ll see things like “integrity,” “team work,” and “customer focus” listed. This is the social contract that anyone working for that organization should abide by.

Regardless of what your organizational values are, it’s showing time and again—especially in today’s modern workplace—that there really are six fundamental com-petencies that any leader—regardless of organization, profession, level within the business, or role—should focus their energy on if they want to not just survive but thrive in today’s workplace. And the best part: You probably already have an awesome handle on most of them.

“BUT I’M NOT A LEADER!” You may be thinking, “Wait a minute: you say ‘leader,’ but I’m not a leader.” Shenanigans! A “leader” really is anyone who needs to influence and, well, lead within the orga-nization. That could be a department head leading a corporate function, a project manager leading a team to accomplish a goal, an individual contributor with no formal leadership authority but who still needs to get their stuff done—everyone within today’s workplace is indeed a leader, one way or another.

In short: if you’re in a work situation where you need to interact with co-workers, bosses, direct reports, or customers, then guess what, friend? Congrats: You’re a leader!

WHY THESE SIX COMPETENCIES? There’s been a lot conversation about what are “the right” competencies that someone serious about their own leadership devel-opment should focus on. But when you look at the field, the latest books on the topic, and what experts “out there” are focusing their energy on, it’s really these six:

• Being Authentic• Having Leadership Courage• Leveraging Empathy• Using Inclusive Communication• Building Relationships• Shaping Culture

What’s interesting about the six areas is that they are very intertwined. For example: Being your authentic self as a leader requires having courage; building relationships requires effective communi-cation skills; etc. So, while we’re looking at these six leadership competencies one at a time, they really wonderfully interconnect to make up the whole leadership you.

Let’s explore these Top Six.

1. BEING AUTHENTIC A smart leader is one who’s authentic: They conduct business as their true selves (and not just a company “talking head”), they are truthful, and have self-awareness of their skills and abilities; and they know what they bring to the table as well as where they lack competence. Nothing erodes trust (your ultimate goal as a leader) like being insincere and fake. Authentic leaders are genuine.

2. HAVING LEADERSHIP COURAGE Leadership courage isn’t that action hero kind of courage, but it’s being brave enough to do the right thing, even if it’s against the majority (or your bosses or customers). Having courage allows you to not get stuck in a rut, but to try new things, be innovative, have those more challenging conversations, ask “why are we doing it this way?” and be able to speak up and put yourself out there.

3. LEVERAGING EMPATHY A leader who leverages empathy puts themselves in other people’s shoes. They think about situations from not just their

“You Don’t Know What You’re Doing”“You’re Not Up to This”“You Won’t Succeed”“You’ll Look Like a Fool”“No one Will Support You”These self-doubts are normal and

come with the territory of leading others into the future. Instead of focusing on eliminating these doubts, a better approach is to simply manage them. Here are four strategies that you will find helpful in managing self-doubt:

Be aware of negative self-talk, and get good at recognizing it as distinct from your true intent. Recognize these voices as “normal” for successful people taking on big projects.

Consider alternative perspectives or different ways of looking at the same situation. Acknowledge and act on your power to choose how you will think. If you are thinking, “I will fail at this,” consider how the alternative “I will succeed at this,” might cause you to choose a different path. Often we can’t know whether we will succeed or fail before trying. Henry Ford was correct when he said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.”

Ignore your self-doubts once they have been exposed for the imposters they are.

Don’t panic, and know that every-thing can look like a failure in the middle.

Keeping our doubts in check will naturally contribute to greater confi-dence. A way to reinforce that confi-dence is to construct a Confidence Net comprising a repertoire of positive habits that buffer you from the onslaught of both external and internal pushbacks. These habits, when performed consis-tently, feed our confidence, and provide us with the ability to remain focused on our plans, despite the noise all around us.

When asked what personal habits contribute to greater confidence, many leaders point to regular exercise, daily prayer or meditation, positive affirma-tions and even a power outfit.

Like safety nets, designed as insurance to help people through life’s shocks and stresses, such as those created by illness, unemployment or job displacement, a Confidence Net is your very own personal structure to mitigate the effect, and lower the volume, of your inner voices or self-doubts.

The Top 6 Leadership Competencies...

...THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW AND GROW

By Dr. Steve Yacovelli

JUNE 2019MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷16

F E A T U R E

own position but that of the other person. Smart leaders know that emotions and logic both play a part in the modern workplace, and they are open to listening and learning about the contexts of others within their team.

4. INCLUSIVE COMMUNICATION So much can be said about effective communication leading to lead-ership success, but let’s focus on just one aspect: effective listening. Smart leaders who engage in effective listening show respect and that they are paying attention to the speaker. Leveraging effective listening allows team members to not just be heard but feel that you as the leader are present and paying attention. As the saying goes, you do have two ears and one mouth for a reason—you should be listening twice as much as you speak!

5. BUILDING RELATIONSHIPSPssst...Here’s a big, giant, crazy secret: Building relationships leads to leadership

success. It’s not to say the other leader-ship competencies aren’t important, but if you focus on building relationships using some of the other competencies here (like effective communication and being authentic), you can accomplish anything. Work gets done when you leverage your relationships (and doing so builds trust...there’s that word again).

6. SHAPING CULTUREAs a smart leader, you’ll want to shape and influence your organizational culture for the better. (This is sometimes called “change management.”) How can you do this? Through ensuring the six parts of a true change management program are in place:

(1) mobilize an active and visible executive sponsor (that could be you!), (2) dedicate someone(s) to manage the change process, (3) apply a structured approach and process to the change, (4) engage with team members and encourage their participation, (5) communicate frequently and openly, and (6) integrate and engage with effective project management best practices.

IN CLOSING...Being a smart and effective leader isn’t easy, and there’s so much you can do to either start or continue to grow as a leader. But, by focusing on these six com-petencies as a starting point, you will not only “amp up” your own leadership effec-tiveness, but you’ll also improve the per-formance of those around you and your organization. And—added bonus!—that makes the workplace just a little more enjoyable for everyone. Now that you know, go grow.

Dr. Steve Yacovelli is Owner & Principal of TopDog Learning Group, LLC, a learning and development, leadership, change management, and diversity and consulting firm based in Orlando, FL, with affiliates across the globe. With over 25 years’ experience, Steve is a rare breed who understands the power of applying academic theory to the “real” world for better results. His latest book, Pride Leadership: Strategies for the LGBTQ+ Leader to Be the King or Queen of Their Jungle is available June 2019. www.topdoglearning.biz.

DJ Trivia www.djtrivia.com

17JUNE 2019MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷

I f there’s one thing I’ve learned about our industry while writing

for Mobile Beat Magazine over the past three years is that the passion to become a DJ is not limited by ethnicity, gender, age or location. People from all walks of life, with backgrounds and stories that are just as diverse as the music they play, all love this profession.

Many are under the impression that all DJs live near urban centers and rock crowds of thousands each and every week. Many DJs fit that image, of course. But there are also a good number of DJs who live in small towns -- and they have just as much impact on their community as those of us in big cities. Sometimes more.

One such person is Michelle “DJ Rundat” Miller, owner of Royal Roots Enterprises. She comes from the tiny town of Garberville, California in Humboldt County. Population: 1,000. Yes, you read that right. By way of comparison, in New York City you can have a thousand people living in one building.

However, don’t think for a minute that she is desperate for work or lacking gigs. She is super busy. Not only is she busy with events, Michelle has written a book about her DJ experiences and manages her own line of clothing. Want to know more? Read on.

Mike Cordeiro: Michelle, did you choose the name for your company and your inter-esting DJ moniker?

Michelle Miller: I believe we are all royal in our own way. DJ RunDat was a nickname I gave myself in my early 20’s from listening to so much Reggae and Dancehall music. Artists always said it in reggae songs and I liked the phrase: “We run tings.” My company name is Royal Roots Enterprises, which started as just my clothing line Royal Roots and grew to add event production, my solo op mobile DJ business and a business consulting branch to help other entrepreneurs.

MC : Tell us about the small town you live in.

MM : I’m based in Garberville, a very tiny town of less than a thousand people in Humboldt County, Northern California. We are known for being the marijuana capital of the world and for the ancient redwood trees. The world famous Reggae on the River

JUNE 2019MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷18

P R O D J F I L E S

Michelle Miller Runs ThingsAS DJ RUNDAT, SHE JUGGLES DJING, PARENTING, CONSULTING AND MORE

By Mike Cordeiro

P R O D J F I L E S

Michelle Miller Runs ThingsAS DJ RUNDAT, SHE JUGGLES DJING, PARENTING, CONSULTING AND MORE

By Mike Cordeiro

festival also put us on the map and has brought people from around the world to attend. I have played up and down California and will be branching out further soon now that my kids are older. I have been invited to Zambia, Africa to host a workshop and DJ!

MC : Your book How to Start a DJ Business talks about your rough childhood and a crazy trip to Jamaica along your journey to become a DJ. Can you elaborate a little for us?

MM : It was a childhood dream, and although I had opportunities in high school and beyond it didn’t become a reality until 10 years ago, when my husband gave me my first lesson. I left my mom’s house because of my step-father’s abusiveness at a very young age and went to live with my dad. My father had a record player and all this music. I was hooked. The first records I bought were AC/DC’s Back in Black and everything Madonna had out.

I fell I love with reggae music and saved up enough money to take a trip to Jamaica with some friends. The trip turned ugly when some locals tried to rob us. The whole story is in my book. I dreamed of becoming a DJ but had to put that dream on hold due to marriage and kids. It wasn’t until I met my current husband “DJ Just One” that I was finally given the opportunity to do what I had always dreamed of. I pretty much threw myself out there and started to perform with my husband at a little underground spot in our neighborhood. We would do weekly parties that were open to the public but had a house party vibe.

MC : Your husband has become a mentor to you, correct?

MM : Yes my husband, Justin Miller, aka DJ Just One has been one of my biggest mentors. I also have a business coach, Sacha Sterling. Two of my gals, DJ Green B and DJ D’vinity have been big inspirations also.

MC : Do you have a hard time finding work in such a small town? What type of events do you do most?

MM : Even though our town is very small there are bigger towns about an hour away. I travel a lot for events and they are very diverse. I do clubs, concerts, festivals, corporate events, school dances, community events, private events, cannabis events, and produce my own family dance parties. I produced a couple of my own concerts and brought Jamaican artist Ce’cile

and Demarco out. I am an open-format DJ and love a

challenge. I always say that anything goes when I “Run Dat.” I have the most eclectic gigs because of where I live. I’ve played lots of reggae concerts; I was the resident DJ for a three-day biker rally; I recently played a German Beer Festival; and I've done Celtic weddings where they requested lots of Disney songs. I love all music and like to play an eclectic variety when I throw my own parties. My first love was Reggae Dancehall and hip-hop. I like to throw in some old school throwbacks, a little Latin, pop, hip-hop and lots of remixes. I like mashing up hip-hop and dancehall, anything that's high energy. I definitely like to represent for the ladies and play a lot of female artists. I’m pretty much down for whatever kind of music my

clients would like from me. I’m always trying to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone.

MC : How do you juggle family and work?

MM : I am a full-time DJ; this is my main gig and business that supports my family. I did have a brick and mortar clothing store for six years but recently let that go to fully focus on my DJ business and my online consulting business. Each year I’ve grown my DJ business, but I have slow months with only 6 events; it really depends. I built my business to work around my kids’ schedules and I try not to book too many late night gigs. I don’t want to be a “Momster” or “Mombie” the next day.

Quick story: I was opening up for my

favorite Dancehall Queen, Lady Saw, at Reggae on the River. My second child was in the womb and due in less than two weeks. He went breech! Ouch! Male DJs will never have to deal with that!

MC : True. We never will. I’m actually good with that. How have you learned to stand out in your market?

MM : Well, for one, I’m female, which is not the norm for DJs but I do see that changing rapidly. I’m a mom, which seems even rarer. I’m very versatile and my community knows they can count on me for any type of event. What makes me stand out the most is my personality and the brand I continue to grow. I’m very active online on social media. I’m always genuine and never try to be someone I'm not. I’m a

Boss Mama always on the hustle. I wear many hats and do a lot. I have found a way to juggle it all while having a family. People see my love and passion for all that I do and they want to support that. I also am very generous in supporting others in business. I offer free business consultations; anyone can book one on my website www.djrundat.com. I am happy to share my experience and knowledge with anyone wanting to learn. I have an eight-week coaching program launching very soon, if people would like to work with me more intimately.

MC : How challenging has your journey been on the road to fulfilling your dream?

MM : I’ve always been the type to fear-

19JUNE 2019MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷

lessly throw myself into things. I started performing right away as I was learning and continue to learn today. The nerves I got when I first started still show up but they are not as crazy as they were.

I struggle with burnout because I am a mom and have an internal alarm clock. It’s hard to get a lot of sleep with late night events. I have to prioritize self-care and make it a non-negotiable priority.

My biggest challenges really have been keeping my family healthy and finding childcare at times. Since my husband and I both DJ and our family doesn’t live nearby I’ve built a tribe of friends that have become our family. It’s important to have a strong support system.

MC : Besides writing a book and doing so much online, you also created and host your own show: “Queens on Deck.” What’s that all about?

MM : To gain the attention of the world for the Mommy DJ Movement and empower women to not let anything hold them back from their dreams. I want to spread positive vibes through music around the world. Queens on Decks lets me network with and showcase all the talented female DJs in our field. It is the only DJ show online that is dedicated to giving females in our industry a voice and platform. I’ve already done over 22 interviews. I also plan to start an audio podcast this year and more digital courses.

MC : On the subject of online stuff, weren’t you just getting some flak on a DJ forum? What was that all about?

MM : I was online looking for help finding where I can send my press release about my book and

promote my show. Some of the DJs kind of jumped on me asking who I

was, where I came from. They were saying they never heard of me and I had no business putting a book out. They were also grilling me about not knowing who certain

people in the industry were. I come from a small town.

I really didn’t know just how big the DJ world

is, but I’m learning quickly. I’m

ready to explore it all.

MC : I find that kind of

sad that instead receiving help

and guidance you got attacked. Nastiness

and pettiness seems to run rampant on forums.

MM : I can take criticism, but that was a little much. I hope I

can help change that mindset, especially for women in our

industry.

MC : What are your plans for the future?

MM : I plan to continue growing

my DJ skills, coaching business and travel beyond California. I would like to do more corporate events like business mas-terminds and women empowerment conventions. I want to host more workshops to share my business knowledge with the public.

MC : I also heard you have a few unusual skills?

MM : I learned to juggle and walk on stilts at circus camp, I now juggle beats and motherhood and a booming DJ business!

MC : What is your favorite saying?

MM : I have a lot from reggae lyrics but these are some of my favorites:

“Every little thing is gonna be alright.”“You can get it if you really want.”“What you believe you can achieve.”

To learn more about Michelle’s DJ journey pick up a copy of her book, How to Start a DJ Business and visit her website at www.djrundat.com. Also look for her show, Queens on Decks, online.

Michael Cordeiro is the owner of M.C. Entertainment, a small multi-op in Rhode Island. He has been on TLC’s Four Weddings, hosted an episode of Toddlers & Tiaras and has opened for many celebrities. He has a degree in Entertainment and Event Management from Johnson and Wales University.

JUNE 2019MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷20

P R O D J F I L E S

PCDJ www.pcdj.com

We all have our favorite generation of music. Mine is definitely the 1980s. That golden time of IROC Camaros, big hair (for girls AND guys), the

third British Invasion, and the birth of Hip Hop will be forever immortalized on dancefloors across the globe. Some of the best dance music ever, as well as rock anthems by bands like Journey and Bon Jovi came out of that decade. You couldn’t lose as a DJ in the ‘80s. Every night you had the opportunity to mix from New Wave to Pop to Hair Bands to Freestyle to straight-up Party Rock!

One of the biggest female artists to come out of the ‘80s was Taylor Dayne. Her smash single “Tell It to My Heart” ruled the charts and the dancefloors. It’s still a go-to song for many DJs spinning a classic dance set. Taylor Dayne followed up that hit with several other well-known songs like “Love Will Lead You Back” and “I’ll Always Love You.” For over thirty years she has been writing, creating and touring around the world. Taylor recently released a brand new dance track, “Live Without,” in May of 2019. This year also marked another milestone for the veteran artist: the release of her candid memoir, Tell It to My Heart.

I spoke with Taylor recently about her music, the industry, family and finding balance in life.

Mike Cordeiro: After more than 30 years in the music industry is it still fun for you? Do you still enjoy touring?

Taylor Dayne: I think I’m busier now than I was 10 or 15 years ago. I’m also in a different place with my music and my

shows. I just released my book and I’m seeing at my shows the audience is much more transgenerational. I have so many moms and daughters attending my shows.

MC : How do you feel when you look out and see all the different age groups? Do you think “Wow, I’ve

been doing this a long time?”

TD : Yes [laughing], I have been doing this for most of my life. It actually feels amazing

to be able to bring my music to a whole new generation, and that people who grew up playing my records enjoyed it enough to want to share that experi-ence with their children.

MC : Do you feel that you’ve reached a point in your career where you are coasting along enjoying your success or are you still trying to do new things?

TD : Well, that is what my book is about and my TED Talk for women was about: constantly challenging yourself. My book is a testament to my 30 plus year journey in the music industry. Part of it is looking

internally and becoming more honest and raw with myself and of

course my audience. I feel like I’m in a place of grace, where I’m in service

and just this overwhelming gratitude to able to keep performing and touching

people with my music.

MC : How did you transform yourself from Leslie Wunderman to Taylor Dayne?

TD : When I first starting making dance records with Rick Wake in 85-86 I realized that I didn’t want to be Leslie Wunderman all that long. I had already been establishing my voice with the bands I had played in.

MC : Who were some of your early influences?

TD : For me it was Joni Mitchell, Aerosmith, Zeppelin and the Stones. Joni just resonated strongly with me. The way she wove a story with her voice, I wanted to do that.

MC : Why did you choose to do pop music?

TD : Dance music was really popular in the late ‘80s, especially Freestyle and the club music. I noticed that there was no one with a big voice singing dance. You had Pat Benatar, Anne Wilson and Chrissie Hinde all doing rock. Madonna and Whitney were singing dance, but I knew I could make it big that arena.

MC : The ‘80s music scene was filled with female pop groups like Expose, Bananarama, Cover Girls, etc. Did you ever think of joining a group or did you always want a solo career?

TD : It was never an option for me. If you put in the ten thousand hours of work you’re going to come up with gold. If you speak to Belinda Carlisle, she grew up with the girls in her group. These were all happy accidents. I spent every moment I had working or in the studio creating.

MC : You bring up a great point. I think people have gotten spoiled by shows like X Factor and American Idol, and even YouTube. Success isn’t that easy for most of the people that make it to the top. It’s really a tough road.

TD : It’s never that easy. Read the book “Outliers” (by Malcolm Gladwell) if you really want to understand what greatness is. Everyone is born with a gift that if nurtured properly can unlock unlimited potential. My parents always encouraged my music. When you read my book, you’ll see that I went through all the same trials and tribulations that we all experience on our journeys. I just put in the work. I did the ten thousand hours. I’m still doing it. What holds most people back is not being fully committed to their dreams.

MC : When you recorded “Tell It to My Heart” did you know it was going to be a hit?

TD : Of course not. We were just trying

JUNE 2019MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷22

M U S I C N E W S

Taylor Dayne: Heartfelt3 DECADES ON, SINGER CONNECTS TO CROWDS WITH HER POWERFUL VOICE AND

AUTHENTICITY

By Mike Cordeiro

M U S I C N E W S

Taylor Dayne: Heartfelt3 DECADES ON, SINGER STILL CONNECTS TO CROWDS WITH A POWERFUL VOICE AND AUTHENTICITY

By Mike Cordeiro

to get a single onto the late-night mix shows and get picked up by Tommy Boy or Jive. That’s the magic. Then the next thing you know, my hair is getting crimped and I’m wearing bright red lipstick. That became my look.

MC : Were you surprised at how popular you became in Europe?

TD : A little. A copy of my record was sent to all the clubs in Germany and it spread really fast across Europe. I didn’t realize how big it was until I went over. I was in Berlin for a signing and I looked outside and there were over three thousand people waiting. The girls all had their hair crimped and outfits like mine and the red lips. I created a look as big as my record.

MC : I was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany at that time and was working in some German night clubs. When “Tell It to My Heart” broke they couldn’t get enough of it. How did it feel to win the Best New Female Artist of the Year award in 1988?

TD : It was amazing. Tina Turner had won it in 1987 and to win the year after her was unbelievable. It validated all the hard work I had put in over the last several years.

MC : How has the music industry changed for you since you started in the ‘80s?

TD : It’s changed for everyone. I came into the industry understand-ing the power of the 12-inch record. That whole hustle of trying to get a record out and on the air has changed. Everyone was trying to get to New York to record and make it. I was lucky because I was already there. I was already in the game. Today people create music at home and release it themselves hoping to be discovered. We had no other options back then, especially to fail. You were putting in all these hours and hustling. Many times you were on your own.

MC : That’s a great point. Even when no one else believes in you and has your back, you have to believe in yourself enough to keep going.

TD : Ninety-eight percent of the time you’re going to get a “No.” You can’t let it stop you. It always feels so refresh-ing when you do get someone in your corner to push you along. Rick Wake was that person during that time.

MC : What do you think of the dance music scene today compared to back in the ‘80s? Many DJs find today’s music lacks the staying power of older music.

TD : Back in the ‘80s the only way to get your record heard was on the radio or in the clubs. There was no internet to release or share it through. If you pushed hard enough and got lucky, a mix show would give you some air time or a club DJ would put your song into rotation. Hopefully word would spread and it would take off. I think the big problem with today’s music is that it doesn’t connect as well with audiences. Why do Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston or Bon Jovi songs still pack a dance floor? Their music appeals to everyone.

MC : Great point. Who are some of your favorite current artists?

TD : OMG, there’s so many. Diplo, Marshmello and Aviici, he was just ahead of himself. I love Drake and Kendrick Lamar too.

MC : Do you find it hard to stay relevant in such a diverse and changing music scene?

TD : No, you have to stay immersed in the culture and the game. If you’re con-stantly working on your craft, it’s easier to create music that people want to hear.

MC : That’s where a lot of older artists fade away in my opinion. They become fixated on a certain sound or style that locks them into a generational time period. I can tell by your packed touring schedule you don’t have that problem.

TD : I love what I do and I try to bring that love to all my shows. I just have this light in me that I keep burning.

MC : How do you balance family, touring and raising teenagers?

TD : It’s challenging. The most important thing is health and sleep. Knowing your limits and listening to your body. I exercise and treat my body right. You have to stay on top of that.

MC : When I look back at when my grand-parents turned fifty, they were like little old people. I can’t envision them out doing half the things we do now. Did you think that in your fifties you would still be touring the world and rocking it?

TD : That is absolutely correct. It was a much different time. I can’t picture myself doing anything different. I think our generation has a much stronger desire to experience and enjoy life. I do recognize moments of slowing down and enjoying that pace as well. You have to have a balance.

MC : What about raising teenagers in this day and age? It’s a very different time from when we were kids back in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

TD : It’s harder, but you just have to monitor them more. It’s the world we live in and you have to do your best to prepare them for it.

MC : How has technology impacted you? Do you enjoy social media? Is making records now easier?

TD : I think you just have to grow with it. I had people help me with social media. I do love the recording process more now. I love being in the studio with a mad scientist. I’m really a Pro- Tools geek myself.

MC : Really?

TD : I love laying down tracks and creating sound beds. It’s like an equation. I love it.

MC : The DJ industry, like the record industry, is mostly male-driven. What were some of the challenges or obstacles you faced coming up in the music business?

TD : For that answer you have to read my book, Tell It To My Heart. It’s the story of how I lost my shit, conquered my fear and found my voice. You will read and read the stories of being a Jewish woman in this industry, picking your battles and creating your fortitude to keep going.

MC : When people read your book what do you hope they get out of it?

TD : Authenticity. It’s my voice, my story, my truth and I spoke it. I hope it inspires people.

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Mobile Beat Las Vegas www.mobilebeatlasvegas.com