Girl Power on Turntables
Interview with DJ Ayla Simone:
APA :When did you began to DJ?
Ayla: I started when I was 17 years old. I was already helping to produce a radio show on 88.5fm called Eclipse. It was all djs mixing music live on the radio. We would interview artists and attend concerts as well as promote other shows. I had already been helping on the show for 2 years and was surrounded by DJs. After a while I bought my own turntables and began to practice every week with them.
APA : Who are some female DJ role models that inspired you to get into the DJ industry?
Ayla: Miss Lisa was always fascinating to me. She has toured the world and played in more countries than I can count. She really was a pioneer for female DJ’s world-wide. She knew what she wanted and went for it! Although I show less skin in my marketing techniques I still really respect her as a business woman.
APA : What is one of your biggest learning lesson in being self employed?
Ayla: Never stop working! You may have plenty of gigs and clients now, but if you don’t continue to grow, evolve your service, promote yourself and be involved with the community and your contacts then you wont stay afloat as a business.
APA : Biggest lesson learned in the music industry?
Ayla: Cover your booty. Always have clear written agreements with your clients and subcontractors.
APA : Why did you start DJing- why not piano or flute?
Ayla: I actually did learn the piano somewhat in high school and did years of vocal training and choir. But DJing just fascinated me more. Because of my interest in music I was involved with the radio station, and being surrounded by so many talented people in DJing, Turntabilism, producing and concerts, I just kind of fell into it and became hooked!
APA : What are you proud of as a DJ/ Female business owner thus far?
Ayla: Getting myself out there, and keeping my schedule full.
APA : Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Ayla: On the cover of a magazine, in your CD player, and owning a record label or business providing music services.
APA : Why do you choose to stay in SD and not move to NYC or even LA to be in the hub of the industry?
Ayla: I love the weather here, and the music scene is really growing. It also took me quite a few years to establish myself as a working club DJ in San Diego. I’m just now getting the recognition and the following that took me so long to achieve, I want to keep building it and then decide if I want to move.
APA : Do you mentor any young DJs or participate in community service activities?
Ayla:Each year get involve with different events for charities and youth organizations. This past year I donated my time to the Pink Party which supports breast cancer research and prevention, I have also DJ’d at events for the Orange County Junior Philharmonic, Center for Autism & Related Disorders, as well as other causes related to children in our community.
APA : How do you make money DJing? What has been your strategy and success?
Ayla: The key is to know your worth and never accept less. You may lose out on a gig here or there, but it is so worth it in the long run. Set a standard and stick to it. Also, continue to work on yourself as an artist and put money back into your business. I take my career seriously and always maintain a professional approach, this is a business not a hobby.
APA : Do the hours take a toll on your social, dating and personal life?
Ayla: If I don’t discipline myself I can be somewhat of a vampire. Staying out and working late definitely doesn’t inspire me to wake up at 8am every morning, but I try to balance my week days out with exercise and a healthy diet. Dating wise, theres always guys lining up to date the DJ… But I have one very special guy, and he is a DJ too, so he understands the lifestyle.
APA : What is unique about San Diego’s music scene/ DJ scene?
Ayla: There is a lot of growth and potential. Just 10-15 years ago there wasn’t much of a night life AT ALL in San Diego. Just in this past decade dozens of chic clubs and lounges have been popping up all over each year. We have been building a music scene which is fresh and un-adulterated. San Diego is just a couple hours away from metropolitan cities like LA and Vegas, which brings in a lot of visitors to fill up our clubs. Touring musicians and DJs also add to our music culture here. It’s somewhat of a new territory and a lot of international talent is starting to pay attention to us and perform here. We also have art-music- fashion- concentrated neighborhoods like North Park and Hillcrest which have so much talent to be heard and seen. There are a lot of opportunities in San Diego for young, inspired, entrepreneurs!
APA : Any awards, recognition or praise you have received for your work thus far?
Ayla: In 2006 I was a part of a group called Mr. DSP, we won “Best Electronica Artist of the Year” at the LA music awards. Since then I have focused more on club DJing, and will be submitting myself next year to be judged for SDMA’s
APA : Why do you LOVE your career?
Ayla: The music, the fashion and the friends! I love connecting with the crowd and making them dance! I also love being creative and musical. It truly is a pleasure to bring happiness to so many people in one good night out!
APA : What advice do you have for females wanting to be a DJ?
Ayla: Pay your dues! Anything that comes overnight could be gone tomorrow. Focus more on developing yourself as an artist, instead of immediately trying to be at the top. Do not call yourself a DJ until you have actually purchased your own equipment and taken the time to learn how to DJ. Try to find a mentor who will teach you, and give yourself at least a year of practice until seeking out gigs.
Once you are good enough to play out at a club, never play for free! Sure you may have that one first gig for “exposure” or a friend that lets you share their set. But after that, never play for free again. - Unless it’s for a charity. It is important to keep the industry standard. Sure you may get an extra gig if you play at a club for only $50 but then you are lowering the standard for everyone else and yourself.
APA : How about advice for entrepreneurs?
Ayla: Set goals and go after them. Research the field you are trying to get into and study people who were successful at it. Then see how you can apply their techniques to what you are trying to achieve. Sitting around thinking “but it’s hard” won’t ever get you anywhere. Its hard because its worth it!!
Please visit www.djaylasimone.com to submit your mixes, listen to hers and to view up coming shows!
