May 26, 2016

Interview w/ DJ Misty on Artisans Exposed


Artisans Exposed Projects presents: One Flow: A series of short interviews with uniquely passionate performers and artisans.

By: Jojo D 


The Real Deal...
If you've been out & about in Toronto and visited a number of retro dance venues/special events in the last 10 years then you may have had the privilege of experiencing a sweat soaked, sore back session of dance floors gyrating unleashed by the one and only DJ Misty. 
Dj Misty specializes in spinning Rock n' Roll, Soul, Vintage R&B, Punk &  Alternative Rock and has established herself as one of Toronto's best.  



This is Dj Misty's Flow.....

Who:
DJ Misty
What:
Housing worker in a women's shelter by day, DJ by night
When:
In my early 20's :P

Where:
Toronto is my home but I travel far and wide
Why:
Because it's fun, makes me happy and music is a great way to make other people happy too.
How:
Both! Vinyl and digital




The One:

Music begins at home. Take us back to your childhood for a moment. Was music a big part of your childhood? In what way?


I grew up in a house full of music and musicians. My dad has always played guitar in a band and we had instruments all over the house that I was always encouraged to pick up and play. My real fascination was with my parents' stereo and record collection though - and I still have and play most of those records today.

Was there a defining moment when you realized that you wanted music to be a constant & extensive part of your life? 


I don't think there was a single defining moment. I can't imagine music not being a constant and extensive part of my life, it's never not been!

I remember one of my first album purchase. It was Kings of the Wild Frontier by Adam & the Ants. I bought it at a yard sale. It was in great condition and I knew nothing of them but I really liked the cover so I bought it. It is still one of my favourite albums! Do you recall your first album purchase?


My first as a kid was The Specials first album because I loved 'A Message To You Rudy' but then when I was a teenager my first three CD's were '3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life of...' By Arrested Development, 'Hints, Allegations & Things Left Unsaid' by Collective Development and 'Dookie' by Green Day. Random, right?

There are some bands/artists I will never get tired of listening to. They have become my 'go to's' for my life's triumphs & failures because they remind me of who I am. Are there any artists/bands that you hold in the same regard? Who & why?


Funny enough Green Day always stuck with me and I've remained a fan but for the most part a lot of the music that have become my go-to's are the classic artists I grew up listening to through my parents. A lot of soul, Motown in particular, has remained because it's so timeless. And artists like Nina Simone will always remind me of life's triumphs and failures because so much of what she addressed with her music as a black woman are still very relevant. 



Read the rest HERE