Prepare yourself to embrace the drive, determination and dedication behind one of the cities hottest DJs. Check it out.
*Vixen’s Notes* There is so much more to this DJ than what meets the eye. Nicole “DJ Heat” Mosley continuously places her heart and soul into her community. Every morning, you can expect to wake up to her (along with radio personalities) infectious laughter and motivating music mixes. Her blog is a 24/7 one-stop shop for everything related to our local music scene. Yet somehow, she still finds the time to entertain our nightlife at some of the best events in the metropolitan area. Sleep? What’s that? Apparently, that’s nowhere in DJ Heat’s future anytime soon.
What’s her favorite song ever? Where did she come up with “DJ Heat” as her name of choice? What was the first song that inspired her career choice?
Trust me. I thought this would be an easy interview. I was certain that her responses would be typical and/or predictable. With over 15,000 followers – you would expect to know everything right? Wrong. Take a glimpse into the life of the humble (and incredibly honest) businesswoman known as DJ Heat.
-V
DJ Heat: I decided I wanted to be a DJ after hearing the “Rump Shaker” Remix by Wreckx-N-Effect when it came out. Crazy, I know. But the remix had some DJ scratching in it and I thought that it was so cool. I was mesmerized by it. I used to do little air DJ moves and pretend I was DJing along with the song. So shout out to the “Rump Shaker” Remix for sparking my interest in DJing. As far as my name, I wish I had a dope story to tell about my name, but I don’t. I was just sitting in class in high school one day and thought it would be a cool name. I used to rap, so I was always thinking of names. I think every rapper goes through that. But even though I thought of the name in high school, I didn’t officially use the name until around my Junior year of college I believe. So yeah, no cool story, bro.
V: If you weren’t a DJ – and could be in any other profession – what would you choose and why?DJ Heat: I would choose the profession that I’m learning right now, which is directing music videos. I’ve always been the type to watch music videos all day long. As a kid the TV would stay on the old music video station The Box. And before my family got cable television, I would stay up late on the weekends to watch a TV show called Friday Night Videos. So it’s always been an interest of mine. In the last two years, I started to develop that same bug that I caught when I wanted to become a DJ. So I started following what my heart says and I got an internship with Cool Kids Forever Films and been learning about the music video process and I bought a camera as well. And if all goes I will be taking a course at the New York Film Academy this summer.V: In a world where everyone wants to be a part of the music industry – what would you say sets you apart from the average DJs?
DJ Heat: I think what sets me apart from other DJs is my diversity. I’m not limited to just one genre of music or one type of crowd. I’ve done events where I’ve played no rap at all, just pop music. Just last week I did an event for Delta Sigma Theta and played nothing but 70s, 80s, and 90s R&B and Soul music. I do Stadium on Saturdays and play nothing but the trap rap music. I do hip-hop events where I play nothing but underground classics from the likes of Mos Def. And it’s all natural to me, because I’m a fan of it all. That’s how I am able to do so many types of events because people recognize my diversity and I give the best no matter what kind of music the situation calls for.
Tell me who DJ Heat was five years ago and compare the woman then to the woman now. What would you have said to yourself five years ago?
DJ Heat: Five years ago I think I was solidifying myself in the DMV music scene as someone the artist’s can look to and count on for support. I was out there with them at their shows and in the streets. Now at this point, I think it’s been established that they have my support. So I don’t have to be out as much. I’m still able to have their back through my blog and through interactions on social networks. And with that being the case, I’m able to take time out to build more on other aspects of my brand.
V: As an avid reader of DCMUMBOSAUCE.COM, I will say that you have stepped outside of what you had to do for your community. It’s not every day that a DJ uses their platform to bring attention to the music scene that may go unnoticed otherwise. What genuinely brought you to that point of your career? What motivates you to keep bringing the DC, MD and VA music scene to light?
DJ Heat: I think what motivates me is that I was always a fan first. I love hip-hop and during my younger years I thought it was cool that there were rappers from this area. I came up during the time when Nonchalant and Questionmark Asylum were getting shine. I would also see Section 8 Mob and other artists with videos on The Box, and I thought it was so cool to see my city on a major cable station. So that sparked my interest in finding out what other artists were on the rise in the area. I would go online searching for local artists and checking out their music. It was just my genuine appreciation of the culture.V:In your opinion, whats needed in today’s music scene? What advice would you share with the artists out there that want to stand out above the rest?
DJ Heat: What’s needed greatly is artist development. The music industry has cut back on that tremendously because how the climate in the business has changed. They’re about getting what quick buck they can from singles and tours since albums are not selling well. Artists are not being groomed for the long wrong like they used to be. Stuff is “microwavable” now…served up quick and hot, but lacking nutrition to help you grow. These artists are just being tossed out there too soon and then thrown in the garbage. So since the industry is not grooming and developing artists like they used to, what an artist needs to do in order to stand out above the rest is to truly learn the business. I can never stress that enough. Become a student of this industry. Read on business practices as much as you can. Know what it is that you’re getting in to.
V: Do you think the sonic landscape of music has really changed or do you think that people are just accepting things now that were unpopular before?
DJ Heat: It has definitely changed. Even though the music industry is not at it’s best as far as sales, people are however more open to experiencing and listening to different styles of music. I remember at a time when rap was so divided. The “backpackers” didn’t like the “gangsta rappers”. The East Coast didn’t like the West Coast. But now hip-hop is definitely more of a melting pot. You can be a fan of both Kendrick Lamar and Future now and not get frowned upon. Back in the day that wasn’t the case. People were like “I’m a fan of and I listen to this type of rap and this type only!”. I just wish that things could translate to sales support. But that is a totally different topic. I’ll just say that hip-hop fans should not only be appreciative of the free mixtapes, but appreciative of the music up for sale as well.V: Where do you want to be – professionally and personally – five years from now?
DJ Heat: Five years from now professionally, I want to be putting a choke hold on the video directing and photo game. Maybe even a music documentary underneath my wing. Personally, I just want to be healthy and happy with someone I love.V: If you opened your iPod right now – the top five most played songs are (fill in the blank)
DJ Heat: You would find nothing, because I don’t own an iPod. lol I haven’t owned since like 2003 I believe. And I only had that because I won it in a contest. *laughs* They were so basic back then too. You give me an iPod now and I will be like “What is this contraption”??
V: In your opinion – the biggest mistake people make in this music industry is (fill in the blank)
DJ Heat: The biggest mistake they make is not educating themselves on business practices of the industry. There have been too many bad deals and stories of artist’s going broke, however people are not learning from those sob stories and educating themselves. You can avoid falling victim of the music business if you learn that it is in fact a business.
V: Your favorite part of your career is being able to (fill in the blank) – the downside to your career is …(fill in the blank)
DJ Heat: The favorite part of my career is being able to do what I love and really want to do. Many people are in jobs and career that they are not passionate about or they gave up too soon on following their heart and their dreams. So I’m blessed to have carried out and followed mine. The downside of my career I guess is always having to be “On”. When someone approaches you about their music or wanting a picture, they don’t care that you’re having a bad day or shopping for tampons in the grocery store. And I completely understand that. So I do my best to be as nice and courteous to everyone that approaches me because even though I may be feeling down inside, that person is excited and I don’t want to mess up their expectations of a good moment.
V: What can we expect from DJ Heat in the near future? What else are you working on over there?
DJ Heat: I will just say….watch. I’m not one to talk about what I am going to do. A lot of people do that in this industry and don’t ever produce the results. I’m not like that. I prefer to move in silence.
Cinnamon Life.
Fave Color:
I oddly don’t have one.
I oddly don’t have one.
Fave Song:
Beauty by Dru Hill
Beauty by Dru Hill
Fave DJ:
DJ Lazy K
DJ Lazy K
Two things you CANNOT live without:
Sleep and cereal.
Sleep and cereal.
One thing you would never guess about me is:
I was a 1st string cello player.
I was a 1st string cello player.
Thank you so much for your time. Before you go – are there any last minute shout-outs you wanna give in closing?
Thank you to everyone that has supported me and been there for me throughout the years.
*Closing Note From The Desk From Vixen*
To keep up with everything DJ Heat – visit her Official Website here. Her site DCMUMBOSAUCE.COM has been dedicated to artists from the DC, MD and VA area for over five years. All the information you need to submit your music and bio for placement can be found there as well. If you love this interview – follow your favorite cereal loving DJ on her twitter.
To keep up with everything DJ Heat – visit her Official Website here. Her site DCMUMBOSAUCE.COM has been dedicated to artists from the DC, MD and VA area for over five years. All the information you need to submit your music and bio for placement can be found there as well. If you love this interview – follow your favorite cereal loving DJ on her twitter.
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Thoughts?
- SMH
- Love It
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- Bored
- Ok
- Confused
Bravo! This was a very good interview. And it’s loaded w/food for thought information on top of everything else. Respect due…
“@DMVixen: Interviews | Allow Us To Re-Introduce… DJ Heat http://t.co/X09mBIsP via Vixen @DJHeatDC”
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RT @DMVixen: !!!! RT @NBrownINK: Interviews | Allow Us To Re-Introduce… DJ Heat http://t.co/MHDat3ez via Vixen @DJHeatDC
!!!! RT @NBrownINK: Interviews | Allow Us To Re-Introduce… DJ Heat http://t.co/MHDat3ez via Vixen @DJHeatDC
RT @NBrownINK: Interviews | Allow Us To Re-Introduce… DJ Heat http://t.co/mRfBBEed via @DMVixen @DJHeatDC
Interviews | Allow Us To Re-Introduce… DJ Heat http://t.co/mRfBBEed via @DMVixen @DJHeatDC
Awesome interview! Dj Heat is a great person and a great Dj! Thanks Vixen for this!
RT @NBrownINK: Amazing interview with @DJHeatDC & @DMVixen — She continues to teach. Are you tuned in? http://t.co/mRfBBEed
Interviews | “..I prefer to move in silence.” – @DJHeatDC speaks on her future in the music business & more! http://t.co/MHDat3ez
Interviews | Allow Us To Re-Introduce… @DJHeatDC http://t.co/MHDat3ez
RT @NBrownINK: Amazing interview with @DJHeatDC & @DMVixen — She continues to teach. Are you tuned in? http://t.co/mRfBBEed
RT @NBrownINK: Amazing interview with @DJHeatDC & @DMVixen — She continues to teach. Are you tuned in? http://t.co/mRfBBEed
RT @NBrownINK: Amazing interview with @DJHeatDC & @DMVixen — She continues to teach. Are you tuned in? http://t.co/mRfBBEed
Amazing interview with @DJHeatDC & @DMVixen — She continues to teach. Are you tuned in? http://t.co/mRfBBEed
RT @Marco_TheBrand: RT @DMVixen: #Interviews | Allow Us To Re-Introduce .. @DJHeatDC http://t.co/MHDat3ez“
RT @DMVixen: #Interviews | Allow Us To Re-Introduce .. @DJHeatDC http://t.co/SM3e564Z
#Interviews | Allow Us To Re-Introduce .. @DJHeatDC http://t.co/MHDat3ez
Interviews | Allow Us To Re-Introduce ..DJ Heat – http://t.co/Q5aS9j9S (via @DMVixen)