EP28 Latsthedj :Blending AfroBeats & Business: Latunde's Rise as a Female DJ Entrepreneur

In this Episode 28 , we introduce you to LatstheDJ! 
Have you ever wondered what it's like to break barriers in music as a woman? Our captivating guest, Latunde, an aspiring female DJ, reveals exactly that. From her psychological studies to her discovery of a deep-seated love for DJing, and her bold leap into a male-dominated industry, Latunde's journey is one of passion, perseverance, and self-belief.

Latunde’s story is not just about her love for music; it's also about entrepreneurship. Investing in the right tools, adopting the latest technology, and finding her unique DJ style has seen her flourish both on and off the dance floor. As a proud owner of an e-commerce business, Latunde is a testament to the power of diversification. But it's not all about business, as she opens up about the psychosocial aspects of her journey, like dealing with imposter syndrome and the importance of mentors and self-help books.

As we explore deeper, we discuss topics like the impact of AI on the music industry and its implications for artists. Latunde also shares her experience dealing with the financial nuances of international and domestic gigs, the influence of her experiences in Lagos and London, and her future aspirations beyond DJing. It’s an engaging, insightful conversation, not just for aspiring DJs, but for anyone interested in turning their passion into a successful career. Join us as we discover the world of DJing through Latunde's eyes!

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Instagram & Tiktok @LatstheDj
Residency at Mayfair Stork @storkmayfair
@allpeacelabel

mentions
Start with Why by Simon SInek 
www.thelemonadelondon.com
Watch now :https://youtu.be/KDNb4rOzeA0

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Transcript

The Trailblazers experience: 0:12

Welcome to another episode of the Trailblazers Experience podcast, and today we are delving into the world of DJing. I have my amazing guest here who's known on the gram and in the circle as the DJ, but she's also known to everybody else as Latunde. How are you?

Latsthedj: 0:32

I'm good.

The Trailblazers experience: 0:33

Thank you. How are you? I'm all right. I'm really excited about this conversation because the whole idea of the podcast is to demystify and debunk what you can be and what success looks like, especially as a woman. So, really just delving in, can you tell me a bit about your journey into the world of DJing? What initially inspired that career?

Latsthedj: 0:57

Great question. I'd say I've always been that music person. Growing up, my house, my mom loved music, my dad loved music. I've always been a music person and if I remember correctly it was from the time when iPod was a thing. I was always that person that always made playlists for people. I just always add all the songs. So I think that was the beginning of my journey. I didn't realise that then, and I remember it was first year in college. They were doing this little learn how to DJ course thing, so I just thought, let me just learn, it's just something that I just thought why not? And then I remember at the end of the course you had to do a set where you invite your friends and family and I did that and I realised that I was really good at DJing. And then from there I just started as a hobby, just something to do on the side. So that was kind of how I started.

The Trailblazers experience: 1:52

That's so interesting, and when you were doing that project did it then dawn on you that actually this could be something I could do as a hobby or actually as a profession?

Latsthedj: 2:03

I never, ever thought of it as a profession, because I was studying to be a psychologist at the time. So DJing was literally just something I did on the side, just a little escape from just life, I guess, just playing music, that's where it was.

The Trailblazers experience: 2:19

So let's pull it back. Because you're Nigerian heritage and I can imagine I'm of Zambian heritage, I can imagine my parents looking at me saying is DJing? What's going on? Did you finish studying your psychology degree and start working doing something else? Or was it something that you dropped and said, hey, I'm breaking into this career, this industry? How did that work out? How did that start?

Latsthedj: 2:44

I actually finished my psychology. I even did my masters as well. I went to masters. I wanted to, actually wanted to get into project management at one point. So I was still a bit confused. I think everyone grows through that state where you're like, what am I doing? But the only thing that was consistent in my life then was DJing At first I'm not going to lie my parents did question me Just DJing thing, what is it? Are you sure this income is going to sustain you? I'm not going to lie. I had doubts as well, because I've spent so much time and energy into studying. Am I going to like just switch into DJing? But I wasn't going to jump to. I wanted, and DJing was just what was paying me at the time. So I kind of just grabbed it here. It's full of it and I think I was really good as well. So that just helped me.

The Trailblazers experience: 3:29

That's so interesting and it's good that you've touched on it. So everyone out there, she actually did finish uni, finish university, sort of me to have your plan B, whereas for some people they actually say I just have my plan A and that's all I'm going to focus on. So actually, to hear that side of the story where you're like you were still oohing and eyeing about is this right for me? But also, breaking into the music industry DJ industry is hard. It's not easy. When did your big break sort of come up? You know where you said actually I could earn an income from this. This is something that I also love. When did that happen for you?

Latsthedj: 4:12

I can't remember exactly when it was, but it was mainly the time when I was literally getting bookings back to back. It was just before the pandemic, like it was nonstop. There was a lot of traveling as well, and I really wanted to travel but I couldn't afford to travel just as a holiday. And then DJing was paying me to travel, on top of that was getting paid to travel. So I was like this life just makes sense. So it was around that period and then, after the pandemic, I was able to form a relationship with what I did right now my current residency, which is at Stork and it was something that I did every week back to back to back, and it was just steady income. So every month I know this is what I'm getting paid, so I was able to sustain me. So I think that was literally my big break. My residency was literally what made me feel like this is sustainable.

The Trailblazers experience: 5:04

That's really interesting. I mean you know kudos to you because securing your residency is not easy, but it feels you resonate with the people out there in terms of your sound and your vibe. So I would encourage everyone to check, to check her out for sure. Talk to me about some challenges that that you may have faced, because you know it's not easy to be a woman in general, but even a woman in the industry. Talk to me about some challenges that you faced and maybe some achievements that you're proud of.

Latsthedj: 5:35

Yeah, I think one of my challenges is, before I actually became consistent at DJing, I was an introvert. Naturally I still call myself an introvert. I didn't really like being out with so many people, which is a bit weird considering I'm a DJ. So I kind of struggled a little bit with just networking with people. I just always stayed in my bubble and I started to realize that this is not gaining what I wanted. So I kind of had to learn to just be confident and just be able to be a little bit more outspoken, and also with being a woman as well.

Latsthedj: 6:08

The times when I go out to DJ and they kind of you see some security, like you're not allowed to go there, I'm like what's the DJ? And like are you sure? And they let me go through, or maybe a DJ is DJing. You go there to say no, they'll be treating you like you're a groupie, like stuff. So I'm like I am DJing, like what are you doing? So I think it kind of got a little bit of getting used to. Now I just get so confident they're like, hey, I'm a DJ, I don't really wait for them to put me in a position. So I go there letting them know this is where I am and this is who I am.

Latsthedj: 6:39

So I kind of had to learn to just break out of my shell and be a little bit more confident. In this life you just have to be confident, literally go out there and be confident. So I learned the hard way, I would say, to just be confident. So I say that was definitely a challenge and in a way it's a blessing, because now I don't really doubt myself. I just know it's just about how you show up and that's how people see you and treat you. So I see that as a learning compass.

The Trailblazers experience: 7:03

And basically just owning the room, isn't it Like? You said so this is you owning the room.

Latsthedj: 7:09

Yeah yeah, I had to learn that DJ, not to teach me that. So yeah, it was really. It's a nice way to just grow, I guess. Just get out of your comfort zone.

The Trailblazers experience: 7:21

Yeah, I mean you've touched on a point which we all sort of deal with. I've interviewed so many women and that's one of the things. It's interesting, regardless of which career or sector, the fact that you weren't acknowledged as the person you know, the main woman in that room. Yeah, they're thinking you're part of the entourage or the help or you know somebody who's there? Yeah, we just stuffed it off and just say, look, I'm here, I'm the main event and this is what we're going to do.

Latsthedj: 7:49

Exactly exactly. It's a beautiful thing in a way, because I saw other women do it. I'm like, how does she do it? And I just had to just break it. I'm like this is what I want to be known as. I don't want to be seen as this timid girl. I don't know what she's doing. So I kind of just had to learn as I grow and, yeah, I really like where I am right now in terms of that.

The Trailblazers experience: 8:11

Let's talk about the technology aspect, because obviously, being a DJ, it's either you're a pure vinyl or you're on your Serato, but still you have to have, you know, the equipment, the style, preparing a set, all of it. How did you and we can talk about your e-commerce business as well, because I feel like there's sort of a link of you with tech, music and then e-com how do you learn and you know, embrace that as well as a DJ?

Latsthedj: 8:39

I think that's what I'm constantly learning, because when I did, I'm really glad to have done your research in terms of vinyl and Serato. When I started learning, I learned with Traktor and I would say with Traktor the person that taught me it was more of a dance DJ, so I think that's what's more predominant than Traktor. I realized that whenever I went to DJ out there and seen that like more black, like in terms of like Afro beat or like hip hop and R&B, they mainly use Serato. So in a way, I learned how to use Serato myself. I went on YouTube. So, but once you learn the basics, I feel like learning how to DJ the basics is kind of easy. You can learn that within a week. So once I learned the basics, I kind of went on YouTube to know to like incorporate what I've learned and Traktor and Serato.

Latsthedj: 9:27

So a lot of practice, and I would definitely do recommend that if you're trying to do, you definitely have to invest in a hardware, something you could use to practice, because you can learn so much online and you know the technical aspect, but you literally have to practice every day and that's literally what's helped me. And it doesn't end there. There's always new technology, new stuff and just have to just keep up with it. And then, as the time when I've gone out and I realized that my laptop software is outdated and I couldn't DJ like it's happening it still happens to you today, but it just has to just keep up and just add backup sometimes. Sometimes people have like backup hardware in their car just in case it doesn't work. But now I'll determine you're out. But definitely have to keep learning. Go on YouTube, follow DJs, follow like technology people. Follow Serato, because that's what I use and see what's this kind of like Apple music and Apple, just whether it's the latest thing, make sure you're keeping up with it is constantly learning, I'd say.

The Trailblazers experience: 10:30

Yeah, definitely, I think you know that's. That's the thing, because if you want to be successful as a DJ and have a residency and be on top of your game, you need to immerse yourself in the technology, and I guess you also prepare your sets. You know you're finding out what is your style and musical preference as well. Have you stuck to one genre or do you move around the genres as well?

Latsthedj: 10:51

I definitely move around because of my residency is a pan African restaurant and we strictly play African music. So because of that I'm on top with African music is just because I have to do it every week. But when I go out there in like Nigeria, which is my hometown, which I do go there to DJ sometimes because everybody's playing Afro beat, so I don't really stand out as much. So then, and I cooperate UK style music because you just have to stand out, you can't play whatever DJ is playing. So in London I'll definitely say Afro beats, afro house. I'm a piano, very popular right now. That's like my style. But when I'm outside of UK I try to bring UK sound and mix it up with African music outside of UK. So yeah, I've mixed double between genres.

The Trailblazers experience: 11:39

Keeping up with that's up and coming, isn't it? Because you need to indulge the existing customer base that's coming every week to see, but also you know the newbies as well. Let's talk about your other business. So you know you talked to me that you're in e-commerce. Talk to me a bit about that and what you're doing at the moment.

Latsthedj: 12:00

So my e-commerce that's like my new baby. I started e-commerce business during the pandemic, when I wasn't getting DJ bookings, and I've just something I've always wanted to do. One thing I knew that I always wanted to have my business and I kind of started it as something that I struggled with. I'm a woman who are full of busts and I'm not exactly a fuller size, so it's like I've got relatively small frame and I've got a big bust and I struggled to find bikinis whenever I go on holiday, especially when I'm like DJing. So it's just, I just always feel self-conscious. I always wear like shirts on top of like my bikinis outdoor.

Latsthedj: 12:37

This is something I wanted to get into, so I kind of started to design, I put it out there, I learned everything literally on YouTube, I would say, and so far it's going okay. I think I'm going to step back from it now because I can't do all at once, but this is definitely something that I'm doing for the long term and it's a bikini business, which I say. A bikini is a woman who's full of busts.

The Trailblazers experience: 13:02

So you found a problem in basically starting a business is looking at a problem that you had and, you know, finding a solution for it. And as a big, as part of the bigger bus crew, I definitely understand that dilemma where you you know you do want to look put together and look, not look like you're wearing something that's too small for you as well, so. So it's in the early stages, would you say, your business, or ticking along?

Latsthedj: 13:27

Definitely only stage. I've learned so much. I think that's why I realized that I have to take a step back now, because I've learned how much energy, how much marketing is to go into it and I realized that I'm not there mentally but eventually I'm definitely going to put a lot of energy into it. For right now is any stage and the feedback, considering the amount of energy I put into it, has been really positive. It's just overwhelming. I'm not going to lie, just Add into the customer service the design. I didn't think it was going to be this much, so I just thought it's something I definitely need to, maybe someone like an assistant or something to be able to push right now. I just wanted to just take a step back until I definitely at the time, which I don't have at the moment. Yeah, definitely.

The Trailblazers experience: 14:13

So it sounds like you have an entrepreneurial spirit. Your DJing is paying the bills. You know you're doing well for yourself, which is which is great. My question to you is what skills do you think you have brought on from doing doing yourself a psychology degree, your masters that are helping you navigate you? Being a DJ is a business because technically it is a business but it is a passion. What skills are helping you navigate that?

Latsthedj: 14:44

You know, I've actually never thought of this before, but I would definitely say with psychology, is definitely helping in terms of just being able to relate to people, which is definitely a big deal in the sense that even being able to converse with people, having to Like, for example, now with my e-commerce business, knowing the right language, knowing people have pain points, knowing they have a problem, and being able to like identify what your problem is, is kind of psychologically based, like when you think about it. Because as a woman, I struggled with, you know, just finding the right bikini and I wouldn't. Just before that I didn't realize, I just used to buy wherever I saw. But now, using my psychology background, I understand that this is a problem and you have to just make it clear to people like this is this problem and then there's a solution. And so you have to, like, don't just buy from anyone, buy something that is definitely going to solve your problem.

Latsthedj: 15:43

And I would say psychology definitely optimal with that and also with DJing as well, being able to relate to people. Just I guess a bit of empathy when you see someone being able to connect with them and just, yeah, connecting, really like you could find someone now that maybe they own a club, for example, when you want to like network with them and not seeing this. Just networking is generally just connecting and being likeable and just being able to connection, I'd say I'll say is a lot of psychology. So I've been able to put a bit of that in everything that I do.

The Trailblazers experience: 16:23

Yeah, you're touching on such an important trait. So connections connecting with people, relationship building, relationship is a small industry is a small circle, so if you want to get booked, get gigs, so people even remember you, your attitude as well. Yes, a very big role, doesn't it?

Latsthedj: 16:41

Yes, yes, yes, yes. And that's the truth being able to be the connection and relationship building, yeah, that's it.

The Trailblazers experience: 16:50

Who do you aspire to? So obviously you probably look up to some, some DJs out there, and who are your role models in the industry.

Latsthedj: 17:00

I mean, you might say I don't have any, so yourself, I have a list. There's so many of them. I'm trying to think of one person right now that is definitely doing it for me. I'm not sure what I'm thinking of. It's a bit crazy because I was going to mention a black woman that is definitely killing it in a DJ game, but I'm not going to lie. There isn't a lot of black women, is mainly men, black men that I know that killing it right now, like likes of spinel, is an Afro beat DJ. He makes music as well and, honestly, his growth is just tremendous is amazing to see.

Latsthedj: 17:34

So I definitely do look up to spinel and, as Peggy Gu, she's a woman, she's Asian. She actually started up as a stylist and designer kind of like what I do as well and now she's killing it in the DJ game. She makes music like. There's a song right now that has gone viral is called Na Na Na. Yeah, I definitely aspire to people like that. I feel like being able to just be a woman and producing and, yeah, it's just amazing. And she has her own clothing line as well, which I believe is doing really well. So when I see people like that, I know it's possible, like it's not impossible doing two things at the same time. So I definitely aspire to be like that. So that's definitely as a spinel, peggy Gu, those two, there's a lot of them, but those two are definitely people that I definitely check up every now and then to remind me that this is possible.

The Trailblazers experience: 18:30

Yeah, you mentioned that there are not so many women of color. Do you have a view on that, of why that is, or do you think it's now improving? Now it's getting better in terms of the proportion?

Latsthedj: 18:45

It's definitely getting better. I'll say the reason why is probably because Afro beats what my genre is kind of just upcoming. It's just starting Like, obviously, the likes of Whiskey De Vido. They've definitely paved the way and Amma Piano is definitely getting popular now, Like we have the likes of Uncle Waffle.

Latsthedj: 19:04

I don't know if you're familiar. She's like an Amma Piano DJ. Yeah. Yeah, she's relatively new but she's gone really big because she adds more than just DJ. She puts up a show, she dances I wish I could dance like that. She dances, so she puts up a show and now she's literally killing it Like she was a Coachella. She does like big, big concerts now. So I think gradually I can imagine in five, six years time is definitely going to be a thing where we're getting black women in these places. But right now dance is definitely one of the biggest genre in terms of DJing. You see arenas with thousands, millions of people, but it's not something that a lot of black people get into and for you to get there you need to have thousands of fans and slowly we're getting there. Afro Beat is getting there slowly. So I do see it's getting bigger as time goes on.

The Trailblazers experience: 19:57

Do you think there's a bit of pressure for yourself as being one of the trailblazers, so up and coming, so leading the way. So in 10 years they'll be like remember that, dj, she's the one she did, that, she paved the way for me. Do you think there's a bit of pressure for yourself or do you just keep doing, you being yourself?

Latsthedj: 20:13

I just keep doing me and looking at, like I do definitely think I'm one of the first black Afro Beat DJ to begin that because there wasn't a lot of us. But now it's become a thing now and, like I said, I'm a piano. It's not in. It feels like it's a different way of DJing, like it's not just playing music. Now it's about dancing, like just leaving your body whilst you DJ, and that is not something that I do. So, honestly, I don't put that much pressure on myself. It's just. I just want to enjoy it as it goes and if you vibes with me, you don't. No pressure.

The Trailblazers experience: 20:47

Yeah, yeah. So beyond DJing, because you've talked about it, actually you've alluded to it Is this something that you would like to explore? So, the other aspects of the producing aspect, maybe managing events, where do you see this going for you? I guess is the question.

Latsthedj: 21:02

Yeah, absolutely All right. Now I do do events which kind of stick I stopped doing a little bit because of the pandemic, we couldn't carry on. It's called Lemonade London, but I did do one of them in summer and I do intend to keep doing it. It's like a day party, so essentially it works in summer because not really go out in the day Excuse me, winter. So I do plan on bringing that back and making it bigger and probably our guests artists to come and perform.

Latsthedj: 21:32

And in terms of producing, I'm definitely going to dive into that because essentially the reason why I started as DJing thing is the love for music and I feel like there's only so much you could do as a DJ. You kind of have to put your own music out there. People need to understand you know how you think in terms of the type of music you put out there. Do you get it essentially just mixing different people's songs together and making it like a long, kind of like a long journey, but when you make your own music, that's it, because that's where the real music lover is. So I do plan to get into producing slowly and study, hopefully the next few years, the song by Lats.

The Trailblazers experience: 22:17

But there is an art to it. I mean, it's not just pulling songs together, isn't it? You're like underplaying this. It's looking at the BPMs what are the flows? How's it going to transition? How do you keep people on the dance floor? How do you keep people in the venue? Because then they buy more drinks.

The Trailblazers experience: 22:31

There's a lot to think about as well. So, even when you're pulling a set together in your head, have you ever had because of the question I was going to ask have you ever pulled a set together then started playing and then realized, okay, the crowd isn't feeding it? If you got like a plan B to switch it up, oh yeah, all the time.

Latsthedj: 22:49

All the time. There are times when I already had this set that this is set, I'm going to go and kill it. And then you get there and then the DJ before you has practically played like 80% of the songs you want to play. I'm like, oh, I'm not going to come and sound the same thing. So you have to think what can I do? That is different, like switch it up. That happens a lot in Legos.

Latsthedj: 23:07

Whenever I DJ in Legos, like I said, those DJs out there are insane the way they just mix the songs together. You just they can just look at every songs that you're adding a playlist. They just play for like two seconds, almost, like this is nothing. And then you come to like a practice for this set. So you just have to like find a way to switch it up. So that definitely happens a lot. So I've learned to have back up thinking on your feet, isn't it? Literally, literally. And sometimes you even play music and then people are not feeling it the way you want. So you have to just find a way to just switch it up. You have to be so quick and you have to read a crowd, like he said, because if not, they just say you're boring, and that's not a nice way to describe a DJ.

The Trailblazers experience: 23:47

So I'm sure the audience wants to know. So this, you know, this is a career for you. This is how you pay your bills, your mortgage, if you have one, etc. Is there a difference in between the gigs that you book internationally in terms of compensation? Is it more lucrative for you to travel and DJ because you've alluded to it a few times or is it the gigs that you get here actually the ones that are better off for you?

Latsthedj: 24:12

From my experience I'm not going to lie UK is the least compensation in terms of like DJing. Whenever I go abroad, it's almost like they value you a bit more. I think it's that international that comes with your name oh yeah, it's this DJ that's come from abroad. So you get a lot more compensated, especially like I went to New York recently and I mean I actually just went there for my friends fashion event just to support and I ended up getting booked to DJ and the compensation I was quite short and impressed, like I was like UK wouldn't just give me this, yeah. So I definitely think the international makes you stand out a lot more. So if you're a DJ and trying to like stand out, leave your own country, go somewhere else. They definitely value you more.

The Trailblazers experience: 24:59

Has that made you think differently about the gigs that you're going to plan for next year in terms of okay, I'm going to do this percentage here in the UK, this percentage globally yes, absolutely.

Latsthedj: 25:14

I do plan to spend a lot more time outside of UK, even like December. I'm definitely going to be in Legos. This is December. I don't miss it. It's definitely a good time to be away, even in Ghana. December January is a very hot time for DJs. I think UK Europe in general is good in summer, so there's seasonal times where there's different places you should be if you want to be in the conversation. As a DJ, you can't just stick to one place. You have to move around based on the seasons and the type of genre you play as well. So I definitely do plan to spend a lot more time outside of UK. Uk is definitely going to be home. This is home. But yeah, I'm not just going to sit here. I can't. It's not me.

The Trailblazers experience: 26:02

So you've definitely heard it here first in terms of where she's going to be in December early December December. December, those who are traveling. I think it's important, because you're thinking about it, isn't it from a commercial perspective as well is where is my value, where's my worth? How am I going to navigate in this industry? So let's talk about that. Let's talk about what are your core values and ethics that guide you as a businesswoman, as a DJ.

Latsthedj: 26:31

One of them is definitely integrity. I feel like in this industry there's just so many wishy-washy-ness that goes on. People say something, they don't do it and it's put me off and working with a lot of people it happens. But one thing I just want to be very nice is that person that when I say I'll do something, I'll do it, I'll do it on time. I don't like to waste people's time, especially when you do book me, you know you're getting value. You want to book me again.

Latsthedj: 26:58

I like to work in terms of integrity is definitely a thing for me. Absolutely Just honesty as well. There's no need to pretend to be something you're not Because there's so many trends that goes on. This is what you do. I'm pronouncing the old dancing DJ thing that's becoming the trend. I can't dance, so I'm not going to force that old dancing Just because that's what's trending. I just want people to know me for my crafts, which is I definitely produce good sets and create a good experience, and that's literally what I stand by. Try not to double too much in terms of what's trending. I just stick to being a honest person and I think that's what's brought me this far. I intend to stay that way.

The Trailblazers experience: 27:50

Those are really good values to have. What you've said is you have to stay true to you. You need to remember what actually bought you in the limelight, what's actually bought you the success to date. And you're right, you can't get lost in the trends of what's going on, obviously staying abreast of what's happening in terms of music, but you have to be authentically yourself, isn't it? I think that's a very good tip to pull out there. You've talked about networking. How important is that in the industry? And if you were to give someone advice, to someone who's up and coming as a DJ especially women how should they navigate the networking and trying to get that foot in the door that leads to another gig, another step, potentially a residency how would you say they should navigate that?

Latsthedj: 28:36

Networking is definitely everything. It's everything. I feel like I could do better with my networking, but my introvert side kind of just pulls me away. Networking is a big deal. My residency right now was through networking. Everything that I've achieved with DJing is absolutely networking At first. If you're just starting, I'll definitely say you definitely want to be a good DJ. Don't be a crap DJ. Make sure you practice very well, but don't just get too comfortable in your bedroom. Go out If you have to DJ for free, because I have to do a lot of free gigs initially, just so people know who I am. Go out, do a lot of free stuff. But again, integrity. You don't want to be that person that you know. You say you do something and then last minute you're changing your mind. It's not a good look. You definitely want to stick by what you say, you're doing.

Latsthedj: 29:26

Show up, literally show up, have a good set Very important because you could have all of this and on top of that you want to network, literally talk to people. I wish I could do more of that. Well, lord knows, I'm trying my best. This is a work in progress. Definitely, talk to people and I'll say if you could pull up a show, because I had to start doing events which I think kind of put me out there, which I mentioned Lemonade London I did that. It made me book DJs. So once you walk with other DJs, you book them. When they do their own thing as well, they want to book you and from there you're kind of just broadening people that are coming to see you and know who you are. If you could just stuff like radio I did that very briefly as well Do it. Just put your name out there as much as possible. You want to get your name out there. Network, network, network. I can't emphasize that enough. Network is good, but don't get too lost. Yeah, well, definitely do network.

The Trailblazers experience: 30:22

So there's a lot about putting yourself in the scene, because you're saying network, whether it's festivals, events, the Soho houses, so going to the places where DJs move and shake and interact, I think it feels like that's a big thing, isn't it?

Latsthedj: 30:40

Yeah, not just DJs, even decision makers in the music industries as well. Sometimes you could even network with PR people, people in the scene. And, like I said, don't get too lost, because there are times when I go out and I try to get the network and I just don't get the reception that I want. And I used to be like, oh my God is Hennie, am I not cool enough? Well, I started to realize that it's not always you. Sometimes you could only try your best and just sleep there, and sometimes you might not be.

Latsthedj: 31:07

So you don't realize what you guys have shared. And then, like two, three months after they might reach out to you, they're like oh yeah, I met you and blah blah, blah play. Would you like to DJ? Yeah, and you don't realize that is that little one to information you shared back in like two months ago. That is working for you now. So don't be disheartened if you don't get exactly what you want immediately. It's a long game. It's not always immediate gratification, it takes a while sometimes. But definitely leave your comfort zone if you're trying to be out there.

The Trailblazers experience: 31:41

Definitely playing the long game is a big one. How important is social? I feel like you know Twitch, soundcloud, you know uploading your stuff, putting it out there so people can see and build a history is important, isn't it? How have you embraced social media for that, and what were your nervousness or challenges? I know you said you're an introvert, but talk to me about experiences with you and social and how important that's been to you.

Latsthedj: 32:10

Again, apart from the typical going out and network, social media has definitely helped me a lot, especially Instagram, in terms of getting a lot of gigs. I get a lot of people coming to my DMs and trying to like, book me or maybe they saw a video of me DJing. Someone, someone tagged me and then they sent I mean, that's how we met as well. I mean send your message on Instagram. That was how we were able to like, connect. So that happens a lot. I get a booking. Someone booked me for their wedding. She had my SoundCloud and she was like, when I get married, you're going to be my DJ. And then she got engaged, like two years after, and then she sent me a message I remember what I told you and then she booked me, flew me to Italy.

Latsthedj: 32:45

So definitely social media, instagram, soundcloud I could do better with my SoundCloud. I'm not going to lie. I've taken a step back because SoundCloud Any more sets from you, I know. I know Definitely you need to put your stuff out there. People need to see. That's how you get your fans, people just listening to you and, you know, getting drawn to you. So definitely, social media is very, very, very, very important, I would say.

The Trailblazers experience: 33:15

You heard it Get yourself out there, get out your comfort zone. I think that's so important. Share with me a memorable moment, so something that's happened to you, whether it's from a fan or you being a fan girl, someone you've met that's, you know, really reinforced what you do. Because you know there's the business side, obviously, and you're doing well, you've built a steady career and you're going places. But any memorable moments you'd like to share that really touched you on a personal level.

Latsthedj: 33:45

Hmm, I'm trying to think there's quite a few. I would say one of them was definitely being in Lagos. I've got a lot of memories from Lagos. I've got a little pink one, but going to DJing Lagos like I said, once you come from abroad this year's International DJ they kind of treat you special. I never got that treatment in London.

Latsthedj: 34:11

I feel like London, everyone here is just kind of just a level, everyone's just us, lynn, equal. And then in Lagos I got to meet the likes of, like Tia Savage. She's very big, we're scared. We shared the same stage and then we realized that I have been under. You know, I've been underestimating myself and my value this whole time just because I'm in London. I just feel like, you know, I'm just this little DJ from London. But when I went out there and I just got to stay in the same room as them and I spoke to them, I mean I know they're human beings, I mean, but I just saw them as you know celebrities, and I got to speak to them and connect with them and I realized they're just normal people and they kind of just.

Latsthedj: 34:54

Even Olamide I remember then Olamide is an Afrobeat singer. It was like really good set, like when I get celebrities kind of like, just tell me like good sets, I'm just like, yeah. So those sort of memories just get me realized that I can do this on the biggest scale if I really, really, really want to, and just reinforces that to me, like recently it's actually happened in London. So it's just, you know, really, really great. I was DJing at Stork and then Fabulous the R&B, r&b singer, rapper, he came up to me and was like when they were here for T Live.

Latsthedj: 35:29

Yeah, I think so. Yeah, it was at Stork. Then he came to me was like, yeah, nice sets. I was like, are you fabulous? And he's fabulous? So yeah, that just got me excited. So just little moments like that just reinforces, like, yeah, you are not as little as you think, you are, like you're actually a big deal. So those kind of moment just reinforces it for me.

The Trailblazers experience: 35:51

Yeah, but also you're very humble. I think that's also the thing, isn't it? You're generally a humble post person, and then you have that light bulb moment saying oh my goodness, I'm surrounded by all these celebrities and who, like you said, are just people.

Latsthedj: 36:04

Yeah, literally, and there's knowledge in your craft. Yeah, literally, it's really nice.

The Trailblazers experience: 36:11

Do you know? I think it's very interesting because there's so many stereotypes about what a DJ is, what they should be. Is it a career you can pursue? And there's a lot of graft that goes into it. You know, you've talked about the equipment you've talked about, you did a course, you've talked about the networking. So really, to make it work and make it something that you're doing, you have to invest, whether it's the time, the resource. There's a lot that goes into it as well, and I think it's just demystifying that, because people just say, oh, she's just playing music or she was lucky. Well, no, not really. You've been building a following that's been helping you with that. Yeah, do you find that some people assume that it's easier than it actually is?

Latsthedj: 36:56

Yeah, I can imagine people probably think that I think that's. I sometimes think there as well because I wouldn't say it's come easy to me. But when I DJ in my head it feels easy because I've been doing it for such a long time. So when I'm even describing this I'm like, yeah, all you have to do is just press it and then someone goes down like how can you not play this? It seems so easy. But speaking to you and I'm realising that is actually an artist, not just something you just go into it takes practice, a lot of practice for you to get there. So definitely I do think people think it's easier than it actually looks. It's not as easy and thinking about it now is not that easy because back in the day I know how much I struggled even to play in front of a big audience. I used to like get so nervous, sweaty palms. I still do kind of. For now it just feels like second nature to me. I just do it.

The Trailblazers experience: 37:49

It's a craft. I was listening to a podcast the other day about so the Heaton Brothers. They started represent the brand years ago. So if you've ever seen the brand represent and how they started it, honestly, from grassroots and printing t-shirts and growing it, building it, they were saying there is no excuse now, in today's age, for you not to learn the knowledge, the skills for anything that you really want to do. So, like you talked about DJing, whether it's a course, whether it's going on YouTube, understanding the technology that is out there, what kind of DJ do you want to be? Watch genre, keeping abreast of what's going on. There is no excuse, I think, these days.

Latsthedj: 38:30

Yeah, there's so much resources out there. Google YouTube, oh my God. Youtube is just the best tool out there. And then we've got TikTok now as well, which is people just casually dropping a lot of information. Everyone just drops a lot of value out there. So, definitely, the internet is your friend if you're trying to learn anything Absolutely.

The Trailblazers experience: 38:52

How is AI going to play a role in your technology? Have you ever thought about it in DJing? Are you already using some AI tools to make life easier?

Latsthedj: 39:00

No, I'm not going to lie, I use AI for my e-commerce but not for DJing, because I don't know how. But I've seen AI in terms of producing music where they put Drake's vocal on Beyonce's beat and it literally sounds like it's Drake singing Beyonce's song. I've seen that happen and I'm worried about what that's going to be like in the future, where artists don't really have to make their songs anymore, to just use AI. So I do worry for that. But in terms of DJing, I don't know how that's going to work. I haven't seen any AI DJ. I mean I would love to actually know how that's gonna work, because right now I feel like the technology is so far gone. I have to do is just on set, or you press play. You can sync another song into you know and others. Before it was very technical, like back in the vinyl times, where you literally have to beat Match. Now is a lot easy. So I'm not sure how AI is gonna come into DJ and I'm very Curious to know that's gonna work. I haven't used it yet.

The Trailblazers experience: 40:00

Yeah, you sort of think is it preparing the set for you? Does it understand? Look at the history of all the the music that you've played before, and then it just comes up with a set and then you're just finessing it. Or is it really all about emotion? Like you said, the tool can help pull the set together, but when you get to that event and you realize the vibe and the crowd is different, that still needs that human interaction, exactly so maybe if, like a prepaid, pre-made sets AI might work.

Latsthedj: 40:31

If you're trying to create a set for, like SoundCloud, I think AI might work for that. But when is the life sets kind of connected to people? I don't know, unless there's like some live AI, which I'm definitely. I'm gonna write that down. I definitely want to learn more about that.

The Trailblazers experience: 40:46

I think you should still stay true to you, because the reason why you People are booking you is because you've got a vibe of the way you feel music together. Yeah so that still is so important, I think, coming coming through Talk about trailblazer takeaways. What Tips and nuggets would you like to share with the audience out there? Just circling back.

The Trailblazers experience: 41:15

The tip I like to, so less than you've learned things that in which you knew when you were starting out in in your career. Three things that you wish you could tell, maybe your younger self.

Latsthedj: 41:28

Three things I'll definitely wish I could tell my younger self is most of our patients, patients, patients, patients. I used to always want like immediate gratification. I just if I was trying something wasn't working, I was always like just shifting, shifting, or you really have to be patients with yourself, give yourself grace and trust the process. Definitely trust the process. If there's something you want to do, go through it and don't just, you know, run away when it's not working, like, take your time, it's definitely gonna work. If someone told me I'll be DJing full-time right now, I wouldn't have believed it because it just didn't seem it was possible. So definitely patients and to I was.

Latsthedj: 42:10

I wish I would start reading self-op books earlier. It took me a long time to start reading books about, you know, just Becoming a better person. I think there's so many great books out there I can. I mean there's this book I started to read recently. It's called start with why. It's kind of like just asking why are you starting something? The process. You literally have to have a reason like don't just do something because everyone's doing. It's like stick to your why and, you know, stay by. So definitely Read books. Self-op books has definitely made me why I'm right now. It's made me so confident. It made me so sure about myself. I don't doubt myself, don't get me wrong. Self-doubt comes now and then as a human being, but it's not as Strong as the confidence I have in myself and I'm so sure about myself right now. It's such a beautiful place to be in.

Latsthedj: 43:02

And, thirdly, I would I wish I had a mentor. You know, starting up I learned everything myself and I think that probably took me the long road and, like I said, there wasn't a lot of women I saw doing what I was doing. It was a lot of men Thinking about now. I wish I had a woman that I could talk to, because the way men and women Move is different and the way people see you as a man and a woman is different. So I definitely wish I had a mentor.

Latsthedj: 43:27

If you get a mentor and we save you so much time, honestly your career would just be a lot more clearer and you have that reassurance. You don't have to like get lost. You don't have to be like you know the time that I was in a dark place like what am I doing? Is this really the life that I want, cj? And I get insecure, like Are people seeing me? Do they think I'm a serious person because I had so many self-doubts, for right now I am so confident in myself. I do have my self-doubt. I can't lie Absolutely, but I am. So I'm in a better place in terms of like where I am and Definitely I would say get a mentor self-op books and just be patient. I would definitely give to anyone out there.

The Trailblazers experience: 44:10

You are very mature. You are really mentioning things that we all could really learn from, and you know the start with why Is a book that everyone is recommending out there? Because sometimes we're so caught up in the day to day and the the rush, the treadmill of just getting things done, etc. Etc. Where you really need to take a step back to say, okay, why am I doing this? Why does this current, what is it bringing me? All those questions will sort of help you Hone down on what you should be focused on, because we've only got 24 hours in the day, you know. So it's where do you put your your best foot forward?

Latsthedj: 44:45

Yeah, absolutely Don't just go the trend, because the trend is gonna die eventually. So definitely have a reason why you're doing work you're doing so yeah.

The Trailblazers experience: 44:56

And the mentor thing is is an important one you've touched on because You're right, it's. It's not about the mentor telling you what to do, but the mentor being an active listener and Helping you navigate and guide through maybe the self-doubt that you're feeling, or Aligning certain goals which you could be focusing on. There's so many things, isn't it, that that person who's outside looking in Could, could support you with. I think you could be a mentor yourself. Yeah, you know people have actually approached me.

Latsthedj: 45:26

I'm like I don't know where to start from. I wouldn't mind, it's something that I would definitely love to help people. I definitely would love to help. Well, even if it's just a girl or two, I wouldn't mind doing that. I just don't know if I'm able to, but I would definitely give a few tips here and there. I always want to just tell people like this thing You're not alone, because sometimes you go through so much and feel like we're in it alone. Everyone's going through it. Yeah, it just shows in different ways, obviously in different. I don't know what state you're in your life, or we're literally all going through the same doubts, the same question, the same what might do in my life, what might do it. We're all going through it. So sometimes it's definitely nice to have that passing, that's been through it already before. You can see their success and just reassure you like girl it's a process, be calm, it's gonna happen. That's it Literally. Just it. Trust the process.

The Trailblazers experience: 46:13

Trust the process. I mean, you know mentoring, even if you, if someone's asked you, it could be a short commitment saying We'll, we'll touch base every two months. These are the things we're going to talk about, and it's an hour every two months Because a it means you know you're not forcing yourself to commit to something that you can't. And then you start off small because ultimately, the the person has to do the work. You're the mentor, they're the mentee, they're the ones who have to do the self reflection and so on. But yeah, I think about it.

Latsthedj: 46:45

I think it's that new building Pasta syndrome as well, which I kind of to struggle with. Well, it's self awareness, I'm aware. So I'm trying to work on that as well. I just Working on the imposter syndrome. Oh, amazing Well.

The Trailblazers experience: 46:57

Thank you so much. You know this has been very refreshing, I think, demystifying. A lot of things about that's the DJ Was killing it and has a long way to go in terms of where we're going to see her in the next few years. So thank you so much for sharing for the past few months. Yes, so thank you so much for sharing, for being open, for being vulnerable.

Latsthedj: 47:19

Thank you, I hope you enjoyed the conversation.

Latsthedj: 47:21

Yes, thank you so much for having me. I feel like most of the things I've spoken about on yeah, it's not something I've actually Set out loud, I just say sometimes with my cousin or like just my close friends, or things I just write in my journal. But being able to say out now is kind of just refreshing, is giving me, giving me some sort of confidence, knowing that you know, girl, you're exactly what you say you are and it's just a process. So definitely, thank you so much for having me, and I hope to be able to do this a lot more where I could actually speak and, you know, talk about my Journey as much as well. So, thank you for being a start of this process for me.

The Trailblazers experience: 47:57

Oh, brilliant. Well, you've heard it here first. So this was the Trey Oblazes Experience podcast. I would encourage you tell another woman about the podcast and check out Lats, the DJ on all socials and her residency. She's definitely worth listening to. Thank you so much, thank you.