We started this interview series with The Black Lodge, and we continue for the second instalment with Kerry, DJ and promoter in LA, a force for good in the DIY nightlife scene, whether she spins house and disco at events or on the radio – check out her shows on dublab, or whether she curates uplifting underground parties.
- Passion for Music: Kerry emphasizes that a genuine love for music, rather than ego or fame, is essential for a fulfilling DJ and promoter career.
- DIY Approach: Creating your own party and cultivating a unique vibe, rather than relying on guest DJs, builds a loyal following and allows for more creative control.
- Community Support: While acknowledging gender disparities, Kerry encourages supporting emerging talent and building a more inclusive dance music scene with better sound quality.
Kerry’s DJ sets are all about the mood and the journey, and her events are all about creating a haven of togetherness and good vibes for different communities, while remaining sharp and demanding on sound quality and general organisation. Some might associate DIY with wonky logistics, but Kerry proves independent events can also have high quality control; her love for the music shows in all the detailed work you will notice if you attend her parties at The Basement.
In this interview, Kerry tells us about her career, about her current series The Basement, and gives tips on how to get started as a DJ and promoter.
Kerry, how did you get started as a DJ and promoter?
I always have had love for music since I was a teen. I used to make mixtapes, and then in 2005 I decided to take a stab at it. From there I started a few parties of my own, starting with Nitty Gritty, Hang Together, Rice & Beats, and now The Basement.
One of the milestones in my career was the party I did with Scott K. it was an underground party we did five times, and the last one it gathered about 1500 guests! So from there, it helped build my name and trust in the community.
Do you feel you have had enough support in the scene as a woman?
In terms of support, I don’t like to look at it as a woman. I’d like to believe the music speaks for itself… but that said, I do feel as a woman we are often dismissed, and the trust to allow us to have the “prime time” spots is often too rare. Part of it is you have to do your job, but I think many of us have proven ourselves and we still don’t get those opportunities.
Would you do things differently if you started today in your DJ and promoter career?
I can’t say I would do anything differently… I do think everyone has an opportunity to try and make a mark in the community, and that has not changed. Making the mark is about talent, personality, and timing! I think there is more “competition” now, but that’s not a bad thing.
And what advice would you give to those starting now? If you are getting started, ask yourself what are you in it for? Fame, money? For me it’s always the music. If you make it about music and not your ego, you’ll go far. Start your own party. Make yourself the resident. Try not to start out as a “guest driven” party – where folks only come based on your bookings. The whole idea is to make your party about the vibe and not the guest. So that you build the trust and can book anyone. Go out and find people that you know like your style of music. Make your party intentional, not about the numbers… numbers will come. Find people who will appreciate your style of music. Also, don’t depend on your friends to come every time; it’s not fair to get upset if they don’t show up. You have to do the work and get folks in there. Starting your own party will teach you a lot about the biz too… ups and downs, and you’ll learn that breaking even is doing pretty good!
If you are getting started, ask yourself what are you in it for? Fame, money? For me it’s always the music. If you make it about music and not your ego, you’ll go far.
Do you think the dance music scene is doing enough in terms of quality and inclusivity?
It’s important to support folks who want to try. I started out there too. And I do think some DJs are not as supportive as they can be. That being said, some who are still learning get ahead of themselves, and have a sense of entitlement that they should play because of who their friends are, but often they are not ready yet.
Another thing is that I wish there were more folks of color in the scene; and I’d like to see more venues with better sound.
And what advice would you give to those starting now?
If you are getting started, ask yourself what are you in it for? Fame, money? For me it’s always the music. If you make it about music and not your ego, you’ll go far.
Start your own party. Make yourself the resident. Try not to start out as a “guest driven” party – where folks only come based on your bookings. The whole idea is to make your party about the vibe and not the guest. So that you build the trust and can book anyone. Go out and find people who will like your style of music. Make your party intentional, not about the numbers… numbers will come. Also, don’t depend on your friends to come every time; it’s not fair to get upset if they don’t show up. You have to do the work and get folks in there. Starting your own party will teach you a lot about the biz too… ups and downs, and you’ll learn that breaking even is doing pretty good!
What has got you excited for the near future in your practice?
I’m excited to explore Asia and Europe more through DJing. I have an agent now so I am hoping to take that next step and explore more out of LA.
Any message to all the house and disco ravers out there?
Please come for the music, it will make you and everyone enjoy it even more!
The next party at The Basement is on January 31st, more info HERE.
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