DJing and Kazami from Maui, Hawaii, were a natural fit as DJ HAPA, founder of The DJ Coach, connected with her about growing her skill set.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you never know where your DJ journey will take you. Michelle Kazami, a Maui, Hawaii resident, epitomizes this fact. Since beginning DJing in 2021, her career has since risen to share stages with industry heavyweights at Maui’s renowned venues and locations worldwide. Her success was possible thanks to the support of both the DJ and Maui communities. In the aftermath of the recent devastating wildfires, Kazami is committed to giving back to the place that nurtured her talents.
During the pandemic, Kazami, like many others, found herself with time to try something new. With love for the electronic dance music (EDM) scene and an understanding of how music can positively impact people’s experiences, DJing seemed like a perfect fit. Kazami started with a 2-channel Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 controller, replicating a professional DJ setup that provides a natural evolution to more advanced controllers. Additionally, the controller came with a free 7-day course, which allowed Kazami to fully grasp the controller’s creative capabilities.
The DJ Coach is a program offering beginner to advanced DJ lessons to artists worldwide. Whether a course to familiarize yourself with equipment or learn a new mixing technique, The DJ Coach offers webinars and workshops that fit each person’s learning style.
DJing and Kazami were a natural fit, as she quickly devoured the 7-day program. DJ HAPA, founder of The DJ Coach, connected with Kazami about her interest in growing her skill set.
“Once I finished the 7-day trial I was surprised at how comfortable I felt with the controller, so when DJ HAPA invited me to his longer program, I jumped in,” Kamazi explained. “Ever since then, I’ve just been a part of the program, and my DJ career has turned into something I never would have imagined at this point.”
Within six months of picking up her first controller, Kazami was ready to share her sound with a live audience. The local Maui restaurant she worked at allowed her to perform her first gig at their company party in May 2022.
After her initial performance, DJing quickly transformed from a hobby to a career as she began performing at local venues across Maui. “After my first performance, another local bar called the Dirty Monkey heard about me and gave me an opportunity to play. Within an hour of playing, I thought they were going to kick me out, but the dance floor filled up and everyone started dancing.”
By the time August 2022 rolled around, Kazami went to an open DJ tryout at Maui’s largest nightclub, Da Playground. Once the club owner heard Kazami play, he knew he had to book her. “They asked me to open for Will Clarke, and I thought, ‘Oh my God, Will Clarke, you’re going to let me open for Will Clarke?’ Kazami noted. “Here I was opening up for DJs I never thought I would ever meet.”
Within a year, Kazami had worked her way up from Da Playground’s opening slot to direct support creating energy for the main event, which gave her the opportunity to play alongside artists such as Ship Wrek and Markus Schulz.
Unfortunately, the devastating wildfires affected both Da Playground and other local Maui venues, along with Kazami’s home. Numerous venues were damaged, while others needed to be rebuilt completely. Many artists traveled to other islands or the mainland to plan their path forward while Maui rebuilds.
“The DJ community as a whole is such a resilient group. As a DJ, your ability to read the room and adjust your performance based on the circumstances is key. I saw that skill exercised during the pandemic as artists found unique ways to continue sharing their sounds and connecting with the community. I have no doubt that Maui and its artists will be able to bounce back stronger than before,” DJ HAPA added. “The tight-knit community continues to look out for one another as they try to find ways to make a living.”
To support artists and workers who relied financially on their gigs throughout the Maui area, Da Playground created a LinkTr.ee with individual Venmos to DJs and others associated with the venue.
Kazami is currently at her family’s home in California, determining what comes next. “I can’t go back to Maui for a while, so I am using the time away as an opportunity to explore where else I could DJ,” Kazami explained. “I’m still taking producing classes online and am working with the owners of Dirty Monkey who own other venues throughout Los Angeles.
“Michelle is a perfect example of how wonderfully unpredictable someone’s DJing journey can be and how one’s passion can open the doors to new opportunities.” John Powell, President of Alpha Theta Americas Inc. added. “The resilience the people of Maui have shown is inspirational and reflects the power of a strong community.”
Donation opportunities to Da Playground, its performers and additional Maui support organizations can be found here.
Photo Credit: Cassie Hatsu Photography via Kazami’s Instagram