This week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday DJ spotlight, presented by QSC, shines on DJ Kayla G from Brooklyn, New York.
DJ Kayla G is this week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday spotlight. Presented by QSC, Kayla G of Shadyville DJs is known as THE FEMALE FORCE, of Shadyville DJs, is a mobile DJ, radio personality, and remixer (powered by Riddimstream) based out of Brooklyn, New York.
With the many elements of being a mobile DJ, Kayla G fills us in on what being a DJ means to her: versatility, flexibility, and professionalism – and that’s just scratching the surface. Brining the party to wherever her clients’ needs (and meeting their needs and requests), Kayla’s talents extend to all styles and types of events, including weddings, corporate, clubs, and even festivals.
Furthermore, we break down Kayla’s current DJ setup, what her studio consists of, some of the biggest pros and cons of being a mobile DJ – where she reveals that the pros outweigh the cons – and the most important life lesson or knowledge she’s gained from her experience thus far as a DJ.
When DJ LIFE spoke with Kayla regarding all things mobile DJ, here’s how the chat went down…
DJ LIFE: What does being a mobile DJ mean to you?
DJ Kayla G: Being a mobile DJ means versatility, flexibility, and professionalism. It is about bringing the party to wherever the client needs regardless of the event style: wedding, corporate, club and even festival. I am grateful that I not only can play music but also manage my own setup from sound to lighting creating an exceptional vibe for any crowd. This allows me to be self-sufficient and prepared for any venue or situation in order to deliver a premium professional experience.
DJ LIFE: Can you tell us about your current DJ setup?
Kayla G: My current DJ setup includes a Pioneer DDJ-SZ as my main controller, running through (2) QSC KW122 speakers for a rich sound. I use a Shure microphone for hosting and keep a variety of Chauvet DJ light fixtures to add some visual enhancements to my DJ set. In order to hold it all together, a Pro-X and Rockville DJ Facade allows me to have a clean setup.
In my studio, I have (2) Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 turntables paired with a DJM-S9 mixer. I work between needles and phase DJ to give me the flexibility to spin digitally and traditionally.
DJ LIFE: What are some of the biggest pros and cons of being a mobile DJ?
Kayla G:
Pros: As a mobile DJ I am able to play a wide variety of gigs, making me versatile and able to adapt to different situations. I am not tied to one location—I can bring the great vibes anywhere it is needed. Plus, I control my own setup, sound and lighting ensuring everything is up to standard. Providing my own equipment and extra services creates a higher earning potential. Of course, I am able to network and meet diverse clients, event planners and business owners, leading to more opportunities. Being a mobile DJ has made me a better entrepreneur and businesswoman.
Cons: On the other hand, being a mobile DJ sometimes means operating as a “one man band”. In addition to performing, I am managing marketing and business transactions — being responsible for bookings, contracts and payments. Also, transporting equipment can be exhausting, so I stay in the gym to ensure that I am physically fit enough for the demanding workload. There are some clients that have a well-thought-out vision while others have unrealistic expectations, making it crucial to find a balance between their demands and what you know will work best as a professional. On top of that, venues can present challenges, from limited space, poor acoustics and more.
However, the pros outweigh the cons.
DJ LIFE: What is the most important life lesson you have gained from your experience as a DJ?
Kayla G: A life lesson that I have learned is there is no success without some form of obstacle or challenge showing the importance of adaptability. There will be times where things don’t go as planned. I had to learn how to roll with the punches, accept changes and adjust in order to keep things flowing smoothly. I also had to learn let go of perfectionism and trust my ability to handle whatever comes my way.
