Interview with Shawny
By: Where It Begins
Q. What made you want to be a DJ?
A. I really got my start in college. I was the co-host to a radio mixer and personality named Y. Dot. He had a drive time show on our college station, WANM 90.5 on Wednesday and Friday afternoons. I would just watch him mix on a software program called Virtual DJ. I would sit in the studio and think to myself “I can do that”! So, one day I downloaded the program, asked him for some music and I began practicing.
Q. What differentiate you from the rest of the DJ’s?
A. I PRACTICE. Even after I mastered the skill. I still practice and take the time to sharpen my skills. I’m also HUGE on my blends and transitions. For a long time, that’s all I worked on creating different ways to transition from song to song so that it never sounds like a train wreck. Of course, I’m human! Sometimes I do mess up (lol) or can just be moving too fast, but I genuinely love my craft and I think it shows. You can really tell who’s having fun and who’s just there to be there.
Q. How would you define your “Style” or approach to providing DJ Entertainment?
A. I study the crowd, I am always thinking about how I want to set the vibe and what’s going to be my first song. I’m also from Florida… I talk on the microphone! Also, one thing I’ve learned from being in ATL is that they don’t give the DJ a chance to rock the mic. They hire a host and a DJ and then they want us to work together when really, I’m my own show.
Q. Who or what Influenced you to be a DJ?
A. Radio…. Being just a personality is actually very boring.
Q. What are your goals in the next 5 years?
A. Syndicated radio or just radio full-time, more traveling—I really want my craft to allow me to see the world while doing what I love. I want to learn more of the business side as well. I’ll also possibly produce a record and learn how to make beats.
Follow Shawny at @shawnytaughtu
To see the full interview, go to https://issuu.com/cecewibnet/docs/final_wib-revision__8_
Where It Begins 