Featured Artist: Qolaj

Personal Message

Deep, sexy basslines with wonky grooves are my thing. From the music I produce and the songs I pick out to play, I always look for personality and character. Rooted in my background as a rock bassist, I gravitate towards the warmer side of House, although I won’t say no to Techno and Drum & Bass. My ideal dance floor is a safe space where weird is celebrated, where beauty is not a priority, and where expression is currency. Funny, 10 years ago I told my friends that raves will never be my thing. Now, here I am, opening doors for other people to come in and enjoy this culture of inclusivity and self-expression.

DMI Impact

I feel lucky that I was introduced to dance music culture through Dance Music Initiative. This is a family that understands the importance of culture and collaboration. Having a competency test on vinyl says a lot about this organization’s commitment to the integrity of the art. What’s great about being a part of DMI goes beyond having the skills to spin for an hour. You start to understand the intricacies of what a good show means. You start discovering your voice on the dance floor. Exploring your self-expression becomes easier with the foundation that DMI lays down for you.

I think what’s most important is that DMI grounds me. We all know how this industry can easily pull you into the undesirable corners of the warehouse. Being around others with more positive experiences has helped me make better decisions, not just as an artist, but in life.

Featured Mixes