Life & Work with Danielle of Alhambra, CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle.

Hi Danielle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a queer Chicana DJ raised in Alhambra, CA. A lot of my art is rooted in where I come from. My folks grew up on 80s new wave and 90s hip hop, so they made sure I understood the foundation of music. From reggae, jazz, Chicano rap, funk, and cumbias, the appreciation for sound in my home never had limits. I’ve always felt deeply connected to music, but it wasn’t until college that I realized how it could also be a form of resistance through dancing and healing. I make it a priority to perform in spaces where my community feels seen, heard, and safe.

I’m forever grateful to my friend, DJ Silver, for showing me the ropes. They introduced me to the programs and gear I needed, and even let me practice on their setup until I saved up for my own. They’ve been a huge part of my DJ journey, and I’ll always give them their flowers.

I’ve been lucky to perform at spaces like BLVD MRKT, Xelas, Dust Studios LA, Cal State Northridge, ToolBox LA, Pauhaus LA, Mt. Lowe Brewing, and local community events. I’m excited to keep growing, taking on new gigs, and connecting with more people through music.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of my biggest struggles came at the height of my DJ career. I had several gigs lined up, but when COVID hit, it completely halted in-person events for years. Every gig was canceled, and I had to quickly come up with an alternative plan, not only to make money and survive but also to carve out time for what I truly love, DJing. I ended up getting a job in corporate America, which paid well but didn’t fulfill my creative potential. Still, I made sure to dedicate time to practice, build my library, and research new music. Even during such a life-changing period, I remained committed to expressing myself through sound.

The DJ industry often carries a stigma, with white male DJs tending to get booked and busy more often. But let’s be real, Black and queer folks created house music and rave culture. It’s important that we pay homage to the true roots of these spaces. I draw inspiration from artists like Kaytranada, Tokimonsta, Peggy Gou, Austin Millz, and DJ Hunny Bee. While that stigma still exists, and I see it firsthand, I also believe there’s a vast amount of art out there that deserves recognition and support.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in DJing music with a focus on cumbias, reggaetón, funk, hip hop, new wave, and alternative tunes. I am a local Los Angeles-based DJ who has grown up here my entire life. I feel most proud when people from the crowd come up to me and share how the music I played resonated with them. There is also nothing quite like the energy of getting people to stand up and dance; that exchange of energy is truly unmatched.

What sets me apart from others is my ability to transition between different genres and eras through the music I love most. I believe being a DJ is not just about performing, but also about doing your research—constantly discovering new music to add to your library, studying the event or space you are playing in to ensure your set fits appropriately, understanding your audience, and being able to adapt if the energy isn’t being reciprocated as you envisioned. Organization is also key when preparing for events. Making sure all your equipment is ready, along with curating a thoughtful folder of songs for each event, is essential. I believe much of the art of DJing lies in the preparation that happens before you even step up to perform. Once you dedicate the time and energy that process deserves, a great performance naturally follows.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
One of the most important parts of my success has been the support of my community. I would not be where I am today without them. I am endlessly grateful for my partner, family, friends, and everyone who comes to my events and brings such incredible energy.

Adaptability is another quality I value deeply. Being able to read the room and adjust in the moment is essential. Sometimes the crowd is fully engaged with a song, other times I need to transition sooner than I expected, and that is all part of the experience. I also love to dance myself, and stepping onto the dance floor between songs has become one of my favorite ways to connect with the crowd. That shared energy, seeing people move and feel the music, is what keeps me inspired and reminds me why I DJ in the first place.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellesjourney
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-m-574117184/

Image Credits
Main photo of me & the Black/White photo of my hands with the controller – Fabiola @ Las Fotos Project