Life & Work with Lavonda Rocks of Long Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lavonda Rocks

Hi Lavonda , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my journey as a DJ during the pandemic. I have always loved music and played in rock bands for years, but because of the lockdown I decided it was a great time to explore my love of EDM. I taught myself how to DJ live on Twitch, which is a live streaming platform, mostly known for gaming. I discovered a vibrant and thriving music community on Twitch and since 2021, I have never looked back.

At some point during one of my live streams, someone joked that I should take my DJ decks outside and walk around as a Mobile walking DJ. Challenge accepted! I thought what a great way to combine my love of fitness and DJing! At that time, I didn’t even know that there was another DJ doing this named Suat. After watching some of his videos and getting inspiration, I built my mobile rig and took to the streets. These days, I love to show off my city, Long Beach, and I do as many outdoor events as possible like Long Beach Pride, First Fridays, the Long Beach Marathon and I’m even participating in the The Walk To End Alzheimer’s this October.

My mission is to spread as much love and joy through the power of movement and dance!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest struggles I’ve faced as being a walking DJ, have been trying to figure out the tech involved in doing a live stream while being mobile out in real life. In order to run mobile streams, it’s quite costly, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. The smiles I get from people I meet on the streets and the fun my chat has when I’m out and about is worth it to me. The reward is far greater than the cost and as my community and channel have grown, I have gotten more and more support to fund the costs associated with doing what I do.

I’ve also had a few back injuries from carrying around 45 pounds of gear for several hours at a time. Nowadays, I make sure I do enough strength training and stretching to make sure that I don’t hurt myself!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m known as Long Beach’s Walking DJ, and my mission is to inspire joy, movement and dance. I love it when I can get a spontaneous dance party going, and I’m most proud of the way my channel and community uplifts others!

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
If you’re just learning how to DJ and starting out, remember that it’s all about having fun and providing a vibe. Play the music that makes you feel the best not the music you think is going to make you the most popular. Always be true to yourself, spend the time you need in order to get good at your art, and find a great support system/ mentor to help you. I would also suggest being live stream DJ when you start out because it will force you to practice, learn and have fun all while building a community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lavondarocks.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavondarocks/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgtTEIplm42vc1g7vZLhYg
• Other: https://www.twitch.tv/lavondarocks