Today we’d like to introduce you to Charissa (DJ Rap) Saverio.
Charissa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My first record was in 1990 and I have never stopped since, I own two labels, PROPA TALENT & IMPROPA TALENT and I was the first female DJ in the world to play on the main stage with the boys and get paid the same as them. I fought hard for equality and battled sexism, I always did my best in the studio and in my productions in order to be taken seriously. I semi-retired (I am still touring) in 2011 to focus on teaching and giving back. MTC was born two years ago and it’s been a long and exciting journey to get to this point. I am all about paying it forward to the next generation. I am a singer-songwriter, DJ Producer. I have collaborated with the likes of BT, Eric Morrillo, Hans Zimmer, Hybid and DJ Tydi to name a few. I have sold 3 million records worldwide. I have over 25 years experience and understand the difficulties aspiring artists, producers and DJs face, I want to show you how to navigate through the challenges the industry presents. After teaching privately, instructing and writing curriculums for Dubspot, Icon Collective and Garnish School of Production, the next logical step was for DJ me was to expand her reach and open her own school.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The challenge is always the same when anyone opens up a business. You really have to love what you do because for the initial time in regards to the set up you are working 24/7 for no money. There is no such thing as a smooth road, not for me anyway! There is just hard work. It had taken me nearly three years just to get to here with the school! Developing Courses is incredibly time-consuming, especially as I have very high standards, I want them to be of the highest quality as with everything I do, so each one hour video you see takes me 5 hours to edit, and create and finalize. There are 45 videos in the Ableton course alone! Lack of sleep was a big issue but I believe in what I am doing and it is so worth it when you get great feedback and responses like ‘This course changed my life’ that makes it all worthwhile. Especially, knowing I am encouraging female DJ’s to take it up a notch and produce as well as the boys. It’s the only way to really stand out and be taken seriously in this industry. There are multiple courses coming about so many things, but my main challenge as an artist was getting good business advice, many times I did not get that, by so-called professionals and it caused me great loss in my career, so I want to share my knowledge and create a course so others do not go through the same pitfalls I did. That is why I am creating ‘How To Get Started As A DJ/Producer’ course right now that will be available in March! I have overcome so much as a DJ and Producer and there were so many difficult obstacles, how I wish this was available to me as a resource when I was younger. Hopefully, I can inspire and save you from the same heartaches I went through and encourage you to stand out with your own productions!
Please tell us about Music Tech Collective.
What sets me apart is I am a woman. I specialize in producing music (in drum and bass) but cover all formats and genres, I am known for my experimental sound and synthesis of genres. The goal of Music Tech collective is to create courses to get you from beginner to advance and then take you through navigating the business so your music can get unleashed to the world. The goal is no more waking up wishing you could afford an engineer or a studio, the goal is you can do it, and this is how to be your own boss, label owner like I am. The goal is simple. Give you the tools to be yourself, become a great producer, create the music that only you can create, and understand the business side of the music industry, all aspects from social media, agents, managers, touring, sending demos, finding a label deal, to owning a running your own label.
What’s your favorite memory from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory was anytime I was racing horses. You could say I’m horse mad, an avid animal lover. I could ride a horse before I could walk and I raced horses when I was younger. Playing the piano was also a great source of joy for me and still is to this day, as I am a classically trained pianist.
Pricing:
- $65.00 for each course and cheaper when you bundle!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.musictechcollective.com
- Phone: 424 265 4629
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musictechcollective/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicTechCollective/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/wearemtc
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/music-tech-collective-los-angeles
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/c/Musictechcollective
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
