Today we’d like to introduce you to Dj Zlaya
Hi DJ , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My career in the DJ and music scene has spanned over 30 years, beginning in the early ’90s with DJ gigs, radio shows, and independent record publishing. But that’s just one side of the story. For me, music isn’t just something I do—it’s why I’m here.
My relationship with music started at the age of five. I was fortunate to grow up in a high-rise building with a local radio station on the top floor. From the age of 5 to 13, I spent every afternoon there, completely captivated by its magic. That spell never faded—it shaped my life, my career, and my deep love for 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?
Coming from an area (former Yugoslavia) that went through more than its fair share of turbulence in the ’90s, I’d say it was anything but smooth. But struggles and limited resources often spark incredible creativity. In a way, I was both cursed and incredibly lucky to find like-minded people facing the same challenges. Together, we built and created so much. DIY isn’t just a method—it’s the most honest way to make things happen and to live by
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is all about sharing music with the wider public. Over the years, I’ve done this through club, radio, and web DJing, as well as music publishing, event organizing, and promotion. In the last five years, my main focus has been on club DJing and event promotions.
I’m known for my deep expertise in Industrial and Electronic Body Music (EBM), with a vinyl collection spanning thousands of records. My DJ sets are unique and never pre-planned—I decide the next track on the spot, based on the energy exchange between the crowd and me. I never know exactly where a set will go, but I know it will always hit the mark.
Longevity in this scene is something I take pride in, but one of my most fulfilling projects has been my involvement with WGD The Gathering, the biggest DIY Goth festival in California. Since its launch in 2021, I’ve been booking DJs and bands for the event. Collaborating on a project like this with fellow DJs and favorite bands is the greatest gift and payback one could ask for.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Since I am fresh off the boat in the LA land, and getting myself involved with the local Goth Industrial Scene, you can catch me DJing at Bar Sinister on MAR 15, 2025, and DJing Vague Lanes gig at the Goldfish on MAR 29, 2025. All in all, I am frequent at Das Bunker, and other Dark Music related events.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/zlayadj
- Instagram: https://www.youtube.com/@zlayadj
- Facebook: https://coldtrinity.bandcamp.com/
- Twitter: https://www.reverbnation.com/voightkampffmachine/songs
- Youtube: https://www.themenagerieodditiesmarket.com/world-goth-day-2024
Image Credits
DJ Zlaya
