March 27, 2017

Meet DJ Kara of Los Angeles

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Ford.

Kara, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Throughout my entire life I had always been drawn to music. Whether it be teaching myself to play guitar and piano, or me writing songs secretly in my room, music attracted me and I knew I wanted it to a part of my career as I grew older.

I became fully engaged in music production in college, I promoted my music to many of my friends and shared all of what I was creating. I felt that my peers enjoyed what I was doing and could sense that I was serious about making Music my career. Many of my friends saw this and suggested that I think about becoming a DJ. This suggestion continued as I graduated from college, transplanted to LA, and accepted a job in sales.

One year into living in Los Angeles, after feeling settled and comfortable in the big city, I decided to go ahead and give DJing a shot. Once I started, I completely fell in love with the craft and immediately knew it would be my career path. I started DJing with a Dj management company and they were a big part of me getting my feet wet, learning the business and getting my first gigs. I appreciate them greatly to this day.

My experience consists of weddings, corporate events, private parties, private events, galas, fashion shows, bars, clubs, hotels, and lounges. Over the past 3 years I have been able to Dj over 200 private events, 100 weddings, and 50 bar/club venues. I have enjoyed being able grow my music knowledge by being a part of so many different types events.

Currently my independent business is in the beginning growth stages. These past few months I been able to work some amazing corporate events, holiday parties, bars, fitness facilities and school dances. My inquiries are growing, and I am hoping to have a busy summer 2017!

Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been the smoothest road becoming a DJ. First, the toughest part is the hard work you need to put in to become a DJ. It’s not easy. It takes a lot of time of sitting down, focusing, searching music from different genres and era’s, and learning how to correctly mix the songs. And on top of all of that, learning what people actually want to hear. In the beginning I through myself into it, practiced all of the time, took every single gig I could (even if the pay was exceptionally low), and invested money in purchasing the right equipment. Djing was my life, and I had make many sacrifices.

Secondly, it was tough to get respect as a Female DJ. I don’t know the percentages, but there are very few working female DJs in the industry. So it was at times difficult for some to see that I have the skills to do the job. However, being a female also worked in my favor because when I proved that I could do the job, people would see that I was rare, and I think because of that, I was able to book more easily.

Currently, my biggest challenge is making sure my schedule is as full as possible. I am new to many of the business tactics, but I am learning the best ways to get myself in front of the eyes of people looking for a DJ, and getting those people to book me. I have learned and grown as an entrepreneur more than I can imagine these past few months.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the DJ Kara Los Angeles story. Tell us more about the business.
I am an experienced Female DJ specializing in private events, birthday parties, weddings, corporate gatherings, bars, and lounges. I believe I set myself apart though a tasteful approach to music, genuine skill, and good positive energy. I am mostly proud of the growth I have had over these years. I think back to when I started and I think about all of the work I put into this and it makes me happy to see where I am today.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think the biggest shift in the industry within the next 5-10 years, will be the demographic between female and male DJs. I believe that slowly more women are starting to get into DJing, and seeing that it’s pretty cool job. I have noticed a bit of growth as I have grown into it, so I think the growth will continue these next few years. It is exciting for me to see!

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