Today we’d like to introduce you to Shacia Marley.
Shacia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Born and raised in Miami, FL – moved to LA in 2008. I come from a BIG musical/creative family from Jamaica and have over 60 cousins. Some of us are singers, dancers, a few entrepreneurs, fashion designers in the family. I myself am NOT a singer, but a lover of music, dancing, creating a safe atmosphere for everyone to feel free in movement, I am a DJ, some would say I’m a vibe. People ask me all the time why didn’t I follow in the footsteps of my grandfather and elders, and my answer to them is, “everything is one, music is music, I have my own way of expressing myself. Everyone’s journey in life is different. What is Music without a DJ?? I started Djing about six years ago in LA, my first outing was at a club called Los Globos (big up Sire Don) in Silver lake. And little did I know, that club would become home, I’d go there just to hang out on the weekdays with friends, esp. in the green room. I’ve crossed paths with some great people, made some good connections. I can say Los Globos has help shape me as a Dj and as a woman in this male dominate industry.
In the beginning of my career, it was definitely a bit uncomfortable. You’d think the coming from a musical family stage fright wouldn’t be a thing… well!! I could tell y’all stories haha. There were a lot of uncomfortable obstacles I had to face as the newbie – getting comfortable with myself of the stage, getting comfortable, being “BOO’D!”, getting to learn the technical stuff of setting up my own gear, reading a crowd (not so easy) and also being versatile, you gotta please everyone in the crowd and don’t forget the ones in the corner. Three years later, I’m a crew member of Shabbaaaa Sound System with Sean G and Drew Bryd every month (they like to call me Auntie Shaciaaaa, or lil sis – depending on the vibe I give them hahaha). Playing with them and for that type of industry crowd taught me a lot. I didn’t even know people knew how to dance to dancehall or reggae – but they sure did!! That inspired me to want to continue sharing and spreading the Jamaican Culture in the LA Scene.
Has it been a smooth road?
My grandfather said, “Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you are riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!”… Even though the road is rocky. My main thing is to keep ongoing. In life, we need certain struggles to strengthen our character and judgment on life in a positive way.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I specialize in creating a vibe and as I said a space of no judgment. When I play music, I don’t just play music and que up the next song and stand there and wait. I read the crowd, get intimate with the crowd, dance with my crowd. I may even sometimes jump in the middle of the dance floor if I’m right over the dance floor. I feed off of energy, I connect with people when we dance, we have zero worries in the world. I like to think when I’m interacting/ playing music with the crowd I’m taking away their pain. Shacia Päyne is my stage name for a reason. When the music hits ya, you feel no……….!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I want to see myself and my craft evolving. When I started Djing, I knew immediately this isn’t just IT. There’s more to me that I’ve discovered and yet still to discover and explore. During Covid, I’ve had a lot of ME time. Time to think, time to breath, time to explore and come out of my thick shell. I’ve been training my ear, taking a deeper listen to music, trying to break each instrument down in a track and somewhat build my version of that track. Whenever I play other people’s music, I always hear something that could be added or a feature. I see myself being one of the first female producers in my family. Being able to create your own sound is another way to connect. I created a brand called “CONSTANCE BUBBLE” a lifestyle brand created for women in the reggae and dancehall community.
I’m always looking for a way to connect with the world and represent my culture, especially the women. I come from a very male dominant family, so to see my sisters, cousins and I rep. the 3rd generation, our own paths and obstacles is something to look forward to while upholding the legacy. Dancehall and Reggae shouldn’t be so underrated. We the culture hope to change that VERY!! Soon. I did find a new love for cooking – maybe have a cooking show in the future, well see! So, I only hope to take the proper steps towards my goals. Time will tell. You can’t chase time, you can only put in the hours.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: shaciapayne
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/constancebubble/
Image Credit:
@Patrickstruys, @can7.23
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