We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica Hemesath. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica below.
Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
Becoming a DJ all started with an appreciation for music. I was musically gifted as a child and listened to a lot of vinyl records,CDs, etc. growing up. Often in life we do things before realizing it’s the beginning of something. The challenge after this, is to then stick with it. DJing in the comfort of your bedroom vs. playing a set in front of people are two very different things, unfortunately. You realize quickly how much of a skill it is to do your research and read the room. I learned a lot by simply putting myself out there. You get to know your strengths and weaknesses a little better and where you can improve. Obstacles in the way are definitely what I would refer to as “perceived truths” about DJing. A lot of people think of DJing as a glamorized career, or that it’s super easy (cc. how many folks assume we are playing songs off YouTube). You realize when you’re regularly playing how untrue that is. Especially if you are self-employed. I can only speak on my perspective of course, but I believe it takes time to cultivate your craft. A DJ (should) age like fine wine! & I plan to continue as long as I still love playing music for people.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am DJ Little Town- a local DJ from Indianapolis with Brazilian decent (dual citizen). I’m fortunate to have made a name for myself in this small midwest city throughout the years. I regularly perform in clubs, bars, and private events- parties large and small. What sets me apart from other DJs you may have seen at a wedding or catered event is that I am talent, not a sound-system connected to an ipad. My preferred medium is via turntables, by which I can spin vinyl or digital mp3s. I have taken time to learn the craft of mixing songs and turntablism. I am versatile in my music taste, which can appease a typical Friday night Top-40 audience, or go deep in house/MPB/disco/soul crates. I am grateful that my work has been recognized and I am continually booked and busy! 2023 was a great year for me and I am excited to continue on the path of being a DJ.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I’ve pivoted a LOT in both my personal life and professional life! That being said, I’d like to hone in on one specific moment that I feel would be key to share; which pertains to DJing specifically.
I’m not sure if it’s music elitism or what, but if you want to DJ for regular people who are not music snobs, you’ve seriously got to lower your expectations on playing music for people. I used to be SO disappointed when I would DJ a song I really loved, newly discovered or near and dear to me, and the crowd really wasn’t feeling it. If the crowd you are playing for just wants to hear Dancing Queen, that’s OK! It doesn’t have to mean anything about you or take a slight at your knowledge of music. I had to really learn how to not take that stuff personally. There’s also the element of a time and a place. Much like design, some clients are a little boring or regular while others get to be more experimental and trusting to your skillset. This pivot from artsy niche music to being able to DJ to appease the general public was huge for me. Hate to say it, but it works.
Any fun sales or marketing stories?
When I began DJing publicly in 2013, I was very intimidated by clubs and club culture specifically in Indianapolis. I had gone clubbing in Rio de Janeiro when I turned 18 (which was awesome), but I felt like the scene in Indy was much different. I wasn’t sure if I could play all the Top-40 hits or fit into the bottle service, masculine-dominated club scene. My “make a sale” moment was when I asked to play my first club gig at a gay club, despite having little experience in DJing clubs! The club I asked was Tini, located in Mass Ave Indianapolis. The timing was perfect and it really set things up to come to fruition. At the time, I had been DJing a monthly Queer event in Fountain Square Indianapolis called Low Pone. It had been going very well and helped grow confidence in my ability to play house music and queer dance music. I also felt comfortable with the drag community I was regularly performing with, which was a part of the community that regularly went out to Tini. I took a leap of faith when I asked if I could DJ at Tini. Luckily they gave me a shot. It’s definitely still a Top-40 club in Indianapolis, but it’s in a space where I feel more comfortable to be in. It’s really helped my career since then to learn to play to that room. 2024 makes 6 years of playing there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jesslittletown.wixsite.com/djlittletown
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djlittletown/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djlittletown/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-hemesath-037176183/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/jesslittletown
Image Credits
(in order of images uploaded) 1. Josh Fierek 2. 3. Harrison Housen 4. Way.Too.G 5. 6. Sarah Price