Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Delena Lacy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Delena, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned to do what I do by, specifically learning the craft of DJing, I’ve always had a knack for remembering songs, in the aspect of hearing a song and then thinking like “mmm, this song sounds like this song, that was on this album, but this also sounds like this song that so & so produced.” So eventually, close friends started to compliment my “musicology,” without really going to school for musicology, ultimately complimenting my knowledge, my ability to remember and blend similar sounds together, from the past and present.

When I was around 18 I started making mixes on CDs. Eventually I got into making playlist for different things and people outside of myself, such as: gym playlist for personal trainers & friends, birthday party playlists, as well as for branding & lifestyle organizations.

I started to think that I could take making playlists more seriously and actually learn how to DJ. I felt that my passion for music in general, and my ability to keep a crowd moving & grooving were good confirmations for me to try it out.
I purchased a small control board, and then realized I still had no idea what I was doing. I tried to watch Youtube videos, but I’m more of an in person learner vs virtual. Though I got a little further with learning how to DJ, it wasn’t moving as fast as I wanted.

I reached out to a couple peers that I knew that DJ’d to act as a trainer/mentor, a lot of them were willing to teach but our schedules couldn’t align. One day at an event I ran into another fellow multidisciplinary creative who also DJ’s, we brought up seeking help, and utilizing shared resources in the community. So I thought why not ask her for help, though I’ve asked and it’s not been so successful, I knew I needed to get further at this. To my surprise my friend agreed to become my mentor and help me with any questions I had. I am so much further because of her and i’ll always be extremely grateful for her willingness to teach.

I will say learning the craft of DJing has been a lot of understanding my style, being grounded and confident in it. Writing down the ideas that I have when I’m not near my board because they matter. Asking questions and being willing to listen, and learn. Studying different styles, supporting other DJs, as well as listening to the audience.

Knowing what I know now, I could’ve bitten the bullet of not wanting to learn virtually, and just taking the initiative to just do it. If you really want to do something and learning through Youtube is a quicker way to do it? I should’ve definitely taken more of an advantage of that.

I think the skills that were most essential were: music knowledge, song selection, ambition, and versatility.

The obstacles that stood in the way of learning more was honestly just procrastination. I spent way too much time being distracted instead of focused, once I started starving my distractions and feeding my focus, everything changed.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve had a passion for music, film & fine arts since elementary school until graduating high school from being in plays, dance teams, drama classes, talent shows, writing poetry, even a debate class. I’ve always enjoyed learning and being involved in the arts no matter what it is because it brings me so much joy. At around 6 or 7, though I loved being outside so much, you would more than likely find me in my room listening to my CD player or the local radio station that played smooth, R&B/oldies. Music has always been the connector to everything I do, and am inspired by. The feeling it sparks, the light, being seen, felt and heard. I realized some years ago that I love film just as much as I love music, and my love for both developed through soundtracks and original scores. When I understood this connection within myself, I decided I wanted to make sure that I used the inspirations of both film and music whenever I do something artistically, rather that’s making a DJ Mix, dancing, or being apart of a play or film production, I want my audience to feel what I feel, to feel seen, heard and understood. To leave with more than they came with. Inspiration and passion. A zest for life, again. That feeling that you get when you watch a really good movie, or see a really good performance that makes your eyes water. Yes, THAT.

I think what sets me apart from others is my overall passion for all of the arts. I consider myself to be a multidisciplinary, so I’m not in a box, I don’t have a desire to just do one thing and be known for that one thing forever. I’m willing to continue learning no matter how good at something I get. I’m willing to continue evolving no matter how well something is already working. I’m willing to do the work, no matter how long it takes. I’m willing to take the steps and elevate when it’s time to.

I am most proud of the progress that I’ve made in such a short time of being a new-coming DJ in Nashville, TN. I’ve been able to book gigs in venues that I thought I needed more social credibility to even be considered for, or until my name got out there more. Some of these places have come around twice because the first time I was asked to DJ, I felt I wasn’t ready, but they came back around and asked again and I said okay now Delena, these people believe in you, God obviously believes in you otherwise you wouldn’t be here, now it’s time for you to believe in YOU. So I would also say I am most proud of myself for pushing past my fear of failure.

I want potential clients to know that when booking me for an opportunity rather it’s to DJ, act, host, dance or assist with a show production I am always fully invested. I invest my mind, body and soul into everything I do. I lead with love, and I carry your best interests as I create/curate. I’m always willing to do whatever is necessary to maximize our potential, budget, and overall experience.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson that I’ve had to unlearn was operating from a survival mindset-there are a lot of layers to that, when I say it. From feeling abandonment, casted/ counted out, operating as though I don’t have a strong support system, in the physical realm and the spiritual. When in reality I have an amazing support system, but operating from a lack-mindset didn’t allow me room to look around and truly see. I have immense gratitude from where I’ve come from, and where I am now.

Though, I grew up not wanting for anything physically, environmentally or materialistically. My household lacked emotional vulnerability, maturity, accountability, expressive love and affection. The lesson I’m unlearning is that I don’t have to become or conform to what I’m used to, or what anyone else wants for me. I have the ability to create whatever life I want, and be whoever it is I want to be.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The goal & overall mission that continuously fuels me is “Maximize Your Potential”. It’s very important, and essential for me to exhaust all of the many facets of myself. The creative, the businesswoman, the everything.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: symphony.sounds
• Soundcloud: symphony.sounds