We were lucky to catch up with Alexa May recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alexa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

One risk that I have taken was moving across the country from Nevada to Virginia. I was following my ex-husband as he is in the military and we have a son. At the time I knew we had issues and that it was probably going to be hard or a mistake. It was, unfortunatley. I struggled with loneliness and wanted to find friends and have genuine connections with people. All I knew that I liked was live music and the beach so I decided to start going to EDM events held in local bars. I was able to meet new people who became some of my best friends to this day. I also got the opportunity to start Djing locally at the venues I would go and see my favorite artists play. I was fortunate enough to be offered a residency at an after hours club by a close friend, Mikey. I had my life entirely changed by taking the risk and moving. I don’t think I would be where I am today or have had the experiences that I did if it wasn.t for that. It was such a wholesome and unexpected start of a career that I adore.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Alexa and I am a multi-genre DJ based in Las Vegas, Nevada. I go by the stage name, Arayza. I was born and raised in Southern California with my parents and three siblings. I know am 24 years old with my own little family as I have a son. I believe ever since I was little I knew I wanted to grow up and be some kind of ‘superstar’. I loved Hannah Montana, I used to make my sister dance with me, and force her to listen to me sing. My cousin would also help me write song lyrics. When I was older, I discovered EDM and DJs in general. I never realized that you could learn to dj at home or online before going to my first small rave. I saw close up how the controller looked, I loved the music they were playing, and the atmosphere. After discovering EDM and house music in specific, I knew I wanted to do something with it. I started to teach myself how to dj on my iphone with an app for a good six months before deciding to get a physical controller. I watched youtube videos on how to dj and asked friends for advice. I practiced at home while my son was asleep or watching tv as a way to pass time. I practiced how to dj but I also practice energy and how to be a performer. I would literally act like I was in front of a crowd and figure out how to dance on stage with the music. Eventually I sent in two of my mixes to a local promoter who booked me for most of the shows I preformed at Peabodys Nightclub in Virginia Beach. He really pushed me to go out of my comfort zone and learn to play other genres of music and I really thank him for that. Because of that I practiced so much and I am able to play house and dubstep. I have played for some of my favorite artists regardless of genre and I have been lucky enough to meet people who inspire me and who I look up to in the industry. I have also been lucky enough to even curate events myself and be a headliner in those cases. I like to give back to the community so when I do have curated events I try to throw fundraisers for charity. In Virginia Beach I hold donation drives for the Samaratain House, a local shelter for abuse victims. In South Carolina I held a fundraiser for Doctors Without Boarders where we were able to donate almost $400. I believe that nothing I do is worth it if I can’t help those around me, I have so much fun and I love what I do. In the same way that I am so lucky I want to be just as giving. That is what I am most proud of.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I would love to eventually play at big music festivals and travel the world. I want to be able to provide for my family and give my son a great life. I want to also help the Las Vegas community by helping build a shelter for women one day.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I believe the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is getting to express yourself fully. I feel extremely fulfilled when doing what I love because I get to show who I am and what is on the inside.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/arayza
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arayzamusic/
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/alexa-may-322268497?ref=clipboard&p=i&c=1&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Image Credits

Kali Murphy – @spookygirlphotography