We recently connected with Rebeca Dues and have shared our conversation below.

Rebeca , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

Since I can remember, I have loved music. In the 80s, even as a very young child, I had an affinity for musical instruments and tirelessly used a Casio keyboard (which, by the way, I was super proud to see the same model at the Beastie Boys exhibition in Los Angeles). I was already experimenting with beats and some chords without even understanding what the notes meant.

In Brasília, I grew up attending church, took drum lessons, and witnessed countless artists develop musically. The religious environment can often be complicated, but it is evident that my musical awakening also occurred in this process.

Of course, like a good sheep, during adolescence, I broke away from the herd and decided to expand my horizons. Every movement led me where my ears pleased. And so I went on, using a discman to accompany my journeys and meticulously organizing my music because it was always important to listen to them in the sequence I had chosen. Creating playlists to listen to on the bus made me feel like a DJ. Haha.

The hip-hop culture was a turning point in understanding what I really wanted with music. It filled my mind with references and, above all, helped me understand what a DJ represents. For a girl born and raised in the outskirts of Brasília, it made a lot of sense, and I can say that it saved me. In the early 2000s, I started to become part of movements and attend parties that amplified the message of this culture.

I began producing independent projects around these movements, and from that, a whole universe opened up before me. At that time, there were very few female DJs to be seen, and entering this space was quite challenging. Sexism and prejudice made things even more difficult.

It was only in 2014 that I finally encountered turntables. And I thought, “Oh my god, why did I wait so long for this?” Playing DJ has been one of the best choices I have made in my life. Of course, there is still a long journey ahead, but finding myself in this place is very special. I also carry with me the issue of ageism, a challenge that was difficult to overcome because I heard many times that I was too old to start something. Bullshit.

Now I live in Los Angeles, and I studied at one of the best DJ schools on the planet. In Brazil, I played in various places, created and moved many things, and most importantly, encouraged other women to follow this path.

Rebeca , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

In 2014, I had a motorcycle accident and had to spend three months with my arm in a cast. I injured my right arm, and being right-handed, it was really challenging. I lost my job and received a government support payment for that period, which barely covered my rent. I needed to keep my mind up.

I used spend my time for research and listening to music, I grabbed my computer, downloaded DJ software (like Serato and Virtual DJ), and started experimenting. I researched everything, and many resources were in English, so I made an effort to understand and organize my ideas. I went back in time and rediscovered the connection with music that had existed within me many years ago, and I went for it!

During this time, I was already organizing some independent events, especially the BREAKZ! Is like a Block Party, It was a project of collaborative and itinerant. We promove a public space occupation that brought crowds of people together on the streets and beaches of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Brasília, to celebrate urban culture. Street sound, skateboarding, breakdancing, graffiti, hip-hop, Jamaican culture mixed with British culture, endless blends of sounds and movements.
It wasn’t an event to go and listen to a single genre of music, expecting the basics. You were always surprised by something you had never heard before. You meet new people with good energy. The idea was to mix music and people who somehow connected with each other. The magic really happened!
Today, I see that this movement had a significant impact on current generations, and I learned a lot in this process that musical freedom is truly powerful for generating connection.

During the summer, we held this event almost every weekend and occupying the streets, is something very special because it’s democratic. It makes people feel like they’re part of something, of some subversive group in society (alternative?) that they belong to.

I handled all the creative direction and production of the events. Although they were guerrilla-style events, music always came first. So, I curated and prepared the lineup with great dedication to ensure that the people present at the event had a unique musical experience. Knowing how to organize an event lineup, organize the artist sequence and shows is an art that many people don’t fully understand. It’s part of the success of an engaged dance floor.

In the midst of all this, I was already dedicated to learning DJing, and my research mainly focused on the music I wanted to hear at the parties and events I attended. I prepared my music lists and organized the best sequence to record my first mixtape (a compilation of mixed and recorded songs, often made available on streaming platforms). To be a good DJ, it’s crucial to believe in your musical research, believe in what you hear, and understand that it’s great to bring and share with others. This is your power, your uniqueness lies in your creativity.

In one of those editions of Breakz, I started to play, encouraged by a friend at the time: “Go for it, Rebeca, you know what you have to do.” And after that, I never stopped! I’ve been DJing for almost 10 years now, and I feel like it’s just the beginning of an eternal journey of learning and connection.

In January 2023, I received a scholarship from the Purple Pam Foundation to study at the Beat Junkie Institute Of Sound, one of the best DJ schools on the planet! Pam was the amazing DJ woman I knew in my life. Please do something good in your life and get to know this legacy @pamthefunkstress. Rest in Power. Beat Junkies is one of the most representative DJ collectives globally, and receiving this scholarship showed me that it’s possible to reach anywhere I dream of. Next year, I’ll complete 10 years of DJing, and I feel like it’s just the beginning of an eternal journey of learning and connection.

Playing as a DJ has opened many doors for me and connected me with different people and places. I was born in Brasília, lived in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and now I’m living in Los Angeles. Life is crazy! The most important part is to connect with what’s happening around you. Working with music and art has a very special quality, and it’s important to be attentive.

Blending these two worlds (being a DJ, artist, and producer) has allowed me to develop what I call Creative Production. When I professionally perform, I talk a bit about this, it goes beyond executing tasks and bringing my musical repertoire. It’s about letting my creative Pisces moon shine and combining it with the practicality of executing projects like a good Capricorn. haha. Leading a project that brings people and music together, leaving a cultural legacy, is a significant path for my journey as a musical curator, producer, and artist. It stimulates my intellect and creativity, and I love it! Moving forward with independent projects, creating communities where culture is bubbling is essential for expanding territories.

In addition to all the work I do, and especially as a DJ, I highly respect where I come from and what it has taught me. Sharing the result of this learning with people is what makes my way of expressing myself so special.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Throughout my journey as a DJ and creative producer, I faced a unique challenge. I had a deep passion for both careers and wanted to pursue them simultaneously. However, I soon realized that relying solely on music to sustain my livelihood was not enough to cover all my expenses and responsibilities yet.

Recognizing this financial reality, I knew I had to make a pivot in order to create stability and support myself. I made the decision to continue a freelance producer, taking on additional projects and opportunities to organize my life and generate a steady income.

This shift required careful planning and time management. I had to strike a balance between my DJ gigs and my freelance work, ensuring that I could devote enough time and energy to both. I began seeking out clients and collaborators who needed my expertise in music production, event organization, and creative direction.

Although it was initially challenging to juggle the demands of two careers, I found that being a freelance producer provided me with the stability and financial security I needed. It allowed me to continue pursuing my passion for music while also ensuring that I could meet my financial obligations and responsibilities.

In the process I discovered the power of diversifying my skills and income streams. By expanding my services and working as a freelance producer, I not only enhanced my financial stability but also broadened my professional network and gained valuable experience in various creative projects.

This challenge in my career taught me the importance of adaptability and the willingness to explore different avenues. It was a transformative experience that allowed me to embrace the duality of my DJ and creative producer roles, leading to a more fulfilling and well-rounded career journey.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Even though I’ve been playing for almost 10 years, I never had the opportunity to take a course where I could truly learn how to improve my technique. When I started playing, there were hardly any courses available in Brazil, and even when they became accessible, I didn’t have the means to afford them. My desire to learn and become a DJ is so strong that I am willing to start from the first steps again to fully understand and embrace the DJing life. I am constantly seeking self-improvement and striving to propel my career and passion forward.

However, the reality can be harsh. It took me two years of playing before I was able to purchase my first equipment. It is not a simple journey. It goes beyond just buying and owning the necessary equipment. Financial resources are required to make things happen, and DJ equipment is not inexpensive. This poses a significant challenge for individuals who do not have the financial means to invest in their careers.

I understand that the path may be easier with financial resources, but unfortunately, it is not my reality. (Laughs) Nevertheless, every trial and obstacle along the way is important to truly discern if you are committed to living the DJ life. It is a long journey of apprenticeship, hard work, and finding ways to cover the costs associated with pursuing your passion.

That is why it is crucial to recognize and communicate your artistic value. You need your equipment, your computer, and various other resources, and investing your time in these endeavors is invaluable. Therefore, never hesitate to charge for your work. Only you truly understand the significance of your journey, especially when it comes to financial considerations and investing in your career.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r3brkz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/r3brkz/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecadues/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/r3brkz/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/R3brkz

Image Credits
Diego Sarmento Vitor Takayama Wilmore Oliveira Alex Mejia Mangabeira