We were lucky to catch up with Shalini Randall recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shalini, 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?

When I started DJing, way back when, I was fortunate enough to have mentors. They taught me not only the technical side of skills, but also how the industry worked. They shared their time and experience, and it became invaluable to me. A few would have me over to their garage studio setups to practice on various types of gear. They’d take me to events and introduce me to all the important folks in our local industry. They taught me how to approach venue owners and promoters and how to network in a meaningful way. My path to success would have taken a lot longer if it weren’t for the kindness of my community.

Every time a new DJ asked me how to get started, I would suggest a similar path to what I took. As far the speed at which I learned- I wish I had taken even longer before I took my first gig. But that being said, it’s a practice where you can never stop learning, if you don’t want to. Changes in technology move along what’s possible year to year, so there is always something new to pick up and discover.

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

My name is Confetti The First. I’m an EDM/Bass, House, and Open Format DJ. I started in the underground rave scene, wanting to give back to a community that gave me so much. I eventually branched out to clubs and festivals. Many years in, I started expanding the genres I played, and am happy to say I now play just about everything and am happy to DJ any type of event. I’ve also been an MC/host, both for private and public events, and for radio shows. I also have a passion of playing for the Queer community- Pride festivals, drag shows, community events- I do it all. Oh, and I do weddings.

Within this, there are two sides to what I do. I DJ at EDM events as a form of self expression and to help foster the joy of dance. The other side is corporate and wedding DJing. This is less about my personal tastes and about being in service to the client on one of the biggest days of their life. Those days aren’t about me or what I want. But to be a part of these huge moments in someone’s life is truly an honor, and I don’t take that lightly. I think a lot of DJs in the same position see it as a “one-size fits all” sort of deal. I take the time to customize every event to my clients. We do a lot of prep work before the big day to ensure that when the day comes, we are smooth sailing.

In any kind of event I’m hired to do, at its core, it’s still the same principle: make them dance, make them have fun. I experience so much joy when DJing, I just try to share that joy. It’s serious work, slinging joy.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think we’ve come to an understanding as a society that there has to be more than the rat race of living and working. Times are tough, finances are tight, and there doesn’t seem to be much change in sight. In my opinion, to keep our sanity, we should turn to artists and creatives to provide joy, insight, as well as resourcefulness and tenacity. Because we live in a system where money is king, PAY YOUR ARTISTS. It’s as simple as that. Pay for art, support with your dollars the work that we do. However, there are other ways to support: share their posts on social media. Post their new mix on your Instagram story. Comment on their TikToks. Rock their merch and put their stickers on your phone and laptop. Recommend them to your networks when folks are looking for the line of work they do. I’ve found that my networks are one of the main reasons I’ve found success.

Art is a necessity for humanity, not a luxury. We need artists to tell our stories.

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

My goal with Confetti The First is to spread joy. I think what I have the honor of doing is such a privilege. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to make people dance. Some of the best nights of my life were on dance floors. I want to give others similar experiences that they’ll never forget.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://confettithefirst.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/confettithefirst
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/confettithefirst
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalini-randall/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConfettiTheFirst
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/confettithefirst

Image Credits

Steve Costano Photography, Andrew Derek Strachan, Vibrant Wink