Today would have been my dad’s birthday and as my dad was a great music fan, I think he would have loved reading about my guest on the blog this week. The utterly gorgeous DJ China L’One is gracing my blog – she is a top international female DJ as well as being CEO/Founder of London’s 1st All Female DJ agency. Did I mention she is drop dead gorgeous too?! I couldn’t wait to ask the stylish diva some questions…. Hi China !
Hi! My name is DJ China L’One, I am an International Female DJ, and the Founder and CEO of London based No1 all female dj agency “We Run The World Female DJ Agency”.
What inspired you to become a DJ and also, what inspired you to start London’s first all female DJ agency, “We Run The World Female DJ Agency”?
It all began when I was unexpectedly invited to take the DJ position at a friend’s birthday party in 2000. The crowd just loved the music and the vibe my presence gave that I was inspired to take DJing up as a way of earning money. Since then my profile became more public but I soon realised there was not an agency that catered for solely female DJ’s like myself. And so I began to build up my own agency, independent and hard-working as I am!
The music you play includes funk, R & B, hip hop, house, remixes, classic commercial sounds – but do you have a favourite music genre?
I grew up listening to POP music, so I don’t have a favourite music genre per se. If the music is “popping” it’s a big tune! Hehehe.
You have performed at many of London’s top clubs such as the Ministry of Sound, Pacha, No 5 Cavendish Square – to name a few – do you stick rigidly to a set playlist or are you able to ascertain the mood of an audience and adapt accordingly?
I never set a playlist, I play accordingly to the crowd and audience. I read the crowd, based on their age, and the type of event.
What are the highs and lows about being a DJ?
The highs are getting to DJ for super cool brands, events, venues and travelling to different locations in the world. The lows have been when business is quiet and you are just waiting for gigs. .
Growing up, have you always wanted to be a DJ or did you have other aspirations?
Growing up, I wanted to become a singer, actress or dancer. I want to the famous Itali Conti Theatre school when I was 16 years old. I have recorded a few songs and have featured on other artist songs in the past. I did go to acting school as a teenager.
You have DJ’d in Norway, Sweden, Germany, Ibiza, Italy, India & on luxury cruise ships! Do you have a favourite party destination? Is there any place in the world where you’d love to DJ but haven’t done yet?
I would love to Dj in Las Vegas one day.
We all have our favourites…but what music genre are you not so keen on?
I am not so keen on Trance music.
Apart from being a DJ, you published an e-book called “You Are What You Think” – a book about the importance of confidence and going after your dreams. You have certainly had the confidence to go after your dreams. What advice would you give to young aspiring female DJs?
Be single minded.
There are no rules to the game. Do it your way and with your own style.
Understand that some people will like and love you and others will not, and that is fine.
Do not change who you are as a person, your personality is very important as a whole.
Know your music. Knowing your music is more important then being able to beat-match a song to keep your guests dancing.
Don’t try to be like any other DJ, just be you!
Work hard and the right people will find you!
Although you are based in London, do you and your agency accept jobs worldwide?
We are based in London, but work with clients worldwide, hence why we are named, “We Run The World Female DJ Agency” hahaha!
Tell us a bit more about your clothing line. What inspired you to launch your own brand?
I wanted to create something where people can be confident about what they are about. For example, my t-shirts bear quotations that portray power-thinking messages. It was a venture that led me to sell products on-line.
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
I am super feminine so you will always catch me wearing a colourful dress, skirt or event shorts. I love wearing bright colours like red, yellow, and orange. I also love wearing different types of hats, together with jewellery and fashion accessories.
I love wearing heels, got to have a bit of heels at least, and of-course colourful shoes. I try to get away from wearing black if I can help it.
Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?
I do love Boohoo online, they do have some amazing colourful clothes and super cool accessories. You can also catch me at charity shops. You would be amazed at some of the coolest hats or bags, that you’d never see elsewhere. .
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?
Errmm, I want to buy some pink, and orange open toes shoes, and a white hand-bag. I do like wearing white but its hard to find really pretty white shoes or a stylish white bag – you have to look hard to find them.
Boots or Shoes?
Shoes! Shoes makes me feel sexy and slightly taller ha ha!
Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook/twitter etc so that readers of the blog can learn more about you and your work.
https://www.facebook.com/Djchinalone/
https://www.instagram.com/djchinalone/
https://twitter.com/djchinalone
Thanks for sharing an insight into your DJ life and I love that you adore wearing bright coloured clothes too! I try to avoid black although I have to wear black for work. I prefer navy blue if I have to wear a dark colour. Keep on spinning those discs China! 🙂
Linda x
All photos are published with kind permission from China L’One.
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