Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariahna Denise.
Ariahna, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be in the music industry. I remember burning CD’s as a kid and each one having a different vibe. I was actually really good at it. I jokingly named myself “DJ Estreya” (Star?? Horrible lol). I got really into SoundCloud and would drop monthly playlists in high school with the coolest underground artists. I was always that person who would put people on to new music, sounds, genres, etc. I was really into lofi hip hop at one point and that’s when I discovered the female DJ/Producer “Tokimonsta”. I fell in love with her. At the time, I never really knew any females doing what she was and in such a dope way. I wanted to make my own music and play whatever I wanted just like her.
I met my roommate, friend and mentor “Silent Addy” about five years ago (who by the way is one of the sickest all-around DJ/Producer’s in Miami) and he basically motivated me to really just go after it. He told me to make a 100 song playlist on Apple Music to see how serious I was about DJing and when I did, he was impressed. I named it “Vibesy Caribe” which for me is a mix of songs and “vibes” inspired from the Caribbean; A real tropical, fun, waist-moving kind of vibe. I got great feedback from it. After that, one of my friends sold me a small DJ controller and I used it to practice my DJing. It honestly came so naturally, I was even surprised at how quickly I picked it up!
I’ve always been the type of person who would be really excited about something but not go after it out of fear that I’m not as good as I am. I’m super hypercritical and my friends all know that. So my girlfriend Whitney who throws really fun Soca parties and is also an amazing designer (you go girl) told me I need to DJ at her party on September 29th, 2018. I was so for it but really nervous so I totally kept ignoring her. One day I saw my name on the flyer. I was like “OMG WTF now I have to do it”. I mean everyone’s totally posting the flyer, I couldn’t be a chicken. I had a few weeks to practice and I must have practiced every day for hours because I lost so much weight from not eating. I was REALLY nervous. The night finally came and even though I was opening and there were only like 20-30 people there (including the bartenders and staff haha) it was so much fun! I got a real high and the entire time I kept thinking to myself “I’m meant for this”.
From that gig, word spread like wildfire thanks to all of my friends who truly believed in me from day one. I got random little gigs here and there and met so many amazing DJ’s and promoters who have all influenced my journey. Eternally grateful for them. Now I’m rocking some amazing venues and clubs in Miami that I always said I wanted to play at.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would be full-blown lying if I said I struggled because in all honesty, I had so many people to assist me in my journey (and still do). I don’t think there is anything wrong in that. In fact, I believe it is a great example of what people should be doing for their friends and strangers in general. The amount of support I’ve had is out of this world. I’m honestly tearing up as I write this because I am so grateful.
I can say I’ve had personal struggles. I was always very insecure after my sets. I would literally have the most negative self-talks after. “I could have skipped that song” “They weren’t even dancing” “I suck” “Why am I even doing this”. That was my inner dialogue after EVERY set. People would literally come up to me after and say how amazing I did and I’d say, “No way, that was horrible”. I would even think any dudes that complimented me on my skills were only saying that because I was a female or they wanted my number. I mean, crazy right? I was even doubting myself because I am a female. I would think, “they only book you because you’re a girl”. It was to the point I would want to quit after every gig. Until my friends finally told me to stop because I would only hinder my growth if I didn’t believe in myself. They would also tell me being a female should not scare me because I can hold my own in a room full of other male DJ’s. It took a while but I learned that you have to really believe in yourself and think positively. You’re your own worst enemy and you really are what you THINK. So be kind and supportive to yourself!
Sachi Sounds – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I jokingly call myself a “Provibezer” which is a term I made up for someone who “provides vibes”. DJing for me is an experience. I don’t do it because I like to play music. I do it because It’s an incredible feeling seeing people connect with you through sound. While some DJ’s label themselves a specific kind of DJ based on the type of music they play, I don’t like to box myself in. I have a wide range of genre’s I love and would feel comfortable playing anywhere from Soca, Afrobeats and Dancehall, to full Latin, to House and EDM, to Hip Hop, to Global Bass, to Ambient/Chill, even Soul/Funk/Disco the list goes on. I think what sets me apart is my wide range of musical knowledge as well as my ability to incorporate new artists and new songs into my sets and have the crowd react in a positive way, which is really hard to do.
I think I’m most proud of the amount of faith, dedication, and confidence I’ve had in myself. Throughout my journey, I was working a full-time job at an eye institute as an ophthalmic surgery tech. Over time, I was getting more bookings (almost 3/5 nights a week) and I was totally averaging 2 hours of sleep during work nights. I started missing work at least once or twice a week, showing up late to surgery, leaving early to go home and sleep.. it was intense. I eventually moved out of my parent’s house and into my house now with my roommates, who are all successful DJ’s, and still I was the only one working a 9-5. They used to be so confused at how I would (barely) balance working night and day. It was taking a huge toll on my mental health. I finally made the decision after I totally did not show up for work for sleeping in to just go after what I truly loved this past December. I’m really proud of myself for taking that leap of faith and betting on myself even though I was terrified about the idea of not having a solid paycheck every week. I’ve had a job since I was 14. The idea of being your own boss, or as I’d like to call it, “funemployed” was so weird. But since then, it’s been amazing and has taught me so much. I strongly encourage everyone around me to quit their jobs and be rockstars!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
In my eyes, success is defined by setting goals, big or small, and taking baby steps no matter what may be in your way to achieve them. I’m someone who whole-heartedly believes in manifestation and speaking things into existence. It’s literally been proven my entire journey. I think it’s important to really visualize what you want and go after that. You create your own reality. Anyone who can do that and attain what they so badly wanted is without a doubt successful. Notice how it has nothing to do with money? For me success is not measured monetarily. Success is about conquering your dreams, no matter what they are.
I feel the most fulfilled whenever I put myself in a challenging position. In fact, most of the things that I would consider for myself to define me as being successful absolutely terrify me! I think “I want to perform at a festival because there’s thousands of people” and although it’s a scary idea, reaching that point and doing it regardless of the fear would make me feel very successful.
My best friend Cassie said a quote once, “Feel the fear and do it anyway” and that’s what I live by.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sachisounds.com
- Email: sachisounds@icloud.com
- Instagram: @sachiahna (personal) / @sachisounds (biz)
Image Credit:
@WORLDREDEYE // @POPPHOTOGRAPHY
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