The Signature Sound Discovery: A Conversation With Erin "DJ Rue" Rue
Dive into the inspiring story of DJ Rue, a multi-talented creative entrepreneur from Detroit, who balances motherhood, artistry, and entrepreneurship with unwavering resilience. This conversation awakens your understanding of artist development, the importance of authenticity, and the power of community within the music industry.
In this episode:
* DJ Rue’s personal journey from singing background vocals to becoming a sought-after DJ
* The significance of developing a signature sound and embracing eclectic musical influences
* The difference between bedroom and club DJs, and what personality traits matter most
* The art of reading the room and adapting to diverse crowds
* The importance of artist development, resilience, and continuous self-growth
* Navigating challenges such as gatekeeping, bad gigs, and contractual learnings
* Balancing personal life, motherhood, and a thriving DJ career
* Tips for aspiring DJs and artists on boldness, studying your craft, and building community
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to DJ Rue and her multifaceted journey
02:15 - How motherhood influences artist development and growth
05:00 - The moment Rue decided to pursue DJing during college
08:42 - Discovering and cultivating a signature sound through eclectic influences
11:07 - Differences between bedroom and club DJs — personality over music choice
12:45 - Overcoming social anxiety and embracing streaming platforms like TikTok
15:00 - The challenge of reading and engaging different crowds
16:54 - Servicing the audience vs. personal music preferences in DJ sets
19:12 - Navigating multicultural events and understanding diverse crowds
22:08 - Handling bad experiences, gatekeeping, and contractual issues
24:27 - The artistry of vinyl DJing and evolving with technology
27:29 - Building relationships within the DJ community and overcoming gatekeeping
30:41 - Protecting one's brand and navigating challenges with professionalism
33:16 - The ongoing process of artist development and self-improvement
36:04 - Balancing love, marriage, and career — the power of partnership
40:24 - The mental health aspects of being an artist and persistent resilience
43:24 - Handling life’s unexpected challenges, including personal setbacks
45:09 - Upcoming events and community-building initiatives for women DJs
52:10 - Words of wisdom for aspiring artists and DJs — boldness, study, community
55:50 - The importance of collaboration over competition in Detroit’s creative scene
58:00 - Connecting with DJ Rue online and booking inquiries
Resources & Links:
DJ Rue on Instagram @_iamdjrue
DJ Rue on Facebook
DJ Rue’s Website & Booking