Uninhibited by anyone's restrictions, DJ Quiana Parks has created her own buzz. The young, wild and free DJ effectively perfects her craft on a regular basis whether its DJ-ing or painting, graphic designing...you name it, she's on it. The colors of the wind inspire her and determine her next move. Parks is creatively undefined and her uncategorized choices of music will lift your spirits and butt off that chair and unto the dance floor. A cancer survivor with a beautiful smile from within shining brightly to inspire those around her. Be a supporter and salute the young queen!
What inspires you?
Moments inspire me. You know that feeling you get when you are down, you feel like you fallen? Then suddenly you something happens and days become a little brighter. There's a moment when you realize you just got back up. That's the moment that inspires me, the Victory. The moment I realized I beat cancer was the first time I felt that. It was amazing.
When did you know that you wanted to be a DJ?
The moment I realized I wanted to be a DJ was after I got the "You've reached your limit" notice from Pandora. I was pressing next song like a million times to find the music I wanted to hear. I love music, I love to dance and sing to music and it was about time I heard it with no commercials or interruptions. My playlist, my mix.
How important is your role as a DJ?
DJing is an art, and I take my role as an artist very seriously. I can use anything to create, one day it'll be a paintbrush and one day I will use some turntables, there's no difference in my eyes. Djing is an amazing craft because music is super powerful. Sometimes people will come out and hear my set and tell me how much they really needed to just dance and listen to some good music. Music can make bad day turn into a really good one. One song can change your life, and its my job to chose which ones you hear.
Do you ever feel that you have to work harder to prove yourself equal as a female DJ in a male dominated profession?
As Lil' Kim says "Only female in my crew, and I kick sh*t like a n***a do, pull the trigga too, f**k you.."
Guy DJs talk ish' but it doesn't bother me because male or female I'm not here for you. As soon as I'm on the turntables they're quiet. You know that Jay-Z line "What you eat don't make me shit"? That's how I feel about other people's opinion. The only difference between me and some of the male DJs is carrying that heavy equipment. But I got my brother Joe to help me with that so I'm good, lol.
I feel like I have that Spice Girl mentality when it comes to being one of the few women in the DJ industry. I got that Girl Power, ha.
What excites you most about your career?
The most exciting part is that I get to talk about music and listen to music all day and its my job! Also that it makes my dad proud, he's also a DJ. He loves tell his friends and everyone about my new found talent, it makes me happy that he's so proud. I love hanging with him and learning new things or watching YouTube clips of legends doing their thing on the 1 and 2s.
Being a part of the Grilled Cheese events is also very exciting. The Grilled Cheese Parties are so much fun and are so positive. Scott Mckenzie, Wanyo and Alicia Gooding are all amazing people and what they've created with the GCP is inspiring! Plus they let me play whatever I want to play and that is pretty cool.
Any other DJs you would like to do a project with?
Mademoiselle Yulia! She's amazing! I love how creative she is. Her music doesn't stop behind the turntables, she creates music. I also would love to work with DJ Sliink, his Jersey club mixes are BANANAS. Being a Jersey girl myself I can't help myself from doing my "thang" on the dance floor when listening to his set.
You combine many different genres, so how would you categorize your style?
I just mix what I feel, that's the best part about DJing. The "I don't give a $hit" attitude when it comes to what I play. I will play some old EPMD song and then throw on some Crystal Waters and finish with The xx and Chief Keef. I'll make it flow, I'm outrageous and I love it. It's uncategorized...Just like me.
Who has been the biggest influence/motivator in your life?
My Grandmother Annabelle, is my biggest influence. I was a weird kid but my grandmother would always encourage me to keep being myself. She would keep reminding me to be myself and never to follow after anyone just to fit in. One of my favorite memories of my growing up was my "Barbie World". When I was a little girl I was obsessed with Barbie dolls. I loved making clothes, cars and houses for them. I always thought the stuff from the store wasn't realistic enough, too much pink. So my grandmother emptied out a room in her house for me and we called it "Barbie World" I would go in there all day on the weekends just making new things. My grandmother would come and check out my things and gave me anything I needed to make whatever I wanted to make. That was something I will always remember, I owe it to my grandmother to always be the best at being me.
What has been your greatest accomplishments to date?
Waking up this morning and every morning. Everyday on earth that I get to live is another day I made it through. Ok...not really God wakes me up. Honestly, I'm not sure. I guess my default answer would be beating cancer, but that was the chemo. Soooo....wait what was the question?
Where do you plan that DJ-ing will take you?
One thing I have learned from life is not to plan. Want to know how to make God laugh? Tell him your plans. I have no plan other than staying faithful to God and working hard, those are my only plans. Whenever I plan things always go terribly wrong. Now I'm trying this new thing called "Let Go and Let God". It seems to be working out pretty well. I just hope to one day be at a level where I am able to help others achieve their dreams.
instagram :@quianaparks
--Free<3
@InkStains
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