By Kelle Marie
This breaks dj plays with the best of them and isn't afraid to mix it up a bit. You can find her playing all styles of breaks including Funky, Old School, Nu Skool, Electro, Tech Funk and everything in between.
From working at a music store in high school to performing to packed crowds in Dallas' top rated venues, it's safe to say that this dj has a bright future.
"Storm E is an amazing breaks dj and a great addition to the Global residents lineup. Her mixes are clean, eqed well, and thoughtful of the dancefloor she packs from week to week." - Jeremy Word aka Kid Icarus
"Storm E is hot like fire!" - Mike VanHekken aka DJ Tessai
You are a part of the 2R Recordings label along with Shaolin and Raydar. Any plans of future collaborations and production work either solo or with the two? If so, what kind of sound are you going to go for?
I would love to immerse myself into the production side of things in 06' with more force than I have been able to in the past. I actually wanted to produce way before I ever even considered djing. It just happened backwards for me. I feel like that gives me an advantage simply because I'm now so knowledgable on electronic music. Right now I'm really into the housy breaks sound that is being hammered overseas. I would love to explore my own take on that and continue pushing that sound that it already taking on a life of its own.
How has being one of the Global residents at Lizard Lounge impacted your dj career? Can you describe to us what this crew represents and how it works?
Being a Global resident has allowed me the honor of playing alongside many of my heroes and greatest inspirations. To have a local legend such as Kid Icarus, who I admire on many levels, ask me to be apart of such a stellar ensemble of local djs was one of the greatest compliments I could have received. To have a residency at the club that spawned my love for electronic music is a little surreal but very rewarding. Each Global resident serves a purpose on the line-up depending on what headliner the Lizard Lounge brings and what type of party is being thrown. Each resident rotates out depending on which party suites their specific talent and ability.
You have played with some heavy hitters. What would you say was your favorite show and why?
Opening for Dieselboy and Hive was by far my favorite show to play so far this year. The drum and bass community in Dallas are one of the most loyal fanbases you will encounter by being part of the scene. Being primarily a breaks dj, I was skeptical going in as the opener for that reason alone. Not just anyone could get away with opening for a legend such as Dieselboy outside of the dnb genre. The crowd showed me nothing but love from the moment I stepped on and off the decks. I had chills my entire set. The energy in that room was greater than any I had ever experienced. I have never met a dj of his caliber more humble than Dieselboy. He is just as passionate about the music now as he was then and that in itself was inspiring.
With the amount of talent brewing in Dallas, Do you have any advice for other dj's trying to break into the local scene?
Absolutely. Dallas is very fortunate to have the amount of local talent that we have. There are so many underrated djs that dont know how to break into the scene. For me, it was all about supporting the electronic scene as a whole....going to any and every show I could, meeting the djs and promoters, passing out as many of my demos as possible, and taking full advantage of every opportunity that was thrown my way. When you have the passion for the music its apparent to those who can help make things happen for you.
Do you think that there is still a novelty to being a female dj? Do you see any advantages/disadvantages?
I have been very fortunate as a female dj coming up in Dallas. There are always going to be advantages and disadvantages to being apart of anything that is primarily dominated by one gender. I know there have been times that I have been asked to play a gig that could have easily been handed to a guy who is equally or if not more talented than me just because I'm a female. I just try and let my ability, talent, and passion for the music speak for itself when I play. Hopefully that will be what I get gigs based on rather than just being a girl who can throw down like one of the guys.
Digital or Vinyl? Which do you prefer?
Vinyl all the way. The only time I prefer digital is if its a track that has not been released on vinyl yet, if its a remix or a promo that I know wont be pressed, or if I haven't had the opportunity to get it on wax yet.
