Social Media

The New Way To Party? Written by Lauren Kelley

Since the onset in the late 1990s, social media has undeniably developed and advanced from one era to another. With each passing year, the phases of social media have evolved and become an expansive avenue for communication and entertainment drawing the attention and participation of both the blossoming and seasoned generations alike. Ranging from rambunctious ‘tweeners and spunky teens begging their parents to download TikTok to dance the latest choreographed trend, to proud grandparents posting pictures to show off their precious grandchildren. Social media has indeed become a significant part of life across all age groups.

People have a natural tendency to socialize and relate, given this development they have the opportunity to create their own personal space that allows them to connect with family and friends near and far, share in the celebrations of life events, network for the purposes of promoting businesses, or just simply taking part in the entertainment of it all such as posting selfies or enjoying a good laugh from meme’s and GIFs. With the world being on the fritz and quarantine now part of the routines of life; social media provides an alternative space for people to creatively engage in virtual festivities.

“Stressors and pressures of gatherings have been removed with the relaxed conditions accompanied by the quarantine period.” Absent is the worry to choose the perfect outfit, to make sure every coil is neatly in place or perfectly groomed, or to have that face “beat to the gods”. There is a virtual house party going on and you’re invited. Seize your devices! Grab your phones, computers, tablets, or others and log into the hottest event on the social media platform of choice. Most recently, people from all over the world have tuned in to Instagram, Facebook, and Zoom to participate in live concerts, battles between music legends, and other gatherings while in the safety and comforts of their homes. With social distancing in place as a guideline to safety from COVID-19, stay at home orders has been in full effect. This led to the cancellation of many events and social gatherings. Creatively, a number of entertainment artists have utilized social media platforms to unite thousands of people, engaging them in the world of entertainment from one safe haven to another. Local artists and well known celebrities have partnered for the cause as they continued sharing their creativity while inspiring their fans from afar. Virtual social gatherings include church services, where praises ring and words of inspiration are spoken, Dj battles, where intense battles between producers are witnessed and participation to vote encouraged, and live parties draw the attention of party goers everywhere as they tune in to experience club vibes as the mixing and mastering of music may rouse a few dance moves. Each live session provides a carefree opportunity to escape the four walls of confinement to take a moment to indulge. To gain some insight into this new wave, an interview was conducted with North Carolina’s own Deshawn Turner aka DJ Diesel. DJ Diesel’s love for music began at an early age as he was drawn to the sultry sounds of vinyl pierced by the needle as it rotated on the circular platform of the turntables. He studied the creative technique and form of DJ Skribble during his many showcases on MTV. Inspired by the charismatic display and Skribble’s ability to engage the crowd, Diesel was convinced that the work of a disc jockey was his calling. At the impressionable age of 7, he began to study this craft as he observed others in their element. He developed his artistic abilities and technical skills to understand both the creative aspects of making new musical beats and tracks, and the technical aspects of using mixing consoles, audio equipment, digital audio equipment and other music gear. He began to practice to perfection just for the love of it. Soon that love turned into passion and passion into purpose fueled by adversity and strife through the struggles of a driven college youngster who used this gift as a means to overcome. Taking heed to the advice of his father who encouraged him to use what he had to generate steady streams of income, DJ Diesel decided to expend a school refund check as a self-investment. His investment has reaped an 11+ year career and he is loving every minute of it.

In the interview process, DJ Diesel presented as a kind-hearted, down to earth young king who was eager to discuss his role as a DJ and explain how he is finding ways to continue doing what he loves during these times of uncertainty.

HM: DJ Diesel, what do you love most about being a DJ? DJ Diesel: What I love most is being able to take people out of their problems in life for a moment and provide nothing but fun and/or memories! I like to think of myself as a therapist. People come to an event and my job is to curate the vibes (tone) of the night. HM: How has the quarantine affected your professional life?

DJ Diesel: In many ways! Of course, money wise. I’ve had multiple weddings, proms, and events cancelled due to this. But the silver lining in this is I get a chance to tap into my TRUE fan base by going live on IG and Facebook.

This allows me to know my market value and what I can offer to people who are looking to book me. This has also given me the chance to showcase my skills! Many of the events I do are private so people don’t get to really see how I work. This time has allowed people to see the difference between the competition and I as well.

HM: With social media becoming the new way to party during this time, what inspired you to take part?

DJ Diesel: What inspired me the most to take part, besides being able to see my market share is seeing the connections that are being made. Everyone has their phones in their hands. If I can have someone open up their phone to look for me, that’s a win! People are zooming JUST to watch “Diesel” go live and having the nostalgic feeling of being at homecoming or the club. Originally, I wanted nothing to do with the online party because I’m giving away my predominant services for FREE and allowing other DJs access to take my ideas and or style.

HM: What changed your mind about giving your musical services for free?

DJ Diesel: Seeing how much the culture has changed and the positive responses, I couldn’t allow myself not to be a part. Also, it gives me a chance to sharpen my skills and not be so predictable.

HM: Have you seen an increase in followers since the online party scene has become more popular?

DJ Diesel: ABSOLUTELY! The first time I did an “IG party” I had over 8K people click on my profile! My page has never seen that much traffic at one time. That let me know my market share. Since then, my followers have gone from 4K to 8K in two weeks. I think now that other DJs have caught on and see the power available, the market has been saturated. DJs are now working together to create sanctioned events so we can all SHARE our followers by having time slots.

HM: Do you think this is something you will continuously take part in once the shelter in place has been lifted?

DJ Diesel: Most likely yes but with a twist. It’s nothing like being inside of the club, smelling the drinks, feeling the bass, and dressing up. You can’t get that fully from an online party. But it’s still a venue to grow your brand and showcase your talent. I think once shelter in place is lifted, we will see a turn in the music being played. I think we’ll see more R&B, soul, etc. To clean the house or relax to compared to the “turn up” and club scenes.

During these difficult and uncertain times make sure to enjoy activities that ease the mind and relax the soul. If the musical arena is considered a happy place, partake and enjoy the melodious acoustics presented by way of social media. Support the local DJs by following their flow in these live streaming events while dancing the night away, toasting with friends, and sharing time with family. Regard it not robbery to show appreciation to the DJs for their craftiness, creativity, and cadence, in their contribution to the cause giving the people something to step to making this time a little easier to endure.

Follow Lauren Kelley on IG @beautifrolauren_ and DJ Diesel on IG @ iamdjdiesel