DJ CADENCE
MAMARAZZI EPKS | JANUARY 2021
Bernie Sanders addresses a crowd of Wichitans. He later complimented DJ Cadence's music selection.
WHERE THE PARTY AT? By Ti'Juana "Mamarazzi" Hardwell
DJ Cadence poses with singer and crush Mya.
For several years David “DJ Cadence” Holifield has given club-goers a reason to dance. His ability to play-to-thecrowd has garnered him a cult-like following and allows him to spin music for diverse audiences all over the country— even earning him a head-nod from Bernie Sanders. “I’m a fan of music just as much as I’m a DJ,” says Cadence, who routinely leaves the DJ booth to dance with the crowd. “I love to see them dance and party just as much as they like to come out and enjoy themselves.”
He recalls the days when he would go out looking for a good time, but hardly hear any songs he liked dancing to. When a friend asked for him to host karaoke nights at the Radisson hotel, he accepted. It allowed him an opportunity to make extra money and to spin music in-between karaoke performances. But those in attendance demanded to hear DJ Cadence raised thousands of dollars by djing online. He used the money to buy Christmas gifts for families in need.
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Connect with DJ CADENCE
DAVID CADENCE HOLIFIELD
@DJCADENCE316
@THEREALCADENCE
him play more music—abandoning the karaoke format altogether. Cadence realized he had a knack for djing and soon began connecting with club owners and promoters. It wasn’t long before he became a house DJ. Since 2008 DJ Cadence has been the go-to DJ for nightlife and special events taking place in Wichita, Kansas. He has DJ’d for some of the biggest acts to come to town like Cardi B and Rick Ross. He has also helped several clubs grow their number of patrons. But DJ Cadence doesn’t just play the popular hits. He also plays music for the “awkward white guy sitting off to the corner in the primarily Black club.” It’s all about balance for him. “Music brings people together whether they’re black, white or brown,” says DJ Cadence. “And everyone has a soundtrack to their life—a song that means something
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to them—and I try to play that.” He was once hired by a couple to play music at their wedding reception. At some point in the night the bride told Cadence that she met her husband at a club where he DJ’ed. The couple shared that he had them dancing the entire night. They remained connected ever since. They insisted having the DJ who brought them together to DJ their reception! “That means a lot to me,” admits Cadence who is a member of CORE DJs, the largest DJ coalition in the world. Cadence’s knowledge of music also helps him create radio-ready song tracks as an independent recording artist. Business owners and promoters ask him to lend his highly recognizable voice to radio and video commercials. Outside of nightlife, DJ Cadence is very much involved with supporting community events
"I'm a fan of music just as much as I'm a DJ--" DJ CADENCE "Cadence is one of the most talented people I've ever worked with. There would be no Twan without him."
Antwan "Twansac" Richardson --A&R Executive and Personal Asst. to CORE DJs Worldwide Founder Tony Neal
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As a DJ we have a voice that's not " often used centered on improving community-police relations, raising money to make Christmas happen for struggling families, neighborhood-engagement, and voter empowerment. “As a DJ we have a voice that’s not often used,” says Cadence. “This is a way that I’m able to give back.” In July 2018 he was asked to DJ a campaign rally event for Kansas Democrat James Thompson. Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez were also present and spoke to a crowd of 4,000 people. After Bernie spoke, he walked over to DJ Cadence and told him how much he enjoyed his music while listening backstage. Cadence played versatile music that included Ray Charles and Stevie Ray Vaughn. He even joked with the crowd that they likely expected him to just play hip hop. The crowd laughed. Cadence realizes the power of music and considers it an electrifying tool used by DJs, capable of uniting people. During the pandemic he spun music through Facebook Live to uplift everyone’s spirits. It ensured that even when clubs were shutdown, people felt connected and could safely enjoy themselves from home. Cadence says it’s always a good time when he can get people out of their seats and on the dancefloor.
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You may follow DJ Cadence on Instagram at @DJCadence316 or by following ‘DJ Cadence’ on Facebook.
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