WHO IS KNZ?
KNZ is a creator. In addition to DJing, I’m a motion designer, graphic designer, as well as a painter. Aside from that, KNZ is just a girl that has a huge love and appreciation for music and loves to bring people together through the power of music.
WHAT MADE YOU BECOME A DJ?
Initially, I didn’t necessarily want to become a DJ. The thought of becoming a DJ didn’t come to mind until the universe gave me all the tools and connections I would need to be successful and to get started. It’s more like DJing chose me, it was a very organic process. I knew it was my passion when I mixed two songs together for the first time and felt this amazing feeling like no other. It was a feeling of completeness and joy like I really figured out what I truly loved. DJing also made so much sense for me, solely because music has always played a huge part in my life. I have a strong foundation in technical dance, and my parents have always surrounding me and my siblings with live music.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY AS A DJ.
My journey as a DJ is definitely still in the infant stages, it will be a full year since my first gig this coming November. Ever since my first gig as a surprise to my dad, a former DJ, for his birthday bash after-party at Vinyl Center Stage, the opportunities just kept coming. I am quite fortunate to already be submerged into such a creative city with a very active house scene and to be surrounded by so many extraordinary DJs, that just by talking to people and telling them what I can do got me a long way. Overall my journey as a DJ has been really fun so far and I know that this is just the beginning. Definitely excited for the future.
YOUR PREFERRED GENRE IS HOUSE MUSIC, WHY SO?
My preferred genre is House music because, in my opinion, House music has healing properties. It makes you feel so good and it keeps you going with the infinite groove. I know that whenever I need a good pick me up, mixing some sounds and dancing to House usually helps. It helps me clear my mind, it’s like my personal form of therapy. House music is also very versatile. There are so many genres of House, so many that I have yet to explore. I find myself resonating more with Deep House, Afro House, Classic House, Soulful House, Trance, and Live House, which is House music with live instrumentation. Also, the majority of music tends to always have an underlying House beat foundation, allowing for many different genres to be mixed in with house music creating a new sound.
ANY ADVICE FOR YOUNGER GIRLS WANTING TO FOLLOW THEIR DREAMS AS A FEMALE DJ IN SUCH A MALE DOMINATED INDUSTRY?
My advice would be to stay true to yourself and trust your ears. Focus on your craft and developing yourself as a DJ, it takes practice. It is a male-dominated industry, but that rarely crosses my mind. I honestly see more women killing the DJ game these days and I always let that be inspiration and motivation cause it reminds me that we all can do this and be just as successful if not, more successful in this male-dominated industry. But, always remember to have fun, that’s what it’s about.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR KNZ?
Currently, I’m a senior at SCAD Atl and will be graduating in May. Once I’m out of school, I plan on really focusing on DJing even more cause I won’t have to put so much energy towards school. I just want to focus on developing my craft even more and eventually start producing my own music out of curiosity of what I can create. Eventually, I will most definitely be traveling the world and making more connections overseas just to see what I can get into.
