Press
I’m with the DJ – DJ Val (click to see original article)
October 21st, 2010 | Published in Features
“DJ VAL” Chicago’s longest running female DJ, was established in 1973 and is celebrating over 35 years of entertaining throughout Chicagoland. DJ VAL continues to pack dance floors at the city’s trendiest night clubs. DJ VAL has pumped out the bass at Cadillac Jack’s, Bone Shakers, Marianna’s Place, Tiffany’s, Studio 31, Vision and many more. DJ VAL has no so boundaries, establishing herself internationally in England and Mexico with American Sounds.
How did you get your start? In fourth grade, my parents separated and I transferred from a private, catholic school to a public school. On Wednesday nights, there was a latchkey children’s program and since the separation, my mom had to go back to working full time, so I started playing records for my friends on those nights. My dad had a banquet hall while I was in grade school, so I would also play records there. One night a band didn’t show up for a wedding at the banquet hall, so I played. I have been an artist my whole life, so in 1980 I started making hand drawn flyers for the nightclubs around town, which opened the door for me to all the club owners and that is how I got my start in the clubs. I have been in many different clubs, but I have had 3 residencies for over 14 years each. I was at Cadillac Jacks for 15 years, Marianna’s for 14 years, and Studio 31 for 14 years, which I am currently still at. Also have a career as a graphic artist at Hayes Beer Distribution.
What do you think has made you so successful? Well, I have been DJ-ing in the same neighborhood for over 30 years. I have also never had an agent or manager, so I have always been in charge of my own career, I prefer to do my own networking. I have always surrounded myself with great friends who have helped me thru out the years.
What are some of your biggest accomplishments? I have DJ-ed in all over the globe, in California, London, New Orleans, and more. I have held 3 residencies for over 14 years each, but my biggest accomplishment is that I have beat cancer twice. I recently finished 5 years of treatment and through it all; I never stopped DJ-ing. When I was in that booth, I never thought of anything else, but the music and that is what got me through it. Who are some of your influences? As far as DJ’s go, Laura B., Teri Bristol, Psycho-Bitch, just too many to list! When I got my start, there weren’t many DJ’s, bands were the big thing. I heard Laura B. on the radio and I wanted to meet her right away, because she changed the way that I played music. She wasn’t afraid to play something cutting edge. When I met her, she grabbed me by the hand and kind of showed me the way. Now, we have a sisterhood, and have been great friends for a very long time.
What is your favorite music to play as well as listen to? I love house music, and being from Chicago, I grew up going to the Warehouse, where house music basically originated and there wasn’t a question of what you were going to play that night. I have always loved playing stuff that wasn’t on the radio. My biggest obstacle was when hip-hop became popular. It was such a big change to what we were playing and it was very hard to fit it into my format, so I learned how to mash it with a faster beat and how to read the crowd. I love listening to dance music that is a little under the radar and a little more obscure.
Besides your residency, what are you doing now?
About 1 year ago I was asked by DJ Jeannette to do a mix for her online station called Strictly Dance Radio. While doing this I became friends with Kenny Jammin Jason from The Hot Mix 5 & 1CLUB.FM and DJ Jeanette who ran Strictly Dance Radio. 1CLUB.FM asked us to start a show with them. I am now a co-owner of Strictly Dance Radio, which is powered by 1CLUB.FM. It is a 24 hour radio station that plays dance music. 1CLUB.FM has been nominated for best internet radio station, at the International Dance Music Awards! We play mixes all day and feature DJ’s from all over the globe. You can go to www.1CLUB.FM and click on dance EDM, and then click on strictly dance radio.
If you want to see DJ Val live, check out The Leg Room, 7 W. Division, Chicago, 2nd Monday of every month and every other Saturday at Studio 31, 5147 S. Archer in Chicago. You can also check out DJ Val on facebook at www.facebook.com/djvalchicago.