Get to know: DJ Holographic

A one-woman funk machine born and raised in Detroit, DJ Holographic is an outstanding selector to stem from the city’s infamous techno scene, leading the way for Detroit’s LGBTQ+ community through an extensive selection of jackin’ house, groove-heavy techno and everything in between. 

 With an ear tuned to the Motor City’s celebrated past in electronic music to today’s scene of nu-breed producers bubbling away under the city’s surface, DJ Holographic has stood out amongst her Michigan counterparts. Alongside a constant drive and dedication to show the latest creations from up and coming artists, Holographic’s distinctive voice on esteemed platforms like Red Bull Radio has resulted in an immense worldwide following from Detroit to Berlin to London and back again.

Joining us with the Buttons crew for the first time on July 7th for our Berlin Berlin Pride Special, we caught up with Holographic to find out more about her hometown’s current scene and the sonic experiences which shaped her as the artist she is today. 

How did your music-loving father influence your career in the early days? 

My family is very opened eared and with music in our DNA we all flow to our own tunes. My father and I have shared music with each other and always discuss our future ideas through this musical lens. 

We would often bond over artists such as Frankie Knuckles, Nirvana, Michael Franks, Aretha Franklin, Templeton, Prince, Jackson 5, and Johnny Cash. My dad was not only a music- lover but also a DJ in a collective that was called Direct Drive in the late 1970’s which built the foundation for the current festival, Charivari. One of my most cherished experiences as an artist is being able to play the Charivari Festival and bring the music in my family full circle. 

What DJs/artists in the early years that you listened to have informed how you DJ today?

Growing up in Detroit, I listened to a lot of local radio and heard the DJs play everything under the sun. WJLB Radio is one station I would listen to growing up which is where Jeff Mills aka The Wizard, had his residency. This really allowed me to hear all types of musical genres and opened my eyes to blending different styles. Electrifying Mojo also influenced my ears growing up with how they expressed themselves through the music and sound. They taught me that as a musician and performer if we enjoy the music, others will enjoy it with us too. 

I also enjoyed music from Family BBQs, Block Parties during 4th of July, Roller Skating, and music in the streets, any chance I had, I would follow the music around me. 

What made you go from being a music lover to a professional DJ and when did you buy your first turntables? 

Music flows through my veins and is my first and last love, my heart is a fool like that. Becoming a DJ is how I release my creativity but I will always be a Music lover first. I definitely got screwed over with my first turntables, they were crappy belt driven turntables that a local DJ sold me. 

What he didn’t explain was that you can’t really scratch or really do anything with them. lesson learned! However I did also get a basic mixer that only had 2 channels, it only had high gain and low gain, no mids. 

This mixer helped me to learn how to beat match real quick since I wasn’t trying to do anything but tell a story between two records. Eventually, I ended up with 4 Technics for a few years but unfortunately had them stolen, but that’s the DJ life with whole other story for a later date. 

What clubs did you start off playing at and what made these venues special - can you tell us about your early clubbing experiences? 

The first club I played at was Necto in Ann Arbor. This is where I was working as “coat check girl” for about 2 years. This is the same venue that Jeff Mills aka The Wizard had his club residency back in the day. My dad and step-mom used to go to these events when they both started going to clubs. 

My early clubbing experiences other than Necto I would have to say wasn't much since Michigan is more of a house party feel and I was working at Necto for most of my early years. 

How has the current gay scene influenced your sound? 

The LGBTQ community to me is about learning about our history, culture and rights since the education systems in America doesn't teach anything about us. Just the same as my African American or Native American heritage, the LGBTQ community grows through experience and self-exploration. 

Being able to meet and talk to souls that have helped curate the LGBTQ community has helped fill in the gaps from the past and help guide me in the future. A favourite part of playing for me is getting to run into those from all my communities on the dance floor and share the beats. 

The main goal of my music is to spread the word of our heritage and community to as many open minds and heart looking to listen. 

Detroit has a big history in electronic music and can you tell us about the state of play of its current scene?

Detroit is a soul-feeling city that has been held together with music of all genres. As a Detroiter, there are so many sounds that make us our city, from Motown, Jazz, Punk, Rock, Country, Techno, Hip-Hop, House, Funk and Experimental. With so many flavours to choose from in the city, all of these genres influence the current electronic music in Detroit. 

Any given day you can hear artist playing whatever sounds might appeal to you, but one thing will always stay the same, the energy and soulfulness that come from the rich musical history that lives here. You will just have to come to experience the scene for yourself! 

What do you feel makes you stand out from other DJs and Artists around? 

Quote: “You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time.” - Angela Davis