Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Dahm.
Hi Lauren, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago and always had a passion and love for music. I went to college at the Universtiy of Illionois at Chicago and graduated with an accounting degree. In college many of my friends were in bands and the art world. I always loved being a part of this community and enjoyed listening to so many talented artists live. Living in Chicago I was exposed to so many different cultures and genres of music. I was always interested in DJing, but in college didn’t really have the funds to buy all the equipment. About 2.5 years ago my sister bought me a small controller for Christmas and I was hooked! I started playing for friends and practicing in the beginning. Once I felt more comfortable, I started playing for private parties/networking events and was able to hop on the decks with some friends when they had gigs. Soon after I started playing at the silent disco in OB and some local bars and clubs. I even played my first music festival this year, Kosmic Gardenz. Some recent shows I have played were; Revel Revel, Bloom, Hard Rock Pool Party, The Grass Skirt, Firehouse, and Church of Music. I have also been djing more of an open format set at Thrusters in Pacific Beach on Wednesday’s every month or so. I was very inspired by the Twitch live streaming DJ community during COVID so about a year ago I started my own Twitch Channel and now live stream twice a week. I am working on growing my community and I am almost at 1k followers! Twitch.tv/djdahminator
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not always been a smooth road! There are always challenges that come with success. Sometimes it is hard to find a good work life balance. I am currently working as a real estate agent, I have one private accounting client and DJ IRL and online. So sometimes life can get a little crazy but I try to take some time for myself when I can to just relax and reflect. As a live-stream DJ, I have also experienced many hurdles with all of the tech issues, streaming software, audio, visual, viewer count, followers, etc. But I wouldn’t give any of the struggles up because it has helped me grow and learn both as a person and artist.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I would say my two passions are DJing and Real Estate. Selling houses and making house music is what I love! I think what sets me apart from other DJs is my style and also being a hybrid (IRL and online). On my Twitch channel, another added bonus to listening to my music is my cat, Dexter! He sits on a couch next to me while I play (when he cooperates). I love house music but don’t just stick to one genre. I call myself open format house because it kind of depends what mood I am in or who I am playing for. I really love funky, dynamic beats. I am proud of how much I have been able to grow my twitch channel in the past year. I am thankful that I have made so many amazing connections and friends virtually and in San Diego. I recently was a guest DJ for Femme House on Twitch, and it was something I had dreamed of since I started live-streaming! Femme House is an amazing organization for woman and non-binary individuals that teaches production and the art of mixing. It feels surreal to be playing multiple shows per month and starting a new venture and live-streamed series, IRL “Flow State,” with another San Diego local DJ D4bblz. My next focus and goal is to master the art of production.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I would say I learned that there is an amazing online community and support system on Twitch. I never knew I could make so many close friends who live around the world! COVID brought a lot of us in the music industry together virtually. I started watching Sofitukker when they would stream every day and became a part of the Freak Fam. Since COVID restrictions have been lifted we have had multiple meet-ups, and none of it would have happened if we weren’t all stuck in the house!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/admin
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djdahminator/
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/djdahminator
- Other: https://www.twitch.tv/djdahminator
Image Credits
Skateheadz photography
