Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Relly.
Hi DJ, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Music has always been a huge part of my life. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve embraced all genres, and that love only grew stronger with age. In college, I knew I wanted to do something involving music, but I wasn’t sure which direction to take, so I put the idea on the back burner. During the pandemic, I decided to take music a bit more seriously and started writing songs, but the process didn’t keep my attention for long and was pretty underwhelming. In 2023, I took a chance on DJing and immediately found my lane. As I learned the craft, I connected with DJs and producers throughout the Montgomery and Birmingham areas. After months of learning and finding my sound, I landed my first gig at a silent disco event during Pride Month at Kru on Mt. Meigs. Not long after, I moved to Birmingham and began connecting with other creatives in the city.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has been amazing so far, but it hasn’t always been easy. House, ghetto-tech, and jersey club are the genres I love the most, but there aren’t many spaces in Alabama that cater to those sounds, At times, it feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. Nonetheless, that challenge has pushed me to work harder, and help create spaces where this music can thrive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
For the past four years, I’ve worked in sexual health. I started out by going into communities, universities, and substance abuse treatment centers to talk about HIV/AIDS and the stigma that still affects many people in the LGBTQ+ community. I also provided rapid HIV testing, which allowed me to help the attendees better understand their health. Today, I work as a research assistant, where I continue supporting efforts that help improve health outcomes and make a difference in the communities I care about.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I like to consider myself as a risk taker, but the risk has to make sense in the long run. A few years ago, I left a well paying job and moved to Birmingham without having another job lined up and barely knowing anyone in the city. The first few months were pretty scary, but I trusted the vision I had for myself. Two years later, everything has fell into place just as I envisioned.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/im.relly/
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/Wz8OyDFfrdMJaKSsIZ
