DJ Spotlight #13 - Joel Jimenez
- Tana Abeni
- Sep 15, 2023
- 3 min read
This week's episode of DJ Spotlight is heading back to the US!
Listen to Joel's picked song for this week!
1. Welcome to DJ Spotlight! How did you first discover West Coast Swing, and what drew you to become a West Coast Swing DJ?
I discovered West Coast Swing actually through learning ballroom dance. I was an active competitor in both American Styles of Ballroom Dance, and while my studio offered West Coast Swing lessons, it didn’t quite match up to what I was seeing on Youtube. From there I found local socials, some amazing professionals, and I never looked back.
I’ve always had a love for music. I played guitar and sang throughout my adult life for various groups and choirs but becoming a West Coast Swing DJ truthfully was just a little bit of “right place, right time”. In 2018, both myself and my DJ partner Khayree Jones (together we’re DJ Turkey) got asked to play a couple sets for Korea’s Fall in Swing event (now the Korean Open). They had expressed interest in hearing what was popular and being played in our local scene, and we were more than happy to oblige. After the event, both of us being so passionate about music just kept with it and slowly, but surely we started to integrate both in our local scene and at events throughout the calendar year.
2. Give us a glimpse into your musical library! Which styles influence your taste the most?
Oooh such a good question. Growing up around my family had a real eclectic taste which exposed me to so much good music in so many genres. As a DJ though, I think I tend to gravitate mostly towards R&B and funk. I love songs that just drive and have those beats that make you wanna keep moving.
Here’s a few songs that cross genres but are sounds that I very much gravitate to:
3. Can you share a particularly memorable or interesting experience you've had as a West Coast Swing DJ, and how did you handle it?
Definitely my most memorable moment DJing was actually as a co-DJing for All-Star Finals during The After Party 2019. Ben Morris had the idea that I could cue an “Air Horn” that would signal to the spotlighted couple that they could not do any swing content until hearing a second “Air Horn”. It made for an amazing show and I definitely handled it with an appropriate amount of swear words, stressed moments, and laughs.
4. What advice would you give to someone who's just starting out as a West Coast Swing DJ?
Definitely talk to your local dance organizers and local DJ’s on how you can get started. I think most communities (even the largest ones) have more of a need than you think. Organizers more often than not take on many roles and jobs, and would love for people that want to take things off of their plate. Come talk to us DJ’s too. While I can’t speak for everyone, many of us are more than happy to help out or answer any questions. Just be sure that it’s during a social time and not during any competitions.
5. Outside of West Coast Swing DJing, what are some of your other interests or hobbies that help inspire your music selection or style?
Outside of West Coast Swing DJing, I’m a huge fan of video games, tabletop gaming/rpgs, and sports. I’d like to think that most of my hobbies definitely help me out with helping set a tone or mood for the ballroom while exposing me to some great bumper music songs.
6. Is there anything else you'd like to share with our audience about yourself or your journey as a West Coast Swing DJ?
Come ask me to dance! Also, send me music. I love hearing what other people are into, if you have a Spotify, send me a DM and let’s make a Spotify Blend.
7. Lastly, share with us any upcoming events or projects that you're excited about!
Upcoming I’ll be DJing at:
Boogie by the Bay, Oct 5th - 8th.
The After Party, Nov 30th - Dec 3rd.
All-Star Swingjam, Mar 14th - 17th.
You can also find me locally in the Southern California area DJing various local dances throughout the year.
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