DJ Spotlight #8 - Heli
- Tana Abeni
- Jul 14, 2023
- 4 min read
Enjoy Heli's pick for this week's song! You can listen to it right here!
1. How did you first discover West Coast Swing, and what drew you to become a West Coast Swing DJ?
Ten years ago, I had a break from other rock’n’swing dances (Lindy and Boogie) due to knee problems. I happened to see a WCS video and got fascinated with the fluency and the music it was danced to. And thought my knees would thank me if I stopped bouncing. 😅
And the music, yes the music! My WCS playlists kept growing longer and longer, and eventually had the courage to ask if I could play in socials. I started making playlists for local WCS parties in Helsinki since 2016. Year 2018 was another turning point. I wasn’t able to dance for a while, so I put my energy in gathering a music library via iTunes, learning a proper DJ software and challenging myself to read the dance floor.
The ultimate motivation for DJing still is the wonderful feeling to have the dancefloor on your fingertips.
2. Give us a glimpse of your musical library! Which styles influence your taste the most?
Variety is the key. Roots and classics combined with fresh tunes. I guess my sets balance a bit more to a groovy vibe, such as R’n’B, swing/jazz and soul, but all in all it’s just part of the great picture.
When DJing I also like the idea of storytelling via music. Harmonic Djing is also close to heart and aiming for flow, for instance by paying attention to transitions between songs.
All in all, my aim is to offer dancers the chance for joy, inspiration and self-expression through the music I play.
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?
Riga Summer Swing 2019
I was asked to prepare a soul and swing set for a themed room. I guess it wasn’t announced properly, and I was the first in line, so the beginning was very quiet. Suddenly all the teachers came in. Staff had decided to offer them snacks and drinks there and then. Due to this, people seemed to think this was kind of a private party, so I ended up DJing for the teachers almost the whole set.
Winter Coast Swing 2023, Leppävirta Finland
Dream came true to sing a miniset in a pop-up style at the end of my DJ set. Pro show was coming up, so head DJ Lauri Laitinen suggested saving one blues song (Walk of Shame by Eight to the Bar) for the all skate as a surprise. It still gives me shivers to think about it. Nailed it! 🦾🎶
4. What advice would you give to someone who's just starting out as a West Coast Swing DJ?
Have big ears and attentive eyes meaning get to know your music, be curious for new, listen what others play and learn to interact with the floor.
Ask if you could shadow other DJs during their sets. Ask feedback and cherish dumb questions.
This Guild community is nowadays a wonderful asset, take benefit!
5. Outside of West Coast Swing DJing, what are some of your other interests or hobbies that help inspire your music selection or style?
My background is in pop & jazz vocal studies, I’ve also done some music theatre and musicals are close to heart. I sing regularly in few groups, and lately I’ve been diving in vocal and instrumental jazz scene as well. Already when dancing Lindy hop, I had an urge to get up on stage and sing the jazz standards. As we speak, I’m on my way to a Folk Music Festival, so my musical influences are variable.
Already before the pandemic, I was intrigued by the idea of bringing live music into WCS socials. We had a tryout to combine live music and DJs and also organised Sing&Swing nights in suitable karaoke bars to bring dancers and singers together.
Along the way, I figured why not combine live singing to my dj sets. After encouraging feedback, it’s coming to a habit. Last spring, our vocal-guitar duo also performed in local WCS socials.
6. Is there anything else you'd like to share with our audience about yourself or your journey as a West Coast Swing DJ?
For us DJs the best feedback are reactions on the dance floor. Still, it’s valuable to get feedback in person as well. So please don’t hesitate if you have something in mind. Even if it’s only a thumbs up 🤓
As for the DJ community, the Westie DJs Guild is a wonderful asset! I’ve always wondered why we are missing DJ gatherings during events, so it’s wonderful to see it happening and DJs connecting more and more.
7. Lastly, share with us any upcoming events or projects that you're excited about!
My three upcoming events are Rock the Barn (Sweden), Elowestarit (Finland) and of course Finnfest in Helsinki, see you there! For years now, I’ve hoped to return to France as well - hopefully soon.
In addition, in the autumn, our Duo H2O will certainly renew it’s acoustic live WCS set in Helsinki. And who knows, maybe do some westable songwriting.
Follow Heli on her Social Media accounts!
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