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In this edition of the MY FIRST GIG series: the Mexican DJ/producer Marisol Grajales. She’s a true go-getter. When she decided to start DJing in 2011, her first challenge was finding an education – not an easy task in Mexico City then. Today, she’s a seasoned artist with global recognition. About her debut: “I wasn’t that good yet, so I received quite a bit of criticism.”
“My DJ career started nine years ago. The day I decided to become a DJ was when I visited the BPM Festival in my home country, Mexico. From that moment on, I dreamed of playing at a similar event myself.”
Lauren Lane
“My first electronic music events were at a beach club. That’s where I first listened to Lauren Lane. When I saw and heard her and felt the energy of her music, I thought: ‘What an incredible way to make people feel something! To spread a bit of joy and share a part of yourself by playing music.’”
Neofreak
“Unfortunately, back then in Mexico City, there was barely any DJ technology available – let alone an abundance of DJ schools. You couldn’t just take a course like you can now. One day, my friend Thiago went to a party called Neofreak. He said he could introduce me to someone who had taught other DJs. That man, J Cool, could teach me too. I didn’t have to think twice. I had found my mentor!”
Violin lessons
“DJ Cool was part of Cool Unión Music and taught me the basics of everything I know today. Later, I took many more lessons from people I met along the way. I also studied at G Martell and Sound Space Music schools here in Mexico. Five years ago, I began taking violin and music production lessons. Now I know: when something is your passion, the learning never stops. There’s always something new to discover. Two months later, I had saved up enough money to buy my first gear – Pioneer 200s. From then on, I was constantly practicing at home.”
Strong character
“The first gigs I played were far from packed. In fact, the venue was often empty – this happened nine or ten times. And of course, my mixing wasn’t great yet, so I got a fair share of criticism. But I didn’t let that stop me. I’ve always had a strong character and want to be one of the best DJs in the world. I truly believe that if everyone could pursue their dreams and do what they love, the world would be a better place.”
Harsh criticism
“I clearly remember the first party I played with an actual audience. By then, I had taken two courses and had spread the word that I was ready. All people had to do was reach out. Eventually, someone did – it was for a club in Cuernavaca. The gig was a disaster. Every mix went wrong. But the crowd was amazing and had a great time anyway. After that, things got tougher because I was heavily criticized on social media. People didn’t hold back. But in the end, those critics pushed me to improve.”
Grateful
“I’m incredibly grateful for my perseverance and for everyone who supported me. Step by step, I’ve gotten closer to the dream I’ve been chasing for years: to touch people all over the world. Of course, there’s still a long road ahead.”
“My focus now is on producing more and better music, touching hearts and minds, and introducing people to my favorite sounds. To make them dance and vibrate – until one day, I’m playing at every major festival around the globe.”
This interview with Marisol Grajales was originally published in April 2020 on This Is Our House.
Who is Marisol Grajales?
Marisol Grajales is one of the most well known female in the electronic music scene coming from Mexico. She holds a degree in music production. Marisol Grajales’s abilities on the turntables have taken her to play in some of the most important clubs and on events all over the country and the USA, such as Los Angeles, Houston and Las Vegas.
Marisol Grajales also had the oportunity to travel around the world and played gigs on Ibiza, in Madrid, Ecuador, Sri Lanka, Honduras and Brasil to name a few. She’s gained fame with her tracks “Sirena“, “Madame Madness” and “Give Everything“. Fun fact: in 2015 Marisol Grajales participated on the fourth season of the reality show La Isla, El Reality.
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