DJ Arie Spins: From Classroom to Center Stage

If you haven’t yet heard the name DJ Arie Spins, get ready – this New Orleans talent is making serious waves. Since opening for PJ Morton’s acclaimed “Watch The Sun Tour” in 2022, she’s been commanding stages across the nation, bringing her unique energy and musical expertise to ever-larger audiences. But her journey to the spotlight wasn’t an overnight sensation; it’s a story of steady growth, seizing opportunities, and a pivotal decision to bet on herself.

From Educator to Entertainer

Born Ariel Sherman, DJ Arie Spins’s path to DJing began unexpectedly in 2016. While teaching full-time, she stepped in to DJ a school fundraiser during Mardi Gras, aiming to keep the energy high for the crowd. Music had always been a part of her life as a preacher’s kid, but these early experiences were more informal and community-focused.

The pandemic provided a crucial period for her to deepen her commitment to the craft. What started as a side gig evolved, leading to a local residency and, eventually, industry connections, including her manager. This mentorship proved invaluable, opening doors to touring opportunities that would soon change her career trajectory.

The Turning Point: Touring with PJ Morton

Arie’s first touring experience with PJ Morton was a trial by fire. Initially slated to play only house music, she was asked to open the show just an hour before the first performance. This unexpected pivot forced her to tap into new abilities, proving to herself that she could captivate an audience on a much larger scale. “I need to bet on myself,” she recalls thinking, a realization that led her to take the leap into full-time DJing – a decision that has clearly paid off.

Her sets are meticulously crafted, a result of extensive research and a desire to tailor each performance to the specific room, city, and audience. This thoughtful approach, combined with her innate talent, made her a perfect fit for Morton’s major 2022 tour, which spanned over 50 cities. Balancing the demands of touring with her passion for teaching young people became increasingly challenging, ultimately prompting her to fully commit to her DJ career.

Navigating Challenges as a Black Woman DJ

Arie openly discusses the unique challenges faced by Black women in the DJ space. She notes the constant need to “prove ourselves 10 times over” compared to male counterparts, often facing skepticism about their skills even for basic techniques. Objectification is a concern, but the deeper issue lies in the disparity of assumptions about competence.

She shares experiences of being questioned in rooms where male DJs are automatically assumed to be capable. This pushback, she observes, is less common for men, even when their skill sets might not match. Arie also addresses the online criticism she sometimes receives from male peers, highlighting a double standard in how opinions are voiced and received.

The Art of Reading a Room and Preparing Sets

For Arie, a crucial skill is the ability to “read a room.” As a “show DJ” rather than a traditional four-hour set performer, her focus is on creating engaging stage-front experiences. Her preparation involves understanding the audience, the city’s local music scene (like Go-Go in D.C. or Houston’s chopped and screwed history), and even critiquing her past performances with her manager’s strategic input on crowd engagement.

Her journey through the ESSENCE Festival of Culture is a testament to her growth. From DJing at BeautyCon to gracing the main stage in her hometown of New Orleans, Arie sees it as a mirror of her development as a DJ. Being one of the few local DJs to perform on that prominent stage, alongside other respected names, holds immense significance for her, proving that local talent can achieve national recognition.

• Started DJing as a side gig while teaching full-time.
• Pivoted to full-time DJing after touring with PJ Morton.
• Emphasizes the importance of “betting on yourself” and embracing change.
• Faces challenges as a Black woman in the DJ industry, requiring extra validation.
• Tailors sets by researching audiences, cities, and past performances.