If you want to know the epitome of hard work look no further than DJ Miss Milan. With early aspirations of being a singer and a profound love for basketball, Miss Milan would soon find a new love interest, DJing. Milan’s grind has been on full display. From appearing on Taxstone’s extremely popular podcast “Tax Season“, Combat Jack’s “The Combat Jack Show” as well as guest DJ-ing on MTV’s Uncommon Sense with Charlamagne Tha God. She’s also brought the Milan experience to many brand events such as Puma, Reebok, Ciroc, and more.
“Simply put I provide a great fucking time!”
Miss Milan didn’t set out just to sit pretty and spin records. Dubbed the “Vibe Provider”, Milan is all about putting on a show during her sets. She’s looking to tear down any and all barriers when it comes to being a female in a male-dominated industry. With the work ethic of Beyonce & Rihanna, there isn’t a doubt she will. Check out our full interview with the Sound Selecta herself.
Def Pen: First I just want to say your work ethic is amazing. What’s the motivation behind your endless grind?
Miss Milan: Thank you! Motivation for me is that I’m not where I want to be yet, so I’m always looking to do the next best thing to top the last thing I’ve done. Plus I have to buy my momma her dream house! (laughs)
Def Pen: Indeed! Born in Brooklyn, raised in Queens, what were some artists you listened to growing up?
Miss Milan: Growing up there was Biggie, Jay-Z, Destiny’s Child, everything Bad Boy (laughs). I listened to a lot of Z100 as well, I was into the pop stars of that era like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, The Spice Girls. Also a lot of reggae and soca artists like Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Beres Hammond, Allison Hinds, and Peter Ram due to my family background being Caribbean. An eclectic mix really.
Def Pen: Sometimes in life, the road we initially begin traveling might lead us on a different path, you wanted to be a singer yourself right? Tell us a bit about that.
Miss Milan: (Laughs), yea like every young girl growing up in the 90s, we saw a lot of R&B girl groups and I wanted to be the next Beyonce of Destiny’s Child. So I created a girl group with three singers from around my way. We had background dancers, we practiced, had performances and even won a few talent shows! Getting older that dream drifted away but music was always something I wanted to pursue. I just wanted to do it in a different way than I was currently seeing. I’ve always been around DJs growing up because my family would have festive parties all the time and have the hottest Caribbean DJs playing the tunes! I saw the reaction from the people that attended those parties and they were always so fun and full of life, I was like this shit is lit I need to do this. Finally, I took it seriously, took lessons, studied the craft, and now I’m here.
Def Pen: You also played basketball too, was this one of your first loves? What position did you play?
Miss Milan: Yes I played the 1 & the 2 positions, that’s point guard and shooting guard for those who don’t know. (laughs) I loved basketball so much and really thought I was going to the league but I lost the love for it as I got older.
Def Pen: Hope you are not a Knicks fan. (Laughs)
Miss Milan: You have to be very mentally stable to be a Knicks fan. (laughs)
Def Pen: Very true! (laughs). At what point were you inspired to start DJing?
Miss Milan: I was always inspired by music and festivities in my youth but didn’t take serious action until around three and half years ago. I was working as a bartender/server and always thought about pursuing DJing but didn’t know the exact way to go about learning. One day I asked on Facebook if someone knew anyone that could teach me. Someone directed me to contact, now a mentor of mine; H.D. I paid weekly for lessons with my tip money and bought my first rinky-dink set-up from a pawn shop and it was over after that.
Def Pen: Explain to the readers your moniker “Vibe Provider”.
Miss Milan: Simply put I provide a great fucking time!
Def Pen: What is the most enjoyable aspect when you are on the turntables?
Miss Milan: The reaction from the crowd is the biggest high for me, from me turning the volume down and hearing them sing word for word to them dancing and just enjoying their time while I’m on set.
Def Pen: Do you ever see yourself transitioning to producing?
Miss Milan: Of course! DJing and producing go hand in hand, its only right that I take a jab at it.
Def Pen: If there is one artist you could produce for, who would that be?
Miss Milan: Honestly I can’t say right now who I would produce for, there are so many people I’d love to work with, but whoever it is, it’s going to be legendary!
Def Pen: As you continue to emerge in this game, what has been the best piece of advice you’ve obtained thus far?
Miss Milan: “Trust the process, stay true to who you are & give your gift to the world.”
Def Pen: Being a female DJ, in what is such a male-dominated field, what are some barriers you are looking to break?
Miss Milan: Every. Last. One! Whatever barriers that may be put in front of me, I’m knocking all that shit down (laughs). Nothing I cannot do. I’m limitless.
Def Pen: For women reading this interview, looking to become a DJ, what are some gems you would give them?
Miss Milan: Invest in yourself first and take yourself seriously. Really learn and know your craft because in this business we aren’t taken as seriously just because. These n*ggas can’t-do anything for you that you can’t-do yourself (laughs). So stay focused!
Def Pen: You are currently on tour right now, tell us some more about that.
Miss Milan: This was my first traveling tour. Spinning 90s R&B across 5 cities, seeing different people from all walks of life enjoy my sounds, and providing them with that vibe only I can provide was a great experience, truly leaving me craving for more. Can’t wait until my next tour series!
Def Pen: In closing, is there anything you want to end with?
Miss Milan: Through God all things are possible, so work hard at working smart. Be Safe Tho!
Be sure to find out what’s next with Miss Milan by following her on Twitter & Instagram as well as her official website DJMissMilan.
