This July has been HOT and this month’s mix feature is the lovely Andrea Kalajian, ready to add fire to your dancing flame. She is known for her involvement in the crew 5th Dimension Detroit, who have thrown successful events at Tangent Gallery, the Dequindre Cut, Valade Park The High Dive, and more.
She is playing this Saturday the 16th at Tangent for the Much Love event being put on by DDT Productions – with a lineup of DJs, vendors, food, and coffee – swing by if you can!
Check out her mix – on SoundCloud now! I hope you enjoy her interview and feature.
detroit.dance: The first time I had you on was with the 5th Dimension group feature – looking back that was 1.5 years ago! Wow. Time flies – what have you been up to with 5th Dimension since then?
Andrea: We have been keeping busy for sure! 5th Dim has been hosting many events at different venues as well as releasing tracks through our label. Speaking of which, Gone Rouge (Kyle Dal and Chris Macom) have recently released an acid track which is doing really well on Beatport right now! We have many great shows coming up, and I’m excited for what the future has in store!
detroit.dance: For those that don’t know you, how long have you been DJing and what is your sound and styles you play?
Andrea: I started DJing about 3 years ago. My brother Adam Charles and I first started playing at open decks at the High Dive, and we would go almost every week. Eventually the owner of the High Dive asked us to be resident DJs, so we started throwing gigs. Our first gig was on August 22, 2019 called Big Bro Lil Sis. Shortly after that, our bi-weekly event named HEATER was created. Over time, we networked with DJs, and were asked to join 5th Dim. I have a hard time describing my sound or style because I enjoy playing many different genres. It can change depending on my mood or what gig I’m playing. When I look for music, I like to look for songs that resonate or hit me a certain way. I like it a little strange and funky. It keeps my interest because it’s something different from what’s popular or mainstream.
detroit.dance: What is something that was difficult for you at first when you were learning how to DJ? What is something you feel like you are really good at now?
Andrea: I struggled at first with blending house music. I did not pay enough attention to the key of each song, which is important when mixing melodies and vocals. Now I feel pretty confident with blending and making transitions. It feels more intuitive because I have a better understanding of music theory.
detroit.dance: Are you working on producing any tracks? If so, what is a tip you have for people wanting to start producing?
Andrea: Yes, there are some projects in the works. I am collaborating with my friend Kyle Dal, my brother Adam Charles and my good friend Renee Duval on several tracks. I am also experimenting on my own as well. I haven’t released anything recently but plan on sometime this year, so keep your eyes peeled!
Do research and figure out what you want to use to produce, whether it be drum machines, synths, Ableton, etc. Buy it, look at the manual and start playing around and get familiar with it. Watch YouTube videos, use Google to ask questions, talk to fellow artists and producers, and if possible collaborate with them!
detroit.dance: You are a mom – how do you balance work, your family, and DJing/events?
Andrea: It’s a juggling act for sure. During the day I work on projects, and when my son gets home from school I dedicate the rest of my time to be with him as much as possible. My son is young, he goes to bed pretty early, which is nice because it allows me to tuck him in bed and then go to any gigs I have going on. My parents are a blessing and very helpful with watching my son while I play at events, and I am beyond grateful because I know he’s in good hands.
detroit.dance: What are some things you do to help define yourself as an individual artist while also being a part of a collective group of DJs?
Andrea: Good question. I guess I don’t really think about what I need to do to define myself as an individual artist because I think it happens naturally. The music I choose to play, and how I play it is a reflection of my style and taste. We don’t share music, and I’m constantly digging for new material, so it keeps things fresh and fun.
detroit.dance: You have put on and been a part of many successful events around the city – to you, what are the important components that make up a successful event?
Andrea: Having a great line up is important, especially because there are a lot of events going on in Detroit. Also doing lots and lots of promotion is key. I’m not a huge fan of social media, but I find it to be a very useful tool. I post on Facebook and Instagram, as well as groups on there that are relevant. Also spreading the word in person, passing out flyers, and sending messages directly to friends is a great tactic as well.
detroit.dance: What are some events that you are looking forward to this summer and fall?
Andrea: There is so much going on this summer and fall, it’s hard to keep track!
I will be playing at Much Love Fest at Tangent Gallery on July 16th.
5th Dim will be throwing an event at Marble Bar on July 22nd.
5th Dim is working with Charivari and Cove Love for a Charivari Pre-Party August 12th.
I will be playing at Flint Drop Fest for Techno Snob on Aug 13th.
I also have been invited by Jeremiah Harrison to play in Toledo September 30th.
detroit.dance: I bumped into you at Movement this year – describe your Movement experience! You also played a Movement party co-promoted by 5th Dimension, Sauced and Found, and Charivari Detroit – how was that?
Andrea: I had a fantastic time, and it always feels like it goes by so quickly! I participated in several events that weekend, such as at the elephant room for Charivari, at Spkrbox with 5th Dim, as well as a secret warehouse party with Adam X, Frankie Bones and Maedon, which was awesome! I also managed to go to the festival for a little bit everyday as well as check out a couple after parties in the evening. It was an action packed weekend for sure!
I was honored to play and I enjoyed the space that hosted the event. There were some lively people that showed up and danced, which always makes it a fun and magical experience.
detroit.dance: Your energy is always uplifting and positive – how do you stay positive?
Andrea: Haha, thank you!! I try to keep a positive outlook as much as possible. Life is too short to be miserable! I learned years ago that happiness is a choice, and it all starts with perspective. I try to be grateful and stay humble. Sometimes I can be anxious or worried because I tend to overthink things, but in general I handle it by reminding myself to do my best and let everything fall into place.
detroit.dance: What do you do for work?
Andrea: Right now is a time of transition for me. When I was working a 9 to 5, I worked at a gallery doing art restoration. Now, a lot of my time is dedicated to DJing and promoting, as well as producing. I also do freelance artwork and commissioned paintings, murals, jewelry and clothing. I am toying with the idea of substitute teaching this fall, I enjoy being around kids and think the schedule would work well for me.
detroit.dance: What are some additional hobbies you have outside of DJing?
Andrea: I love to hang out with my son, he makes me feel like a kid again. I love swimming and being by the water, it makes me feel rejuvenated. I’d have to say snorkeling is one of my favorite activities, because looking at aquatic and marine life feels like a whole other world! I love art, so I really enjoy painting and jewelry making, as well as visiting galleries and museums. I also love to be outside, so in the nice weather you can catch me hanging out at the beach, kayaking, hiking, camping and exploring new parks.
detroit.dance: What is your least favorite fruit?
Andrea: Grapefruit, not a fan.
detroit.dance: Your go-to fashion statement or clothing item?
Andrea: Other than my big hair which has a mind of its own, my go-to clothing item would be chunky platform shoes. I like the look, I feel taller, and there are some really fun designs out there!
Make sure you check out Andrea’s Destination Detroit – Dequindre Cut Freight Yard and her Recipe by Request (Caramelized Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza).
Keep up with Andrea on her socials: