When dancing in the crowd at the main stage at Freaky Deaky this weekend, close your eyes and fully immerse yourself in the heart-thumping beats. With Freaky Deaky, plus a slew of additional festivals, on the horizon, this soon to be mom is excited to promote her recently released single GANGSTA.
We sat down with house DJ Lindsay Milazzo to talk all things music, baby, and mental health.
Lindsay, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I got started back in 2017. I actually had a residency in Depp Ellum, we threw house events twice a month. I got my feet wet and learned about the decks by opening for big names at my residency. It really helped solidify my career and launch me forward.
What do you feel sets you apart from other artists?
Right now the pregnancy. I think we all have something different about it. I was born in Kentucky, so I would play in my moms farm. I would play for all the chickens. I feel like I bring so much passion and energy to the industry because I am grateful for where I have come from and what I have been able to achieve.
Often it feels as if the media is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, you are clearly thriving and creating opportunities. What do you do to keep your mental health in check and not fall victim to the media?
Oh my god. That’s a touch one. I pride myself on mental health advocacy in the industry. With women it is often hard. We are often short changed and believed that we can’t bring it as hard own the decks as a man can. I am so happy and proud to see all these women really proven everyone wrong and bring it. With mental health, it’s just about maintaining a sense of tenacity and not giving up. And really relying on the people who have your back. There’s high highs and really low lows and we need to really keep ourselves in check.
You went from studying English, to begin a DJ’ing, but how did you turn it into a career?
Haha that’s so cool that you know that. Honestly its because I was going through a really dark place in my life. I found a safe place in a club in Dallas on the rail. I really found myself there and I wanted to bring that to others that we’re in that space as well. Imparting that feeling on someone else has really accelerating me.
What type of gigs are the most fun for you?
I’d say festivals. I would love to sound cool and say ‘intimate settings’ but no, defiantly festivals. People are always ready to go hard and I am usually the one that plays too hard at intimate club settings.
Do you have any pre or post-show rituals?
I like to meditate. I listen to the calm app and do a ten minute reading. Post, I always make a point to go straight to the crowd and talk with fans.
What struggles have you had to face as a female DJ, and what advice would you give to other aspiring female DJs and musicians?
It’s easy for a male to offer assistance and talk advantage. It’s happened to me and I’m sure its happened to other women. Know your work and stay aware. No matter where you are, whether it’s at photoshoot, in the studio, just staying aware.