Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Harvey.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rachel. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m originally from New Orleans, LA and have played instruments for my entire life. I went to music school at the University of Houston but when all the fun got sucked out of the one thing I truly loved… I lost myself. I found what I was looking for thorough mixing. I found myself reconnecting with my passions, my friends and ultimately morphing into who I am right now.
My first few shows were in my bedroom over hours and hours of trying to figure out how to make two songs sound great together. I downloaded VirtualDJ and tried to figure out just what the hell I was looking at. A full year later (!!!), I was finally ready to do my first show in public. I was blessed enough to be able to do four SXSW showcases my first time out of the gate and I’ve tried to keep the momentum going since then. I’ve been able to travel all over the U.S. now and work with amazing brands like Netflix and only hope that I can continue to travel and show women like me that we can build and thrive in safe spaces no matter what the world may be saying about us.
I got where I am simply by always being myself and sticking to my ideals, no matter who may be watching. It’s motivating seeing other black women show up to my shows and tell me I made a safe space for them. That means more to me than I can ever say and I’m so proud I’m able to do that.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
OH. MY. GLOB. If it had been a smooth road, I would have easily been stopped mixing by now. I’ve had to endure a multitude of things because I’m a woman like being talked down, talked over, or completely ignored. I’ve had to struggle with proving that even though I may look a certain way, my talent should speak for itself. That although my follower count may be XYZ on whatever social network their choosing to judge, my drive should speak for itself. That although I’m black, I’m not just going to play hip-hop or “hood” music. I struggle with proving that I’m complex like every other human in the world because I’m constantly judged by what I outwardly portray.
Overall, I’ve been struggling with how to navigate these male-dominated spaces as a black queer woman and make it safe for others like me – how to approach venues and pitch my ideas in an “appropriate” way that’ll allow for me to carve out the spaces that we so often do not have.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a DJ. I’m responsible for breaking records, playing parties, and having a hand in the culture of music wherever I’m located.
I specialize in blending songs in a nonconventional way, hopping and crossing genres however I please.
I’m most proud of Femme Friday, a safe space for femme presenting individuals in Dallas. I’m proud of that being known as a place where if you hate going out, you’ll have fun enjoying the music and the others who are there.
I think that my commitment to be myself in all spaces in front of all faces and the simple fact that I actually strive to break records from local musicians sets me apart from the pack.
What were you like growing up?
I was a quiet kid growing up – a Girl Scout, a musician, an amateur baker – but with far too much attitude that I kept well within check. I honestly didn’t blossom and come into any sort of decent personality until well after college. I was easily forgettable growing up… but now, I don’t want anybody else to ever feel the way I did.
Contact Info:
- Email: yungursaminor@icloud.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/yungursaminor
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/yungursaminor
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/yungursaminor
Image Credit:
Ursa Minor, Ciara Bryant, JonDTX
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
