Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Collison.
Hi Kelsey, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my journey learning from a collective of musicians called the PALMWINE TAPPERS. They really taught me the foundation of music … how to DJ, how to read a crowd, stay organized, and what it truly means to be a sound selector. From there, I became obsessed with practicing and improving every single day. I invested in all of my own equipment, bought a camera, and just kept posting content consistently while sharpening my craft behind the scenes.
Over time, everything started building naturally. The more I practiced and shared my sound, the more people connected with it. Before I knew it, my DMs were flooding with booking requests and opportunities. It’s honestly been a fast and exciting journey, but it all came from consistency, discipline, and a real love for global sounds and music culture.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I’ve faced a lot of challenges along the way, especially being a woman in a male-dominated industry. There have been situations where people weren’t professional or didn’t understand the level of hospitality and communication that DJs deserve when being booked. I’ve dealt with last-minute information, lack of organization, technical difficulties, sound issues, blown speakers, problems recording content — honestly a little bit of everything.
But every challenge taught me something. It forced me to become more prepared, more confident in myself, and more serious about my craft and business. I’ve learned how important professionalism, consistency, and resilience are in this industry. Even through the difficult moments, my love for music and creating experiences for people has always kept me going.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
By day, I work in tech, but outside of my 9 to 5, music and nightlife are where my passion truly lives. DJing is what I ultimately want to turn into my full-time career, and right now I’m building that dream while using my corporate career to fund and grow my DJ business the right way.
I specialize in global sounds — Afro House, Amapiano, 3 Step, Afrobeat, Caribbean influences, and soulful dance music. I’m known for creating sets that feel intentional, high-energy, and emotionally connected. I love blending cultures and sounds together in a way that makes people feel something while still wanting to dance all night.
What I’m most proud of is my growth, consistency, and trajectory in such a short amount of time. I’ve only been DJing for about two years, and already landed my first international gig in Saint Martin, which was a huge milestone for me. I’m also proud of how disciplined I’ve been with practicing, studying music, posting content consistently, and always looking for ways to improve.
I think what sets me apart is my authenticity and dedication to the craft. I genuinely care about creating an experience, not just playing songs. I’m constantly learning, listening back to my sets, refining my sound, and evolving as an artist. My journey has happened quickly, but it’s been built on real passion, consistency, and love for global music culture.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I think the most important quality behind my success has been learning how to lead — not just others, but myself. Developing self-control, staying professional in difficult situations, and learning how to turn challenges into opportunities for growth has been huge for me. In this industry, not everything always goes smoothly, so being able to stay calm, communicate clearly, advocate for myself and others, and still carry myself professionally no matter the circumstances is really important.
I also believe in always being one step ahead … being prepared, staying organized, and continuously learning. Success for me isn’t just about talent; it’s about consistency, discipline, emotional intelligence, and the way you treat people while building your career.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dj_justkels?igsh=MTJ1eHVwdDA2ZjBtcw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dj_justkels?si=h3dBzNBCgpANbXRG
