Meet Amy Payan of DJ Amy Janelle in East Dallas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Payan.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Amy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I met Jt Donaldson as he played his weekly nights at The Standard Pour. I was probably the most annoying coworker he had because I would constantly ask him what he was playing. He mentioned he was helping his friends open up a record store and I jumped on the opportunity to join the Josey Records team. While working at Josey Records, my colleagues/bosses let me pick their brains about spinning music and their own personal favorite albums, songs, artists, etc. Josey Records definitely became my playground and classroom to learn about music, vinyl, and turntables. Jt Donaldson started his weekly, New Math Mondays at Off The Record, which gave me a new opportunity to actually start mixing music for people.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing is ever a smooth road. It can be hard to stay focused on finding music that is different from what everyone around the city is playing. I always focus my mixes around house music. Dallas is such a hit or miss when playing house music for gigs. There is definitely a community for dance music here, but I wish other people were a little more excited for it. Soon, I will be facing a new challenge by moving to Brooklyn, New York.

Being a woman in a male-dominated career is a struggle to be taken seriously. I always get excited to prove someone wrong. Judging someone by appearance isn’t cool. It’s a good reminder to stay confident in anything you do.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about DJ AMY JANELLE – what should we know?
I am a dj. I dabble in many dance genres such as disco, jazz, funk, boogie, but I have a very soft spot for house music. I’m proud that I am able to grasp this happy-going, positive energy and overall good music selections. During a set, I love to see people move and smile. Music is such a powerful element and I’m so lucky to share energy with people.

Recently, I was given the opportunity to open up for Washed Out at a House Of Plates party. Being a fan of him for numerous of years, it was for sure a pat on the back moment for myself.

I think what sets me apart from others is that I genuinely want to share the power of music. Music is one of the most beautiful experiences we get during life. I love love love when people ask what I’m playing and they immediately save it to their phones. Share and support artists and musicians more, especially locals.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Staying consistent. And practice, practice, and practice. I try to put out something via SoundCloud often, it helps me realize what I need to work on more or how my taste has changed. Determination and patience. See what you want in life and go for it every single day.

Contact Info:

• Email: amyjanelle92@gmail.com
• Instagram: ay.mz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyzingames
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AYYYMZ

Image Credit:
Bryan Coonrod, Jordan Smith, Whitney Witt, Ryland Maserang, and Alexandra Hulsey

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