As one of the first DJs to drop a set for Half Moon x The Standard Sounds Off for Black History Month, Red Corvette gives us the lowdown on the creation of her sexy and vibey mix, some of her favorite Black artists, and the daily affirmations that keep her focused, creative and uplifted.
When did you know you wanted to become a DJ and how have you developed your artistry from then til now? Do you remember your first ever live set?
I worked for 106 KMEL in 2005 trying to find my footing in music. I was discouraged after I left the station which not much help on how to get started and parked the idea. It wasnโt until I saw Badu spin for the first time in Echo Park alongside Flying Lotus when I knew I was going to DJ. Seeing so many dope women spin around the country helped motivate me to push forward and keep turning up. My very very first set was in a warehouse in LA while I lived there in 2012. I was dating this guy that made music + asked me to play for his birthday party. [Laughs] I had no idea what I was doing but the party was lit and I got a lot of compliments.
Your R&B mix for us is incredible! How were you feeling while making it?
I was feeling vibey and sexy in my living room of my loft. I had my mood lights doing an entire flash routine setting the vibes while drinking some rosรฉ. I wanted my mix to be real vibey, classic, and BLACK, of course.
You co-founded the legendary Women Sound Off with Evangeline Elder. Tell us about it and the great work that you do.
Not only do I DJ I am the COO and head of experiences and operations for Women Sound Off, and founder of Black Biz Bay Area. Women Sound Off is a platform created by Evangeline and I created as a way to support, celebrate, and give back to the womxn creatives in our community. With over 75+ events and 4 successful festivals under the WSO umbrella, I am always consistently working on ways to diversify and create spaces that support BIPOC + womxn creatives.
Weโre so happy to have you honor Black History Month with us! How important has the legacy of Black Music been to you? And who are some of your favorite Black Artists?
Black music is my soulmate. I would not be able to breathe or live with out it. The lyrics, 808โs, regional sounds, dope cover art, and passion behind it wraps me up and holds me tight at night. A few of my favorite artists are Erykah Badu, Lil Wayne, Jazmine Sullivan, Lil' Kim, Anita Baker, and Teddy Pendergrass. Just to name a few.
"Black music is my soulmate. I would not be able to breathe or live without it."
If you could throw an event with any artists on the line up- dead or alive who would you book?
Oh, I would love to see Barry White, Luther Vandross, Minnie Riperton, Tupac, Aaliyah, Steve Lacy, Jazmine Sullivan, the Hot Boys (Wayne, Turk, Juvie, and BG) and Biggie live in concert together on one stage.
What are some of your all-time favorite R&B albums?
So I love, love R&B. My all time faves as of now are Anita Baker - Rapture, TLC - Crazy, Sexy, Cool, Erykah Badu - Mama's Gun, NxWorries - Yes Lawd! I can play that album over and over. Toni Braxton - Toni Braxton, [and] when I say Toni Braxton's self titled album claps from front to back! I even used to play this in the gym when outside was open. And I'll stop for now.
What are some daily affirmations you tell yourself?
Give yourself grace sis. Youโre doing whatโs best for you in the moment. Keep going. You are deserving of a partner. Focus; focus on you.
Whatโs in store for the future?
The pivot is real in these street but Iโm finding my footing in this. I am currently streaming and will continue to grow my twitch community while hosting WSO workshops. I am also looking forward to getting my yoga certificate in March to eventually travel + practice. I will also focus on creating my own Red Corvette merch based around wellness, home goods, and other miscellaneous clothing. Finally once everything opens up officially I am hoping to begin tour managing + traveling more DJing.
Anything else youโd like to say? The floor is yours!
Be as Black, proud, and loud taking up all the space that you need.
