Meet Ciara Chaii | DJ & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ciara Chaii and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ciara, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I love tasking risks! That’s not to say that it can’t be scary or uncomfortable but I like to live by the saying “Whatever makes you uncomfortable is your biggest opportunity for growth” and I think that kinda ties into tasking risks. It’s uncomfortable at first and honestly may even be uncomfortable all the way to till the end but when you get to the other side it’s either a win or a learning lessons. I never look at anything as “losing” but more so something to reflect on and grow from.

In terms of my career there’s plenty of risk I take as a DJ! Sometimes I get nervous when before playing a specific track wondering if the crowd is going to like it or not but the only way to know is to play it!! If they vibe with it we have a win & if they don’t.. well that’s okay too! Doesn’t mean I’ll never play that track again but I’ll do some reflection and realize maybe it wasn’t the right moment or maybe not the “right type of crowd”. Whatever the reason is it’s okay and important to know I took a risk by playing it and learned something new!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In the music realm I’m really excited to expand my learnings on Sounds. Learning about the power of sounds and frequencies has been a game changer. I’ve exploring using natural instruments and even my own voice to make music. I don’t want to speak too much on it tbh as it’s super experimental right now.

I’m also looking forward to exploring more Modeling this year. Most people may see me as just a DJ but I also model as well. I modeled for a music video for the first time last year where I got to cosplay as an alien (aka myself lol). I’ve also produced and did creative direction for my own personal shoots with friends. I recently cut my hair in July of 2023 after having locs for 6 years. There’s a ton of concepts I can’t wait to explore and share with my new look.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s so many fun & exciting hangout places! I love a fun local vibe and I also love nature! If it’s the summer time I’d prolly want to swing by Sincerely,Tommy for the annual Building Black Bedstuy Block Party – the vibes there are immaculate! For food, I’m vegan but that doesn’t limit me to bomb options I’d prolly go to HAAM, Planta Queen in BK, or Risbo (which isn’t vegan but they have great vegan options). For drinks, we’d probably go to Brooklyn Blends they have really amazing smoothies & juices. Then prolly bike somewhere in nature like Prospect Park, Domino Park, Fort Greene, or any park that has a good view of the sunsetting. We’d do a cute picnic there with some incense, sage, my speaker, some fresh fruit & my hula hoop.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Omg where do I start?! I’m literally so grateful for everyone who’s been a part of my journey! All of my friends (to many to name but yall know who yall are) who have come out to support me physically by showing up to one of my gigs and listening to my set. My DJ mentor Tru.Violet (I literally wouldn’t be in this space without her). I am also a self-help book junkie lol. I recently have been inspired by the Power of Intention by Wayne Dyer which was recommended to me by my friend Kai who is a sister-friend and somewhat of a mentor as well.

Website: embracetheoutkast.com

Instagram: ciarachaii

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ciarachaii

Mixcloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/ciarachaii/

Image Credits
Photographers: Tre Crews, Laquann Dawson, Audrey Gretz