Meet Novasoul | DJ & vibe curator

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

Hi Novasoul, how do you think about risk?
Risk has been a defining factor in my journey as a DJ. With over a decade of experience, I have learned that standing out in this industry requires constant reinvention and taking creative chances. Building a name for myself as a DJ means consistently putting myself out there and pushing creative boundaries. That kind of risk comes with both moments of failure and breakthrough and requires a level of resilience to keep going even when things don’t immediately fall into place. As a female DJ, the risks are even more pronounced. The industry has traditionally been male-dominated and I have faced challenges that are unique to being a woman in this space. Whether it’s having to prove my skills more than others or sometimes simply fighting to be heard, those challenges have given me fuel to push harder and stay innovative. The biggest risk though is not evolving. Staying in your comfort zone and playing it safe is the riskiest thing you can do in a creative field. I’ve learned that the rewards of those risks, the personal growth, and the ability to live fully in my passion have made it all worth it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey as a DJ is deeply intertwined with my background in the dance scene which has given me a unique edge. Before I ever picked up turntables, I wanted to be a dancer. I went to auditions for choreo teams but never quite made the cut. It was tough, but looking back, it’s been amazing how dance has remained such an integral part of my life but just in a different way—through DJing. I got my start DJing for dancers such as bboys, bgirls, housers, whackers, and poppers. Working with these communities taught me how to read the energy of a room and stay sharp in high-pressure situations. Spinning for dance battles has given me a unique ability to pivot quickly and think ahead. It’s about more than just playing music. It’s about creating a vibe, responding to the crowd, and guiding the energy of the moment. This experience has made me highly adaptable at corporate events, weddings, fashion shows, and sports events as it has allowed the ability to handle challenging situations at gigs, whether it’s dealing with technical issues, crowd dynamics, or tight timelines. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is that success doesn’t always come in the way you expect. I didn’t make the dance teams I auditioned for, but through DJing, I’ve still been able to stay connected to dance and the culture I’ve always loved. I’m also proud that my journey has become a source of inspiration for other women, especially those who might not see a clear path in creative fields. I want them to know that they can break down barriers and carve out their own space. At the core of everything I do is my mission to cultivate joy through the power of music. Whether I’m DJing for a crew of dancers or in front of a general crowd, my goal is to create an environment where people can connect, express themselves, and simply enjoy the moment. My story is one of resilience, passion, and the belief that if you love something deeply enough, you’ll find a way to make it happen no matter the obstacles.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ooh if my best friend was visiting LA for a week, I would make sure they have the best time exploring the city’s endless creativity, culture, and good vibes. There’s so much to do and see here but I’d start with some of the things that make LA unique to me.

We would start with a visit to Acurrucame Cafe in Boyle Heights. It is one of my favorite spots to grab a matcha latte. I’m not a coffee drinker, so their guava matcha is always my go-to. It’s AHHmazing and the perfect way to kick off the day. After that, The Getty Museum, a must-see for the art and the stunning panoramic views of LA. For lunch, Grand Central Market. It’s a great spot with a variety of food spots to choose from. Later in the evening, we can head to Chinatown for some fresh tunes at either General Lee’s or Grand Star Jazz Club. After that, we can head over to The Short Stop, a dive bar in Echo Park known for its great DJ nights. It’s got a really fun vibe and the music there is always on point. For even more music and dancing, we would make our way to Highland Park. It’s a neighborhood filled with creative energy. We could spend some time digging for records at The Artform Studio, De La Playa, and On Maritime (all great spots for those sweet vinyl gems). Afterward, we could grab a drink at The Lodge Room, one of the best venues in the area with its intimate setting and amazing acoustics. If we’re feeling a more laid-back vibe, we could also hit up The Gold Line, a Japanese inspired vinyl bar known for its relaxed atmosphere and eclectic mix of music spun by awesome DJs. It’s a great spot to grab a drink, chat, and catch some great tunes. For shopping, Melrose Trading Post since my best friend and I love vintage treasures. It’s an awesome flea market that has a great mix of vintage clothes, handmade jewelry, unique home decor, and cool art. We could also head over to Venice Beach to take a stroll or bike ride along the boardwalk, check out the street performers, and soak up the sun.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not be the DJ that I am without the guidance from a few early mentors who helped me get started on my DJing journey and I’m forever grateful.

I would also like to give a shoutout to my sisters, friends, supportive DJs, & anyone who has ever booked me, taken a chance on me, recommended me for gigs, or just taken the time to listen to my mixes. The connections and level of support means the world to me. To everyone who has shown me that kind of support, thank you for helping me keep going and growing as a DJ and creative!

Website: https://djnovasoul.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/dj.novasoul

Image Credits
Reibot, Benny B, Benjo Page