DJ Lana Scolaro is a talented musician with a diverse range of skills. Lana is a DJ, music producer, rapper, and songwriter who has been active in the music industry since 2014. She was born in London, United Kingdom, in 1996. Lana’s passion for music began at a young age, and she has since become an accomplished musician, having played the cello at age 14 and the guitar at age 16. In addition to her musical pursuits, Lana has also launched a luxury jewelry company, LS Diamonds (known as LSD), and developed a photo app called “Do a Wilson” with her sister Stephanie Scolaro.
Q. Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in the music industry?
I was born in London, raised in Monaco, and studied at Parsons in New York. I got started in the music industry while spending my summers in Ibiza from the age of 13, where I was exposed to the music industry and spent time with various artists observing their dedication and burning passion.
Q. How would you describe your style as a DJ, and what sets you apart from other DJs in the industry?
When I assess the energy of the crowd, I pay attention to their reactions to the songs I play and adjust accordingly. This allows me to create a dynamic and engaging performance that keeps the audience on their feet. By incorporating different genres into my sets, I can cater to a wider range of musical tastes, while still maintaining a cohesive and enjoyable experience. My goal is to keep the audience guessing and engaged throughout the entire set, while still delivering a unique and memorable performance. This approach to DJing allows me to stand out from other DJs in the industry and has helped me build a loyal fan base that appreciates my style and approach to music.
Q. What do you consider to be the key elements of a successful DJ set?
Apart from selecting great music, I believe ending the set with a classic that no one expects is a key element of a successful DJ set as the element of surprise is always a great way to leave a lasting impression on the audience. It adds a sense of excitement and creates a memorable experience for everyone.
Q. Can you walk us through your process for selecting and curating music for a set?
In addition to using Rekordbox and keying my songs, I also spend a lot of time researching and discovering new music, so that I can keep my sets fresh and interesting. I listen to a lot of different genres, from hip-hop to electronic, and I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting sounds to incorporate into my sets. Finally, I practice a lot before every performance, so that I’m confident and ready to execute my vision for the set.
Q. With the rise of digital music and streaming platforms, how do you think the role of DJs has changed in the industry over the past few years?
I believe there are now more female DJs in the industry, which is fair, and people are more attentive and used to it. Previously, the industry was mostly male-dominated. I think it’s fantastic that we’re seeing a more diverse group of individuals becoming DJs, not just in terms of gender but also ethnicity and cultural background. This shift in the industry has created a more inclusive and accepting atmosphere, which I believe is important for the growth and evolution of music. We need more diverse voices and perspectives to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the industry.
Q. How do you engage with the audience during a performance, and what do you do to keep the energy high throughout your set?
When I know a good song is about to drop, I start jumping and raising my hands up to keep the audience engaged. No one wants a static DJ. In addition to the physical movements, I also like to interact with the audience through the microphone, introducing new tracks or asking them to sing along to familiar tunes. Engaging the crowd in this way can create a memorable and personalized experience for everyone. Ultimately, my goal is to make sure that the energy level in the room never drops and that the audience is always fully immersed in the music.
Q. As a DJ, you have the ability to influence and shape the musical tastes of your audience. How do you balance playing music that you personally enjoy with music that you know will resonate with your audience?
I mix them together and bring in classics, such as Afro-house or tech house, to balance my personal taste with music that resonates with the audience. In addition to mixing different genres together, I also pay close attention to the reaction of the audience when I play certain tracks. This helps me gauge what the crowd likes and doesn’t like, and I adjust my settings accordingly. At the end of the day, it’s important to strike a balance between pleasing the audience and staying true to my own style and musical taste.
Q. What do you see as your biggest accomplishment in your music career so far?
Leaving my label, which was a subsidiary of Sony, and becoming an independent artist gave me more freedom and respect as an artist. I was featured in Forbes when I was 19 for my music entrepreneurship and for having a good connection with other reputable artists.
Q. What advice would you give to aspiring DJs who are just starting out in the industry?
My advice would be to keep releasing music and not leave it stored somewhere. You never know who may love it or dislike it. In addition, it’s important to collaborate with other artists and build a network in the industry. Attend events, participate in music competitions, and submit your work to music blogs and radio stations. These opportunities can help you gain exposure and connect with others in the industry who may be able to help you further your career. And always remember to stay true to your own sound and style.
Q. How do you stay motivated and inspired creatively, especially during times of creative blocks or setbacks?
I always need to be doing something, and I enjoy what I do, which helps me stay motivated. I believe that loving what you do is the key to motivation. I also do yoga and meditate as much as I can.
Q. Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future in terms of your DJ career?
I plan to release more music and ultimately start my own record label for unknown artists with unseen talent. Starting my own record label would be a great opportunity to help other talented artists achieve their dreams and goals. It would also allow me to have more creative control over the music that is released and help shape the industry. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute positively to the music industry and leave a lasting impact.
Q. What message would you like to send to Magzoid Magazine readers?
Stay positive, even if your numbers aren’t adding up, or things aren’t going as you mapped them out to be. It’s all part of the growth process! Sometimes setbacks and failures can be blessings in disguise, leading you towards unexpected opportunities and growth. It’s important to keep an open mind and learn from every experience, even the challenging ones. Remember, success is not a straight line, but a journey filled with ups and downs.