Meet DJ Panda

How did you get started as a DJ?

I started DJing by burning CDs for classmates, which gave me an extensive music library. Later, I was often asked to connect my laptop to speakers at kickbacks, using Windows Media Player on shuffle. A friend suggested I become a DJ due to my vast music collection, and that’s how DJ Panda was born.

Where do you go for inspiration?

Lately, as I’ve improved my fitness, I’ve noticed that exercising sparks a lot of creative ideas for my DJ sets. I think about transitions and blending songs seamlessly. My DJ friends also inspire me to explore more musically. Traveling and meeting other talented DJs made me realize I need to be more creative with my sets. Listening to DJs like Sedrick, Jash, Sean Anthony, Tryfe, and others immerse themselves in music motivates me to elevate my craft.

If you could tour with one artist from past or present as their DJ, who would that be and why?

Of course Beyonce! But I am going to give you three.

Opening for Beyoncé or Nicki Minaj is a dream of mine.
The energy from their fans, The Hive and The Barbz, is unmatched. DJing in an arena, with everyone doing a swag surf or singing “Can We Talk” by Tevin Campbell, would be an incredible experience.
I hope it happens soon!

What’s the theme song to your life?

“Cozy” – Beyonce,
Being able to look at yourself
and say “I Love Myself”
Powerful!

What’s a must have item in your DJ bag that someone might find surprising?

Gummy Bears!

This one is funny and my friends in Houston can attest to this: Extra Polar Ice Gum. Fun fact, I do get anxiety at gigs especially when I start overthinking if i’m doing a good set/ if the crowd is feeling me/ are my transitions smooth. So I chew gum to relax. If I’m ever at a gig and have my backpack and you come up and say “Panda can I have a piece of gum 10/10” I’ll say “sure”.
Pop open my lower pocket and boom a pack. lol

What’s one piece of advice you wish you would have received when you first started DJing?

Don’t force your favorite tracks (especially when you play gigs in a club) lmao I was so bad at this!!! I swear I would hear a song and would die on a hill saying it NEEDED to be played in the club. After a while, I learned how to gauge the room and know the type of music that a particular crowd is looking for.