Women’s Month has passed, but MEFeater honors amazing, strong, talented, and phenomenal women daily. Women are unstoppable forces and continue to break barriers and shift culture as time goes on. For Women’s Month, software company Serato unveiled “Women to the Front,” a series of short-form visualizers that celebrate and tell the stories of fearless, incomparable female DJs and producers.
“Women to the Front” highlights talented game-changers, NYC-based DJ and Producer Natasha Diggs, Chicago-based DJ and multi-hyphenate artist King Marie, and NYC-based Dominican-American DJ and Producer Dana Lu. These three women have planted the seeds, growing their careers from the ground up and inspiring a wave of inclusivity and creativity in the music industry.
Women in the music industry are constantly overlooked or ignored, especially women who work behind the scenes. Throughout the “Women to the Front” campaign, Serato shines a light on these three pillars of the music scene. Each short-form visualizer delves deep into the stories of these incredible women, celebrating their different journeys in music. Natasha Diggs shares her vision for inclusion in the industry, King Marie dives into her evolutionary journey of identity and empowerment, and Dana Lu embodies resilience, opening doors for Black and brown women.
“Women to the Front” is a beautiful love letter championing the power of female creativity, drive, and dedication.
Meet Dana Lu
Dana Lu is a Dominican-American DJ/Producer hailing out of New York City. Drawing inspiration from being exposed to different genres of music at a young age, she began a passion that would span decades. She decided that DJing was worth pursuing after watching DJs perform at large festivals around the world. Lu is known for getting the party started, effortlessly blending house, Jersey Club, Dembrow, and whatever else she needs to keep the crowd dancing. Lu’s mission has always been to break barriers, making a way for others to be able to achieve their dreams. Her dedication to diversity and inclusion is rooted in her desire for change in the industry. Working on Serato’s latest campaign for her is a dream realized. She is a force. She is a risk taker. She’s an innovator.
How does it feel to work with Serato on this campaign, and what are your favorite Serato music production tools?
“Having the opportunity to work on this campaign is an absolute dream come true. The experience of working on this campaign is one I will never forget, as it was my first major campaign, and I am truly honored and thankful to have the opportunity to be a part of such an important and impactful project. The Serato Sample is one of my favorite Serato music production tools because it streamlines and simplifies the process of producing music.”
What feeling do you get when you DJ? What is the most fulfilling part for you?
“The feeling when I’m performing a DJ set is a feeling like no other. Before, during, and after my set, I feel a surge of adrenaline, and a feeling of euphoria that I will never be able to replace. One of the most fulfilling aspects of when I perform is watching the crowd genuinely enjoy every moment of my performance from beginning to end. Lastly, knowing I made someone’s day or night through my set will always be fulfilling for me. It means I did my job.”
Who are some women in the music industry who you feel inspire others, and who are some who influenced you early on in your career?
“My early influences as a DJ were Lady Chellez and Jasmine Solano, and from a production standpoint, Missy Elliot, Santigold, and M.I.A. to name a few.”
What have been some challenges that you’ve faced as a female DJ? And what are some stereotypes that you think have plagued female DJ’s?
“A challenge I encountered early in my career was not being taken as seriously, which I have overcome by letting my DJ sets and work speak for themselves, rather than verbally trying to convince others to take me seriously. In my opinion, one stereotype that has plagued women DJs has always been that they are not good on the microphone. That is simply not the case.”
What has been your biggest accomplishment in your career so far?
“In my career to date, one of my biggest accomplishments has been self-producing my own records and collaborating with artists worldwide who have been an inspiration to me for many years, such as Pablo Piddy, King Bubba, GodWonder, etc.”
What projects do you have in the works, and what’s next for you in terms of your career?
“I will be putting together a remix EP of my recently released Worldwide Link-Up EP. What’s next for me in terms of my career; you will have to wait and see.”
What advice would you give a young girl hoping to break into the industry one day?
“Being authentically yourself is the best thing you can do for yourself. Finding your tribe and remaining true to yourself will take you farther than you could ever imagine. Never give up, keep going, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Meet King Marie
King Marie is a name that not only represents power, it exudes it. The first-generation Fillipinx-American multihyphenate creative refuses to be confined by gender norms. She sets her own standards on what it means to be a female icon in the music industry. She is a champion of diversity and wants to inspire the next generation of women to shake the table. Music has been a part of King Marie’s life for as long as she can remember. Her family surrounded her with it.
Her mom was a singer and entertainer who immigrated from the Philippines, and for a while, Marie thought she would follow that same path. It wasn’t until older brothers showed her the art of DJing that she fell in love with it and began honing her craft.
Marie’s DJing style is smooth and seamless, each track carrying you to the next without you realizing it. Her flair for evoking nostalgia with a little bit of excitement is one of her special musical abilities. She practices a similar style when working on her original music. She wants listeners to have that familiar feel, while also making them seem like they are about to experience something completely new at the same time. The Serato campaign follows her journey from her childhood to navigating today’s DJ scene.
What feeling do you get when you DJ? What is the most fulfilling part for you?
“Being the heartbeat of the party, bringing people joy through music, and creating a space for enjoyment and memories to be created. It gives me purpose, a sense of responsibility, and it gives me so much joy to be able to do it.”
How does it feel to work with Serato on this campaign, and what are your favorite Serato music production tools?
“It was an honor to work with Serato and to be featured alongside Dana Lu and Natasha Diggs. They’re both women I admire, and it’s an incredible feeling to be recognized for our work. From Scratch Live to Serato DJ to stems to Studio – it feels like I’ve grown as a DJ with the brand in real-time.”
Who are some women in the music industry who you feel inspire others, and who are some who influenced you early on in your career?
“I want to specifically give Jasmine Solano and Hourglass their flowers. They were two women who looked out for me and gave me advice and opportunities very early in my career. They bring their community together, uplift women, have the biggest hearts, and continue to inspire me.”
What has been your biggest accomplishment in your career so far?
“I’ve been able to open for some incredible artists, including Major Lazer, Kehlani, Lil Nas X, Smino, Big Freedia, and so many more. Receiving an Emmy nomination as an artist has probably been the biggest recognition I’ve received.”
What projects do you have in the works, and what’s next for you in terms of your career?
“I’m working on my 3rd project as an artist that will be released in May. I also have a big DJ announcement that will also be released in May. I’m excited!”
What is something you hope to achieve career-wise in the near future?
“My dream is to win a Grammy, but honestly, whatever God wills for my life. I feel like I’ve already had experiences I could have never even imagined for myself. Everything at this point feels like a bonus level. I’m extremely grateful.”
What advice would you give a young girl hoping to break into the industry one day?
“Don’t feel the need to compare yourself to others. Your time will come, I promise. Keep working hard, ask questions, find mentors, build your community, be a good person, and enjoy the journey.”
Meet Natasha Diggs
Hailing from Brooklyn, Natasha Diggs is known as the 45 Queen. She is a special curator of vibes, playing what she loves and impressing the crowd with her intuitive sound. Diggs defies what it means to be a conventional DJ. Her eclectic range, deep knowledge, and love of music stem from her teenage years. As a shy and introverted teenager, Diggs spent much of her time collecting records. Days would be spent unearthing musical gems anywhere she could find them, from thrift stores to flea markets.
She turned her bedroom into a sanctuary full of music. Those daily trips would jumpstart her deep love for the art of music, and she would go on to meet her first DJ partner and now close friend Gizmo. Gizmo encouraged her to pursue her love for music outside of her bedroom, telling her, “You have to share this with the world.” The rest was history.
More than a DJ, she is a musical enchantress; her sets transform moods and transcend genres. She is a “frequency shifter,” challenging the norms set within a male-dominated industry. Being a Serato fan from the beginning, I believe this is truly a full-circle moment for Diggs to be a part of the “Women to the Front” campaign.
How does it feel to work with Serato on this campaign, and what are your favorite Serato music production tools?
“It feels amazing to be a part of such an important campaign centering around women and their stories and journeys in this DJ world. I’ve been a Serato user from almost the very beginning, when it first dropped and completely changed the game, and I’m so grateful to the entire team, who has been so supportive throughout my career. They’ve always made themselves available to troubleshoot with me no matter what global time zone I’m in. Serato Sample and Stems are two super fun and accessible production tools even if you have zero previous experience.”
How would you describe your unique musical style and beatmaking?
“I play what I love; it doesn’t matter the genre or decade. I feel good music is timeless. I love to incorporate my different tastes into any set so you will rarely hear me playing just one genre the entire night. The same goes for making music. I’m inspired by so much music from around the globe that I could never limit myself to one style. With the art of DJing, I have the philosophy of giving them a little of what they want and then feeding them what they need.”
What feeling do you get when you DJ? What is the most fulfilling part for you?
“DJing has always been a place of refuge and joy. Even if I’m feeling sad or off, I can use music as a way of transmuting my emotions and energy. It serves as a release and an elevation. The most fulfilling part is to see that apart from elevating my spirit, it has the potential to also lift the vibration of an entire room; to facilitate and conduct a space where people can be embodied and dance together is truly a spiritual and beautiful thing.”
What have been some challenges that you’ve faced as a female DJ? And what are some stereotypes that you think have plagued female DJs?
“It’s definitely been a boy’s world and I had to toughen up a lot to gain respect early in my career, but literally, I don’t see being a female DJ as a challenge as much as I see it being a blessing and a gift. Sure there are gonna be those naysayers and people who claim that you only got that gig cuz you’re a girl or you’re cute but I can’t let the fact that you might be intimidated by my divine feminine power bother me. I love being a woman adding softness and beauty to every room I enter. Women bring necessary feminine energy and balance into the world. Feminine energy is more centered on nurturing and healing and that is the energy the world is truly in need of right now.”
What has been your biggest accomplishment in your career so far?
“I’ve had so many beautiful moments in my career and yet I still feel like I’m just getting started, but I will say just the satisfaction and joy of bringing people together through the parties I’ve been a part of building. Soul in the Horn, which apart from being my DJ residency serves as a platform to elevate our music, dance, and build an artist community. My summer event series Dance is Life – a free community-driven outdoor dance party centered around preserving and honoring the tradition of Latin Hustle and making a truly accessible space for all to gather, commune, dance and get free. Both of these are so special to me for the beautiful communities they have spawned and the healing and positive impact they have had on so many people.“
Who are some women in the music industry who you feel inspire others, and who are some who influenced you early on in your career?
“So many…I think for me seeing any woman walking in their truth and unique power is inspiring. In a traditionally male-dominated field it’s important that we not just try and be like the dudes, but do things with our own style and divine feminine touch. I’m inspired by women like Diana Ross, Grace Jones, Donna Summer, Lady Miss Kier, and Erykah Badu who have been fearless in their vision and evolution as artists. As a DJ I was super inspired by Queens like Spinderella & Cocoa Chanelle who embodied their femininity but were so baaad at what they did. Even before we became friends, DJ Rashida was a super inspiration for me. Not only is she an incredible DJ with impeccable eclectic taste, but she is also a style icon, and seeing her traveling the globe to paradise places playing with legends such as Prince, while simultaneously being featured in magazine spreads slaying, she gave me a vision for what could be possible for someone.”
What projects do you have in the works, and what’s next for you in terms of your career?
“For the first time, I will officially be releasing my own original music – with my first maxi single project coming out on vinyl this spring and more collaborations to follow this summer. As well as a slew of remixes throughout the year. I’m super excited to continue finishing and releasing some of the many projects I’ve been working on over the past few years..”
What advice would you give a young girl hoping to break into the industry one day?
“Follow your heart and tap into the things that excite you the most, feed your soul, and bring you joy. Trust your own unique path. You are not here to live anyone else’s story or life. It’s important to tap into your truest passions and not what you think you’re supposed to be doing Trust that everything is working out for you – even in those moments when you think it’s not – even in the rough times there are lessons to learn and so much growth that is taking you exactly where you need to be! Dream big!”
Serato launched their first product in 1999, and since then they’ve grown their community of millions of DJs, Producers, Engineers, Musicians, and music lovers in over 190 countries. Their mission has always been to provide the people who use their products with the best music experience possible. When they launched their “Women to the Front” campaign, it wasn’t only about the now, but to set the foundation of the future. “Women to the Front” is all about creating something lasting, so that other girls can see themselves in these phenomenal women. This campaign is pushing for change in the industry and it is inspiring it. Women are not only stepping to the front, they are taking the helm and leading the charge.
The campaign is now live!
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