So, Keri, what was your first exposure to electronic/dance music like?
Back in the late 80s - I use to listen to Egyptian Lover, Kyper and Stevie B. all the time. I was the girl you would see dancing on the huge 6 foot Mackie speakers that surrounded the dance floor. I miss those days.
What was going through your mind when you first saw a DJ performing?
Well, the very first DJ I saw spinning was a guy named Steve at this old school club called "rumors," he didn't beat match well but he tried.
Did you immediately know that this was something you wanted to do, or did it come along later down the road?
I never thought in a million years this would become my passion. I mean, I truly love it and it is rare to find something that you are so good at, that you love to do on a daily basis. When I started to DJ professionally I use to think "I can't believe I am getting paid to do what I love to do. This is amazing."
What has been the greatest obstacle you have overcome to get where you are today in the music industry?
My greatest obstacle is something I have to deal with on an everyday basis. It is so hard to trust people in this industry. Everyone wants something from you all the time. Whether it is basking in your "fame" and having boasting rights to tell their other friends, people wanting you to write music for them but not wanting to give you credit, people stealing your music and not paying you for it. It's always something. You simply have to be your own best friend and watch your back all the time to survive this industry because you can get eaten alive. I give my trust to people less and less for my own protection?
And the greatest asset to your success as well?
I have a foundation like no other - my husband is my rock, he keeps me grounded and driven. He helps me stay focused when I get overwhelmed. I truly can't praise him enough. When all else fails - he comes to my rescue every time. Without his continued support and love I would have never been able to achieve the amount of success I enjoy today.
How long have you been spinning records?
I have been spinning since 1994.
Producing?
I have been producing records since ’98.
Do you have any goals for the future?
Finishing up the last few tracks for my 3rd album, touring around China, Spain, Dominican Republic and Russia the rest of the year.
Acting?
Hmmm, would love to but that's kind of hard work to find in Atlanta.
Modeling?
All the time, usually for foreign magazines.
Anyone that you'd love to collaborate with musically or otherwise that you haven’t yet?
Well, Mea and I are actually collaborating on a track that I wrote. We are just trying to get our schedules to match up now. Which is hard because we are both busy as hell. I have been "chatting up" 3 Bad Bros, Seth Vogt, Russ Harris, Peter Haze, DJ Trashy and DJ Demonixx - many projects are being planned for the future with the artists mentioned above.
Who were your idols/heroes growing up?
I use to dream of being like "the boss" - that's right Ms. Diana Ross.
Who or what inspires you?
Now, there are several artists that really influence me greatly. I love Anggun, Sarah Mclachlan, Seal, George Michael has the voice of an angel.
How has your shoot in Playboy magazine affected your life and career? Positively?
It opened a few doors that were closed merely because I wasn't as popular as the "a" class heavyweights then.
Negatively?
Some men just thought of me as only eye candy and that I couldn't be taken seriously. I always shut them up when I get on the decks - I have proven myself a thousand times over so I really wasn't sweating the haters.
As a former Ms. Louisiana, you must be shocked and disturbed by the recent disaster Hurricane Katrina left. How has this tragedy affected you?
Well, I still have yet to hear from my family in New Orleans. I have a few cousins that live there and it's been a long time since I have spoken to them but they haven't even contacted anyone else in the family either so…We are all worried. I am sure that if something completely tragic would have occurred I would have heard something by now.
Your DJ/Diva career has brought you all over the world. Is there any one place that sticks out most in your mind that you’ve been?
Jakarta
Why?
They party harder than any place I have ever been to. Much harder than Amsterdam. Now that's saying something.
Any place that you haven’t played that you can’t wait to?
Australia or Ibiza
How do you feel about the stigma that some people have towards high profile female DJ's, such as the idea that you don’t need much talent as long as you look good on a flyer or magazine cover?
There are plenty of high profile female DJ's that don't look like fashion models. There are several female DJ's that do get booked simply because they are pretty and their face on a flyer may lure people to come to a club. If you just look good but don't have the goods to back up the hype you won't be invited back for another night of "trainwrecks."
According to your website you were enlisted in the US Air Force from 1991-1999, were you a pilot? Ever see any action'? What were your duties? Where were you stationed?
I was a surgical/med tech. I worked in the surgery clinic for most of my career. I never saw any "action" - I was on "standby" all the time. G'mato Bay. My last base was in Atlanta at Dobbins Arb. My favorite duty station was Mather AFB - it was small but so comfy.
Some people say that all great art or music is inspired by pain or hardship of some kind, are there any life experiences that you can think of that you specifically express through your music?
My music comes only from the heart - my 1st album "dreams" was really all about me growing up and becoming a woman, making mistakes and having regrets - realizing dreams and making them come true. My 2nd album "dream keeper" was a bit on the lighter side. Not so dark and depressing. It had many uplifting pieces and I was able to let go. This new album "skywalking" is about being in love and traveling the world. Being there for the people in your life and being the person who gives back not just taking. I took more time out and placed a lot of my soul into this new LP. I feel that people will see that not only in my lyrics but also in the quality of the production and the actual sound of the music.
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