Gia is a Techno/House music DJ from the city of Detroit. House music is a high tempo sound created by black people in the 80's. It was played in dance clubs to keep people dancing. It has roots in disco, funk, and techno.
Q: Thank you so much for your time Gia! Let's start from the beginning. When you were a little girl, what did you want to be?
A: When I was younger I wanted to be an artist. I didn’t know how I’d sustain myself with it though. I feel like my younger self would be surprised. I learned more than what I had ever imagined. I didn’t know that I would get into construction, and still be artistic. I still strive to be artistic. Expressing myself though art makes me happy.
Q: I'm happy to you proved yourself wrong and are now doing what you always wanted to do! Besides being an awesome DJ, what other creative projects are you working on?
A:I am a naturally, artistic person. I studied architecture and when I left college I felt like I didn’t really know how things went together. I started working for a construction company doing renderings. I began to learn about the construction of things. I moved to a loft because it felt like a creative space. I decided to not buy any furniture just create it. I created a sectional, a sofa table, a dinning table, and a book case. I also do projects for other people per request. I wanted to bring forth the designs that I had inside my head.
Q: Wow that's amazing! What is inspiring you now?
A: At the moment I am inspired by other DJs. When I go to a dance club, I'm not there for the drinks or hook ups. I am there to pay attention to the DJ. I'm usually listening to how they blend the tracks that they play, how the audience responds to the whats being played, even how the DJ is vibing to their own tunes. I am usually learning from and vibing with the DJ. Stuff like that inspires me.
Q: What advice would to give to someone who aspires to be a DJ?
A: Get out there. Start in your spare time. Try some DIY tutorials. Look at youtube videos on how to DJ. Ask someone to teach you. Hang around DJs.
Q: Great advice! So I peeked at your Instagram and saw that you are an avid world traveler. Where have you been so far?
A: Iceland, Santorini, Athens, Mykonos, Rome, Italy, Isreal, Amsterdam, London, South Africa, Ghana, Guyana, China, Belize, Jamaica, Toronto and Niagra Falls
Q: YOU BETTA TRAVEL THE WORLD HUNTY! Which of those destinations was your favorite?
A: My favorite trip was to China. We flew to China then flew internally though out the nation. I loved listening to the soft language and feeling like a celebrity because everyone wanted to take a picture with us since our complexions were so different.
Q: I have heard that black people typically enjoy "celebrity status" in China haha. Sounds like you took it well. Since you have traveled so much, can you tell me what was your biggest travel fail & win?
A: My biggest travel fail was going to Cancun with my mom. I was beyond bored. We stayed on a resort which was centered around a nuclear family. They didn’t know how to handle us. Especially when it came time to try and sell more trip packages to us at the end. They were used to a man being there. We obviously didn’t nee-d one. Weird vibes.
I had the biggest travel win, when I went out west for a Geology class. Daily for two months we hiked, camped, and learned about the environment by being in the environment. Visited about 15 states, many national park. It was a surreal experience. It opened my eyes to the beauty of America.
Q: I remember Geology field trips! Exploring is super fun. Now I know you have been a lot of places, but if you could choose to go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: For some reason I’ve really been feigning to go to Egypt. I really want to see the pyramids. I also recently learned that China has pyramids. I’d go there. My dream vacations would be mountains, clear blue water, hot weather, and outdoor activities, and lots of techno music with people dancing to it. I have even been thinking of going to Ibiza.
Q: Any upcoming travel plans?
A: I am looking to go to Europe to check out the electronic music scene and the architecture. Then Guyana, and Suriname to visit a friend.
Q: Back to your craft. What inspired you to take the first step into being a DJ?
A: Fate. And my portfolio. Also passion.
Q: If you could look at your career as a DJ thus far, what would you say has been your most rewarding moment?
A: The most rewarding part of my career is seeing people vibe with me while I DJ. My goal when I am behind the board is to make people dance. When I see the crowd vibin', I know that I am playing the right music and headed in the right direction.
Q: What advice would you give to the Flyy Girl that has someone who has big dreams, wants to move on them but is afraid?
A: Do it!! Start small, just start!What inspired you to take the first step?
Q: Tell the Flyy Fam about your upcoming events, how can we support you?
Well tomorrow 8/18 I will be DJing at the African World Festival. Wednesday 8/22 I will be featured on "Spread Your Music to the World" on Tap Radio broadcast from 5 to 7pm with DJ Dos Lopez. Starting September 26th, I will be doing a monthly DJ residency at Willis Showbar in Detroit. You can obtain more info about the location, tix prices, and line up @ giadetroit.
Q: Where can we find you online to support you?
You can find me at @giadetroit for all things techno. And @growineachday for lifestyle, furniture, etc. I am on all social media platforms.
Thank you so much for your time Gia! I look forward to hearing you spin again real soon!