Magzoid Magazine - Luxury Magazine in the Creative Space | April 2023

Interview
DJ Lana Scolaro
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.
- Exclusive to Magzoid
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
the audience is always fully immersed in
the music.
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 set 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.
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.
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.
How do you stay motivated and inspired
82 April 2023
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