You’ve seen her in some of our past look books but did you know she was also a DJ? Allow us to introduce the very beautiful, the very talented Miss Darlene Garcia aka DJ ASTREA:

DJ Astrea pictured in the Acrylick Spring 2010 lookbook

Acrylick: Why “DJ Astrea”?

Astrea: Well since I was really young people have called me “DarStar” “Star” and “Starlene” but those weren’t names I chose or ever really liked. A friend of mine told me the story of “Astrea” from greek mythology. Astrea is one of Zues’ daughters. She roamed the earth during the Golden Era. She did a lot of good for people while she was here. When her beauty passed and she got older Zeus put her amongst the stars and she now makes the Virgo constellation. When I heard that story I knew that was it, she was me.

Acrylick: We’ve heard your start in DJ’ing was a little accidental, yet nonetheless interesting. Can you tell us about it?

Astrea: I sure can! Well, I used to go watch my friends “Parallel” rap and record in the studio back in the day. I remember studying DJ Deprave to try and figure out what he was doing behind the tables. I remember being so confused, like wondering why he had to listen into the headphones and stuff like that. I got really curious and asked him to teach me for $20 an hour. He agreed but made me promise that I wouldn’t buy Serato until after I got the hang of spinning on straight vinyl so I did and I’m so glad I learned the hard way. I remember being addicted in the beginning. It took me a good year to get it and I didn’t get Serato till then.

Acrylick: That’s great that you learned the true art of turntablism first. What kind of music do you spin?

Astrea: I began spinning a lot of old school, classic hip hop, and funk because that’s what I love but as soon as I started spinning I was always requested to spin Top 40. So I did and I began to hate it. I felt cheap. I also felt like I was sacrificing my art and I really felt like an iPod. Very recently I decided that I’m gonna stay true to myself and only spin the music that I want to which really means no more clubs. That was something that I had been battling with for a while because the money is so good, but I was blessed with other ways of expressing myself artistically and making money like modeling, acting and hosting. I’ll never be a starving artist.

Acrylick: What’s your set up?

Astrea: Mixer: Vestax Tables: Technic 1200′s, Headphones: Technics Laptop: Macbook Pro

Acrylick: Have you done any mixtapes? Collabs?

Astrea: In the past every time I had tried to put together a mix I would use a lot of dance music I didn’t really like because that’s what promoters want to hear. I’d listen to it over and over again and would obsess and want to change a million little things about it so I’d never release them. I think that’s because my heart wasn’t with it. I made one this week. Its called “Live at the Lion’s Den” it’s a live mix done on one take. It’s all the music I love. When you’re doing the right thing I think it just comes easy like that.

Acrylick: Who are your influences?

Astrea: When I began taking DJ’in seriously I took classes at Scratch Academy in LA. It was founded by the late, great Jam Master Jay. He’s definitely the first that comes to mind when I get asked that question. DJ Shortee because she’s amazing not just ‘for being a girl DJ’ she’s better than many guys.Another big influence is my mother, she raised me all by herself and put me through private school while cleaning houses for a living. When I get lazy, I think of her and how hard she works.

Acrylick: What keeps you going?

Astrea: GOOD MUSIC!

Acrylick: Have you ever had a rough night w/ the crowd?

Astrea: Of course. Someone once told me, “You can’t please everyone or you’ll go crazy”. That’s so true! Very recently I played a party where at the very end of the night they wanted to hear some cumbia’s (mexican music). I didn’t have anything like that with me. They got upset and were yelling at me. I wanted to die. I still cringe when I think of that night!

Acryick: What does it mean to you, to be a female deejay in the industry?

Astrea: It feels really good. Of course it comes with a lot, like being stereotyped especially if you’re cute. People make assumptions and stuff but that’s ok because it keeps us on our toes and makes us work harder.

Acrylick: What challenges have you found in your work?

Astrea: I think the whole, coming to terms with the fact that I didn’t want to spin at the club anymore was a big one. The money can be great, but it was wearing on my heart. I’m so much happier now that I’m being true to myself.

Acrylick: What keeps you motivated?

Astrea: My need to share good music and my need to express myself artistically.

Acrylick: Words for new & aspiring female deejays?

Astrea: NEVER EVER EVER EVER GIVE UP. It can be really challenging in the beginning but if you really want it and keep it you’ll get it. Also, learn on real vinyl! My 4 year old niece learned how to spin Serato in 10 minutes playing around with it. What happens when you’re computer doesn’t work???

Acrylick: We have seen many DJ’s fall off because they were never able to balance the DJing side vs. the partying. How do you find balance?

Astrea: Its not easy. You walk into the booth and there are shots, bottles and other party favors waiting for you. My advice is have 1 drink if you must to calm your nerves but save the partying for after your gig.

Acrylick: Current top 5 favorite artsts? 

Astrea: Right now I’m listening to a lot of Carlos Santana, The Doors, The Rolling Stones, Lyrics Born, Lauryn Hill.

Acrylick: Where can one go to watch you spin? Any residencies?

Astrea: I’ve spun at big clubs like Pure in Vegas and the Highlands in Hollywood but no residencies yet. I’d like to get one at a lounge where I can play different stuff; music that people can bop their head to. I know that now that I’m DJ’ing for the right reasons everything is going to come together and I can continue to share good music like I was meant to.

Acrylick: Shout outs/ Recognitions?

Astrea: Shout outs to my family, Parallel Crew, DJ Deprave for being my 1st teacher and ‘Lawjik One’ for always supporting and believing I could do it when I wasn’t sure I could.

THANKS  TO ACRYLICK FOR LETTING ME SHARE MY STORY! I LOVE YOU GUYS!

For more information on DJ Astrea please visit http://djastrea.com
Follow: twitter.com/djASTREA

Live at the Lions Den by DJ Astrea
DOWLOAD HER MIX “LIVE AT THE LION’S DEN”:  HERE