Meet Spinelli | DJ + Community Activist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Spinelli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Spinelli, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success as a whole, is intention. I honestly believe that is the root of what makes or breaks a lot of success stories. Now, I don’t measure success solely on merit even though it does play a part but something about having pure intentions when it comes to what you do or who you are, allows you to shine differently than all the rest.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Most people don’t consider djing an art but it absolutely is. It’s the art of sharing someone else’s art and sonically blending it together with another artist’s creation; all for the purpose of collective movement and expression. The whole process is really magical to be honest.

What sets me apart from others though, is my intention on what I’m doing and my focus while doing it. Before every gig, I meditate and say a prayer– like a food blessing over what I’ve prepared to create. I really feel that music + community is healing and a necessity for life, so my focus is on sounds, rhythm and frequencies as I believe that is the best to heal from the inside out.

What I am most proud about is my perseverance, belief in myself, and the fact that I choose everyday to make people feel good. What I love about the process is the even exchange of energy between the crowd and myself and in that, I get to heal too. Now how I got here professionally was an accumulation of tiny, tiny baby steps. It’s literally been one step at a time and a whole learning process simultaneously that was not easy! I will admit that I can be somewhat of a lazy person at times but Bill Gates said “I choose a lazy person to do a hard job. Because a lazy person will find an easy way to do it.” So I kind of developed that motto especially in the beginning of my journey. Whenever I was presented with a challenge, I would literally find the easiest, most efficient way to do it. But as time went on I learned when it comes to your calling, there are no short-cuts.

What I would like the world to know about my story is: it doesn’t matter where you come from, what you look like, how old you are, what resources you’re starting with or when you start– as long as you choose to commit to yourself, understand its a process and create with pure intention, you can go as far as you want to go and do whatever you’re moved to.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To me the best things to do in Miami is anything water related! Throughout the week we would do a combination of kayaking at Oleta River, an 8hr boat tour with the works, and maybe a day in the Keys or Naples for a good sunset. As far as good eats, I haven’t tried every restaurant I’ve wanted to in Miami but some of my faves are SugarCane, Gyu-Kaku, House of Mac, House of Flavor, LoveLife Cafe, Red Rooster and Moshi-Moshi if you’re in need of some fried rice at 4am. Now as far as hanging out and catching a vibe we would chill at 1-800-Lucky, Soho Beach House, The Urban, or on the roof of the Citadel.

In my opinion some of the coolest gems in Miami are Wynwood as a whole, South Pointe, the Frost Museum of Science and Historic Overtown. The city is super diverse and has a lot to offer as far experiences go. Since I’m not from here I’m sure there’s much more I’m not aware of but I look forward to uncovering whatever else is in store.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I first want to shoutout and give thanks to myself! I’ve never formally given myself credit and rarely express it on a daily basis. I’ve been blessed with the talent of speaking spiritual rhythms with my hands in order to bring all different walks of life together in unison & harmony, what a life!

Even though I am the one solely responsible for digging for music, creating crates, rocking the party and managing my brand, there are a few people I would like to highlight:

Dion Griffiths | DJ Spawn – a DJ college friend of mine who I admired and looked up to as a musical artist. I reached out to him when I wanted to learn how to DJ. He let me come to his home at any time, stay until any time and play as loud as I wanted. He pushed me to be better by putting me in situations that got me out of my comfort zone. He’s a mentor to me and we still speak until this day. Dion, thank you for everything.

Sukii – I want to shout her out because she really was my biggest support system for the last four years, which has been the bulk of my DJ journey. People never see or know what goes on behind the scenes to put on a great show and she was there for all of it. My alarm clock, personal chef, someone who motivated me, supported the DJ lifestyle, was a clutch player and probably my biggest fan. Thank you for always seeing me at my full potential. Love.

Freedom Hall – This is a group of people, who became my family. I’m originally from New York and when I moved down to Miami in 2015, I knew no one. I met this group of people a year later and it’s been UP ever since. They have supported me so much so that they are now spoiled when I’m not playing. I cannot thank you all enough for your genuine love and tribe vibe. Love ya’ll forever. S/o to James Klynn, Larren Mellerson, Shedine Lawrence, Keesha Morisma, Tiffton Meares, Passion Ward, & Taylor Crosley.

MIAMI – Last but certainly not least, thank you for adopting me and loving me as your own. The city gravitated towards me with open arms and I’m forever grateful for that. Peace!

Website: https://spinellisounds.wixsite.com/spinellidj

Instagram: @iamSpinelli

Twitter: @iam_spinelli

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamspinelli

Image Credits
Passion Ward Julian Cassady Franciso de Pablo Rashaud Michél Vacant Imagination