We’re Not the Problem — We’re the Shift

There’s a pattern I’ve seen over and over again:
You speak up.
You name the thing nobody else wants to name.
You hold people accountable.
You call out the egos, the gatekeeping, the micro-aggressions, the weirdo behavior...
And suddenly...to the weak and insecure you become “the problem.”

But here’s the truth:
Speaking up is not the problem, no matter who tries to tell you otherwise.
If they do? They’re the problem.
That’s a red flag...and it’s worth paying attention to.

We’re not the problem.
We’re the solution.
We’re the shift.
We’re the uncomfortable truth walking into the room refusing to play small.

And I’ve seen what happens when we speak up.
The moment I say something out loud, the energy shifts....
Not because I’m just talking to talk,
But because what I’m saying needs to be said.
And most of the time, others were already thinking it.

The energy doesn’t shift because someone says, “You’re right.” Or because they apologize. That would require actual self-reflection.

What they do instead is try to prove me wrong ...without ever addressing me.

Suddenly, the DJ they were bad-mouthing? She gets booked again.
Suddenly, they’re promoting talented women DJs...instead of only booking their boys, or artists who are good but not better than them, or who won’t steal the spotlight.
Suddenly, the lineups get a little more diverse.
Suddenly, the exact thing I said needed to happen… starts happening.

Not because they grew.
Because they got exposed.

They didn’t shift their mindset...
They shifted their behavior because someone finally made it visible.

And you know what?
I’ll take that.

I’m not here for credit.
I’m not here for praise.
I’m not here to boost anyone’s ego ...including my own.
I’m here for the impact.

If speaking up makes even one person rethink how they’re moving in this scene...that’s a win.
If it makes one venue owner ask, “Why do my lineups all look the same?” ....that’s progress.
If it reminds people that women DJs aren’t just openers, or backups, or there to play it safe...

then I’ve done something that matters.

Because here’s the thing:

Real change doesn’t come from comfort.
It comes from friction.
From truth.
From people who give a shit and are willing to speak up, even when it would be easier to stay quiet.

And me? I don’t like living in regret.
I have to speak.
Not for drama. Not for clout.
But because I actually care deeply about this culture, this community, this craft.

I care about the people coming up behind me who need someone to clear the path.
I care about women who think they’re alone in this.
I care about any DJ or artist who’s felt this energy and didn’t know how to navigate it, or were scared of the outcome if they did.
I care about building something better than what we were given.

Yes, I speak from my experience as a woman..but I know I’m not the only one who’s felt this. Anyone who’s been dismissed, minimized, or held back just for showing up in their full power? This is for you too.
I care about building something better than what we were given.

Because the crowd?
They don’t need our ego.
They need a good time.
They don’t want to feel intimidated or embarrassed for making a request...especially by DJs with “No Requests” signs or bad attitudes.
And honestly… if you're not there for the crowd, who are you really there for?

(A good question and maybe one for another blog.)

The crowd wants to dance.
They want DJs who are approachable...not DJs trying to play rockstar while making people feel small.

Our job is to create unforgettable experiences.
Spaces where people feel safe, seen, and free.

So if you ever feel like you’re the problem...
Or if you’re scared to speak up when something isn’t right?

Don’t be.
Reach out to the ones you see speaking truth.
And if they’re real ones, they’ll support you too.

Let me remind you:
You are not the problem.
You are the mirror.
You are the spark. .
You are the reason change even has a chance.

People who benefit from the imbalance will always try to make you feel bad for rocking the boat.
But sometimes? The boat needs to be rocked.

I truly believe music can change the world.
And I lose respect for artists who stay silent while the world is on fire.
But that’s another topic for another blog.

For now?

Keep speaking.
Keep showing up.
Keep calling it what it is.

Because the more of us who do, the harder it becomes to ignore.
We are more powerful than they want to admit .. especially when we stand together.
And the louder our voices get, the more the silence breaks.

We don’t speak up to destroy.
We speak up to rebuild something better.

And whether they like it or not?

It’s already happening.