Today we’d like to introduce you to KC Mackey
Hi KC, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a St. Louis-based DJ, event organizer, karate teacher, and activist. My focuses are building support for black farmers, and solidarity with African and Palestinian and all indigenous peoples’ liberation.
I was born in Rockville, Maryland and raised in Dallas, TX. I am very grateful for the support I got from my family in pursuing my interests. From an early age I remember being very uneasy about the problems I saw in the world and wanted to be a change-maker. My mom instilled that sense of service in me in an early age and was big on volunteering at our church.
My interest in music started early too. On the way to soccer practice and Tae Kwon Do tournaments, my dad played me everything from Motown to Pink Floyd to 90s house anthems. I loved dancing with my friends and playing DDR at the mall. By high school, my favorite thing to do was drive around and listen to albums with my friends- Daft Punk, M.I.A., Gorillaz, Radiohead.
I ended up surrounding myself with the queer artists, which became a trend for the rest of my life, especially when I moved to Boston for college. I became even more politicized, more creatively inspired, and after graduating college, I immersed myself in the Boston music scene as a DJ, event organizer, and fundraiser.
Learning from and organizing with the the activist community of Boston , and in particular the Uhuru Movement, had a big impact on me, and I finally felt like I had the answers and mentors I needed to contribute to this vision of a different kind of world – one free from oppression and colonial capitalism, and instead based on cooperation and collaboration, and restoring our connection to the earth.
It was a no-brainer when I was asked to moved to St. Louis to build support for the Uhuru Movement’s Black Power Blueprint: an economic development project in North St. Louis. I’ve lived here for 7 years and feel very aligned with my purpose. Joining a dojo and becoming a karate teacher brought me back to that purpose when I had lost my way. Working for the movement’s Farmers Market last summer brought me on the path of supporting black farmers to end food apartheid. And being a part of the St. Louis music community, and in particular the DJ scene, feels so special like I scored a jackpot with this lifetime.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I was younger I remember feeling pressure to change myself to fit in better in white, straight, Christian, Dallas private school. But I just couldn’t do it. I loved being an artist and a nerd, and I realized this thing I was trying to be part of, wasn’t even aligned with my core values. I witnessed a lot of anti-black racism and Islamophobia before I even knew there was a name for oppression. It grossed me out, and I remember being confused a lot. Growing up in a mostly white private school ended up teaching me how NOT to be.
I’ve made a lot of mistakes on this journey. White people by default are socialized as the oppressors, and I’ve used political education as a means to break down worldview and rebuild it again, so I can be a force of solidarity. It’s important to get uncomfortable and deal with the world’s uncomfortable truths in order to truly internalize change. It’s important to face and know history so we know how to heal this parasitic relationship.
There’s no escaping the reality that white people are colonizers on stolen native land. This whole system was built on slavery and colonialism. I hate being a taxpayer in the bloody US empire. It makes me sick living at the expense of the rest of humanity. That’s why solidarity with Black Power and indigenous liberation globally should be part of every white person’s identity. I want to stand on the right side of history and live with integrity and not be afraid to speak the truth.
There was a time where I let myself become hopeless and demoralized and lose myself in the process. I lost my confidence, self-esteem, and ability to handle greater responsibilities as an adult. I truly lost my way and stopped doing the things that brought me joy and purpose.
I found myself again through joining a Karate Dojo, and after 2 years of training, I was afforded the opportunity to pursue a long-time dream of mine- working with kids. I’m now an instructor to the youth, and improving as a teacher all the time as I pursue my own training. The discipline and mental strength I’ve had to build back up, allowed me to crawl myself out of that dark place and live a life I’m proud of. I poured that new energy and confidence back into my activism and DJing, and have gotten to be part of some amazing projects, parties, and fundraisers. I will eternally feel indebted to the dojo and my sensei’s for helping me turn my life back around.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I feel really proud of my DJ career. 7 years of experience is the greatest tool I have. Hours and hours and years of practice, knowledge of music, and every kind of gig imaginable.
My success is owed to so many amazing people around me, that I met through networking, attending all the DJ workshops and meetups I could find, and going to parties with music I love, and parties where I knew I’d discover new music- always turning up on the dance floor as my favorite way to support other DJs.
This past year, I hired by the esteemed Spin Society DJ’s, an award-winning, black-owned DJ company that I feel proud to represent. Chris and Marco have opened up a lot of avenues for me, which keep me on my toes and pushing myself as a creative.
I also got to the play the Lot Radio with Dee Diggs.
And in St. Louis, I’ve thrown 3 disco parties called DIVA, and have a fourth one planned for September 6th!
I also brought back a fundraiser I organized called Peace Through Revolution, and am playing another fundraiser for a local farmer’s irrigation system planned for October 4th – look out for the party called Drip Like Water!
Now my focus is recording more mixes, as well as advanced skills like scratching and juggling.
I believe that a real DJ can play on any setup. When I was first getting started, It was very important for me to learn how to DJ vinyl and build a solid record collection as part of expanding my musical taste and knowledge.
My love of music runs deep and only deepens every day. For a while, all I played was house, disco, and techno. Since moving to St. Louis and studying other DJs here, I’ve challenged myself to become open format and able to play any party – drum and bass, reggaeton, rnb and slow jams, anything.
I think what makes me a dope DJ though is my roots as a regular clubber, and I understand the importance of the DJ creating an emotional experience with music. It takes a lot of love, care, and focus.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
It’s very important to believe in yourself and put yourself out there and find good mentors. There’s a lot more resources now than when I first started. Spin Society DJs for example, is in its 2nd year of hosting monthly DJ workshops specifically geared to give advice for beginners – from the craft of DJing, to music organization, to networking and promoting yourself. I honestly believe that my dedicated attendance to these events allowed more artists and promoters to notice me. They saw my genuine desire to support them, learn from them, and ultimately work with them.
People notice politeness, integrity, and good work ethic. When people see potential in you, they want to pour their knowledge into you and get to feel proud of what you do with it.
Go out and find those mentors! There’s no reason to start out alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hopp.bio/spinsocietydjs
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djkc_mackey_/
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/resisdance
Image Credits
@2ndstoryvisuals
