When two worlds collide there is an effect of uncontaminated exhilaration, new experiences and a routine that only one could dream of. Chasseur Magazine had the opportunity to sit down with model turned DJ Traci D. also known as DJ TRACE. Juggling both lifestyles of a music maven and fashion muse, she is an exceptional representation of thrilling and breathtaking. Catapulted from small town girl to the hit of the big city, NYC has surely embraced DJ TRACE while the rest of the world is rightly catching on.
First off, how did you get involved in modeling only to take such a new turn as a DJ?
I was at a beauty supply store and a modeling agent approached me at a young age. However, DJing has always been something I thought frequently about. Being that I have always controlled the radio in the car, I figured it would be fun and unique profession.
What brought you to NYC?! What were you in search of?
My agency in Missouri brought me to NYC. I was 18 and they wanted me to come to NYC to meet with APM and model here. They said I had a future here. So I came here and didn’t know a soul. Was hard for awhile but then met some amazing friends that I still have today. Wasn’t really in search of anything. Wanted to model and work and loved the unknown.
Do models really know how to party in NYC?
Models know how to party because you get unlimited amount of free drinks, free trips to beautiful places, invites to all the best parties, clubs, events. I never was a huge partier. But I have had my share of free trips to Miami and Bahamas. Stayed on yachts in the middle of Bahama water. Partied at the best clubs around the world. Probably best was all the nights in Miami. Not a specific night.
Growing up did you ever imagine taking part in either of these professions?
I had no idea I would be a model in NYC still to this day I’m surprised. I was just some girl growing up in St. Charles Missouri. Modeling and going to school. I definitely didn’t know I would be dj’n here. It’s amazing.
Being that music is a big part of the modeling world & fashion what is your favorite childhood memory with music?
My favorite memory of music would have to be when I was 21/22 headed to Hamptons and controlling the radio station and my best girl friends in the back cracking jokes and calling me DJ trace. The name stuck I guess ha. No childhood memories. I didn’t know much more except that I loved playing hip hop in my car loud haha.
How were you introduced to the DJing world?
I found a guy at a Turntable Lab in the East Village. He ended up giving me lessons in January. I took lessons for 5 hours a week, which began, assisted with my skills.
Was it a frightening transition into DJing?
Yes, it was very frightening transitioning into DJing. It is a responsibility making sure that the audience is having a great time. Frankly, it is evident when a DJ is not doing a GREAT job, which can result into not getting hired back for another gig.
What is the biggest difference between modeling and DJing?
One big difference is the “feeling” The feeling on anxiousness before a runway last 20-30 seconds. While with DJin it’s the entire set where emotions are running high. The excitement lasts the entire time.
What is your favorite song to spin? Is there a certain song that gets the crowd going?
My favorite song to spin is “Insomnia” By: Lazy Rich. Also, a song that gets the crowd going is “Reload” because of its quite break before getting loud and exciting for the crowd.
What is next for DJ TRACE?
Next is a lot more gigs. I never say no right now. I would like to practice more and get better. I also would like to get into producing tracks in the future and hopefully DJing at festivals like Electric Zoo.