Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Kelly Kel.
Hi DJ Kelly, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Humble beginnings started in 70’s in our family owned business. Each young sibling had a job in our business. My job was playing the music. I was very into music and watching the dancefloor full on each record I played was very inspiring. Additionally, thru-out my worldwide travels, I was exposed to various music scenes and opportunities that futhered my interest in the culture itself.
In the 2000’s, while DJing in North Carolina, the promoter who was also a friend, from New York kept hinting after various events that I needed to add house music to my playlists. It was this point that I began to research House Music, it’s origin, the culture and the music.
The vision for house music and my state came instantaneously. It was like a ‘Calling’ that I had no control over. There was a ‘Spirit’ that guided me through each idea and event. I collaborated briefly with others, however, they did not work out. I instantly proceeded forward and combined Underground House Music with Historic spaces here in south carolina’s capital city. There are so very many people from up north (New York, Baltimore, Jeresy, Chicago, Detriot) that are here in south carolina that grew up on authentic house music and they missed it so very much.
2018. I dropped a video stating who I was and I would be having a House Music Dance MLK Wknd in the center of south carolinal’s ‘Capital City’, the rest is history. The bldg was jammed packed with House Heads from ALL over the state and surrounding areas (NC, GA, TN). It was EPIC! A moment I will never forget.
We have so very many historic moments and legends to Bless with their gift of music: New York’s Joe Claussell, Louie Vega, Chicago’s Stacy Kidd, Duane Powell, Baltimore’s Teddy Douglas, Detroit’s Stacy ‘Hotwaxx’ Hale’ to name a few.
Our mission is simple: Providing the very best authentic, soulful, underground house music in South Carolina! This brings people together to spiritually dance, leaving it ALL on the dancefloor. Judgefree zone!
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?
Challenges were and still prevelant. It takes consistency and motivation to keep moving no matter what.
Venues are often unreliable, unobtainable or simply not a good reflection of the vibe.
Sponsors were often very hard to find due to the lack of knowledge of House Music and what it provides for the people mentally and physically.
The more successful events we were having, the more exposure we received and sponsors that are willing to help
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Professional, International DJ, Creator, Visionary, Platform Creator, Free Thinker
I specialize in versatility. I play a variety of genres and House Music has become my favorite
I am now known for actually bringining exposure and creating a successful underground, soulful house music scene to south carolina. No one had ever created the vibe as it is now to include international exposure, international DJs and recording artists, events on the beach and the south carolina state house.
I am most proud of simply having the courage, motivation and tenacity to have created such a masterpiece of love, peace and dance. It is incredible and monumental for our state as a whole.
What sets me apart from others is the love and willpower that I have in keeping this movement alive and moving here in south carolina. I love creating and gifting the love of this music to others. I do not need kudo’s, cliques, or anything that is not authentic to the freedom of dance and expression through house music.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
It is priviledge to provide authentic underground house music
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chmpsc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/columbia_house_music_project
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecolumbiahousemusicproject
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chmpsc?lang=en
