As someone who was born in music since literal birth (my dad played “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder in my hospital room when I was born), I’ve always known it was going to be a huge part of my life. In my early years of being a music lover, I didn’t realize the power it had in bringing people together until I started DJing when I was eleven years old. Ever since then, I’ve played for many people and I’ve loved every minute of it. I love playing all kinds of music (especially EDM) to spread love and positivity, and I hope to do it for a long time and a good time.
FEATURE
Written by Robyn Jordan, featured on argotsoul.com
DJ RAQUEL
@dj_raquel_ As a college student that’s been in the game for nearly a decade, DJ Raquel may be the region’s youngest DJ with the most experience. She even got to play at her own prom.
DJ Raquel is motivated by her musical family, especially her father. One of her first experiences DJing was for the Salt Bowl, a competition between two football teams in Saline County.
At 11 years old, her dad who was DJing the event asked her to play for a few minutes in his absence. Once Raquel decided to play what she wanted, the crowd loved her music, she says. As soon as her dad noticed, he planted the seed for her to start taking DJing more seriously.
With more than 100 shows and years of collaborating and performing under her belt, DJ Raquel aims to “make [her audience] forget” their troubles and help them feel exhilarated, free and overall hype. Even though she’s experienced in catering to various audiences, DJ Raquel says she feels like her mature and true self when she’s playing EDM, House, “gritty” and “hardcore” music.
As a student studying marketing at the University of Arkansas and as the co-executive vice president of marketing and media for Hill Records, the student-run label at the university, Raquel won’t only be making waves as a DJ in the area, but she’ll be attracting fresh musical talent that’s much needed in Northwest Arkansas.
Young and wise, Raquel knows “if you love something, just do it.” She wants to show others she belongs on stage just as much as the next person does. DJ Raquel also wants to see more Black women playing House music and says it’s important to change the narrative of what a DJ looks like.
