DJ Salenta Baisden

Greetings, Musicwoman Magazine Readers! Recently, I connected with DJ Salenta Baisden, in Brooklyn, NY. Salenta and my daughter Tamina Khyrah-joi grew up in Los Angeles and attended youth band and choir at First Baptist Church in North Hollywood. She performed piano recitals as a prolific classical piano student. I introduced her to jazz piano. Her dad is the late Edward Bernard Baisden Sr., my classmate at Berklee College of Music. He played trombone for Marvin Gaye, Gap Band, and Bobby Womack.

Salenta’s world is filled with music, public relations, recording, blogging, and she is a DJ. It has been my pleasure to watch her blossom into this lovely lady of music.

How long have you been a DJ? About 4 years. It’s been a beautiful journey. What was the 1st event where you were a DJ? Curry ‘n No Hurry at this old venue Kinfolk in Brooklyn, NY. My friend Kathy Lee curated the event. Who are the most famous artists you have worked for? Melanie Charles, Yaeji, Keiya A, and Foisey. What has been your most challenging moment? I had to re-learn to believe in myself and trust my gut. How many women have you worked with? Over 100. Do you have a different approach when working with women?

I do not, but I enjoy working with them more than men. Do you have a mentor or mentee? I have many Senseis in my life, including my dog, Chanel, who teaches me patience, love, and affection. Her love is reflected in my music and sound selections. What is your educational background and did you take any courses to become a Dj? I graduated from Northeastern University. I did not take any courses to become a DJ. I learned, by jumping on the decks and trusting my gut. I love spinning vinyl but I use Serato, CDJS, and Traktor. I learn as I go. There are courses at Building Beats that teaches students how to DJ and produce. Do you have a business or corporation? Yes, The PUSH or Pushing Underground Sounds Higher (@ thepushnyc. We curate events with underground artists in Brooklyn, NY. What is the largest budget you have worked with? I can’t reveal the budget but I can say that as The PUSH, we have booked artists for an all-women’s festival in Brooklyn that featured artists like Ravyn Lenae and G.L.A.M. Tell me about your team. My teammate is DJ Tatiana Spencer. Tati is from New York and I am from Los Angeles. We love all kinds of music and enjoy curating events. We are patient with one another and care about the quality of our work. Each show we curate is a valuable experience for the audience, the artist, and us. Do you play an instrument?

Yes, I play piano, since I was six. Also, I can kind of play the drums.

Salenta A. Baisden Pushing Underground Sounds Higher The PUSH | Foisey Mgmt | Music

Gail Jhonson, Music Contributor

Thirty years ago, Melba Joyce thought of a way to benefit her community, Harlem, New York. She organized a Women’s Jazz Festival to create greater opportunities for women in jazz to exploit their talent at a meaningful venue. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture hosted this program, during Women's History Month, on a Monday so that artists would not forfeit another gig. Most had Mondays off.

Melba reported that “All I needed to do was deal with the person who was in charge, who was known for ripping off your ideas. He tried. I won, or should I say, we won!

Although I was not present, the staff continued producing the festival for 30 years. The old director moved on and younger, more progressive minds, mostly women, took the lead. In Spring 2021, I reconnected with them. They were so excited and contracted me with all expenses paid to appear there in March 2022 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their Women in Jazz Festival.”

THE 3 LADIES OF BLUES

FAULKNER JOAN

JOAN FAULKNER