My shows are never a specific genre unless requested by the host.” She notes that she’s found it difficult to break into the southeast Minnesota DJing scene— something she hasn’t experienced in Atlanta, where she spends about half her time. “People here are more likely to hire someone they’re comfortable with—someone who looks and sounds like them.” While other DJs are able to get hired simply by listing their prices on a website, Tastik finds herself working hard to convince potential clients that she’s a legitimate option. “In Atlanta, I work with well-known artists and entrepreneurs with no problem. The ‘Oh-my-gawd! It’s a girl’ and ‘Whoa—she’s brown!’ thing doesn’t happen.” Tastik describes her performance style as “loud, extremely comfortable and a little bit crazy.” While most DJs prefer to sit back and press play, Tastik likes to travel the room,
encouraging the crowd to let loose and have some fun. “I’ll walk up to Grandpa and tell him to shake his booty with me!” Given her background in performance, dance, acting and even stunt work, it’s no surprise that Tastik takes an active role while entertaining the crowd.
EYES ON THE PRIZE Asked for her thoughts on the Rochester music scene, Tastik sounds both frustrated and hopeful. “Honestly, many problems haven’t changed. It’s the same ‘Where can we perform, how can we get people to come, should we have a door price?’ Venues are hard to find. People don’t respond until the day of or say they’ll come but never show.” On the other hand, she sees plenty of room for optimism, particularly noting some of the DIY performance spaces in town, such as Canvas & Chardonnay, which recently hosted a packed
There is SO much talent in Rochester we just need more opportunities to showcase it!
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hip-hop show featuring local performers, including Tastik. “There is SO much talent in Rochester—we just need more opportunities to showcase it!” She hopes that the upcoming generation will continue to build on the successes that have already happened. Asked what keeps her going despite setbacks, Tastik says, “I always try to remind myself that I’ve gone through hard times before, so I can do it again. I look at the photos I have of myself with Grammy-winning artists or Oscar-winning actors and remember that, while I haven’t been in the leading role yet, or been the leading act at EDC (a music festival), I’ve been involved in these things deep enough to where I won’t ever look back.” She hopes that her hometown will continue to support her and other artists to whatever heights of success they may reach. ◆
