This A-Profiler we bring you Janelle Tsujiuchi-Aldea, aka The Mixtress. Those of you in California and Hawaii may have heard her DJ name on the radio or in clubs or may have even heard one of her many mix CDs, but this issue of the A-Profiler, our AArisings audience gets to find out a little bit more about the woman called The Mixtress and how DJing became her passion.

Your site URL:
http://www.mixtress.com/

What is your name?
Janelle Tsujiuchi-Aldea

What is your ethnic background?
Filipina, Japanese and Hawaiian

Do you speak any languages?
Just English , born and Raised C&H (California and Hawaii)

How important is your identity in the DJ world?
It is important, but not crucial. I just want people to love the music I play, whether on the radio, at clubs or listening to a mix CD.

How did you come up with your DJ name?
My friend Darrell Dazo came up with it unexpectedly when I first learned how to spin. I was trying to figure out an alias by saying Mixtress [Blank?]. So he called me Mixtress for short. This essentially became THE name.

How did you get into DJ’ing?
Long story short, my best friend Mikey is the one who really got me into it, but I initially was interested in it from being around a lot of DJs such as my own brother, DJ Deus, and influences like Q-Bert & Jazzy Jim. I was a club-goer and loved school dances when I was a teenager. My brother and I used to live together and he would force me (yes “force” me!) to watch Battle videos and practice till early in the morning. Can’t be mad at him!

What is it about DJ’ing that you love?
The butterflies in my tummy before a set, and of course, the sound of people dancing or cheering when a hot song comes on. I love getting hugs or tips from playing a request also =)

Who was your inspiration as a young DJ?
Ooh, I started Djing late. Technically since 14 I should have started, but didn’t start till I was 20 or 21. I went to a lot of nightclubs when I started college and just wanted a piece of the action (my fingers would itch lookin’ at a 1200).

Are you a scratcher or a mixer?
A mixer. I originally wanted to scratch and compete in battles, but really mixing became primary.

Are women DJ’s respected in the DJ world?
In my opinion, yes. It was a hard battle for me personally, but in my view these days, it doesn’t matter if you are male or female, you just gotta come out with the heat and originality! I first started getting noticed because of my radio spot, and at that time there were not a lot of female DJs (mainstream) but now there are so many, and they’re great.

How long did it take before you became comfortable spinning in front of people? Do you remember the first event you spun at?
I still am not comfortable! LOL, but I usually need about 8-9 minutes before the butterflies go away. =) The first time I spun in front of people was at an 18th Birthday party. I was nervous because everyone started crowding the turntables and it almost tipped over. But it was fun and think I did good for a debut!

Do you think Jin should have retired from rapping?
OH of course NO. Being that I am female, I was really attracted to him.. OH, and his rhymes (hehe).

Currently who is your favorite DJ? Favorite DJ of all time?
My favorite current DJ is a hard one, but I can give you the top five of all time if that’s ok? Q-Bert, Jazzy Jim, Greg Lopez, Ellen Ferratto and ME! Just kidding, I’m married to one of my other all time favorites DJ 8-Ball. He’s a world champion as well. He doesn’t think I respect him as a DJ, but I do and I think he’s an awesome DJ. I grew up around them musically and just learned so much. Ellen Ferratto I mentioned earlier… I just love her because she is a female that just rocks the dance floor, and you can tell she enjoys mixing too. For me, people say I gotta loosen up and not look so mean just cuz I’m so concentrated and focused.. =)

Who is the one person you admire most in the world?
Of course my son! I admire him as he’s inspired me so much in a short period of time (he’s only 6!)

Who came first the Master of Ceremony or the Disc Jockey?
Ooh man that’s a tough one. That’s so tough I even waited a day to answer this question and I still can’t. =\

Have you been known to kick a rhyme or two?
I cannot rap nor sing. Or else I would be gettin’ them platinum plaques.

What kind of music gets you grooving on the dance floor?
I am super-picky about the music that gets me grooving. Its so hard to just enjoy dancing when you’re a DJ, but I would have to say that I love the stuff from the 90’s be it rap, r&b, dance or freestyle. I miss the BBD’s and DOC’s. However, the kind of music I play to get people to groove on the dancefloor.. Hmmm I would have to say that it depends on the promoter or nightclub and typically you just go with what flows, whether it’s the current hits on video’s, billboards or radio. Especially because I don’t specialize in one genre. I play different genre’s from house to hip hop to the old school hits too.

Where do you think DJ’ing will take you in 7 years?
I would like to open my own night club.

Do you have any current projects your working on?
I am trying to recruit new members to our DJ crew (Divas of Style Entertainment) and maybe get another CD on the shelves.

Thanks for the interview do you have any famous words you want to leave to our audience?
Just to follow your dreams and not rush into marriage =)

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This issue of A-Profiler is brought to you by Ray Lam. Special thanks to Janelle Tsujiuchi-Aldea (The Mixtress).

Images courtesy of Janelle Tsujiuchi-Aldea.
Copyright retained by original copyright holder.