By: Sarah Thornton
The Chronicle caught up with local veteran DJ Cutt-Nice for his take on how COVID-19 has impacted his career, more about his favorite recent event, and upcoming venues to uplift. Cutt-Nice has provided exceptional beats and entertainment on the MI music scene for years with no signs of slowing. His positivity is absolutely contagious, and we can't wait to hear more Aug 19th on the upcoming 'Sunday Chronicle' radio show!
The Chronicle News caught up with local veteran DJ Cutt-Nice for his take on how COVID-19 has impacted his career, more about his favorite recent event, and upcoming venues to uplift. Cutt-Nice has provided exceptional beats and entertainment on the MI music scene for years with no signs of slowing. His positivity is absolutely contagious, and we can't wait to hear more Aug 19th on the upcoming "Sunday Chronicle' radio show!
Photo courtesy of DJ Cutt-Nice
ST: How has COVID changed your current business model?
CN: "The pandemic started as a huge negative impact, worldwide. DJs everywhere suffered with social gatherings on hold; we couldn't get any kind of work. I started DJ-ing live on Facebook and Instagram for people to 'join me' in my studio."
He wasn't prepared for what happened next.
CN:"I don't know if anyone predicted that DJ-ing online was the next step. "
He was freed up as a result of the halt... and went to work in a brand-new public venue- his very own studio. Welcoming the public inside the lab had an inspiring effect.
CN: "There was nothing to do, so the streams got attention"
... So much attention that he began generating a legitimate following from kind followers with encouraging messages, and tips! These tips were not requested but were a blessing that helped supplement the residual income that had dried up with 'in person' gigs at that time.
CN: "I was making their day and mine DJ-ing in comfort of my own studio while listeners tuned in from their own living rooms, with family, friends and neighbors. They felt that 'club' vibe again, despite being stuck at home. I've booked virtual parties for a few years now, which is a great option for people celebrating across town or across the world. "
ST: What's your favorite way to promote these events?
CN: "Twitch offers a page that I feel has the most freedom far as being yourself on your own page. I create simple e-flyers for it and blast through the current socials. It's easy."
Photo courtesy of DJ Cutt-Nice
CN ST: How important is your community with the the work you do? Any local or national causes you support?
CN: "My community means a lot, and I try to support anything positive by bringing music to the gathering" he says. "Community festivals are a great way to give back and, lately, to get people back out to enjoy themselves."
ST- Please share a bit about your most recent event
CN: Definitely the Juneteenth block party celebration, by far. People of all ages from kids to grandparents had the chance to be joyful, sing and dance right in the middle of the day. Connecting people is the best part."
ST: What message are you sending to young, black entrepreneurs discouraged by a climate of systemic racism and economic strife - only magnified by COVID?'
CN: "Stay positive. Don't ever give up on your dreams and do NOT listen to the non-supporters. Always know you can be successful and just pursue.... just never give up. I've had my share of battles to stay in business. Some DJ's undercut, promoters take advantage, and those are the kinds of people that have showed me that the company I keep is important. Someone took a chance on me, and I haven't looked back since."
ST: Upcoming events to watch for in addition to your 8.19.22 'Sunday Chronicle' guest spot?
CN: "Definitely check out 'Stone Groove Sundays' at the Exchange from 3-7p. This is a social and musical event in collaboration with the talented Jodie Clemons, and catering more to the idea of bringing a great time to the Lansing community during the day - there's not enough of that! Just a chance to get out and have a good time, maybe have a couple drinks and enjoy the old school classics with good company."
These local events are his bread and butter, from the Radisson downtown to the Green Door, but Cutt-Nice wants to stress that there is no geographical constraint on location for your event. He remains ready to show you what he brings to the party, and it's never too late to become a listener if you've slept on his work to date! Check him out.
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