Daily Inspiration: Meet Mia Cook

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Cook

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From a young age, I’ve had a deep love for music. My father has always been passionate about it, and I truly believe I inherited that same love from him. Growing up, our home was filled with a diverse range of sounds—my dad would play everything from The Funkadelic and Eurythmics to A Tribe Called Quest, Stevie Nicks, Slick Rick, and DJ Quik, just to name a few. Being surrounded by such a variety of music had a huge influence on me. I would spend hours watching MTV Jams and VH1 Soul, completely immersed. One of my happiest childhood memories was getting a five-disc CD player—I would spend entire days in my room creating CDs, curating the perfect playlists.

As I got older, my passion for music became undeniable. My family and friends started calling me a “music jukebox” because I was always singing or rapping different songs throughout the day. Anytime there was a party or gathering, they would put me in charge of the music, knowing I’d set the perfect vibe. They constantly told me I should be a DJ. During the pandemic, I finally decided to give it a shot. A close friend believed in me so much that he bought all the equipment I needed to get started. From there, I dedicated myself to practicing, and in April 2021, I booked my first DJ gig. From that moment on, everything changed.

I thank God every day because sometimes I can’t believe this is my life—like, wow, I’m really a DJ! I’ve always looked up to female DJs like Vashtie, and now I have the opportunity to create something great through music. In 2024, I had the incredible chance to DJ for the Black Food & Wine Experience and the Pistonland Concert, where artists like Skilla Baby and Lil Baby performed. I’m beyond excited to see what’s next for me on this journey!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Yes, DJing comes with its challenges, but like anything in life, you grow through the obstacles and learn from your mistakes. One of my biggest lessons was understanding the importance of reading the crowd and knowing my audience. When I first started, I would mostly play music that I personally loved. I quickly realized that wasn’t the best approach.

I learned from DJ Sevenwhales that a great DJ finds the balance between playing for themselves and for the crowd. Now, when I create a set, I focus on selecting songs that the audience will love while still adding my own unique touch.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an open-format DJ who loves bringing people together through music. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing people dance and have a great time. I play a wide range of music, from rap and R&B to house and more. I’m known for spinning tracks that most DJs shy away from, and that’s something I take pride in.

One of my favorite moments as a DJ is dropping a B-side record and watching the crowd go crazy. I love taking risks with my sets, and I believe that’s what sets me apart.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Right now, YouTube, SoundCloud, and Bandcamp are my go-to resources for DJing. YouTube has an incredible range of tutorials that teach different techniques, and I’ve discovered so much music there too. SoundCloud and Bandcamp have also been great platforms for finding new tracks and artists.

While I’m not up to date on other blogs that offer resources, I can’t overlook the impact of the Blog Era of Rap (roughly 2007-2013). This period played a huge role in helping underground artists break through. Many of my favorite rap artists—who I still listen to and play during my sets—were introduced to me through blogs like Rap Radar, ill Too, and 2DopeBoyz. Some of these artists include Nipsey Hussle, Wiz Khalifa, Curren$y, Dom Kennedy, Sir Michael Rocks, Cool Kids, Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean, Wale, and Mac Miller, just to name a few.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djmia__/
• Other: bookingsdjmia@gmail.com