Today we’d like to introduce you to Kay Rodgers.
Hi Kay, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Not at all. I think one of the biggest misconceptions people have is that if you’re talented, opportunities will just come. The reality is that building a name as a DJ takes a lot of consistency, patience, and resilience.
I’ve had events that didn’t go as planned, venues that changed direction, nights where attendance wasn’t what we hoped for, and moments where I questioned whether I was making the right decisions. I’ve also had to learn that not every opportunity is the right opportunity. Sometimes saying no to something that doesn’t align with your vision is just as important as saying yes.
Another challenge has been balancing creativity with the business side of things. As an independent DJ, you’re not just showing up to play music. You’re promoting events, networking, creating content, building relationships, handling logistics, and constantly finding ways to stay visible. That can be overwhelming at times, but it’s also taught me a lot about discipline and believing in myself even when things are moving slower than I’d like.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change those experiences. Every challenge has helped me become more intentional about the spaces I create and the artist I’m becoming. Success isn’t always a straight line, and I’ve learned to appreciate the growth that happens in between the milestones.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. I think one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that this industry can be unpredictable, and a lot of the challenges have nothing to do with your talent or how hard you work.
A perfect example is what just happened—I was booked to play a festival, and it was canceled just two days before the event because the organizers had their permits pulled by the city. As an artist, situations like that are heartbreaking. You spend weeks preparing, promoting, and getting excited, only to have something completely out of your control change everything overnight.
I’ve also had events that didn’t go as planned, dealt with last-minute changes, and learned that building a career as a DJ requires a lot of patience and resilience. Beyond the music itself, you’re constantly networking, promoting yourself, creating content, and trying to stay visible in a very competitive space. It can be exhausting, but it’s also made me more adaptable.
Those experiences have taught me not to measure success by one event or one setback. Every challenge has pushed me to become more prepared, more professional, and more focused on the bigger picture. At the end of the day, if one door closes, I know another opportunity will come—as long as I keep showing up and putting in the work.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an open-format DJ based out of Detroit, performing under the name Sounds by Stoney. My specialty is creating an experience rather than just playing a set. I love blending genres like house, R&B, hip-hop, Afrobeats, and Amapiano to match the energy of the room and take people on a journey throughout the night.
What I think I’m known for most is my ability to read a crowd and create an environment where people feel comfortable, connected, and excited to be there. I’ve always believed that the best DJs aren’t just playing music—they’re creating memories. Every event has its own personality, and I try to bring something unique to each space I’m in.
One thing that sets me apart is my background outside of DJing. I’ve been a photographer for eight years, working with both digital and film, and that has shaped the way I see events and storytelling. I don’t just think about the music—I think about the entire experience: the energy, the visuals, the people, and the moments that make a night memorable.
What I’m most proud of is the community I’ve been able to build around my work. Starting from a passion and turning it into opportunities to perform, collaborate with other creatives, and create spaces where people feel welcome has been incredibly rewarding. I’m proud that I’ve stayed true to myself while continuing to grow as an artist.
At the end of the day, I want people to walk away from my sets feeling something. Whether it’s nostalgia, excitement, inspiration, or simply having had an unforgettable night—that connection is what keeps me passionate about what I do.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
A lot of the resources that help me do my best are centered around staying inspired, continuing to learn, and keeping myself connected to the creative community around me.
One resource I really enjoy is YouTube, especially watching DJs and live sets to study different styles, transitions, crowd control, and the overall energy behind a performance. I’m constantly inspired by creators like DJ Sevenwhales and Club One Bedroom, who showcase the art of DJing and the culture around creating memorable experiences. Watching other artists helps me continue to evolve, stay creative, and think about how I can bring something new to my own sets.
I also use platforms like Spotify and SoundCloud to discover new music, follow trends, and find sounds that I can incorporate into my sets while still keeping my own style. Social media has also been a huge tool—not only for promotion but for connecting with other artists, discovering new ideas, and building community.
Beyond music, I’m always learning from the people around me. Being a photographer for eight years has taught me a lot about storytelling, creativity, and paying attention to the details that make a moment special. I think the biggest resource I have is staying curious and being willing to learn from every experience, whether it’s from another artist, an audience member, or a new challenge.
Pricing:
- 150/hr
- Weddings message me
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adore_stoney
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1K4Xbgyzhb/
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/aa2iFP3vvP50OaaRBD
- Other: https://untitled.stream/library/project/EJDvN8Wt3TB2j8PyjaQgQ
