PREVIEW: DJ Hollyw8d Promotes Positivity Through Local Musical Connections This August
8/8 @ MVP Arena, Albany
8/22 @ The Altamont Fairgrounds, Altamont
Photo by Elissa Ebersold
"Seeing is believing, so having the platform to produce quality events that showcase good music and shine light on the talent within the area is important."
This August, local artist, event organizer, and More Music, Less Violence founder DJ Hollyw8d will be providing audiences with jam-packed musical performances. With multiple events throughout the month of August, all created with the goal of strengthening the positivity within our local music scene, DJ Hollyw8d is excited to invite audience members of all ages to be a part of his busy summer lineup.
Originally from Brooklyn, and a Hudson Valley Community College and UAlbany alumnus, DJ Hollyw8d’s deep drive for music creation and performance first began when he took a position with WCDB to host a radio show every Sunday night from 10 p.m. to midnight. After taking classes to better understand the numerous layers that go into the art of DJing, DJ Hollyw8d was inspired to use this art form as a way to connect audience members with safe spaces. After founding “More Music, Less Violence," a nonprofit arts initiative aimed to spread positivity through the uplifting of local talent, DJ Hollyw8d has been able to shape his career not only in the realm of DJing but also with community building.
“I think we overlook how music holds vibrations and frequencies," he explains. "What you listen to can absolutely affect how you feel and perceive things, so being able to listen to an artist that doesn't curse in their music or is within the area, and you can just shoot them a DM, is so easy to find but hard to put into motion. Seeing is believing, so having the platform to produce quality events that showcase good music and shine light on the talent within the area is important."
DJ Hollyw8d is able to utilize music in such a constructive way through the appreciation of and promotion of other local artists. By uniting local-level performers and musicians with audiences through low-cost events, DJ Hollyw8d finds that it allows listeners a much more personal connection with music. This take on live performances gives audiences a positive correlation between music and community while also giving smaller artists a powerful platform to grow.
With an extensive background in radio, DJ Hollyw8d understands firsthand how quickly smaller artists can expand into household names when given supportive opportunities to create outreach with listeners.
“Music is a big catalyst to bring community members together," says DJ Hollyw8d. “We're all listening to the radio and the top stars in the world, but those are people we'll probably never meet. However, being able to brush shoulders, shake hands, and get an autograph from somebody local in the area who could be the next person up in the music industry is an exciting feeling.”
More Music, Less Violence was created to combat negative stereotypes or assumptions about the Capital Region through constructive, positive outlets. By promoting music as an emotional and artistic medium at low-cost or free events, the nonprofit has been able to connect diverse audiences with a therapeutic and powerful resource. Encouraging creative connections amongst local performers and audiences creates a mutually beneficial dynamic.
“Starting More Music, Less Violence was to help shift the narrative,” explains DJ Hollyw8d. “We go out to events and hear ‘Albany this, Albany that, Troy this, Troy that,' so I wanted to show that you can go out and have a good time in a safe community.”
DJ Hollyw8d is kicking off his busy August lineup on the eighth at the Unite the County: Carnival, Sports, and Skills Challenge. This free event, held at MVP Arena, is hosted by the Albany Law Enforcement Resolution Team, an organization aimed at connecting community members with local law enforcement figures in positive settings. As DJ Hollyw8d has been transitioning into producing and putting together events for himself and for other organizations, he was given the opportunity to form a great lineup of performances for this event.
Alongside performers, there will be fun activities for kids, bingo games for adults, a fashion show, and a number of other exciting opportunities. Following his performance at the Unite the Country Carnival, DJ Hollyw8d will be headlining the Altamont Fair’s Grandstand stage on August 22, a production to share the important message of More Music, Less Violence.
To check out DJ Hollyw8d’s work and upcoming performances, visit: https://www.instagram.com/djhollyw8d/
