Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Coco-Z.
Hi DJ, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
DJ Coco-Z is an open format DJ who began her DJ career in June 2010 and quickly established herself as a force in the industry by winning both a blend battle and a scratch battle in 2012. With nearly two decades of experience in music, dance, theater, and video production, she made her FM radio debut in 2014 on 89.3 FM WCSB and now hosts the syndicated Power Hour Mixshow on multiple stations, including 95.9 FM WOVU and Power 104.9 FM WTSX. Known for her versatility across genres like Hip-Hop, Reggaeton, Pop, and Old School, DJ Coco-Z has performed at over 2,000 events and recently opened for Latto during NCAA weekend in Cleveland. In addition, Coco-Z was the DJ for Bone Thugs N Harmony 30th Anniversary Ceremony at House Of Blues Cleveland. She is affiliated with Nerve DJs, Fleet DJs, and Mean Girlz DJs, making her a standout in the DJ community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve experienced many obstacles and challenges during my DJ career. It was hard starting my DJ business. I had to learn the business and then go out and promote myself. It took a few years to began making decent money. Once I landed my first DJ residency things took off for me but there always ups & downs. I’ve learned that there will always be a down season so I just prepare myself financially for those seasons.
The challenges I’ve face along the way usually come from sexism. I’ve been in situations where people don’t think I’m qualified to perform because I’m a girl. I don’t let that stop me, it just makes me go harder for what I want out of my DJ career. My saying has always been ‘I can show you better than I can tell you!’ Lol
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As far as my creativity as a DJ, I would say I’m a turntablist and I specialize in multi-genre mixing. I like many different genres of music and I enjoy being able to showcase that knowledge during my DJ sets. I’m know for my DJ skills and my style of mixing. I’m most proud of my DJ brand, Coco-Z. I’ve accomplished a lot during the time I’ve been DJing and I’m ready to take my DJ brand to the next level. What sets me apart is my ability to curate vibes live in the moment. I can’t DJing off a playlist, I like to feel people out and see what music they’re into. I feel like that’s what makes a party… being able to read your crowd and perform based on them and not what I want to hear in that moment.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Honestly, I wouldn’t give luck any credit. This was a higher calling for me. Let’s start from the beginning. I’ve been an artist all my life. I started as a dancer in grade school and went all the way to college, The Ohio State University to major in dance. I got in a car accident in college and messed my knee up. I then decided to create my own degree to learn as much as I can about entertainment. I studied theatre production, choreography, lighting design, videography & photography. I then graduated from OSU with a bachelor’s degree in arts.
From there I moved back to Cleveland to pursue my masters degree in information technology. While doing so I wanted to work in theater, lighting or video production. I applied at every place I knew and no one was hiring. So I started working at Allstate as a call rep and was helping with IT doing system training. I was planing on working in IT after I got my degree but I didn’t love what I was doing… something was missing.
Then one day I came into the Allstate office like I normally do and I noticed people’s years of service plagues as I walked by and I thought to myself ‘I can’t be here for 10, 12, 15 years’. I prayed to God for help. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, all I knew was it needed to be something where I can be creative and make money doing it. I’ve always been a fan of the DJ since I started dancing and thought about DJing but I didn’t think I would be good since I was such a great dancer. By now DJing had turned digital and my bro DJ Ball gave me the Virtual DJ software and then Coco-Z was born.
After praying to God for help, less then a year later He provided me the resources to start my DJ business and I’ve been on my path ever since. I took a step out on faith and God has continued to bless me and I’m so thankful. It has not been easy but it’s been worth it and I’m so glad I listened… even when people doubt me I wouldn’t waiver from my path. I’ve been DJing for almost 15 years now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.djcocoz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djcocoz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djcocoz
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/djcocoz
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@djcocoz
- Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/djcocoz
