Student DJ’s Guest Host ‘Sounds For Plant Lovers, Vol. 35’
A group of young music enthusiasts recently wrapped a special workshop series led by veteran radio DJ Anthony Valadez. The goal was to guide the participants through the process of creating their own personalized music mixes, complete with song introductions and context.
Anthony walked the group through an introduction to storytelling and the technical aspects, showing them how to edit the audio and create smooth transitions. "Remember, context is key," Anthony advised. “We want to know why these songs matter to you.”
“Remember, context is key... We want to know why these songs matter to you.”
The young DJs rose to the occasion, sharing the meaning behind their musical selection to draw people into why these songs matter to them. Participants included Allan, a 10-year-old who chose songs that reminded him of his crush, Devine, a 9-year-old who picked upbeat tracks with great music videos, and Juju, a 10-year-old who selected songs about getting money to help his stepmom.
Isabella, a 13-year-old, shared deeply personal choices that honored her late mother and 15-year-old Aviana paid tribute to the memory of her uncle and grandmother whose graves she visits regularly with her family.
As the mixes came together, you could feel the sense of pride fill the room. "You're about to be a DJ!" Anthony said. The workshop culminated in a listening party, where participants traded shy smiles, excited squealing, and tears as their personalized soundtracks played. Juju laughed as he heard his own voice, while Isabelle grew emotional listening to the song that reminded her of her late mother—each of them deeply moved and proud of the mixes they had created.
Tune in to Sounds For Plant Lovers, Volume 35 on Mixcloud to hear the young student DJs guest host alongside Anthony Valadez and share their personal soundtracks and stories.