Meet DJ RUE | Music Architect & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with DJ RUE and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DJ, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
The textbook definition of Music is; a vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion. I believe that the role of a DJ is to combine the definition of Community & Music and make it (One Big Thing). Yes; my Goal is to internationally impact the souls of our community through Music. But I MUST start within my own Community first. Socially; I’m grateful that I study different genres of Music; grateful for my Gigs that allow me to play Armenian, Greek, Klezmer & Yiddish type music. It has truly allowed me to connect with my Clients on a different level. The process of studying different genres gives me a passion for expressing different forms of Sound but also gives me a chance to speak to my Listeners through the Music I play.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

One piece of my journey that stands out the most; is developing a BRAND TAKES TIME! Not only time, but patience, discipline, and faith. I am most proud about; not giving up. There are so many moments a Month where I kick, scream, throw something, or say to myself “whewwwww this ain’t it!”. But when your Occupation doesn’t feel like Work; it’s not easy to give up all that you have put into yourself.

Was it easy? NO! Still isn’t! I am always a student; so the process of building, learning, and growing never ends! Overcoming the challenges will test you! It will teach you things about yourself that you never knew. In this industry; there’s a need for thick skin, demanding respect, a cousin/Auntie/Friend or Boo Thang that will travel gig 2 gig with you, and developing Contracts. Lessons I’ve learned during my journey have been; don’t expect You in Others, take risks, demand respect, charge your worth, work together with other DJ’s, and always have a Plan B.

I want the world to know; that The Rue Brand will continue to play for everyone and anyone. International is the goal; and I can’t wait to experience my Music choices and the passion I have inside of me with these Countries. I can’t WAIT!!!!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I LOVE DETROIT!!!! (this question is gooooooood) Its October, so its a bit nippy in the City; lets go!

Monday-
-Hudson Cafe in Detroit for Breakfast
-Franklin Cider Mill – Donuts and Cider (we must have a bottle of Hennessy with us to mix in the cider; a must!)
-Topgolf in Auburn Hills- have a lil fun, and grab some Lunch as well (good food!)
~I need a NAP! I’m that friend lol~

Petty Cash off Livernois- Dinner, and Drinks. Great food and drinks!
Tuesday-
Central Kitchen- for Breakfast. Black owned, and great food!
Movies at Emagine Theaters – scary movie of course!
Lunch/Drinks at Teresa’s – Hood bar, but some great food and drinks.
Good Vibes for Dinner- Hopefully they have a DJ too! great food and drinks! You’ll have a good time!

Wednesday-
Im sleeping in, Period. lol
Lunch at Pequenò- Livernois black own Authentic Mexican cuisine. and YUMMY!!
DIA Museum- they have some Amazing Exhibits! Hopefully Van Gogh comes back!
Dinner at Ottava Via in Corktown- yummy Italian cuisine. and great staff.
Rollercade- Skating is always lit at the Rollercade of Detroit.

Thursday-
Breakfast- Original Pancake House (Yummy in my Tummy!!)
Massages at Beach House Day Spa in Birmingham, MI
Skin Facials at Skinphoria of Detroit- Black owned and Amazing!
Dinner – Highlands at the top of the Renaissance Building. Yummy food! and great ambiance
late night Drinks at The Shelby of Detroit- its literally drinking in a Bank vault!

Friday-
Im sleeping in again. Whewwwww Chile! lol
Lunch- Wigleys Famous Eastern Market Corned Beef (thank me later. Bye!)
Paint with a Twist Detroit
Motown Museum – thank me later again!
Dinner- The Kitchen by Cooking with Que- Vegan & Black owned. Yum!!!
Dance/Drinks- TV Lounge of Detroit

We had a TIME!!!!!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Whewwww!! I love this part of the Interview because I walk in gratitude with the village of people/resources that have helped me (even currently) in my journey of DJ’ng. I MUST share this shoutout with two people; Bruce Bailey & Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale out of Detroit, MI. These two DJ;s have trusted my talent and development; and provided me with the platform to share my Talent across Detroit.

The history and talent between these two have reached back over 20 + years in the city of Detroit and the world. Just by watching these two I have learned techniques, professionalism, and trusting your gift. Bruce opened the door for me to learn the CDJ system, and Hotwaxx provided more insight with the rhythmic history behind House & how to use Rekordbox better. If they don’t know, they know now; that they are the catalyst to so many opportunities that I’ve had. It’s not a competition with these two; it’s more of passing the torch; providing the younger generation with the tools to be the best DJ and providing a lane for YOURSELF as an Artist. Thank you BOTH!!! xoxoxoxo

Website: djrue.wixsite.com/djrue

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_iamrue/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erin.rue.902/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZwkAqjFkMuKAiXbH-RNQzA

Image Credits
Ebonie Davis – @e_shot_that on Instagram Chelcea Stowers- @just.chelcea on Instagram