Kalen Nicole

“Hello my name is Collin, aka DJ Kool Breeze,” said Collin aka DJ Kool Breeze.

“So does music influence other parts of your life?” I asked.

“No,” Collin sincerely replied. 

As an budding journalist, idealist and Collin’s girlfriend- I was shocked by the brevity of his answer. I had asked a question that was intended to provide the scaffolding to my entire post. I had expected something grandiose and revolutionary, yet relatable; anything but a- no.

But the more I thought about it, the more Collin’s answer made sense.

A fish doesn’t recognize the water it’s in. Now although Collin is not a fish, he’s definitely a catch. ❤ But the quote means- we don’t recognize certain attributes about ourselves because we’re so used to them.

And after eleven months of keen observation and conversation, I say Collin isn’t aware of music’s influence on his life because he is just accustomed to being himself. He is all things creative, inspiration, harmony, melody, culture and quality. 

He has this laid-back, but perfectly curated aesthetic that influences everything from what he wears, how he does his hair, and how he makes a sandwich. His words, steps, and daily schedule all have a rhythm . He describes his style as random, but to me it’s all a part of a well orchestrated masterpiece that perfectly connects everything about him.

Collin aka DJ Kool Breeze is a Nashville Native. He’s communications major at TSU, a graphic designer, an aspiring foodie, trend-setter, and a lover of corny jokes… like me!

Collin started DJing after going to parties at Tennessee State University and growing tired of hearing the same music over and over.”They were just playing the same stuff, and I was like I can do this,” Collin said.

A friend’s birthday came around, and they needed somebody to control the music.  “I just started choosing random songs. I got the party jumpin’! And I was like- I can do this!”

“After that, I downloaded this DJ app, and I get to mixing and soon enough another party rolls around. I’m in charge of the aux. I used the DJ app, and once again, the party starts to have some energy.”

Fast forward a little bit, and Collin transfers to University of Tennessee. “I bought a laptop and DJ board. And I decided I’m going to start learning.” And as he worked on his craft, he started manifesting his new title, “I started telling people that I was a DJ.”

This part of the story fascinated me. He literally put in the work, gave himself a title, and stepped into the role of who he wanted to be.

Rather than push him away, a new possibility or challenge draws Collin in. “I’m always picking up a new hobby. I’m also interested in being a photographer, I bought a camera so I can get that going. And I’m just into different stuff. I’m also a graphic designer.”

Q: How are DJs responsible for keeping the culture?

“We control the vibe of the party, people tend to be interested in what we’re listening to  They look to us to put them on game.

I don’t play songs I don’t like, whether its popular or not. I don’t download music I don’t like. 

Q: What would happen if you didn’t uphold this criteria, you just played whatever?

I would loose love for what I’m doing. Every song I play I like.

What’s missing in music now? | Love. There’s not a lot of love. There’s a lot of flexing

“It’s easy to make music about flexing, flaunting belongings and what not.

But passion is needed to create art.

And to create art, or write music about love, you need experiences. If you run out of experiences you have to say what’s already been said because you haven’t experienced anything different. It’s all people know. I play about 80% flex music and 20% love. But really it’s flex music gets the people going.”

Q: Can you give us an example of a love song? | Sure thing x Miguel

Q: What draws you to an artist?

“The vibe; do your lyrics go well with the beat that’s being playing? That’s what draws me to a an artist. Do the vibe and lyrics go pretty decent with the beat? It’s easier said than done. Some people’s lyrics just many not hit like they’re supposed to. It just doesn’t ride. Sometimes it’s just not meant to be.”

Q: Who is an artist you have your eye on?

“Larry June. He will be on the rise soon, and everybody will know who he is. I have to get him up. If somebody asks who I’m listening to, I say: Larry June.”

Q: What’s one of his songs we have to listen to? | Let’s drive to Vegas

“Music has always been a big part of my life. Since I was a kid- going to cookouts, riding with my pops. It was just always there.”

Q: What’s a song that always speaks to you? | 2pac, I Get Around It ‘s flows + features.

“I hope to see more and more quality music in the future, not any trash.”

Q: What makes a good DJ?

1. Song selection
2. Can you read the crowd?
3. Good transitions

I think in abstracts and Collin helps to ground me. He meant this literally. But the criteria of what makes a good DJ, is similar to what makes a good life: Making good choices, can you form and reciprocate meaningful relationships and interactions? Can you move on when its time?

Q: Collin, where is your dream venue?

“Somewhere on Broadway. I want a place where Black people can pull up. That would be lit. There aren’t many places for Black people in Nashville. And there’s none on Broadway, it’s just country spots, but the audience doesn’t even like country all the time.”

 

He’s right. Music City doesn’t always create space for everyone, but with people like Kool Breeze on 1s and 2s, hopefully that changes soon.

Besides being my favorite person, there are other things that separate Collin from other Djs. He doesn’t do mixes, he improvises every time he plays. He says, “You can’t read the crowd if you already got something picked.” And he’s self taught. When he bought his DJ  board, he worked at and “pressed buttons until it sounded good.”

S/o to Collin for the interview and music tips!

For booking inquiries, go to Kool Breeze’s IG @DJKoolBreeze

For more blogs, hit that follow button. And for more life: love God, love others and make the choices that are best for you.