Soulfile: Ayanna Heaven

It all started when…

SOULDEGA: What inspired you to work in the music field as a DJ? Can you tell us a bit about your background?

AYANNA: I became deeply passionate about music when I entered high school in 2006, and from there I became obsessed with knowing as much as I could. I grew up listening to a lot of reggae in my Jamaican household, and I gravitated towards hip hop, bossa nova, and electronic music the most when my journey as a DJ began. My amazing school was supportive of my new passion and gave me the opportunity to DJ school events such as assemblies and dances. From there, I came to NYC for college and studied ethnomusicology, continuing to also DJ whenever I had the opportunity to, but not taking it fully seriously. I honestly had such diverse taste in music and I didn’t see examples of DJs who played the music I wanted to play. I wrongly thought there wasn’t a place for me in the DJ space, so I put my passion on the backburner. Fast forward five years, one city government job, and six months spent in Jamaica with my dad learning all I could again about DJing and Jamaican music, I came back to NYC determined to be a full-time creative. I felt like I had been suppressing something planted in my heart so many years prior and it was time to return to it. I spent several months working various jobs and taking on gigs whenever I had the opportunity before COVID hit in early 2020, which forced me to recalibrate and find new ways to expand my career, such as through the avenue of radio. Fast forward two years later, I’m so grateful to have been full time DJ for the last few months, and I can’t wait to see where my career continue to takes me.

SOULDEGA: What was the first song you ever fell in love with?

AYANNA: “Aruarian Dance” by Nujabes

SOULDEGA: What are some challenges you have faced in your musical career and how did you overcome them?

AYANNA: My earliest challenge definitely was around my confidence. I just wasn’t sure of what spaces would be open to my eclectic sound, and I had no idea how to break into the industry. I also think that being a woman in this world can be tricky to maneuver, because there can be an assumption made that you didn’t earn your way, which is fully rooted in misogyny. As far as confidence goes, I honestly think that just came with time. I’m a lot more secure in myself and interests than I was when I first left college, and with time I got to know the nightlife world a lot more to see that there was not only space for me in this world, but that I would possibly be actually welcome with open arms, especially in a city as diverse as NYC. As far as facing misogyny in the industry, I am passionate about building bonds with other femme DJs and it makes a huge difference to have people who fully understand your experience in your corner. I can always count on my community to be there for me when I need a sounding board, advice, and/or an encouraging word.

SOULDEGA: What are your three favorite music artists out right now and why? What are your top three favorite albums and why?

AYANNA:

Artists: I love The Frightnrs, Greentea Peng, and Hollie Cook all for their innovative takes on Jamaican music.

Albums:

Madvillainy by Madvillain, Blackbyrd by Donald Byrd, and The Keyboard King at Studio One by Jackie Mittoo. 

Madvillainy is one of the first albums I really fell in love with in high school, and Madlib’s production opened my eyes to how creative hip hop can be. I love it so so much.

Blackbyrd and the Keyboard King are both just such beautiful records! Both make me feel so good inside. Donald Byrd is one of my favorite musicians of all time and I love the lyrical content of the album. I try to play him on my radio shows whenever I get the chance!

Jackie Mittoo is a legend, and I don’t think I realized how lovely the organ can be until I heard this album. It is a compilation of tunes recorded at the seminal Jamaican label, Studio One, which also put out some of my favorite Jamaican records of all time, too. 

SOULDEGA: Where do you find inspiration and how do you remain in a creative flow?

AYANNA: Silence! I actually really enjoy going without music when I’m out and about, and listening more to podcasts when I am looking for ear candy. Of course I love music but I find that always listening to it can clutter my brain. I also love taking time to be in nature, working out, and keeping a neat space. These really help to keep my mind clear and open, and ready to take in new inspiration to create.

As far as finding inspiration, I am always digging into Jamaican cultural archives for inspiration. Jamaica is the cornerstone of my musical style and interest, and so I tap in as much as possible to get inspired. I also love going out to support other creative friends at their events. My friends are a huge inspiration to me and NYC is such an creatively enriching place. Spending a night out in the city is the best way to keep a pulse on what’s currently culturally relevant.

SOULDEGA: How do you envision your future regarding your craft?

AYANNA: I will be traveling a lot more to DJ around the world, and I will also be putting together more of my own events. I am also getting more into production, and I look forward to releasing my own musical works. I am also a painter, and I’m planning on digging deeper into that craft.

SOULDEGA: What is some advice you would give to fellow creatives trying to develop work during this time in society?

AYANNA: Your uniqueness is your super power. Lean into what you naturally gravitate towards, and the issues in the world that speak to you the most. You don’t need to be all things to all people. Your most attractive quality is your authenticity, and you will always do your best work when it’s coming genuinely from your heart.