Celeste Alexander – “I’m A Music Lover Period”

DJ CELESTE ALEXANDER Mix-artist from Chicago, Started in 1982 under the encouragement of Steve “Silk” Hurley, Celestethedj started learning how to mix under the tutelage of Andre Hatchett among many others. One of the first female dj’s in Chicago, she signed on with Promoter Dave Risque’ and Gucci Productions. After the first year of playing exclusively for Dave Risque’ and proving that a female DJ Can hold her own in this male dominated industry, opportunities opened up along with her popularity. She has shared the decks over the years with dj’s such as: Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy, Steve Hurley, Andre Hatchett, Craig Loftus, Greg Gray, Boo Williams, Farley “Jackmaster Funk”, Terry Hunter, Gene Hunt, Wayne Williams, Ron Carroll, Mike Dunn, Greg Gray, Chip E, Tyree Cooper, Glenn Underground, Pharris Thomas and many others. She was the lead DJ for the “Fantastic Four” an all female DJ group for “Park Avenue Productions” which dubbed her the name ” The First Lady of House” in the mid 80′s and also did guest spots on radio stations; WBMX, WGCI, WHPK, and WKKC in Chicago, and is the ONLY female to have Played “The Musicbox” with the Legend (the Late) Ron Hardy.

S&S: What’s your style of music? How do you describe it?
Celeste Alexander: Soulful, sexy, sultry with the bang you don’t expect. Im a big fan of beautiful harmonies , vocals and well put together instrumentation.

S&S: Who or what was most instrumental to you when it came to music?
Celeste Alexander: There are many artist, too many to throw favor towards. During different phases of my journey as a dj different people and things have motivated and been influential to me. In the very beginning, Steve Hurley was very inspiring and peak my interest. Andre’ Hatchett & Frankie Knuckles were my mentors. I left playing and being in the scene for about 12 years, my love , passion and desire to have harmony in my life bought me back.

S&S: What drives you creatively?
Celeste Alexander: Spirit. Music is a Spiritual thing for me, playing it keeps me connected , grounded and happy.

S&S: How much does your audience influence you and your music selection?
Celeste Alexander: When playing in front of an audience the challenge of capturing their attention and getting people in the groove is ALWAYS and influence. Being able to connect with others musically is magical.

S&S: What artists or genres do you listen to when you’re not working?
Celeste Alexander: Rock, Jazz, Classical, early hip hop, R&B…. I guess just about all of them. I’m a music lover period.

S&S: Do you have any favorite memories of growing up with your family?
Celeste Alexander: I am an only child, so just when I was a child and going on trips with my Mom and Dad. My Mom taught and showed me how to be a good wife & mother. My Dad would be responsible for my love of Music. The neighborhood I grew up in, and the block I grew up on and ALL the people I grew up with were pretty Awesome. I was afforded a true childhood for this I am grateful.

S&S: Is there anything you would like people to know about you?
Celeste Alexander: I act like a hard-ass – it’s a defense mechanism.

S&S: Are there any charities you are working with or excited to tell us about?
Celeste Alexander: I do a lot of service work, I belong to an anonymous fellowship. I would like to do work with the Frankie Knuckles foundation.

S&S: Are there any questions that you wish people would ask you?
Celeste Alexander: Blank stare………………. I really can’t think of any at the moment.

S&S: And on the flip side of that, are there any questions or references you wish people would stop asking or using?
Celeste Alexander: Blank stare………… I can’t think of any at the moment. lol

S&S: What artist(s) have you been the most excited to work with?
Celeste Alexander: Because I’m not a producer per-say, I haven’t worked with many. I have however worked with some incredible producers and DJ’s and shared events with some incredible artist. Just being in the same atmosphere as those that are movers and shakers in our industry is ALWAYS exciting.

S&S: Are there any artists that you dream of working with on a collaboration?
Celeste Alexander: I would LOVE to do something with Louie Vega or Josh Milan. More work with Vick Lavender, Terry Hunter would be awesome too. I would LOVE to Travel and Play with my brother Jamie326.

S&S: What can we look forward to next from you?
Celeste Alexander: The Grind is real, but I am working on a few events in the future that I am excited about, Hopefully a little more travel to other cities and countries will be in the near future also.

S&S: What legacy would you like to leave?
Celeste Alexander: In this Industry as a DJ, I would just like to think that I have and will continue to inspire other women in this field, to continue to shoot for it and understand that if you love this, you don’t have to compromise because you are a woman. Fall in love with the craft for yourself, not for what you want it to do for you. There are NOT many things more I LOVE to do than play music. It’s one of the things in life that brings me the most joy.

Q&A By: Shannon “Skip” Syas – S&S Chicago

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