Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffanie (Diva929) Jordan.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey as a DJ started first becoming a Streamer on Twitch during the pandemic. I am an early childhood educator but of course, during that time, I was unable to be at work in the classroom. I started following a couple of friends on IG who were DJs, and one went to Twitch, and I eventually went there because listening to them play music helps keep me sane honestly while stuck at home and I can take music everywhere.
Conversations and gaining connections with other streamers I watched and others in chat led to someone suggesting I stream so we could get into the discussions. I was only chatting and discussing current events and pop culture fandom and later added interviewing female DJs and streamers because I didn’t see them getting highlighted when I would watch interview streams and later added specialty streams as well. I would always play music during my streams and highlight artists because I have been involved in music all of my life, so I had to have it as part of my content.
I eventually gained friendships with a lot of DJs that I was following along with some I already knew, and I was interested in finding equipment to enhance the sound and music quality in my stream. I began to start asking about what to use and one suggested a small controller, which eventually led to someone giving me one. As I learned, I began to do late-night music and chat streams a reputable female DJ popped in and offered her time to teach me how to properly use it and became my mentor essentially because she enjoyed my selections.
I thought it was just a kind gesture she put out there, but it wasn’t a big deal until she reached out to me again later that week and nudged me, and reminded me, she was serious about helping me out. We set up a virtual meeting and she gave me basics about it like reading and understanding BPMs, listening to the music and beat matching counts, and even a playlist to practice. She walked me through what I needed and had me practice and that’s what I did because I started to have fun with it and understand it.
Later, I started getting invited on raid trains on Twitch which led to me and a friend who was also learning getting invited to spin live with a very reputable DJ it was my first time on 12’s and she was also going to be there, so I met my mentor in person for the first time along with this big DJ at his house and on his live stream in front of hundreds of people. But she walked me through what I needed to know and after getting a little familiar and comfortable with actual turntables I was addicted, and I knew this was something I wanted to do more of.
After a while, I was invited to more live events and practiced on 12s at other DJ’s spots who were opening their space to me to do so because they all became a huge support and were just willing to help even if it was just questions. I kept saying “I am not a DJ I just play music”. They all would get on my case but I didn’t want to disrespect the craft by using that title for myself until I put in the work and learned it, practiced it, and felt comfortable because I had no intention of being one until I had to accept the title because I had a slew of reputable DJ’s calling ME a DJ.
All led to now 2 1/2 years in and I’ve now spun at live events with major players and had my name next to theirs on flyers I’ve been able to book gigs here and there and began to build a brand and name for myself slowly but surely and on my terms. I have now spun in different cities and states and have now collaborated with the likes of DJ Shannell B who got me involved in my first ever Battle which was in Baltimore at Safari in Oct. 2022 where I was the only female there and not from the East Coast.
Now, we have a 501c3 non-profit TheBeSide.org based in Baltimore where I am a founding and active board member where we had a big fundraiser in Nov. 2023 at Ikonic for Breast cancer awareness, and we are putting on another one now in my hometown of L.A. End of Jan. 2024 for a DJ Scholarship giveaway and both events had and have an all-female line up of DJ’s.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing worth having comes easy so going back to work full time definitely has its challenges with scheduling and traveling for events but I am usually able to make it work, and I haven’t gotten to the point where it has completely interfered with anything yet.
Also, I am a single mom, so I am making sure my schedule doesn’t conflict with anything that has to do with my boys luckily, they are not super young, they are both in high school, so they come with me to some events when possible and help me out.
There are also the facts that I started pretty late in the game, I am not that young, and I am a female and still establishing myself. So, figuring out where else I place in this business and how I can stand out is a work in progress for people to want to book you.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
I love being an educator and helping mold young minds and helping their families understand them more and the process of their development. I use music and dance in my classroom daily.
I love being a DJ because I love music and sharing it with others. I love to dance. I have been a dancer and singer my whole life. I love seeing reactions when a song hits, that they love, or when they feel a song they have never experienced before. I love how music is so universal no matter where you are or what language you speak if the vibe is right, and it hits your soul it still resonates and speaks to you.
I am known for setting the vibe either on the mic or the turntable, sometimes both. I like to make sure I am a good match for my crowd or client, and it makes it easier to know what to bring to the table along with what they may want specifically.
I am most proud of the fact that I got back into my first love of music and I am still learning new things about it even at this age able to add more skills to my life that benefit my sou; and beyond and I can share it with others and even use it for more good like with the non-profit, or fundraising or just giving someone music therapy.
I think what sets me apart from others is I don’t follow trends or the norm. I can but why? I like to go with what feels right and let my instincts guide me when it’s called for and give me something unexpected. When I got feedback that it wasn’t expected, and they liked it then I did my job.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future would be to continue to build my brand, travel, and spin, and explore many more places beyond my hometown.
Continue to grow and give back to the community and others as much as possible and help others the way people offered that help to me in whatever way possible to set them up for success as well.
No big changes yet just seeing where the journey takes me as long as it benefits myself and my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/diva929
- Instagram: instagram.com/Parentsthatpop
- SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/diva929
- Other: mixcloud.com/diva929
Image Credits
Della Arebalo and Toyna Johnson
