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

Hi Catina, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I decided to become a DJ 11 years ago in addition to my full time job then as a Programmer Analyst at the University of Alabama at Birmingham because I’ve always loved music and really just wanted to express myself through music and witness from a different vantage point the freedom and joy people feel on the dance floor. Admittedly no longer being in my twenties I felt compelled to make the decision.

My mother passed away of congestive heart failure in 2010 as I was just getting started. The process of learning was very therapeutic. She was only 54 and we were very close. I taught myself to mix spending many late nights up all night working out grief on my controller at the time, studying DigitalDJTips.com courses, listening to legendary deejays discuss the art form and to mixes of varying genres; hip hop,
r &b, house, downtempo, broken beat, boom bap, jazz, pop, drum n bass etc.. Eventually audio engineer Don Johnson and DJ Junior Star mentored me.

A friend in Tennessee helped me make the Atlanta connection by introducing me to the music of songstress Julie Dexter, Kai Alce and Daz-I-Kue who are two of my favorite deejays and producers. I would eventually go on to attend house music parties in Atlanta (Tambor, Underground Sunrise, House In the Park) and dj there as well as opening for DJ Jamad at Apache Cafe, SundayDinnerAtl in Edgewood, Besharat Art Gallery for the Brave New Voices Poetry Slam and at ilounge for Vinyl n Vibes.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been told that my musical selections and desire for perfection in every mix gets your attention.  I have the ability to set and maintain a vibe; take you on journey. There are no lulls or dull moments when I spin. I do make mistakes though. I’ve learned to keep the same face and not show surprise at fumbling a transition or mistakenly stopping the music. I’m much quicker to get out of a bad mix.

One of the challenges faced being a DJ is that it can be expensive purchasing dj gear, promotional items and music!  The live streaming set up is more expensive than it should be because of supply and demand issues triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic. Inflation. It is suggested that you buy a DSLR or mirrorless camera (s) ,  an audio interface, hire a graphic designer and purchase a high performance laptop to get the best video quality. I have the tech needed now.

Turntablism is how many became familiar with deejays. I couldn’t afford turntables and a mixer when I started in 2010. DJ Controllers are more acceptable now when they weren’t always. I was told that I needed more professional and respectable gear which I eventually purchased.
However,  I grew more confident over the years in knowing that clients generally are not as concerned with the gear you’re using to keep their party jumpin’.

Lastly, it can be difficult scheduling events sometimes because I work full time in hospital information systems. Nor do I have the visibility that full time or club deejays have.. Though I’m not always as visible as I’d like to be, I try to stay active on social media, host mixes on my website and connect with other deejays. Occasionally you’ll also hear me on windemupradio.com. I’m also fortunate to still be among the list of recommended deejays.

What am I most proud about? Currently, I’m most proud of my dj set for Vinyl N Vibes  at iLoungeAtl just before Covid-19 shut the world down. My standard gear are Pioneer CDJ-900 NXS media players and a Serato DJM-S9 or DJM900-SRT mixer. I taught myself how to mix vinyl on turntables in a couple of weeks. To have my set be reminiscent of what you would hear at House In the Park Atlanta was an incredible compliment. Respect to the deejays that host HITP. I’ll also tell you that performing at Birmingham, Alabama’s  premier music and art festival Art on the Rocks, is one of my greatest accomplishments as a DJ.

I have a reputation of being very professional and skilled at curating music for my clients and their guests. This is extremely important to me; making sure that not only am I enjoying the music but making sure that I’ve properly complimented my clients’ event. I’m known to create your experience and elevate your atmosphere!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Of course we have to check out Flying Biscuit. I prefer the Midtown location because of the diverse group of people that eat there. It’s always crowded, full of energy.The biscuits and collard greens are my fave.

I haven’t been to Cafe Sunflower in years. So, we definitely have to go there. I’m not vegan but the food is delicious.

The best drinks I’ve had have been at the Vortex in Midtown and at WildPitch Underground which unfortunately is now permanently closed. We could get our dose of house music and a good high from fruity coctails with ALL the alcohol!

Slutty Vegan has to be on the itinerary, attending an ATLWKNDR event and  High Frequency Fridays at the High Museum of Art.

When we go to Moods Music in Little 5 points to stock up on my perfume oils and catch up with DJ  Dynamite Dave Soul ; Hudson Grille for lunch is a must. I really enjoy the patio.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have a small tribe of family, fans and friends including those who are deejays in Atlanta, Birmingham, Al, Portland, North and South Carolina and Arizona ..poets and musicians who have either documented events, did the heavy lifting, facilitated opportunities, listened to and critiqued my mixes, given technical advice, been my inspiration and motivation. I shine as DJ Love Deluxe because of their love and support over the years.

Special thanks to Windemupradio.com for hosting my Suite Heat mix series. Lastly to my mom Linda Jean who painted and made jewelry before she passed.Her creativity and love of art and music originated from my maternal grandmother and certainly was passed down to me. Grateful.

Website: https://www.djlovedeluxe.com/

Instagram: @djlovedeluxe

Facebook: DJ LOVE DELUXE

Image Credits
Nik Layman and Marci’a Jones

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.