Meet Lisa Watts Thurston: DJ Peppermint Gatty

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Watts Thurston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I have allowed this journey to be one of self growth and self-acceptance. I had to seriously get over my fear of failure and move to the next level. When I put my self-doubt and fear to the side, I was able to pursue my passion with no safety net and develop immense patience with myself. My confidence increases daily because of the greatness I surround myself with. My tribe makes me believe in my own magic. I have surrounded myself with people who are also striving to be better in their field and who give me the needed support.

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 am a Medical Assistant by day and after hours, I am a DJ and Creative Consultant. I am also the Co-Founder of the El Dorado Hotties and Founder of Wax Fundamentals. Some of my most significant personal and professional highlights to date includes being one of the opening DJs for Tony Touch at All Vinyl Everything. I also had the opportunity to provide the musical background during the premiere of Phyllis Iller’s (Melissa Alexander) feature film To West End with Love. With the help of Brannon Boyle of Speakeasy Promotions, I was able to curate the Jax Forever King: A 10-year-anniversary of the legendary MC. I have acted as Assistant Producer and Creative Director for Vinyl n Vibes. My greatest accomplishment to date was taking over the Taste the Music Vinyl Crew and establishing the foundation for the Almighty Wax Fundamentals Crew. My role became bigger when I took over the Almighty Wax Fundamentals Crew formerly known as Taste the Music. This crew of phenomenal Vinyl DJs has helped me grow in my role as a creative and leader. We are always encouraging each other, and with constant dialogue and support, we have been able to establish ourselves by providing the soundtrack for numerous events around Atlanta including: Pretty Sweet, Boom Bap, All Vinyl Everything and Heavy Clouds art exhibit by artist C.Flux Singleton. My friendship with DJ Johnnie Dynamite and his event Vinyl n Vibes gave me the drive I needed to solidify my role as a support system, helping him grow his event into the “monster” that it is today. Dynamite trusted me and allowed me to be involved in the entire process from start to finish from booking to creative direction. DJ Presyce was another key figure in growing my reputation in this industry. He was the Director of Scratch Academy (ATL) and his encouragement for me to market myself as a Vinyl Vendor and DJ led me to develop the Eldorado Hotties with Noura Gordan AKA Lady Marauder. Collectively, these numerous experiences have given me the opportunity to build on my foundation as one of the many amazing women in ATL Hip-Hop. I want the world to know that I am a force in my own right and I will continue to shine.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite places to go is Apt 4B on Saturdays with DJ Sean Faylon. It’s a dope spot with great food and great music. My homie DJ Kerosene has been setting Smith’s Olde Bar on fire on Saturdays also. Friday nights at Parlor in Castleberry has been getting rave reviews! One thing about Atlanta is that we will always have a great time amongst friends-even during a pandemic. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shine light on my crew, The Almighty Wax Fundamentals. We are a crew of mixologists and selectors who maintain the tradition of vinyl DJs. Shoutout to DJ Oxygen, DJ Sir Daniel, DJ Ash Vibes, Bruce Phillips, DJ Johnnie Dynamite, Michael Mayhem, SlickerThanOil, DJ Chuckymadness, and Eljay. Special shout-out to our homebase, JBs Record Lounge.

Instagram: peppermint_gatty

Other: Instagram-wax fundamentals

Image Credits
Anthony “Truth” Gary Melissa “Phyllis Iller” Alexander John Crooms