RICHLAND, Wash.- Spokane-based disc jockey Lauren Lofton has been spinning sets in Spokane for four years, but she found her love for music in the Tri-Cities.
Lofton, known by her stage name DJ Priestess, attended Hanford High School and played in the marching band as a percussionist.
Lofton said she has many fond memories from her time in the Tri-Cities.
“One that will always stand out in my memory was doing the parade in West Richland, because that was where I lived,” Lofton said. “More like the community-focused events so I get to see everybody.”
When playing a set, Lofton said it is important to her to make sure everyone in attendance has a good time.
“You have to be able to observe what’s going on around you,” Lofton said. “You gotta keep an eye on everybody: ‘what are we feeling and what are we doing? Let’s go this way.’ You’re like the conductor.”
Lofton has been learning music production while polishing her skills as a DJ.
“I’m not in any rush to learn that. I like doing what I do now, and I think the best things come organically,” Lofton said. “Taking the time to define yourself as an artist, especially early on [is important].”
Lofton is looking forward to playing a few sets at Tri Town Get Down Festival this summer. She is scheduled to play two sets at Uptown Theater on Saturday, June 8, and a set on the STEM Fusion stage on Sunday, June 9.
