…Treat your art as a business. You need legal representation, contracts, and clear boundaries to protect your value and work. Early on, I often undercharged or did too many gigs out of love, which undervalued my talent. Setting standards is crucial to sustaining a career…
As a part of our series about “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist” I had the pleasure of interviewing Vincent Williams, known professionally as DJ Spinna. DJ Spinna is a Brooklyn-NYC born artist and a globally respected DJ, producer, and music preservationist. With a career spanning over three decades, Spinna is celebrated for his ability to seamlessly blend genres, hosting iconic tribute events like “Wonder-Full,” honoring Stevie Wonder, and “Soul Slam,” dedicated to Michael Jackson and Prince. Through his artistry, Spinna bridges generational gaps, preserving musical legacies and inspiring audiences worldwide.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I grew up in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, during the 70s and 80s — when neighborhoods truly felt like communities. My block was alive with a mix of cultures, predominantly Black and Latino families, many of Caribbean descent. My roots trace back to Panama, where my parents emigrated from in the late 60s. Music was a constant in our household. My dad had a small but meaningful record collection, and as a toddler, I would spend hours exploring it. My grandmother’s house was a musical treasure trove thanks to my uncle’s extensive Soul, Funk, Caribbean, and Jazz records collection. Those early years of diving into vinyl set the stage for what would later become my passion for DJing.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
Music always felt like destiny for me. As a kid, I’d be the DJ at family gatherings and block parties, learning how music could set the mood and bring people together. Growing up during the emergence of Hip-Hop and DJ culture in Brooklyn was transformative. I spent hours studying local sound crews and radio DJs, absorbing their techniques. By the time I was a teenager, I was spinning at basement parties and block events, and by college, my reputation as a DJ had spread across upstate New York. I realized early on that I didn’t just want to play music — I wanted to create experiences that moved people’s souls.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
One of my most surreal career experiences was being invited to Stevie Wonder’s home. For years, I’d hosted my “Wonder-Full” tribute events celebrating his music, which eventually caught Stevie’s attention. After several interactions, including a call where he spoke to a live audience at one of my events (also amazing!), Stevie invited me to LA. Sitting on the couch in his living room, having a one-on-one conversation about life and music, was unforgettable. Seeing him without his signature glasses and while delving into topics that mattered to him felt like a rare and profoundly human moment. This was the kind of connection that reminds me why I do what I do.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
I have several exciting projects this month and in 2025 that showcase the diversity of my work. In March, I’ll embark on an extensive tour of Australia — a rare opportunity to connect with Aussies and share the music that moves me.
Closer to home, I headlined a launch party for the Luther Vandross documentary Never Too Much (the documentary is being released on CNN on January 1st, 2025) at Brooklyn’s new roller-skating rink, Xanadu. It was a unique event that combined skating and music to honor Vandross’s legacy, which I’m thrilled to be a part of.
Mid-month, I traveled to Los Angeles for my annual ‘90s-themed party, “FLAVORS,” which I co-hosted with J-Rocc of the legendary Beat Junkie. What’s unique about this event is the younger generation of attendees who didn’t live through the ’90s but are eager to experience its music. We take them on a journey through R&B, hip-hop, dancehall, rock, and more — everything from Nirvana to Red Hot Chili Peppers. It’s a true celebration of the era.
On the production side, I’m reissuing Carmen Rogers’s debut album, Free, through my label, Wonderwax, for its 20th anniversary. This album has never been available on vinyl, so I worked with Carmen to remaster it from the original tapes and bring it to life in a way it’s never been heard before. It’s rewarding to honor an album that holds such significance for me and fans of R&B.
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
I’ve been honored to meet legends like Prince, Stevie Wonder, and many of my DJ heroes. One unforgettable moment was when Prince attended my “Soul Slam” event, a tribute to his and Michael Jackson’s music. When I met him, the first thing he said was, “Why does this have to be a versus?” (I initially started the event off as a Prince vs. MJ event, highlighting their extensive music catalogs for audiences at my shows). After explaining it wasn’t a competition but a celebration, we had a spirited exchange that ended with him inviting me to collaborate later that year. That night, he also gave me a subtle yet powerful nod of approval by playing air guitar beside the booth while I spun a classic Funk track.
Another interesting person I’ve enjoyed working with is filmmaker Spike Lee. He hosts a “BK Loves MJ” celebration each year in Brooklyn to honor Michael Jackson’s legacy. I curate/spin a selection of Michael Jackson’s hits and rarities. The celebration also includes live performances, dance, and other festivities, typically drawing more than 50,000 fans from across the city. In recent years, Spike has expanded the event to honor Michael Jackson and Prince.
Moments like these reinforce the universal language of music.
Where do you draw inspiration from? Can you share a story about that?
My inspiration comes from everywhere — my extensive vinyl collection, the legendary DJs I admire, and the energy of a live audience. Music has a way of transcending barriers and connecting people on a soul-deep level. I vividly remember nights at Club Shelter in New York, where the music created almost spiritual experiences — hearing one of my remixes played by the legendary resident DJ Timmy Regisford at the end of a 12-hour set which left me in tears. It was a reminder of music’s power to evoke emotion and unity. Whether in the studio or behind the turntables, I draw on these moments to create something transformative.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
At the heart of my career is the goal of spreading love and joy through music. Whether it’s creating spiritual experiences at my “Wonder-Full” parties celebrating Stevie Wonder or crafting sets that unite generations, my work is about fostering connection. I’ve always believed that music is a powerful force — it can heal, uplift, and bring people together.
Hearing stories from attendees is one of the most rewarding aspects of my events. Over the years, countless people have told me they met their spouses, started families, or found lasting friendships at my parties. Some even return decades later, bringing their children or grandchildren. Knowing that my music has been part of these life-changing moments is a profound reminder of its impact.
During the pandemic, when live events weren’t possible, I turned to streaming on Twitch to stay connected with fans. The response was overwhelming — many told me that my music brought them solace and even saved their lives during such an isolating time. It reinforced my belief in the unifying power of music.
For me, DJing isn’t just about playing tracks; it’s about creating a space where people feel loved, seen, and inspired. If I’m not spreading love, I’m not fulfilling my purpose.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
- Treat your art as a business. You need legal representation, contracts, and clear boundaries to protect your value and work. Early on, I often undercharged or did too many gigs out of love, which undervalued my talent. Setting standards is crucial to sustaining a career.
- Stay open-minded. Master multiple genres to increase your opportunities. I’ve played everything from Hip-Hop and R&B to House, Funk, and Pop, which has allowed me to reach diverse audiences and perform at unexpected venues, from clubs to corporate events.
- Networking is everything. Relationships can make or break your career. Always be professional and approachable while maintaining your integrity. I’ve seen talented artists miss opportunities because of their difficult personalities — don’t let that be you.
- Get representation. An agent or lawyer helps manage business matters, freeing you to focus on your craft. They also ensure you’re fairly compensated and shield you from complex negotiations.
- Take care of yourself. The DJ lifestyle can be grueling, especially with travel and late nights. Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and balance. You can’t create or perform at your best if you’re burned out.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
My movement would focus on preserving musical legacies and connecting generations through art. Today’s fast-paced culture often loses touch with the roots of creativity. We must honor the past to fuel the future. Through my work, I aim to bridge that gap and ensure foundational artistry remains relevant. You wouldn’t have Michael Jackson’s artistry without Jackie Wilson and James Brown’s showmanship. Prince’s legacy wouldn’t exist without Jimi Hendrix’s guitar playing and blending of genres like Rock and Soul. And The Beatles wouldn’t have become what they were without Chuck Berry or Little Richard.
We have been blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she just might see this.
He recently passed away, but I’d love to break bread with Quincy Jones. And Berry Gordy. Both are architects of modern music who built legacies that shaped the industry. Their ability to discover talent, foster creativity, and break barriers has always inspired me. A conversation with either of them would be a masterclass in artistry and vision.
What is the best way our readers can follow you on social media?
You can follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/djspinna/, catch my live streams on Twitch at www.twitch.tv/djspinnabk, and find my upcoming events on DJSpinna.com.
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!
DJ Spinna: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.