Alkemé Talks She-Jays, Carl Jung, Outkast, Sade, Fuse Fridays, Tom Novy, and More

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AKA: Alkemé

Current club nights: Thursdays: Azúl at San Carlos, Fridays: Fuse at Bar Smith, Saturdays: Z Girl Club. Guest spots at other venues such as Cream Stereo Lounge.

Genres spun: All that encompasses sexy...mmm, I love me some sexy. Yet, I love what gets the crowd hyped on the dance floor; what keeps my people coming back. It's all about the crowd, the heads, the people. Downtempo, deep house, neo-soul, jazz, electro, hip hop, and more...what can I say, I have a sweet tooth.

Explanation behind your DJ name: Jungian Psychology. Food for thought Psychology and Alchemy by Carl Jung and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho; continual growth, a state of constant belief without the reward of instant gratification. It retains a steady progression.

What are your feelings about the local DJ scene? It is in full bloom, Time is the Aesop I know.

What would you change if you could: Less ego.

Alkemé (left) with her "partner in crime" Deon Pearson.

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How did you get started as a DJ? 101.1 & 92.7 fm (Energy Radio) before changing their format used to play electronic music. I was fortunate enough to start sharing my music with the masses via this medium. I had a show every Sunday called Sunday Brunch Lounge where I played a lot of downtempo, lounge and deep house. My heart goes out to the Solstice crew and founders Pete "Supermix Salaz" and Sean "Senbad" Badger for giving me my first opportunity to perform behind the decks.

What do you think of your DJ career thus far? I compare this career to a professional sport. Most professional athletes start practicing their craft at a very early age; practiced, fell, got up again, then honed their craft. I've done many things, studied various career options and ultimately came back full circle. It's good for me to dive head first into what I know best. I've been in love with music ever since I could hear it. I will continue to practice it, listen to it, mix it, produce it, learn it, and share it. I am honing my craft.

Why are there only a handful of female DJs in Phoenix? I believe a lot of females are focused in their search for stability. As a DJ I never know where music's going to take me. All I know is that I'll follow.

Is there a certain "boys club" mentality to the DJ booth? Not at all. Knowledgeable male DJs are quick to give a female props for being a good DJ and sticking to it regardless of any situation. People take notice -- male or female -- when there's tenacity in the mix.

Are you involved with any DJ crews? Absolutely! I am a partner and resident of FUSE Fridays at Bar Smith, mad luv for my crew!! I am also co-founder and organizer for Azúl Thursdays starting July 8th with my partner in crime: the "Fundance Kid" Deon Pearson. In addition, dk.strickler & Dr. Drea (Dessert House Productions) and Rani G (World, Life, Music) were the crews who first gave me the opportunity to openly perform my most beloved chill-out sessions.

What is your mantra when it coming to DJing: I listen, observe, study, practice, and most importantly, I stay in love with what I do.

Most you've ever been paid for a gig? Experience.