Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Stoneman.
Hi Kristen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Absolutely. I believe there are two separate “voyages” so to speak. One for Kristen and one for DJ K Stones. They run parallel to one another and cross ever so often, but they are both just as important. DJ K Stones started in college at ECU. The summer before my freshman year, I was enthralled by a neighbor who had vinyl turntables (that’s all there was back then), and wanted to learn more. The first week of school, I applied for the college radio station (shoutout WZMB 91.3FM), and quickly became the hip hop director. All of the music at the station was on vinyl so my weekly show was played on turntables. My love for djing grew rapidly and then a member from Def Jam Records called and asked if anyone at the station wanted to be a marketing representative for them. I answered the phone that day, and the rest was history. I was on the street team for artists like Neyo, Rihanna, Kanye West, Young Jeezy, and more. Once I graduated college, I was able to purchase all of my DJ equipment and started my journey as a full time DJ.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
To be honest, it has been pretty smooth. I live by the motto “don’t sweat the small stuff” thanks to my dad. Sure there have been tough times but I have been very blessed with a great career, clients, and attendees at events.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a DJ. I specialize in club events, corporate events, and weddings. I would say I am known for all of them! I am most proud of the way I have been able to build a name for myself in the local community and become a common referral for events where people create amazing memories. What sets me apart from others is my personality and attention to detail. I take a very long time to prepare for each event no matter how big or small and I truly care about the people I DJ for. Having that relationship with clients and venue owners has helped tremendously over the years.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Absolutely. There are almost too many to name. When I first started djing, there was a woman by the name of DJ Chela (now Lauren Sovereign) who was tearing up the music scene in RDU. She was one of the first female DJ’s in the area that I knew of and I wanted to follow in her footsteps. The men who were djing in Raleigh at the time all took me under their wing and we are all still great friends today. Some of them include, DJ Triple B, DJ Grant, DJ Spclgst, DJ Showtime, DJ Scott Carnerval, DJ Proto J, Merlin, Soundmachine, and many many more. My family has always been my biggest support system. My father always told me I could be and do anything I wanted and although I didn’t take the traditional route, I had everyones full support. Some of my favorite memories are my dad and brother showing up at gigs on the weekends and always made me feel important. My mom never ceased to tell everyone in her circle about her daughter that DJ’s and is always trying to find me more gigs. They’re proud of me and I’m proud to call them family. Also, my husband was a huge supporter as well and led me to believe the sky is the limit. When we first started dating, he never missed a gig! I would also like to mention that as my business grew, I started taking on another female DJ to play at gigs when I was double booked and I’d also like to thank DJ Isabel for her time and commitment to the “DJ K Stones” brand. I would also like to recognize my amazing group of friends old and new that have always supported me at gigs and told me I was talented and pushed me to go further!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @djkstones
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedjkstones
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenstoneman/
