MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Baya Voce, MTV Real World Star and DJ
A Salt Lake City native, Baya Voce spent most of her life having to conform to the lifestyle she was surrounded by. Like many teens, Baya had always felt out of place in her hometown, and so at the age of 18 she decided to take a risk and move to Hawaii for college. It was in Hawaii that Baya’s world changed forever when she was first introduced to the sound of Hip Hop. For the first time, things for Baya finally clicked as she began to find her own rhythm. She realized she was most happy when every inch of her body was moving. It was this realization that led Baya to start dancing and really feel the music that moved her so.
In 2008, Baya’s life reached another turning point when she became part of MTV’s Real World, Brooklyn cast. Through the show, Baya was introduced to some local New York DJs who took the rising star under their wing and showed her the ropes. Immediately, there was no denying Baya’s talent as a DJ and she decided to pursue it; even expanding her interests to include producing.
Though she admits the Real World was instrumental in providing her a platform to pursue her new found love, she states, “As amazing an opportunity as the Real World was, reality TV is not the end for me.” DJ Baya Voce continues to prove herself as she is becoming a truly sought after female DJ in a male dominated industry. Her talents have led her to claim residency at New York hot spot Angels and Kings, DJing for the likes of Pete Wentz and Gym Class Heroes’ Travis McCoy. “I love the thrill of hyping up a big crowd. I have found trust in myself to know that if I can move to a beat, my audience can too. It is such a rush and I love it,” says Baya.
Baya most recently teamed up with mega producer Izzy Gold and is now part of the Izzy Gold Records family. She is currently in the studio producing her own beats, so stay tuned for the album release! In her spare time, Baya is also an animal rights activist, supporter of Breast Cancer Awareness, and an advocate for anything Green. Peachy Deegan spoke to Baya recently for Whom You Know!
Peachy Deegan: Although The Real World you participated was in Brooklyn, what were your most memorable events during the show that took place in Manhattan and what made them memorable?
Baya Voce: My most memorable events took place and a bar called Angels and Kings on the lower east side. An amazing guy named Rob Hitt (formerly of Midtown, tehe) took me under his wing and taught be the ropes of DJ'ing. I went to A&K every Tuesday night to learn how to DJ and because of my time spent there I have been lucky enough to start an East Coast DJ tour and have expanded my interests to include producing as well. I am coming out with an album soon under Izzy Gold Records so make sure to keep an eye out! You can also check out my site for updates at www.bayavoce.com
What are the best places for hip hop in Manhattan?
My favorite Hip Hop classes are at Broadway Dance Center. Cheryl Murakami has an amazing class that is so high energy and keeps me buzzed all day long!
Who are your favorite DJs in Manhattan?
Nick Hook and DJ Josh Link
Is there anyone you would like to emulate in terms of DJ'ing?
No, I really want to stand out as an individual. I will say this though... I love how DJ AM transitions from new club bangers to old classics, but still keeps the crowd going crazy.
If you were stuck on a desert island with no ipod and only a cd player and 5 cds, what would the 5 cds be?
Oooohhhh.... this one is tough!
Ok, right off the bat I have to say Michael Jackson-Bad, (I have probably dressed up as him 7-10 times on halloween... I LOVE him)
Damian Marley-Welcome to Jamrock, Neil Young- Harvest Moon, Van Morrison-Moondance, and instead of a fifth album, let's just pretend there was a DVD player on this island and I only had one music choice to watch. I would pick The Last Waltz. 4 albums and a live concert... I think I would survive.
What is your favorite place to be in NYC?
I can't even begin to say how much I love little Italy! I have spent countless days sitting by myself at cafes or little Italian restaurants sipping tea with the biggest smile on my face... I love it!
What is your favorite shop?
It's a place called Kaight that has all eco friendly clothing... gotta keep it green here, people.
What is your favorite drink?
My favorite drink is TY KU, www.trytyku.com. It is a soju based liqueur that tastes like heaven. It is low calorie and low sugar, so being a health nut like I am, but still loving to go out for drinks, TY KU is the perfect match!
What is your favorite restaurant?
Artichoke! Yum... best pizza around!
What is your favorite NYC book?
I can't say I have read much literature about NYC, but my favorite New York Times Bestseller is Greg Mortenson's, Three Cups of Tea.
What is your favorite thing to do in NYC that you can do nowhere else?
People Watch! I love picking a spot to sit and watching the people go by... there are no characters like the ones that give New York its flavor. I love it!
What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
Times Square is definitely overrated. Ok, I understand wanting to see it once in your life, but midtown is filled with overpriced chain restaurants and clothing stores that don't do New York justice.
Underrated are the subways. Just the other day I was riding and across from me was a homeless man with no legs passed out with a prothetic leg under his seat and a hat to put money in, and as the subway pulled away there was a giant Elmo playing guitar in the station. Only in New York.
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I haven't had a date in a long, long time *cough*... any takers? Ha... just kidding (but seriously)
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
You can find me online at www.myspacecom/djbayavoce
