Meet Jelani Larkins-Amador | DJ/ Music archivist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jelani Larkins-Amador and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jelani, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
To be honest I feel like having artistic or creative career choose me. Art and creativity has always played role in my family, whether it’s literature or physical mediums that in turn display or at least provide a means to send a message. And I feel that musically ultimately provides the best means to send my message or at least give some insight to how I feel or what is going on currently around me

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Music in itself is one of those unique things that’s universal, it doesn’t matter about your class or background or even your language. I think that’s what’s so appealing in music curating, it’s choosing the right song or melody maybe even just the overall tone of the piece that allows so much to be interpreted. In addition, the culture that surrounds all the various genres all have they’re own “vibe”, and as well they’re own audience. What I think is especially unique to music is the intersectionality amongst participants, there’s always something that anyone can relate too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m San Diego born and raised, I’ve always felt like the city was a little gem tucked away between the hustle and bustle of LA and TJ. I feel like there’s so much in San Diego that rivals what most cities have to offer. We’re an hour away from world renowned beaches, hour away from beautiful mountain ranges and the entire city has astonishing parks ink spotted all around. It’s hard not to just get lost for a day soaking in the scenery then remembering there’s still a whole town to explore. From humble mom and pop restaurants to some of the more extravagant places.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Ultimately I feel that most responsible for putting me on my path within the arts would have be my Grandfather Leer. He was War time Photographer during the Second World War, and after returning to the states he became involved with civil rights movement, documenting and producing art that spoke to the struggle that many people endure even to this day.

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