Meet Shonna Gillis | DJ/Producer/Booty Shaking Influencer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shonna Gillis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shonna, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
It may seem like it’s a lot of parties and fun, but it’s a lot of hard work. And often times, the hard work doesn’t yield results for awhile so it seems like you’re not actually working, but it’s a serious grind.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a DJ and producer from San Diego who has been working pretty hard over the past couple years to pursue her dreams. I’m super excited about my upcoming release which will be out soon as well as Umbrella Weekend at the end of the month.

I honestly never thought I would be pursuing this life as a DJ, but here I am. It’s the only job I’ve had that I truly love and meant I was put on this earth to do. I kept following the path that seemed right to me, and that’s how I got to where I’m at. I worked really hard to improve my skills but overall it just seemed like this is what I was meant to do. I asked one of my friends for DJ lessons because I just wanted to know what the knobs did. I had no intention of actually “being a DJ” at the time but here I am.

The road to get where I am was not easy, and I know there’s much work to be done, but my tenacious nature would not let me settle for less so anytime I felt like giving up, I looked for advice from my mentors and friends and they helped me to see to keep moving forward. I’ve learned a lot through my adversity and most of all, I’ve learned that my struggle can be an inspiration to others, and that is what empowers me the most. Being a Black woman in the house and techno music scene, can be incredibly lonely and challenging, but when I hear people tell me that they were totally in tune with me during my sets, or have never heard a set like that before, I am reminded that I’m doing something special and it’s what I’m meant to do.

I’m expanding my role from DJ to party concierge and event promoter, and the one thing that I want people to know that if you are attending an event that I’m throwing, is that the quality of music will be at the upmost highest, and the vibes will be immaculately, untouchably, thick.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a born and raised San Diegan so my fun spots is endless. Due to the pandemic, some of my favorite places are no longer around but they’ll always hold space in my memories. I will forever remember the many nights I had at Blonde Bar (now closed) but Social (owned by its former owner and lead bartender) is building its name as the new Blonde and I’m so happy that I’m a resident DJ hosting a monthly event there to regain some of that magic.

Spin Nightclub is also one of my most favorite places to go out and brings some amazing artists in the house and techno scene. The first time I was booked to play there was an absolute dream come true and I cannot wait to be there again in the future.

I also recently threw a hip hop influenced house event at Revel Revel which has been providing a space for lots of promoters and collectives in San Diego. It has an incredible view and the bar manager Sam, is super kind and does so much to make each event super special.

I’m a major foodie so the list of spots I love goes on and on but my most favoritest is The Friendly which has a delectable dirty flat top burger that is something I dream about. The pizza is also amazing. Second on the burger list is The Balboa, which is a bigger burger but just as scrumptious, especially after a long night out. When it comes to Mexican food, I have a spot for pretty much every item but Lola 55 is one of the best spots to eat that has an ambiance to match. The drinks are incredible and the taco Tuesday special which is always new an innovative takes it to the top of the list.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have a lot of good friends that I would not be where I am without, and that list would be pretty long so I’ll just say…you know who you are. In regard to groups, The Afternoon Umbrella Friends has been a major support system along the journey and I’m super grateful to have such a dedicated group doing what they do best and keeping the San Diego music scene as accepting and authentic as it can be. I also want to give a huge shout out to PG Squirthouse for throwing some of the best renegades you ever did see, and believing in me as a DJ. Lastly, Church of Music has done so much for me and for women artists in the scene in San Diego, and I honestly will forever be grateful for showing me how much love you have for us women out here.

Instagram: @showshonna

Twitter: @showshonna

Facebook: facebook.com/showshonna