1. Hi Cristy! Please introduce yourself to those who might not know you. 
Hi! My name’s Cristy Lawrence and I’m a DJ and Music Producer from New Orleans, LA, now based in Los Angeles, CA. 
‍
2. How did your connection with Shira and Gritty In Pink come about? What's it like to be a part of the effort to create a supportive community for a set of diverse womxn in the music industry?
I was connected to Shira to DJ some of her upcoming Gritty events! I love being a part of this community because all of the women are empowering and want to help lift each other genuinely and that’s really what it’s all about. 
‍
3. Do you recall when you realized you wanted to pursue a career as a DJ?
I recall wanting to be a DJ when I was a teenager — I was going to all of these underground raves and dove deep into the electronic community and culture. I soon found out it is a whole other world once you begin to learn everything about it — the music, the people, the festivals. I’ve always loved music, and I’ve always loved being on stage, so combining the two is just my ultimate happy place. Being able to look out into the crowd and connect with everyone through music is one of the most powerful feelings.

4. How would you describe your performance style while DJing? In your opinion, have you noticed what type of music gets the crowd moving?
I would describe my style as high energy, for sure! I have certain sounds and music that I incorporate into my sets. Any time you hear me perform, I want it to be a journey from start to finish. I want to give you what you didn’t know you needed. 
‍
5. Is there a stage you haven't performed on yet but would like to? 
My dream is to play on the Tomorrowland stage in Belgium. Definitely at the top of my list! Electronic music and the vibe in Europe are unmatched, and I can’t wait to experience that. 

6. Are you able to adapt to different music tastes outside of your own while DJing? Is there a certain genre you would like to DJ, that you haven’t? 
I can adapt to any genre easily! As an artist, you feel like you have to have a certain genre and sound, which I agree with to a certain extent. At the same time, I love to create whatever is feeling creative that day, and I think you can create whatever you want freely as long as you put your love into it.
‍
7. Can you speak to how male-dominated the DJ space is and how you navigate through it as an out queer woman?
This question speaks to me because I have had a male artist throw their hands in front of me, not let me plug in my music, and tell me I wasn’t supposed to be where I was in the moment. I felt something discouraging but empowering at the same time that made me feel like anyone will try to knock you down, but it’s all about how you follow up. 

8. Who have been your musical influences that have shaped your style and sound?
I started out listening to rock and roll when I was younger and going in to my teenage years switched over to listening to electronic music 98% of the time. I listened to artist like Dr. P, Flux Pavillion, Avicii, Skrillex, Hardwell which really paved the way for modern electronic music now a days and in my opinion was one of the greatest times in electronic music. The energy, the people, no phones – it was just amazing!
‍
9. If you could do an opening set for any artist, who would it be? 
I would love to open for a Chris Lake & Fisher set — the energy is always high, and being able to start that off would be incredible!    

10. What music genre would people be surprised that you like?
One of my all-time favorite genres is Reggae! It’s one of the only genres I can listen to repeatedly, and never get tired of it. 
‍
11. What is your favorite comfort show or movie to watch? 
I don’t watch much TV, but when I do, I love watching Thrillers and anything that will keep me on the edge of my seat. 
‍
‍
‍