GofG Interviews: DJ Neekola, DC's It-Girl DJ

DJ Neekola is, without a doubt, the it-girl DJ of DC. She spins in Washington and abroad, and always from behind her signature bedazzled laptop. After running the club scene in Germany and cutting her teeth at NYC's Scratch Academy, DJ Neekola and her love for House and Electronic Music have taken over DC's best parties. We caught up with DJ Neekola to see what turns her tables...

First off, we need to know: what is your real name?

Nicole Gallub!

Tell me something about you that most people don’t know?

I'm a huge nerd.  Grew up playing and programming computer games as a kid, worked as a game-master for a lasertag company during highschool, drove motorcycles and hacked computers.

That is pretty nerdy! Moving on, what's one good thing about a slow economy?

That the entertainment business never slows down.  Luckily I've always had a busy schedule, even in the toughest of times!

What is your favorite place to go when you don’t have to be anywhere?

I like to hop on a bike or my rollerblades and hit the bike paths behind Georgetown on the Potomac, and then grab lunch over at Peacock Cafe.

What's the biggest risk you ever took?

I've taken a LOT.  One would be leaving a hefty salary working for the government to pursue an unstable career in the music industry. Another would be hopping on a plane to another country to pursue a love connection...I could go on and on! I'm a lucky girl because even though I've taken a thousand risks, they have always had a great, magical outcome! Good karma maybe?

What is your most memorable DC moment?

Snowmaggedon!!  Snowmaggedon happened the DAY BEFORE my very first album release party, and I had to go and pick up a few guys from the Swiss soccer team from the airport that day.  It took me 8 hours to drive them to the Helix Hotel from Dulles Airport, longer than their actual flight from Zurich.  I was worried about the turnout of the album event...but it ended up being a smashing success!!

What is your proudest moment?

The beta launch of my new online business!  It combines my expertise in both the IT world and in the entertainment industry.  It is a product designed to give more opportunity for all hard working, experienced professionals in the event industry, and create stability.

What is one thing you can’t live without?

MUSIC!

What constitutes "making it?"

Achieving a goal you've set for yourself, whether its a goal you've set for your career, your health, your personal life...any goal you've set and achieved...you worked hard, and you've "made it."

What's the Best 2k you've ever spent?

I've spent a lot of money on myself and my businesses throughout the years, but the best memories I have from spending that kind of money were when I did it to make other people happy.  For example, spending money on preparing a huge, delicious meal for single soldiers that were away from their families during the holidays, or spending money for my family to leave Richmond and visit me in Germany for 2 weeks.

We're obsessed with the idea of "secret celebrities." Who do you think deserves more attention in the spotlight, and who do you think deserves less?

I'm very passionate about this! I see trainwreck after trainweck as the focus in the spotlight today...such as Snookie, Paris Hilton, that poor little chubby child from Toddlers and Tiaras. WHY?? Why can't television today focus on those who have a little more education, ethics and morals? We need better role models to look up to! I'd love to see people like Ellen Degeneres or Taylor Swift get more attention.

What were some of your biggest gigs n the past year?

Last year I had an AMAZING opportunity to play in Greece alongside some of my peers! It was the most amazing opportunity I've ever had!  I stayed in the same room Armin Van Buuren had stayed in the year before, had my posters all over the island of Rodos, spent time with some big peers in the industry, and had my peers in the DJ booth with me as I performed!  I played in one of the most beautiful venues I've ever performed: an outdoor venue, Paradiso, right on the water. I continued to play until the sun came up over the water. It was the most magical night, and memorable event last year.

Follow Her: @DJNeekola fb.com/DJNeekola and on the web!

[bottom photo via]