Today’s Notable Young Professional is acclaimed DJ, creator, film producer, and indie director D.W. Waterson, who we caught up with to find out about the inspiration behind her work and advice for other creatives in any industry…
WORK
Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I’m a film director by day and a DJ by night.
What was the inspiration for your career route?
I remember when I was in my pre-teens, every Friday night I would go to Blockbuster and rent festival-nominated films, seasons of TV, and the latest 90s teen movies. I was hypnotized by the art of storytelling, the actors, the cinematography, the drama, the magic; I would actually sit there and take notes. Little did I know all of those nights would up add up into creating the foundation for my career.
In regards to DJing, I didn’t see that coming at all. I started playing drums and was in and out of rock bands but it wasn’t until university that I saw some jock showing off Virtual DJ to a bunch of popular girls. Once I saw that, I was hooked. I locked myself in my dorm room and started mixing music.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
When That’s My DJ Season 2 premiered, hearing the audience roar and applaud rendered me speechless. That moment will be ingrained in my memory forever.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
In five years I see myself on tour as hey! dw DJ’ing music festivals all over North America and Europe while having released my first feature film. In 10 years I see myself showrunning my first television show while also touring as hey! dw. In 20 years I see myself still touring, showrunning to shows with 3-4 feature films under my belt, on top of fostering and producing up and coming talent.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Just do it! A lot of people talk about doing projects, being creative, and getting out there but few actually do. Be brave, take the risk, and jump.
What does the word notable mean to you?
To stand with an individual voice and make your mark.
PLAY
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
I love the Dupont strip. There are all these hidden gems of restaurants like Big Crow, my new favourite, Bar Begonia, and all of this just steps away from Casa Loma where you can overlook the entire city.
What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
BBC Radio 1 keeps me locked in to the best in up and coming music. Been jamming to ‘Skwod’ by Nadia Rose for the past couple weeks, as well as Galantis’ “No Money’
Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
If only Kate McKinnon had Twitter.
Runners up: beeple_crap and slimesunday on Instagram. Brilliant graphic designers; I’m obsessed with their stuff.
What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
I was just in LA for two months, I love it there. The energy, the people, the industry, the nightlife, the tacos… I will definitely be back soon.
What gives you the greatest FOMO?
Not being at THE party.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Not going to lie, Carly Rae Jepsen’s ‘E.MO.TION’ has ruled my playlist over the past few months. Do yourself a favour and listen to that album.
What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
I spend too much money eating out; would love to spend more money at farmer’s markets.
And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Success for me is filling my days and nights doing the things I love surrounded by the people I love.
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