Rising Stars: Meet Tanisha Utermark of Denver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanisha Utermark

Hi Tanisha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I always laugh when people ask how I became so deeply interested in house music. My answer often starts with a few trips to Vegas, but the truth is, my journey into music goes way beyond that. Growing up in the Bahamas, I was surrounded by music my whole life. My grandfather sang Calypso, and my family was always heavily involved with music outreach at church. On my birthday, which also happens to be around New Year’s, I would always be at Junkanoo, our traditional parade that Bahamians use to ring in the New Year. These cultural experiences left a lasting impact on me.

From a young age, music has been my therapy. It’s been my escape, my way to lose myself, forget my worries, and find peace. Dance has always been a powerful form of self-expression for me. When a song ends, I feel recharged—ready to take on new challenges and face life’s obstacles. The ebb and flow of dance music, the rise and fall of the beats per minute, it’s a way to build intensity and also calm the soul.

I’ve always loved how dance music is ever-evolving. It never stays in one place. From remixes of old classics to original tracks that blow your mind, it’s a genre that keeps me on my toes and constantly inspired. As I delved deeper into the world of dance music, I found myself drawn back to the sounds I grew up with—Dancehall, Soca, Calypso, and Reggae. But I realized there was a gap in the music that I loved. That’s when I decided to bring a piece of my cultural roots into the house music scene.

This is still just the beginning of my journey, but it’s been an incredibly rewarding one. It’s a journey of self-discovery, and I’m loving every moment of it. Music has always been there for me, and now, I’m finding ways to give something back to the world through it.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The hardest part is juggling countless ideas, tasks, and goals, while still fighting to acquire the knowledge needed to bring them to life. For me, the biggest challenge has been mastering the level of equipment and programming knowledge required to make things happen. But it’s a challenge I never shy away from.

There’s a saying: “The more you know, the less you know.” That’s definitely been true for me—each new piece of knowledge only opens up more questions. But honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The process of learning a new craft is always a special time, full of creativity, trial, and error. Sometimes, my mistakes end up becoming something unique and special, something I truly cherish.

In any creative endeavor, the journey—the story behind the process—is always what makes the final result so meaningful. So, I embrace the challenges and struggles wholeheartedly, knowing they’re all part of my growth and discovery.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a DJ and producer, I specialize in curating a musical journey that creates unforgettable nights. I’m proud to be known for delivering exceptional experiences at nightclubs and festivals across multiple cities, where I represent Caribbean sounds within the Tech House and Bass House genres of house music. It’s an honor to play my part in bringing a unique sound to the stage; one that stands out with original remixes and edits that make people smile and lose themselves in the music. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching the crowd connect and feel the energy of the moment.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Through my journey as a DJ, I’ve learned the incredible power music has to enlighten perspectives and shift how we experience the world around us. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, DJing on livestreams opened my eyes to more dance music than I ever could have imagined. It gave me the opportunity to see some of the best nightclub and festival DJs from around the world at home right on the internet, and in turn, I discovered just how much I enjoy the genre.

One of the biggest lessons I took from that time was the joy of exploring music in a deeper way. I had the chance to experience hundreds of DJ sets, each one a unique journey, and I gained a new appreciation for the art of song selection. Watching how DJs build a set and create a journey for their listeners was truly eye-opening. It reminded me of the emotional power of music, and how a well-curated playlist can take you to places you never expected.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aft3rss/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AFT3RS/
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/tyWgUFDCsDwThahn9
• Other: Bookdjafters@gmail.com