Daily Inspiration: Meet Leah Walton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Walton

Leah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began learning how to DJ in October 2022. I was going through a transitional period and needed a healthy outlet not tied to any expectations other than joy. I’ve always loved music and wanted to try spinning, but the stars never properly aligned.

I picked it up quickly during the early stages. I was practicing every day and night, overjoyed by every small advancement I made. I was watching a lot of YouTube videos, downloading an insane amount of music, and even took a course to speed up my learning. It was all so fresh and new to me, and a feeling that I’d never felt before.

Soon I began playing for family and friends, who then encouraged me to take my first gig in June 2023. After that first gig came the second, then the third, and it was up from there.

I am 2 years in and am proud of what I have accomplished thus far, but the most exciting thing is knowing how much more I have to learn and grow. This is just the beginning!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a smooth road for the most part, and that is because I choose to remember why I started dj’ing in the first place – freedom and happiness. It can be easy to get down on yourself about your art for various reasons (imposter syndrome, comparison to others, creative blocks), but then I remember that God chose me to have and cultivate this craft and more importantly, share it with others so they have the same feeling I have.

Of course, there are external factors that I cannot control in this industry, but remaining focused, building community, and keeping fun in the forefront make for a smoother road.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a DJ specializing in a sound I coined, “Globally-Ratchet”, which blends worldly grooves with a black, southern flair. This term stems from my upbringing and the music I listened to in my environment combined with my adult life experiences.

My parents played everything around the house – 80’s Rock, Reggae, Old-School Hip-Hop, House, and genres in-between, but because of where I grew up there was (and is still) a lot of Trap Hip-Hop and R&B flourishing around the scene.

I also travel globally for work and have been blessed with new musical experiences that have influenced my taste and DJ style. I have been enthralled by Turkish performers dancing to traditional music and intrigued by records I’ve discovered in a Japanese listening room. My travels to Miami and Mexico made me fall in love with Latin music. My adventures in Hawaii allowed me space and time to connect more with my craft without the distractions of the everyday hustle and bustle.

But at the end of the day, I am most proud of being a black woman from Nashville, Tennessee. Although I have been blessed to travel the world, I will never forget where I come from. And I push these sentiments in my “Globally-Ratchet” DJ sets. Hardly home but always repping!

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Besides spinning, I love plants! At one point I had about 40 houseplants in my home. I am a certified master gardener and used to teach others how to care for their houseplants. I love nature and being a free girl.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tikaafterdark.com
• Instagram: @tikaafterdark
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tikaafterdark