CCF Loves: DJ Lani Love

From her always funky hair to her kick ass beats, I’m sure you’ve seen or at least heard DJ Lani Love at some point around Chicago. She’s one cool chick that I know I love, and I think you will too…

And If you’re thinking I picked DJ Lani LOVE for CCF LOVES just to be ironic, you’re half right. I actually just realized it as I was typing this post (it does have a nice ring to it though) BUT I like the girl regardless of her name. So besides playing amazing music at the best parties, let’s see what else we can find Lani doing around town, the most memorable moment in her career so far and her music festival spirit animal. Shall we?

Why Chicago?

I moved to Chicago to experience something new and find balance. In New York City, I was working myself to the bone, and after spending a week here, I fell in love with Chicago. I loved that it had a lot of the excitement and culture of a big city like New York, but also comforts of a more relaxed environment like Southern California where I’m from originally. Also, I was really inspired by the DJs here. I played a guest set with a friend of a friend, and it was just the basement of Crocodile and he was amazing. Then we hit up Bonny’s, the best dive bar ever in Logan Square (RIP Bonny’s) where I saw DJ Major Taylor for the first time. It blew my mind to see such a talented turntablist and DJ in an unassuming setting. That’s a big part of what makes Chicago magical to me. There’s a lot of amazing talent just doing what they love and low key killing it.

Top three favorites things to do / see in the city?

1) Ride my bike by the Lake. It’s really relaxing, and the views of the city down by Museum Campus are breathtaking. 2) See live music. Whether it’s a DJ at SmartBar or band at Lincoln Hall, there’s always something awesome happening. 3) EAT! Chicago is an incredible food city. There’s a little less variety in late night and cheap eats than other major cities, but you do get a little more for your money here. (cocktails, nice dining experience)

Most memorable moment in your career so far?

Playing in front of 23k people and opening for Fall Out Boy at McCormick Place. I was being projected on six 40 foot-wide screens. It was surreal!

Any words of advice for aspiring DJs?

Go out and see other DJs and local acts. Get to know them and support them. It will inspire you creatively, and chances are you’ll make new friends in the process.

If you were a music festival, which one would you be?

Pitchfork because it’s a little smaller and laid back compared to the other major festivals. Also, the eclectic lineup of artists is similar to the range of music in my personal collection.

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For more Lani, check out her website and follow her on Instagram!