ABOUT
“there are Ghosts in the Grooves that are Divine Remedies Wanting to be Heard.”
DJ Mahealani (Lesli Sparkman-Williams) is a self taught visual artist and vinyl DJ based in Austin, Texas.
TEXAS BORN & raised on hand-me-down quilts as a kid, & influenced by the samples in hip hop as a teen. both gave her a blueprint on how to create new worlds by blending parts of the old. moved by the alchemy of juxtaposition, she learned to create visions & vinyl soundscapes to inspire.
The name Mahealani was given to her in a dream–-it means “The Fullest Blossoming of the Moon”.
while living in maui AFTER COLLEGE, Local Hawaiian friends informed her that dreams are how names are traditionally given, and since there were no children being born into her family at the time, the name was intended for her.
Throughout her career, Mahealani has played dancehall for Dave Chapelle, hip hop for Sandra Bullock, country and blues for Questlove, and has spun with visual artist, Shephard Fairey. She’s shared the stage with (DJ) Elijah Wood, & was named the First Lady of Wax by Austin legend, DJ Chicken George.
Committed to her craft, Mahealani also loves sharing the art of vinyl DeeJaying with the next generation of beat matchers & record lovers. she has taught vinyl deejaying to a wide range ages and abilities, & is currently accepting new students. No previous experience necessary; only a love for music & records.
Lesli earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning Development, & a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Ethnic Studies at the University of Texas, at Austin. During her time at UT, she Founded the Student Union Open Mic Hip Hop Night. This event showcased local emerging talent and served as a bridge between UT and Austin’s Eastside music culture. These Wednesday nights were fertile ground to local Austin hip hop legends in their early years and co-sponsored national acts like The Roots.
Episode 3 || Mahealani "DJ Mahealani" Williams
Art is Cool
Art is Cool is a documentary web series centered on inspirational artists. The series builds an intimate portrayal of the artist and their work.
Produced by Fum Fum KO Productions
Produced by the Austin American-Statesman
Sound Style: The art of
DJ Mahealani
Austin DJ Lesli Sparkman-Williams uses collage to combine found images in ways that are unexpected and delightful. Her digital la sirene project is an exercise in personal healing with mermaids.
PRODUCED BY FUTURE FRONT
Power to the People ft.
DJ Mahealani and Deborah Valcin
featuring the talents of DJ Mahealani and Photographer / videographer Deborah Valcin. The audio in this short film features DJ Mahealani's first mix that includes a reading on vinyl of "The World Is Not A Pleasant Place To Be" by poet Nikki Giovanni