Rising Star DJ The Chemistress Brings Buffalo's Rave Scene to Life
By Eric Perry
Zeada Beverly also known as "The_Chemist."
If you've been to any local electronic music events in Buffalo lately, chances are you've heard the talented turntables of Zeada Beverly also known as "The_Chemist." This up-and-coming DJ has been making waves in the city's nightlife scene, bringing her high-energy mixes to clubs, festivals, and house parties.
The Chemistress' journey to the DJ booth wasn't always an easy one. Born and raised in Buffalo, she spent time living in Las Vegas as a child before returning to the Queen City as a teenager. It was her father's love of the rave scene that first exposed her to the world of electronic music.
"My dad was really into techno and house music, so I was surrounded by that growing up," The Chemistress explains. "At first, I wasn't super into it - I was more into metal and punk rock. But then I got involved in the drag scene, and that's when I started going to clubs and really getting interested in DJing."
It was a friend's encouragement that finally pushed The_Chemistress to take the plunge and start mixing her own tracks. She invested in some used DJ equipment and started hosting regular "after-parties" at her place, where she could hone her skills in front of a supportive crowd of friends and industry folks.
"I just started inviting everyone over to my house for these little parties," she says. "Almost every weekend, I'd have DJs, bartenders, and other people from the scene coming through. It was a great way for me to practice and build my confidence."
The_Chemistress' big break came when she met local promoter Suzette, who took her under her wing and booked her for a slew of shows. Within a year, The Chemistress had gone from being a living room DJ to playing her first-ever festival set, a milestone that she describes as a "catalyst" for her career."That festival was such an incredible experience," The Chemistress recalls. "It was the first time I'd ever played at 12pm, which was way earlier than my usual late-night slots. But the energy was amazing, and I felt so connected to the crowd. It really showed me the power of DJing to shape the vibe of an event."
Of course, The Chemistress' journey has not been without its challenges. As a young, black female DJ in a male-dominated industry, she's had to navigate issues of sexism and racism. But, she's learned to use her voice and her platform to advocate for herself and other marginalized artists.
"It's tough being a black woman with strong opinions in this scene," she admits. "A lot of people just want to see you as eye candy, not as a skilled musician. But I've learned to be unapologetic about who I am and what I bring to the table. I'm not afraid to speak up when I need to."
Looking ahead, The Chemistress is focused on honing her production skills and releasing her own original music. She's also dedicated to supporting Buffalo's tight-knit rave community, playing regular gigs at spots like Luna Lounge and advocating for more all-ages spaces for electronic music.
"This scene has become like a second family to me," she says. "I want to do whatever I can to keep it thriving and give back to the people who've supported me along the way."
With her infectious energy, bold personal style, and undeniable talent behind the decks, it's clear that The Chemistress is just getting started. Keep an eye out for this rising star! Buffalo's rave scene is about to get even hotter!