Priyanka Vigneswaran's journey from a corporate desk to the pulsating world of DJing is nothing short of extraordinary. As a Tamil woman raised in Los Angeles by conservative parents, Priyanka grew up within the confines of tradition, where the expectations for career paths were typically centred around becoming a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. But deep within her was a passion for music, performance, and self-expression that would eventually break through the expectations, leading her to a remarkable career as a DJ and music producer.
Raised on the music of legendary Indian composer A. R. Rahman, Priyanka’s early life was full of the sounds of Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam dance. But despite her affinity for music, her childhood and teenage years were marked by the pressures of her traditional upbringing. She describes her early years as a time of being programmed into a narrative that placed immense value on success, academic achievement, and the approval of others. For a long time, she conformed to these pressures, taking the “safe” route of pursuing a degree in communications and film, which eventually led her to a seven-year corporate stint at Disney, working in social media marketing.
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But behind the corporate facade was a growing desire for creative freedom, something Priyanka struggled to ignore. “I felt like I couldn’t take it anymore,” she reflects. Her work at Disney allowed her to develop a creative eye for content, but it never quite satisfied her deeper urge to be fully immersed in the art of music. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Priyanka’s corporate world shifted. Suddenly, the pressures to overperform intensified, and she found herself working long hours, managing the demands of social media, while the world outside was shut down.
It was during this stressful time that Priyanka sought therapy and began to reassess her life. It became clear that working herself to the brink wasn’t sustainable or fulfilling. It was time for a change, and that change came in the form of DJing. Priyanka had always been fascinated by the craft of mixing music, and her love for dance had never waned. She began taking DJ classes at the Beat Junkies Institute, a revered DJ school that would eventually become her creative sanctuary. “That place was like a temple to me,” she says. The school became the starting point for a transformation that would see her stepping into a new role—one where she was fully in control of her own narrative.
In 2021, Priyanka made the bold decision to leave her corporate job and pursue DJing full time. It was not without its challenges. The early months were rocky, and like many creatives, she faced self-doubt and uncertainty. But through perseverance, her natural talent, and the confidence she gained at Beat Junkies, she soon found herself getting booked for gigs across cities like New York, San Francisco, and beyond. Her sets, which blend genres like Afrobeats, South Asian music, and Amapiano, became known for their energy, diversity, and the cultural fusion that reflects Priyanka’s own diasporic identity.
One of her most viral moments came from a South Asian/Bollywood inspired amapiano set shot in her parents’ backyard that she posted online. The video, which featured her dancing with unfiltered joy and passion, quickly caught fire, racking up views across social media platforms. It became an iconic moment in her career and brought her wider recognition.
Despite the success, Priyanka is aware of the challenges that come with breaking the mould, especially as a Tamil woman in the male-dominated DJ industry. She candidly shares her experiences with online haters and detractors who often reduce her talent to mere appearances, calling out how some criticize female DJs for "just dancing" rather than recognizing their skills. But Priyanka remains unfazed, choosing instead to focus on her craft and the positive energy she can share with the world through her music.
"My spiritual practice keeps me grounded," she says. Yoga and meditation have become an integral part of her routine, providing balance in an industry that often thrives on late nights, glamour, and social media validation. This spiritual grounding allows her to maintain a clear sense of purpose, reminding her that success is more than just the external rewards—it’s about uplifting herself and others through music.
As she continues to evolve as an artist, Priyanka’s ambitions extend beyond just DJing. She’s venturing into music production, creating remixes and original tracks, and she dreams of exploring even more creative outlets in the future, including perhaps one day incorporating her vocals into her music. For now, she’s fully immersed in the world of DJing, with upcoming international gigs, including a show in Dubai and plans to perform in London later this year.
Priyanka’s story is one of courage, resilience, and a deep trust in herself and the universe. Her journey from the corporate world to becoming a DJ and music producer is a testament to the power of following one’s passion, no matter how unconventional it may seem. She has become a role model, particularly for Tamil women who see in her the possibility of living authentically and pursuing their dreams, no matter what societal expectations may dictate.
As Priyanka puts it, “I hope to be a reflection of the endless possibilities of what someone can be. They don’t have to be like me. They just have to be like them.” And for many, that’s the most inspiring message of all.
-Featured image from Vogue India
