When Dana Cobbs walks into a room there is an instant shift of all eyes to her as she stands 6 feet tall with a coveted voluminous afro and head to toe style. Cobbs defines trifecta owning her path as DJ, Model, and Muse. Her recent mission has been promoting a toxic-free clean beauty and skincare approach, and, with her stunning beauty, she inspires us to heed the call to better living. Her modeling aspirations took her to Europe at just 19 years of age and has led her on a path to landing gigs with prestigious designers such as Tracy Reese and famed costume designer Ruth E. Carter. Located in New Haven, Dana is known to spin regularly both in Connecticut and New York City, when the world was still in motion, and now everyone can join her dance parties virtually. I have personally danced like it was my J-O-B, during her sets on a few occasions, and I’ve witnessed her taste in both style and music, which emote goddess vibes. The beauty beyond her talent is that her energy is infectious, and her message is often inspirational. In this month’s Radar, we chat with Dana Cobbs aka That Dana Game, about the DJ scene, her modeling adventures, and the reality of Covid-19. Check out this exclusive Q&A and learn why she should be on everyone’s radar.

1. How did DJing enter your life and why is music so important to you?
Music has always been important to me because I grew up a dancer. We had what seemed like tons of vinyl in the house. My dad had a lot of disco, soul, and "Sugar Hill" records in the late 70s/early 80s. Most people in my family played instruments or were at least in the school band. My grandmother and mother have pianos in their homes. My great-grandparents played in big-band orchestras. I always thought that the grooviest part of many dance LPs was the 'break'. That's the part that made me want to get loose. I have always visualized being a DJ. Someone who sets the atmosphere with sound. Someone who 'breaks' new music. A great 'selector' if nothing else. I thought it was important. I began making mixes and simply sharing them with friends and playing them at parties. I also played music consultant for venues (new restaurants, etc.). I thought that was my sweet spot, but it wasn't enough. I used to spin vinyl in a few spots in NYC years ago.

2. When you’re not spinning what type of music do you enjoy listening to? What genre of music has been most influential to you?
I ache for new sounds as long as they’re soulful. It also depends on my mood, but I have a "Chillout" playlist that I often turn to when I'm at home. It's not 'distracting'. It's about 500+ tracks of vibes, vocals, soul.

3. What’s your approach to preparing for a set?
Ha! I'm a selector to my core. I consider the audience/crowd, but, honestly, I just want to play good music. Music that makes sense. Music that reminds people of happy times. (sigh) More often than not, it’s long. Just like any creative process (though I don't consider myself a creative really). You work on it. Pick it up. Put it down. Come back to it when the motivation hits you, otherwise, you're forcing the process. For me, it's an intro: how do I want to set the tone? What's the first track? It's very much a storytelling process that I hope people will listen to through the end: like chapters that need to make sense, songs or tracks need to meld into one another until they don't. Just like any author or painter, you'll instinctively know when you're finished. When another page, brushstroke, or song will take away from what you've put together

4. What’s it like to be a female DJ in a heavily male industry?
Today, I feel accepted. DJs who are women are so much more visible. Do I feel respected? There are moments when that's debatable. I believe some men see me as a novelty. They're generally 'surprised' when I'm in a zone. They're more likely to want to put my photo on a flyer (when it isn't necessary).

5. How did you break into modeling, and what did you learn about the industry from your experiences?
College fashion shows were my 'start'. I knew I had 'something', but my early 20s wasn’t it. I'd do things differently if we were to go back in time. But today is where it’s at! It's cool to be 40-something and have something to offer.

6. How would you describe your personal style, and what influences your looks?
I'm well aware of my body, and my 'lines'. I don't believe I can wear just anything. Naturally, the older we get we simply want to be comfortable. But not sloppy comfortable. I also live in Connecticut. It's very 'comfortable' here. When I go out, I'm generally unexpected. I love kimonos, robes, and smart-looking toppers that make a statement. I like the shapes of dresses, skirts, and coats that make a statement. Sometimes a short collar or a 3/4 sleeve 'says' all that needs to be said. I'm not a huge trend person per se. I donate fewer and fewer pieces to Goodwill because items in my closet are more timeless. 'Good' fashion is timeless.

7. How do you think the DJ scene will change post-pandemic?
This DJ scene is changing as we speak. There's an uproar and battle brewing between the DJ community and the recording industry right now. The battle is over permissions, copyrights, trademarks, and the ability to play music for the masses, especially the lesser-known music and catalogs of artists who rarely get played anymore. It's crazy for your set to get shut down because an algorithm has picked up that you've played more than 30 seconds of a song owned by Warner Music. There are no clubs, concerts, bars, hotels, festivals to play anymore, so here we are on Instagram, Facebook, etc. These platforms remove any exclusivity. And, all are equal and welcome to enjoy.

8. Can you share any wisdom that you have discovered during self-isolation?
I was sick with Coronavirus symptoms for nearly three weeks. I also lost my grandmother and my dad to COVID a week apart. What I learned even before any sickness was how little certain things matter. With many people at home, working, or, due to loss of work, safety and survival count. Who cares about superficial nonsense that doesn't enhance anyone's livelihood? Health matters. Because without it what have you got? I don't know that counts as wisdom; it’s common sense.

9. What is your superpower?
(Laughing) I hate this question... But, I have the resiliency of a child.

10. Do you have any projects on the horizon? Where can people hear your music?
My music is on Soundcloud and Mixcloud. Many of my events have been moved to the Fall. We'll see how that goes. My current interests/project has to do with the clean beauty industry. I have a small Instagram called @Skynspo. My mission is to promote affordable clean beauty and skincare that performs.

11. Social Media?
IG: @thatdanagame

Story by Ayoka Lucas, Fashion Editor, PhotoBook Magazine.
Instagram: @ayokalu

RADAR: Dana Cobbs, DJ, Model, Muse Trifecta

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