Meet Elaina Ferguson | Dj, singer-songwriter, producer (Stagename V3NUS)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elaina Ferguson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elaina, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Because it makes me feel alive. Working a nine to five for someone else’s vision or someone else’s company made me feel like I was drowning. I am an artist. Creating puts a smile on my face and a skip in my step. If I can create something and someone is willing to buy it…I feel alive again. Music is the deepest thing in my bones so if I can make a beat that someone will buy…I’m doing that. If I can write a song that someone will buy…I’m doing that. If I can mash up songs in a way that will make people wanna hire me as a DJ…I’m doing that! If I can just dance through life, singing and making melodies…I’m a happier human.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an artist, I enjoy creating anything. I love to paint. I love to form. But music is what makes my heart keep beating. I decided to get into electronic dance music and DJIng because it’s what saved me in the darkness. I decided to start DJing because I wanted to spread happiness and joy the way it was spread to me when I needed it most. I decided to start learning how to produce so I could make whatever music I wanted and give it to the world.

My biggest challenges have been overcoming my own past and the PTSD that comes with it. When I left my old life behind, I escaped from someone who didn’t believe I had the right to leave and so it came with a circus of dangerous events that included the FBI involvement and left me with terrible anxiety and panic attacks. But I pushed through. I have had panic attacks on the way to many gigs. I’ve had to take months off and leave the state because I didn’t feel safe here. But it’s all part of my art. I was still writing and making music, even from another state. And now…the songs I am writing are about being a warrior. And if you come watch me DJ, there’s a joy that you will experience coming off of me that only comes from a person who has looked a foul beast in the eyes and conquered it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We live in such a great city for this question! First off, I’d take them to the Burrowing Owl because it’s the best little Vegan spot in town! We’d definitely do some hiking…I know a spot here in town where you can hike through old mining tunnels. We would definitely go downtown and get some drinks at Dos Santos because their spicy margaritas are to die for! And then when we are done we will head over to COATI for the monthly silent disco with Discreet Beats where I’m gonna be spinning some pop house for you.😉

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My sister. If it weren’t for my sister…I would not have had the opportunity to pursue the things I have. About 6 years ago, I left the Christian church where I was singing and making worship music my whole life. I also escaped from a dangerous marriage that left me deeply in debt and needing a lot of emotional support for the trauma. My sister, who is a single mom, took me into her home and made me feel like I had a safe place to heal. It was living in her garage that I decided to pursue DJing and producing and songwriting as a solo artist and do what makes me come alive. And she encouraged me every step….through every tear and panic attack.

Website: https://linktr.ee/Elainajean

Instagram: Instagram.com/Officialv3nus/

Facebook: Facebook.com/elaina.fergusonchynoweth/

Youtube: YouTube.com/user/elainajean13