DJ SPOTLIGHT: STEMMILY

We’d like to introduce you to STEMMILY – Emily Arceneaux

Tell us how you got started—what sparked your journey into DJing/producing?
I’ve been surrounded by music for as long as I can remember. I was classically trained in drums, piano, and guitar from a young age, and stayed involved in music classes all through school. One of my core memories is buying my first drum set at Guitar Center in New Orleans with my grandmother—it was also the first time I drove from the bayou to the city. She told me if I wanted those drums badly enough, I’d have to learn how to merge on the interstate. That moment really sums up the kind of drive that’s followed me through this whole journey.

After graduating college, I moved to Texas for work and started DJing casually—just playing music at pregames, after-parties, and renegades with friends. When COVID hit, the clubs shut down and I ended up back on the bayou with my family. That’s when I took a virtual producer course with Tyler Morris (aka Westend), and everything changed. It opened up a whole new way to express myself, and production quickly became a passion. Since then, I’ve been lucky to have a few amazing mentors—especially Don Baudin, who’s played a major role in helping me develop my sound and confidence as a producer.

What are you most proud of when it comes to your brand or artistry?
One thing that always hits me is when I drop an unreleased original in a set and hear the crowd cheering. That kind of raw, honest response is what I live for. That’s the biggest compliment I could ask for as a performer.

What goals are you chasing right now as an artist?
Right now, I’m deep in year two of working on my first EP. It’s been a long, intentional process because I want it to feel cohesive and true to where I am as both an artist and a person. Hopefully it’ll be finished sometime this year or next. I’m not rushing it, but I’m excited to finally share a full body of work that reflects my evolution in production.

I’m also focused on expanding beyond my home base of New Orleans. I’ve played a lot in Louisiana, but I’m actively working to book shows in other cities and trying to get on festival lineups. I want to keep growing my reach, connecting with new communities, and representing the sound and energy I’ve been building.

Any mixes, tracks, or recent releases you’d like people to hear?
Call Me When You – STEMMILY

Links so we can follow and support you:
Linktree
SoundCloud
Spotify
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube

What’s the most memorable crowd moment you’ve had in the Dallas scene?
I’d have to say my proudest moment so far was getting my first “one more song” chant when I closed for Mary Droppinz in Dallas. That kind of energy—from people who didn’t know me before that set—meant the world.

Best advice you’ve gotten from another artist?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever gotten is to just keep going—even when you feel like giving up. This scene will absolutely knock you down at times. It’s not a matter of if, but when. What really matters is how you respond. That mindset has helped me push through the moments of doubt, burnout, and rejection that come with being an artist. It’s easy to romanticize the highlights, but behind every big moment is a lot of persistence.

Get your tickets to MayHAM HERE