Chicago Born and Raised, How One Local DJ Is Making a Name for Himself

Mile Stewart (pictured), better known as DJ Mile High is a south side native and resident of the Chatham neighborhood who has made a name for himself as a DJ by showing support to other local artists and always being ready to take a gig at a moments notice. Photo Credit: Photo Courtesy of DJ Mile High
Mile Stewart (pictured), better known as DJ Mile High is a south side native and resident of the Chatham neighborhood who has made a name for himself as a DJ by showing support to other local artists and always being ready to take a gig at a moments notice. Photo Credit: Photo Courtesy of DJ Mile High

Chicago Born and Raised, How One Local DJ Is Making a Name for Himself

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

Throughout the month of June, African American Music Appreciation Month is celebrated in the U.S. and while there are several historic black musicians from Chicago to talk about, there are also several local musicians that are currently putting in work to earn their recognition in the city.

One, in particular, is Miles Stewart who is better known by his stage name, DJ Mile High. Stewart was raised on the south side of Chicago and has been living in the Chatham neighborhood for over 10 years.

After graduating from college in 2011, Stewart relied on DJing to supplement his income while he looked for a full-time job. From there, he began to network with other local musicians and performers and found that he was passionate about DJing and the music industry was a good fit for him.

“As I was looking for a job back around 2011, I always could pick up a side hustle DJing and that just manifested into what it is right now,” said Stewart. “I was going at it as a hobby when I was like 16 or 17 years old and when I was in college too but once I started running around with other DJs, it just really took off for me.”

Today, Stewart has regular sets on WGCI, a popular Chicago radio station, and a variety of live music venues across the city. He attributes his success to the network of fellow DJs that he has found in the city.

“I’ll just talk to people and try to build like a family within the industry of people that I can trust,” said Stewart. “I’m really trying to build working relationships. I don’t try to ask for advice really but I just try to see what other people are doing and look at the people that I admire to get a good understanding of what they are doing to be successful.”

From DJing on the side to being able to do what he loves full time, Stewart said his commitment to always staying ready is what has carried him this far. In the beginning, he added he would take any opportunity that was given to him and eventually he began to draw a following and could be more selective about where he wanted to perform.

“I always stay ready and I always told myself that from the beginning because you never know when your number is gonna get called,” said Stewart. “When I first met the people that I know right now, I would just always show up to their party and let them know that I was a DJ and when they were ready for me I was ready for you them. Then when I would get those calls, I would always be ready by practicing and making sure to have my music on point.”

Looking towards the future, Stewart said he is hoping for more opportunities to travel and book more shows outside of Chicago but he will always keep his home on the south side.

To keep up with where DJ Mile High will be performing next, follow @ DJMileHigh_ on Instagram.

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