LITA DA DOLL

LITA DA DOLL has always had a song on her mind and a rhythm in her fingertips, so it’s no surprise that the Chicago-based musician found DJing as an extension of her passion. “I play, perform, create, and compose to evoke change and inspiration in others,” she says, “whether that looks like dance, yelling, clapping, singing, or creation.” Known for tracks like “It’s Nasty” and “Peggy Battle Beat,” this self-described pioneer of the ghetto gospel studied vocal performance with a focus on gospel, blues, and jazz at Columbia College Chicago, with a playwriting minor for good measure. She draws influence—and empowerment—from artists like Sylvester, BbyMutha, Twinkie Clark, Sarah Vaughan, Gangsta Boo, Odetta, and, most importantly, her family. “My chosen sisters have been pivotal in how I see myself and how I’ve pushed myself to grow,” says LITA. “My mother has also been a huge influence in how I’ve learned to learn about and develop compassion for myself.” Her LGBTQ+ identity has contextualized the entirety of her existence—adding nuance to how she’s heard, seen, judged, and perceived. “I don’t concern myself with what opposes or closes itself to me. I know what I’ve been chosen to do, and it is undeniable.” On the horizon: crafting electronic EPs, producing tracks for collabs with other artists, more projects featuring her vocals and lyricism, and becoming a “force, and [an] undeniable and revolutionary influence” in the genres she creates in. –MH