Exclusive Interview with DJ Shy

Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with DJ Shy, shortly before her performance at Q Bar on Thursday 25th July.

You have Bachelors degree in Finance and received your Masters degree in Health Administration at the early age of 23, what made you choose not to follow a conventional career and become a DJ?

To begin with, I have an unconventional upbringing. My parents divorced when I was very young in a metropolis area of New Jersey. It is very rare for a traditional Korean couple with kids to separate. At the time, my father went back to Korea while my mother, brother & I moved to an Amish-filled rural town in Pennsylvania to be closer to my Uncle who was the town doctor. Unfortunately, my brother & I were very traumatized growing up not just because we weren’t going to see our father again, but because of the hostile environment we lived in: a KKK community where members met every month at the town courthouse. There were no Blacks, Hispanics, and all the Asians were literally related to me. We were a minority, poor, raised in a broken home trying to fit in. I wanted to do everything I possibly could to leave the situation encouraging me to graduate early with 2 degrees so I could enter into the workforce and make money as soon as possible. When I started working fulltime in Healthcare, I realized my mother’s hard work and sacrifice for my brother and I. It must have been just as difficult for her maintaining her store and enduring vandalism just to make ends meet. I realized I didn’t want to follow into the same path and be miserable working somewhere to make ends meet. I figured I had nothing to lose and I wanted to do what I love, to finally be happy.

You were the first female on-air mixer at the No. 1 Top 40 radio station in America, 102.7 KIIS-FM in Los Angeles, which has over 2.6 million listeners each week. How did you get involved with the radio station in the first place?

My Masters program required one-year work experience in order to graduate. I became a Resident in the Orthopaedic Department of the Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles and shared an office with two other secretaries. One of the secretaries had a radio, which was set to 102.7 KIIS FM. Everyday we enjoyed working to the music. I eventually got to know the schedules, the time slots of each personalities, the format of music. Then, one day I noticed the programming had changed. They had on-air mixers from lunch 12-1 and traffic hours 5-7. I investigated who the music programmer was and mailed my resume, headshot and mix. I submitted two more times until I finally got a response.

You not only DJ for the radio, you are also a very successful club DJ – you have been headlining for Singapore's famous New Years Eve party at Siloso beach, and performed in front of crowds of 20,000 people at clubs all around the world. How does Djing for radio and DJing for clubs differ? What do you enjoy more and why?

At KIIS, the station is focused on family programming so I had to play songs from a list provided by the music programmer. At clubs, I can play any song without restriction, which I prefer.

On air for KIIS-FM you spin a variety from Top 40, 80s, pop, rock, house, hip-hop, R&B and reggae. Do you play the same music as club DJ?

I never play the same exact playlist twice. My set ultimately depends on the crowd. If I’m spinning at a hip hop club, most likely I will not play rock or house music.

What is on your agenda for the near future? Will you be focusing on DJing or are you planning to go into production of your own music?

Currently, I am learning to use Ableton and Logic for music production. Eventually, I would like to score for film and television. For now, I am just having fun making remixes.

You travel a lot. What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?

I need my iPhone because I love taking photos & video. Plus, I have the convenience of hooking up to wifi so I can stay connected with folks back at home. When I travel I miss my 2 dogs Gizmo & Midnight.

In many respects you are a forerunner and pioneer – you have broken barriers in the male-dominated industry of DJing and you did this with an immigration background as a Korean-American. It goes without saying that you had to overcome many obstacles on your way to become one of the most skilled and respected female mixers in the world. Looking back on all you have achieved, what are the most formative moments of your career and your personal highlights?

I find it fulfilling to DJ charity events and support great causes with music. My most formative moment occurred this past Mother’s Day when I invited my Mother to see me DJ for the first time at the Revlon Run Walk. It was an event to support the fight against women’s cancer where thousands of people showed early in the morning including Halle Berry & actor Andy Garcia. It felt great to be able to share with my Mom this experience and, at the same time, support an important cause at this high profile event.

What was the best and the worst gig you ever played?

Best gig – so many…. I would have to pick Siloso Beach New Years Eve parties
Worst gig – An event where 4 people from management are telling me to spin 4 different things

What was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?

Hmmm, I would have to say the funniest thing is seeing an older Caucasian guy dancing to hip-hop. I have to give props to the guy for living to the fullest, enjoying himself and having fun as life should be.

You performed at Q Bar this January and spent a couple of days in Bangkok, which you used - besides other things – to visit Siam Ocean World. What else did you do in Bangkok? What did you enjoy most? How about Bangkok's nightlife?

I had friends in Bangkok who were able to show me around. They took me to the Terminal 21 and Gateway malls for some shopping. I also rode a boat to Asiatic for some sight seeing and dining. SeenSpace was fun and I had a variety of beer, ate more and checked out the social scene. What I really enjoyed the most was Siam Ocean World. I love animals and I find the ocean to be mysterious and beautiful. Ocean World made everything magical.

Are you adventurous if it comes to food? Do you try the local dishes of the countries you travel to, or do you usually eat what you know from home? Do you enjoy Thai food?

I was born into a family who loves food. In fact, my brother was a sous chef for the famous Gordon Ramsey and is currently contracted to be the Sr Chef at Six Senses Yao Noi in Phuket. I love to try anything new and experience lots of local cuisines. Mango sticky rice is my favorite dessert.

On Thursday 25th July you will return to Bangkok by popular demand and perform at Q Bar once more. Are you excited to return? Did you keep your last gig in good memory?

I always remember great people and great drinks. I am definitely excited to come back and perform.

What can Bangkok expect of your performance at Q Bar?

Have no expectations. Just come and have a great time ☺