Exclusive Interview with DJ Soda

Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with DJ Soda, shortly before her performance at Safe House on June 27.

Where are you answering these questions?

Seoul, Korea, In my room, packing for Thailand!

You are an up-and-coming DJ from South Korea. Your dance videos and the recent pictures in the April issue of Maxim Korea were met with huge interest in South Korea and beyond – currently there is a huge hype around your person all over Social Media. How did you get into DJing in the first place?

Hip-Hop brought me happiness since I was a child. When I was sad it would cheer me up and when i was happy it would excite me more. It is more than just music to me, but a means of healing. Therefore, as a college student, I studied to become a musical actress and wanted to work in the field of music therapy. During my studies I coincidentally discovered turntables, and began DJing as a hobby. I thought to myself that presenting the audience with live music and exciting mixes could be liberating and in some sort, my own way of music therapy.

You play mainly Hip Hop & Trap and your favorite DJs are A-Trak, Craze and Q- Bert. How would you describe your sound in a few words and what videos and/or mix-sets would you recommend to someone that does not know you yet?

Usually when I play, I tend to focus on Hip Hop that people recognise and enjoy, rather than my personal taste. I make sure to incorporate many songs that will have everyone jumping, and excited. My first mixset, ‘SKOOL-DAYZ’ is composed of original songs and samplings, to help listeners who may not have a taste for old school Hip Hop. The purpose of this set was to let the listener understand the origins of hip hop melody. Please see below the mix and a video of my signature dance move.

What are you currently working and focusing on, what’s on your agenda for the near future and what are your goals?

I am currently focusing on touring Asia. It is my first time with such a busy schedules overseas, I am very excited. Also, I have set out a goal to release a video of myself juggling, it’s coming soon, I hope you will enjoy!

What was the best and the worst gigs you ever played and what was the funniest things that occurred during any of your performances?

DJing in front of a massive audience during the World DJ Festival has been a dream of mine and I still cannot believe I’ve done it, it was an amazing experience. The funniest experience I’ve had would definitely be the incident when I was about to do my signature dance, when someone in the audience randomly handed me a recorder! I incorporated that into my dance and people went wild. The worst experiences would be when people in front of the DJ booth do not listen to the music and just hold their phones close to my face and record for the whole time. I don’t really mind the recording itself, it’s just no fun for me and hard to concentrate if people aren’t enjoying the set with me.

What can you tell us about clubbing and nightlife in your hometown Seoul? Do you have any nightlife related suggestions for first-time visitors?

Clubbing and nightlife in Korea has expanded and developed very fast during the past 5 years. There are many different types of clubs playing all sorts of music. Each neighbourhood has it’s own unique feel to it. I would recommend that you figure out what kind of party environment you enjoy the most, and go to the suited area.

You will make your Thailand Debut on June 27 at Safe House. Have you ever visited Thailand before? What can Bangkok expect from your upcoming performance?

This will be my first time in Thailand! I am super excited and ready to DJ while communicating with the audience. You can definitely look forward to my signature dances and energetic mixes.