Known for turning parties with the iconic Dragon Sisters, DJ Samuella’s also smashing dance floors across town all by herself!
Thotyssey: Hello Samuella, thanks for chatting with us today! First off, I see it’s a birthday week for you.. happy birthday!
DJ Samuella: Hello, hello! Yes, my birthday week just passed.
How are you celebrating?
I started the celebration Friday night at C’mon Everybody with my girls The Dragon Sisters. Then Saturday I went to laser tag with love ones, and finished the night off at Good Judy.
I was really listening to a set you were spinning before the Dragon Sisters’ big show at House of Yes a few months ago, it was great! Very fun and eclectic, with well-chosen remixes! What would you describe you typical set was like, to the uninitiated?
Awww, I appreciate that! I would describe my typical set as “The Vibe.” I try to play everything for everyone. Not just the Top 40, no shade.
Lots of DJs get by just on Top 40 (either by choice or venue mandated). That pleases the Basic Bitches, but to folks looking for an exciting night out, that can be boring! Do you think venues are starting to trust DJs a little more to do their thing the way they want to, post-Covid?
Yes I do. I’ve played at a venue that told me not to play a few different artists… whereas [now] most, if not all venues trust me to play what I want for the vibe that’s being created in the space.
Where are you from originally, and was music always a part of your life?
I’m originally from Harlem. Music has always been a part of my life! I’m a self-taught pianist, as well as drummer. I’ve been a performer since the age of 9, with affiliations at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Also, I have a degree in Music Production and Audio Engineering.
Amazing! have you ever recorded original music? And have you had any favorite productions you’ve been a part of?
I have recorded original music. One of my favorite pieces that I’ve produced is called “YOLO,” with a fellow Harlem artist named Indigo General. I also have an unreleased project I’m currently working on called Songs About Yusef that I’m really excited to release in 2023.
How did you find yourself DJing in the nightlife world?
I was originally DJ’ing private events, and starting to book gigs outside of NY pre-pandemic. As you can imagine, once the pandemic hit a lot of those gigs were cancelled.
After quarantine, I got a text from my longtime friends The Dragon Sisters saying they were ready to go full throttle in nightlife, and wanted to know if I was interested in being a part of it as their DJ! I accepted, and from there out connected with everyone that showed love in nightlife.
You went on to DJ their twice monthly Thursday affair “House Party” at Rebar, which Jayse Vegas currently hosts! How might you describe that party to folks?
A space where hip hop, reggae and reggaetón meet vogue and twerk fantasy. With some modern pop thrown in between. NYC house party vibes!
Speaking of vibes,you also spin a monthly at Good Judy called “Vibe with Me.”
Yes, one of my favorites! There is no typical genre or artist that has to be played, but it’s a chance for me to connect with the audience through music. From 90’s classics and House to Amapiano and Dembow. At “Vibe With Me,” I get to be as eclectic as a DJ as I want to be. It’s one of those nights where people are ready to hear any or everything. I would love for everyone to stop by for the Halloween Edition on the 28th of this month!
What else?
You can also catch me as the resident DJ for the “Big Boi Party,” held at Lambda Harlem every fourth Sunday. Stop by and say hello… I don’t bite, lol! And I also have a couple of events in the works for the children, but cannot announce yet!
Very exciting! Okay lastly: since it’s the spooky season, have you ever had a ghostly or paranormal encounter?
Wow, I legit just had a conversation with someone about this! I’ve never had a paranormal encounter… and I honestly don’t think I’m ready for one!
You never know! Thanks, DJ Samuella!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for DJ Samuella’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram and MixCloud.
Thotyssey 