An Interview with Samantha Michelle
Samantha Michelle, a New York based DJ, music producer, filmmaker and cultural curator, is known for her radiant presence and transportive sets with performances at iconic venues such as Glastonbury, SXSW, Berlin’s KitKatClub and Cannes.
Q: How did growing up between Toronto and London shape your sound?
A: My DJ career started in London, my time there has definitely left its impact on my sound. There’s a real appreciation for soulfulness, nostalgia and groove in the UK that’s stayed with me. Canadians I find, we don’t take ourselves too seriously, so my roots keep me playful and always open to growth and experimentation.
Q: When did you know music would become your full-time path?
A: When I moved from the UK to the US on an 0-1 Visa as a DJ, that meant that it was the only thing that I was allowed to do… so I leaned in.
Q: What was your first big break in the nightlife scene?
A: I feel like there have been a handful of moments, turning points really, that have shaped my path. When I first started producing femme-forward nightlife experiences in partnership with Soho House, circa 2022, that was the start of something really special – my role not just as a performer but as a booker of talent, producer of concepts, and programmer of cultural events. We quickly took the series across the houses from NY to LA to Berlin to London and beyond.
Q: How have global stages like Glastonbury and SXSW influenced your growth
A: I played Glastonbury my very first summer as a working DJ so that whole experience really blew my mind. Getting to go to a giant festival like that, for the first time ever, and as a performer. Artist passes, hospitality sorted, a real purpose for being there – something to give and contribute to the magic of it all… that’s when I realized I’d found my place. Similarly, I’ve had some paradigm shifting nights at SXSW, headlining the wild Canada House party there a few years in a row. Such an incredible way to connect with both my native land and the rowdy spirit of Austin, TX.
Q: What makes a Samantha Michelle set feel “transportive”?
A: When I’m DJ’g, I’m there to cultivate a feeling of collective energy, to shift and elevate the the room. It’s not just about the tracks but creating a world and a journey with unexpected twists and turns. It allows for a disconnect from reality and a group drop into something instinctive and immersive and full-bodied in the best way.
Q: How do you balance DJing with filmmaking and cultural curation?
A: Oof, balance is hard, no doubt about that. I work long days, every day, weekends especially. There is so much time spent in sweatpants in front of the computer – working on tracks, scripts, edits, and organizing events, and then I glam up to go out to perform. I really enjoy both modalities so I think that helps.
Q: What inspired you to release Fall Deep?
A: I wrote “Fall Deep” during a period where I was really leaning in to my own emotional vulnerability, it felt like a free fall of sorts and I wanted to take audiences on it with me. I then had some crazy powerful experiences playing the track out at Burning Man and signed it soon after.
Q: How would you describe the sound and intention in your work?
A: I want to create immersive experiences – sounds, stories, events – that feel meaningful, and in a way that is uniquely me: style is always at the fore, as is nostalgia, and a hint of naughtiness, along with a glamorous and global touch, because of how I like to move through the world, in admiration of the foreign and exotic. I want people to feel better, lighter, more turned and switched on, by spending time in my creative orbit.
Q: What does creating femme-forward and Shabbat-centered events mean to you
A: It comes back to intentionality. We really need more femme presence in dance music spaces, we are such a minority, so I’m doing what I can with my resources and relationships to change that. Similarly, we need more Jewish events that are genuinely inclusive, that celebrate and share the best of what it means to be Jewish – which is, to be and to bring the light.
Q: How has your work with Generation SOS shaped your perspective on music’s impact?
A: I love working with teenagers, it makes clear just how much impact and influence you hold as a ‘DJ,’ and it reminds you to carry that role with responsibility and again, intention.
Q: As you split time between New York and LA, what’s next for you creatively?
A: I’ve been deep in the studio over these last couple of months working on so much new music, so I’m really excited about releasing these new records. I’ve also got a series of three ‘Women of House’ music events coming up across New York, Brooklyn, and Miami Music Week, which I’m really proud of. I feel very humbled and lucky as well to have some awesome shows coming up too with artists I admire like Pablo Fierro at Superior Ingredients (April 18).
Featured Image Credit: Jessica Christian