Spinners Not Spinsters: Ladies & Tables

DJ C’est La Vie is one of California’s most appreciated female disc jockeys from the Los Angeles to the San Bernardino County, and she is certainly the one spinning the Hip Hop I’m interested in. Let’s get to know the soft-spoken, apparently reserved lady of the tables.

SONDRIA: How long have you been spinning records and where did you get your start?

DJ C’EST LA VIE: I purchased my turntables in 2005, and made my first “official” DJing debut in Nov. 2008. I got my start with the help of some great DJ friends (NAMEDROP: DJ Joelskee and DJ sourMILK ) who helped me pick out the right equipment, helped me dig for vinyl at record stores and showed me how to spin. I am definitely thankful I started with vinyl records. Most DJ’s starting today will not have the experience of digging for vinyl and matching records without a computer. It’s an experience I cherish and the reason why I have so much respect for DJ’s who paved the way before computers were involved. (SORRY FOR THE TANGENT haha)

SONDRIA: Tell me about your shoe fetish.

C’EST LA VIE: I [love] sneakers and heels and my most recent fav’s, wing-tips (people should not hate on the wing-tips).

SONDRIA: From kicks to hits, are you in love with everything Hip Hop or is that a misconception?

C’EST LA VIE: I think its pretty clear that I do love hip-hop, and the culture. I feel the biggest misconception is that I am ONLY “hip-hop”, but there is so much more to me musically.

SONDRIA: Who are some of your musical influences? Favorite artists? Independent and Mainstream.

C’EST LA VIE: I feel like this list could go on forever. I am constantly meeting new people who inspire and influence me musically. Most of the people who influence me are those that I know personally. My list of favorite artists can go on forever as well. Depending on my mood, there are many artists that are my favs. Lauryn Hill (mid to late 90’s), Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Little Dragon, Bjork, J. Dilla, Flying Lotus, Coldplay, Portishead, Bob Marley and more than a handful of IE/LA independent artists (Too many to list).

SONDRIA: Why do you spin records? What perception of music do possess that makes you think it’s important for your to interpret that to the people.

C’EST LA VIE: I spin records because I love it; that simple. I perceive music as a dichotomy of stillness and motion. As a DJ, most of the time, it is my job to get people from one extreme to the other. I truly believe there is an art to playing the right songs at the right times. It’s what separates Great DJ’s from Good ones. It’s definitely something that I am always working on.

SONDRIA: What would you say your “purpose” is? What do you think you’re life is supposed to be dedicated to in order to contribute to the Common Good.

C’EST LA VIE: I believe music is just as potent as any drug; instead of your bloodstream, it shoots straight to the soul. So I would say my purpose is to get you high, off music. As long as I am dedicated to doing what I love while simultaneously creating something others can relate to and feel good about, then I am definitely contributing to the Common Good.

SONDRIA: What keeps you diligent when pursuing a goal?

C’EST LA VIE: Passion! When I set goals, it’s always something that I am passionate about. When you’re passionate about something, it’s very hard to lose focus.

SONDRIA: Tell me about kung fu flicks. What’s your favorite? What was your first?

C’EST LA VIE: I do have a love for Kung Fu flicks. I don’t have just ONE favorite. I’d have to say Bruce Lee classics like “Fist of Fury” or “Enter the Dragon” along with Jet Li’s “Fist of Legend” and Tony Ja’s “The Protector” are some of my favorites. I cannot remember my first flick, although I’m sure it was something from the Kung Fu Theatre show that aired on tv back in the 80’s.

SONDRIA: How’d you get into watching them?

C’EST LA VIE: My Father would record the Kung Fu Theatre show on VHS and he’d sit around and watch them. Being the daddy’s girl that I was, it was only a matter of time before I started watching them with him.

SONDRIA: Are there any other aspects of Asian culture you find yourself gravitating towards? If so, tell me about them and why.

C’EST LA VIE: I can’t say that I am. Although; they do have a beautiful culture.

SONDRIA: If you could have anyone mentor you—historically or presently—who would it be and why?

C’EST LA VIE: I cannot choose anyone that I do not know. All of the people who have mentored me thus far, I would not trade for the world. =)

To find out more about DJ C’est La Vie, including upcoming events, follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DJCestLaVie.

LOVE & WATER,

Sondria