We hear you’re answering these questions on a plane journey back from a gig in Dubai, joining the Jetset! Could you tell us a bit about that?
Yes! I’m on my way back from Dubai now. It’s been my 2nd time playing here and it gets better and better each time. This was probably my biggest international gig to date. I was DJing at the Global Teacher Prize in Atlantis, for the likes of Charlize Theron, Lewis Hamilton, Jennifer Hudson, Mo Farah and the cast from Suits! I played a Latin house set alongside an awesome Cuban band who were on stage with me. This was definitely one of my favourite gigs yet!
Dubai is just the latest in a string of DJ gigs in amazing places, where else has it taken you?
I literally will go wherever the music takes me! So far that’s included countless trips to Ibiza doing live broadcasts for Ibiza Global Radio playing at Nikki Beach, Miami Music Week where I was a panellist at the Winter Music Conference alongside some of my radio heroes (a proper pinch me moment) and also New York to meet with Ultra Records A&Rs and to guest mix on a Brooklyn based podcast.
How does DJing in these places compare to UK gigs?
I’ve got to be honest, I would rather DJ abroad any day! Being in a totally different environment, climate, atmosphere…it’s just electric!
Whether it’s poolside, on the beach, in a club or on a stage you just can’t beat it. Throw in an awesome sunset and I’m in my element. I’ve made friends all over the world. Some DJs who I used to idolise I can now call my mate! I remember my first week on the DJ course when asked what our goals were and I said “to DJ abroad!”
You’re also a very successful radio DJ, holding down a daily prime time show on the Bauer network, broadcasting to stations across the country including Key 103 in Manchester. How did you progress from the clubs to the nations airwaves?
I was already volunteering on local internet stations before I started mixing so in order to add another dimension to myself as a radio presenter, I knew I wanted to learn to mix and rock it on a pair of decks. Music is and always has been my number 1 passion. Having the ability to mix, coupled with my presenting experience is what got me noticed by Bauer and ultimately got my foot in the door there when I was first given a Friday night mix show on their DAB/freeview network – The Hits. Before long they gave me a Saturday night show which led to me moving to a fully networked show, broadcasting live 6 nights a week across up to 22 fm stations around the country.
How does what you play on the radio compare to the clubs?
It is completely different. It’s a massive misconception that the presenter is the one picking the music. Sadly that isn’t the case. As with most large commercial radio networks we have to keep to a strict playlist and don’t really have much room for manoeuvre. That’s why its so hard for new artists to get their music played on the biggest stations. I really hope one day I can change that. It can’t all be about Ed Sheeran and the Chainsmokers forever! That’s another reason why I appreciate and enjoy my live DJ sets so much. That’s where I have my fun and a creative outlet.
Can you tell us a bit about the courses you did at SEM and how this shaped your path in music?
I first attended one of the SEM open days and was immediately hooked. I think all I did was lift a fader and pull one down but I knew this was start of something. I booked straight on the Complete DJ course.
“I don’t think I ever would’ve had the guts to get out there as a DJ had I not learnt the basics and so much more on the Complete DJ Course. (Or even if I had the guts I wouldn’t of had a clue what I was doing!) It’s genuinely helped shape my career, changed my life and I’ve made friends for life who I still hang out with regularly.”
What would your top 5 tips be to up and coming female DJs?
You’re very active on social media, do you think this is an integral part of the music business these days?
Like it or not it’s all about the social media sites these days! It’s where you build your following, get your voice heard, promote yourself, your mixes and connect with people! It’s how my listeners get in touch with me during the show, I honestly couldn’t be without it. I want them to get to know me too, not just the “on air” me. So sometimes if you wanna tweet about avocados, tweet about avocados! One of my tweets went viral and I ended up in the Daily Mail and interviewed for a Russian news channel! (Crazy but so cool) At the very least it could spark a conversation, some retweets or brighten someone’s day. Instagram is my favourite platform right now. @DJSoWright is where I’m at. I love posting to stories when I’m in the studio!
What do you have planned for the future, any music coming from So Wright?
I’ve dabbled in production and have been in talks with Spinnin’ Records in the past, but that’s on the back burner for now. As soon as I’ve got the time, creative inspiration and maybe a collaboration opportunity I’m so there! I’m currently learning to play the drums though which I hope will help with my production skills. As you can imagine, my neighbours love me.
For more information and to follow Sophie Wright, find her on the following social media sites:
INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | SOUNDCLOUD
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