The world of deejaying today has certainly gotten a lot of global attention — DJs are selling out big shows and even topping the music charts — but, judging by most of the industry’s bold-faced names, it seems like a bit of a boys’ club. Get to know one of the most sought after and buzzed-about female DJs right here.
DJ Cam (real name: Camille Abecina), is making some serious waves in the world of electronic music. In the two years since she started deejaying internationally, she has played at the HK Football Club and has regularly been spinning at five different venues in HK, six times a week. Recently, she did a bit of a tour in the country. And since then, she’s never looked back.
In such a male dominated industry that is filled with rejection and low on success, making it as a female DJ is challenging, to say the least. MNL Online caught up with DJ Cam to learn her passion for music, her musical heroes, the challenges she faces in her work and how she continues to rise above it all.
What led you to a career in DJ?
Music. Hip Hop music. I wanted to do battles at first which eventually led me to the club scene.
How would you describe your first DJ gig?
You’ll never forget your first. It was a disaster and I thought I was killing it! [Laughs.]
Who were your influences? Who did you listen to growing up?
Mix Master Mike inspired me a LOT. I’m a huge Beastie Boys fan, first album I ever bought was Hello Nasty. When I saw the video for 3MCs and 1 DJ, I dreamt that someday I’ll be like him.
Do you stick to Top 40 or you mash up old and new songs?
I try to be as diverse as I can without ruining the vibe. I throw in a bit of ’80s, early Michael Jackson or Nirvana. It depends.
What is your favorite part of the job?
When you set the mood, make memories, watch people have a good time, take them on a journey. Makes you feel alive!
What is the most challenging part of the job?
Being a female DJ is a challenge itself. This has been an arena for men from the get go, so we’re constantly under a microscope. This is not a bad thing cause it forces us to step up our game and prove that we too, can do great things in this industry.
Share to us your top five favorite tracks.
Sky’s The Limit by Notorious B.I.G., Anti- Gravity (Summer Romance) by Incubus, Lithium by Nirvana, The Light by Common and C.R.E.A.M. by Wu Tang Clan.
Describe to us your personal style.
I think Alexa Chung meets Kirsten Stewart with some classic thrown in. I usually wear T-shirts and shorts during my gigs, paired with my DMs or Chucks. I like to dress up sometimes, but you’ll never see me in pink. [Laughs.]
Is it easy for a DJ to fake spinning and just play a pre-recorded track?
Yes. It’s an insult to the art of DJing, like playing air guitar to a rock concert. You are fooling the crowd that deserves more than that.
Was there a time you were just tired and played a pre-recorded track or set list?
Never. Faking a set is just plain lazy and embarrassing. Just imagine getting busted, there will be a huge backlash and this industry is not very forgiving.
Do you do the Jesus Christ pose? Why is it so popular on DJs?
I have not. I guess it’s a way for other DJs to express their confidence which can be seen as a bit egotistical. If it helps you connect with the crowd, why not. Then again, NO. Ha!
How can a DJ sound original if they have same tracks playing in every club?
Timing is key. You can have the best library of songs ever but it can just go to waste if you just randomly play it and the mood isn’t right. That’s a special skill that will set you apart from other DJs.
Have you experienced club hopping and felt that it was the same dj spinning?
Not really, it depends where you choose to go. Like in Manila, if you want underground music, there’s TIME, then clubs like URBN for some EDM or more commercial music. Not much Hip Hop though, if you ask me especially on weekends. Boo.
How did you get your job in Hong Kong?
I auditioned for it. I was an amateur then so I practiced more than 12 hours a day before the big day! I really prepared like a mad man!
Do you wish that you established your career in the Philippines first before you jumped in to the international scene?
There are times that I wish I never left. I’m planning to go back for good, probably this year.
Do you have an area that you spin or you go on tour?
I spin at five different venues in Hong Kong, six times a week. I was in the Philippines recently and I did a bit of a tour. I actually just came from Bacolod, it was WILD!
When are you completely satisfied with your work?
Completely? When I know that I have other DJs’ respect because of my music.
What’s the best thing about being an international DJ?
Meeting people from all corners of the world, literally. I met a French girl once who loved my music, she extended her stay for another week. Having an impact like that is why I do what I do.
Looking at yourself back, can you imagine that you will be where you are right now?
Not at all. Quoting Biggie, “it was all a dream!” I still freak out when I meet DJs I look up to.
Do you have a favorite hobby outside of deejaying?
To be honest, when I started deejaying, it became my whole universe. There’s still so much to learn. I research and I practice every day.
What’s one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I’m the biggest Lord of The Rings fan you’ll ever meet! I know a bit of Elvish and I have an Evenstar necklace.
Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?
Kurt Cobain is my hero. I’m obsessed with Grunge music and style. I’m pretty much stuck in the ’90s. A hell lot of Hip Hop, of course. Common Sense, Biggie, Wu Tang, MosDef, Nas. Last year I met
Dr. Dre, very surreal moment for me.
Finally, what advice you would give people who would like to make it in the international scene?
There’s no secret to it. Hustle. No shortcuts! Practice! Do it for the right reasons, do it for the love of music and it will happen.
Words by JAYSON E. PAOR
Photography by DARREL POBRE
Style by JEAR DE MCCUTTAC and GRACIE MILLAN
Styling Associates VINCE ABARRA and TIM DIAGONE
Make up by SAI SAYSON MONTES
Hair by JOHN PAUL STEVEN
