Our third interview for January of 2000 was with DJ Dazy of L.A., she of the wicked smiles and phat house selections, both of which have rocked the house at SISTER more than once. dDazy is also the founder of the SISTER SF DJs email list - you can join at www.SISTER SFDJs.com- an online community of women DJs supporting each other accross the world.

SISTER SF: How did you get the name Dazy for DJing?

Dazy: Back in 1992 DJ's never used their real names. I *love* daisys and decided that would be a good DJ name. One of the first promoters who ever hired me misspelled my name as Dazy and I stuck with that from then on.

SISTER SF: Any classical music training in your past or present?

Dazy: I do not have any classical music training, however I was dancer. 8 years of ballet and 2 years of modern and jazz. I think dance lessons really have helped me with the flow of how music should be mixed. I am looking into taking some drum lessons in the near future. I also am looking into taking some voice lessons to help me with keys and tones.

SISTER SF: Have you ever encountered any resistance from men in the scene? How did you get past it?

Dazy: When I starting DJing in SLC, I was not looked upon as a "girl" DJ. Since I was one of the veterans of the scene, no one new the difference. Not until I moved to Portland did I get a lot of attention as being a "girl" DJ. When I started traveling more, I noticed a lot more men standing around and trying to judge me for my mixing skills. It took a long time to feel confident with people watching every move I made. I am really lucky that I have played out from day 1 of getting records and turntables. It has given me a lot more confidence with myself.

SISTER SF: How do you think women fare in the scene in general these days?

Dazy: I think sisterhood is in full effect these days. I'm booked with more women at shows (not all women shows). In general, women are starting to take more of a bigger role in our society. For instance, the WNBA is becoming well known, women rockstars are becoming more dominant, more political women leaders. Its just a matter of time when women will have equal amount of leadership than men. Its very exciting!

SISTER SF: How has the house scene changed since you started DJing? Where do you see it going?

Dazy: The house scene has changed a lot! The "rave" scene is not longer what it used to be. Most "rave's" these days are massive huge techno/trance parties. House is played on the underground/club venues. I see house staying where it is now and I am 100% behind that.

SISTER SF: Do you buy records online? In a record store? or are you part of a record pool? what are your experiences with these different sources for records?

Dazy: No I don't buy records online. I am very lucky that I travel to different cities on a regular basis. I try to stay an extra day to shop for records. Since Doc Marten opened up his store "WAX" I have no problems getting great records on a weekly basis. For the first time in years, I'm satiSan Franciscoied with the records I am buying.

SISTER SF: Dream gig? Favorite gig so far? Favorite cities?

Dazy: Dream Gig - Europe Favorite gig so far - Any gig in Vancouver B.C. that place ROCKS! Favorite Cities - Vancouver BC, Victoria BC, Calgary, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Portland, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Detroit, Chicago

SISTER SF: Any gig horror stories?

Dazy: Oh I have plenty of horror stories! I played a gig this last summer in Wisconsin. 4 hour plane ride (each way) 3 hour drive that took more like 7 hours while driving - we almost died as we swerved to hit a deer, pulled over and searched by 2 different cops, car was stuck in the mud, arrived at the party...nobody showed up, was eaten alive by bugs (40 bites) Almost didn't get paid...

SISTER SF: What would you say to a new female DJ who was just getting started?

Dazy: I would say, practice, be focused, have fun and NEVER DJ for a living...keep it as a hobby and have fun.

SISTER SF: What equipment do you use and why?

Dazy: I use my Technicss 1200's (because they are the best) and a Vestex 3 channel mixer (because it was affordable and it has separate EQ's for each channel). I also have the new Sony silver MDRV700DJ headphones - they ROCK! And I have Stanton cartridges - they're cheap and good for home mixing.

Dazy was interviewed by XJS. Want to know more? Read the Dazy bio in our Guest DJs section.