From Poland To Global Stages. Interview with DJ SONYA

Live:STR SELECTIONS

by Alexandra Mansilla

It Was All a Dream. From Poland To Global Stages: Interview With DJ SONYA

28 Jun 2024

If you catch one of DJ SONYA's sets, you would think she has been DJing forever. But that is not the case. Before stepping behind the decks, SONYA had a long journey, trying out countless professions (as she puts it, "If you name it, I've probably done it"), travelling, making tough decisions, and overcoming numerous obstacles. Now, she is rocking huge crowds and playing for thousands of people. How has SONYA gotten to this point? All by herself.

— Hey Sonya, I noticed you have lived in a lot of countries, right?

— I lived in LA for one year, in Chicago for one year, and afterwards, I moved to Dubai. Before all of this, I lived my entire life in Poland.

— As someone who has moved a bit, too, I am curious: Was there a move that was difficult for you? Or was everything very easy? Please, could you share your experience?

— You know, the thing is, when I go somewhere or change places, I always look for positive things. I feel that especially when you live somewhere, it changes you so much as a person. It is good to look for the positive things you can learn from each place.

When I moved to the US, their energy was so different from what I grew up with in Poland and in countries like Central and Eastern Europe. We have very specific demeanours — very cold. We are happy inside, but you probably won't see it. In the US, it was the first time I entered a bus, and the bus driver said hi to absolutely everyone and asked everyone how their day was going. At first, I thought, "Oh my goodness, this has to be exhausting. You are literally asking every single person." But then, living there for two years, I changed. I became that person. I acquired a bit of that positive attitude and positive outlook on things.

I think it is amazing to explore with an open mind and eyes wide open and see what you can learn from these cultures. You can see how they approach life and decide if it is better and if you can apply it to your own life.

— You were born and raised in Poland. Can you please tell me more about your past and your family?

— So, I was raised by a single mom, and it obviously made me who I am. My mom’s approach to life was always that we would make things happen and figure them out. As a kid, she never made me feel like things were hard or that we didn't have money for something. I never felt like I had to slow down on the things I wanted or needed.

I have to say that I had the most beautiful childhood. Looking back as an adult, I really appreciate it. Our childhood was a completely different world compared to now. You think back and wonder how life could have been so different just 25 years ago.

My mom had the most amazing friends, whom I would describe as the hippies of their times. They had everything sorted — they would party, but on the business side, they had it all together. Even now, surrounded by entertainment and creatives, nothing compares to what I experienced as a kid with my mom.

She never made me feel like we were struggling, yet I understood she was a single mom. That understanding came from my intuition, and I wanted to help her out. I became mature at a young age and started working when I was 14. I worked full-time at a well-known beach club in my city as a waitress. Today, it is unheard of for someone so young to work like that. I needed her permission to work because of my age, but even before that, I was always selling something to make my own money.

She was very strict about certain things. We had a cleaning day with no negotiations, but she wasn't strict at all about the things I wanted to pursue. I had all the freedom I wanted as long as everything at home and at school was sorted.

She never said no to anything and was always very supportive of any idea I had. Even today, she believes in me more than I do.

Honestly, my mom was the first one to let me try all the bad things. And because of that, I don't smoke, I don't drink. I found them disgusting.

As a kid, I never felt the need to show off or prove myself to my classmates. I never did stupid things and my mom was always aware of everything I was doing. I didn't hide anything from her because her approach was that I could talk to her about absolutely everything. There was a lot of trust. She always reassured me that if anything bad happened to me, she would be there for me, and we would figure it out.

She also gave me a lot of freedom. She always jokes that if she were a parent in today's world, she would go to jail. For example, when I was nine, I traveled to visit friends from France by myself, changing two buses.

Or I went to Berlin, where my sister lived. My mom worked in logistics for a company that had trucks going to Berlin all the time. Since we couldn't afford to send me by other means, she arranged for me to travel with one of the company's trucks, even though it involved a sleepover on the way.

These experiences made me very independent and mature at a young age, yet I had the most amazing childhood. Recently, during Ramadan, I decided to revisit all my childhood passions since I finally had some time off. As a kid, I did horse riding, basketball, and other activities. It felt amazing to come back to these passions. Some people who follow me now don't know that I did these things as a kid, and they say I look like a professional on horseback. In my head, I think, "Well, it's thanks to my mom. She made it happen for me." I was able to do all these amazing things as a kid, and I actually do look professional because of her.

— Okay, your first job was as a waitress. Do you remember what your salary was then?

— I don't remember exactly, but we were probably getting paid something like five to seven Dirhams per hour — small money. But my tips were fantastic, and I was definitely doing well for my age.

I think I still have this approach today: it doesn't matter what job you do; you need to pour your heart into it.

It wasn't my dream job, but it was cool. I put my all into it. I was pretty good with English back then and knew some German, which helped me provide good service to German visitors and clientele. As a result, I was getting great tips — really great tips.

— So, you started earning money. What was your first big purchase?

— I don't remember exactly, but I was saving money for bigger things. I don't recall the first thing I saved for, but I definitely spent a lot on clothes. I was very much into fashion, so I invested a lot of money in it.

Back in the day, in Poland, we didn't have a lot of choices. I ordered a lot of stuff from the US — things that weren't available in Poland. I even remember visiting Amsterdam when I was 15 and falling in love with the culture there. Everything I wanted was there. I remember being excited about brands like Timberland, which we didn't have in Poland.

— You have a photo of Horseshoe Bend in Arizona. You said that it was one of your favourite places to be. Why?

— You see, I am not sure if it is still my favourite. I think I have changed so much as a person since I posted this picture. Back then, I was really into discovering new places, travelling every single week, and going on road trips. I was very much into photography, always trying to get shots from the highest possible points.

Now, looking at this picture, I remember going there with a friend I met in Las Vegas. We are still friends and very supportive of each other. This is what I cherish most — the memory of being there with her and our friendship.

Living in California and being able to visit all the surrounding states was a "wow" moment for me. Growing up in Poland, we always dreamed of living in America and experiencing the American dream. So, getting to live that experience was one of the most beautiful moments of my life.

— You mentioned that you have changed a lot since then. Could you describe these changes?

— I feel like I change every seven years. Your mindset changes so much — the things you appreciate, the things you look for, and the things you do on a daily basis. I have grown a lot. Sometimes I go through old pictures and think, "Wow, that was a different person back then." The core remains the same, but my outlook on things is so different.

— A sudden question: Is it hard for you to give interviews?

— Honestly, I find it really hard because I feel like I am not there yet. I look up to so many people around me and actually, I am the one who wants to hear their stories and read interviews about them.

I am always very hesitant. Whatever I do, whatever travels I go on, or whatever hardships I go through, I think it doesn't matter.

I have seen my mom as a single mom, and now I see it from a different perspective because I have single moms around me. Some are going through divorces right now, some dads are not supportive, and some never had a partner around — the dad just left.

To me, these are the stories that need highlighting in today's society. When I think about my own challenges, they seem manageable in comparison. I feel responsible for contributing to my family's life and giving back, but my life is easy in that sense, and I am grateful for that.

That is why I will never complain about anything. I am not in a position to. I see people around me facing real-life problems. So yeah, those are the stories that deserve the spotlight.

— You know, when I looked at your photo on Full Beams' website, I thought, "She has a story. She might have an incredible story." You are definitely filled with something captivating.

— Thank you. For me, the hardest part was not having the means to pursue everything I wanted to do. So, I found ways to make it happen. I sacrificed a few years of my life to pursue my dreams without the necessary resources. I took jobs that I didn't necessarily want to do, but they were a way for me to achieve what I had in my head. Luckily, I made it happen.

Looking back 10 years ago, I really salute myself for all the energy and effort I put into it. Was it easy? No, definitely not. Is my life different now? 100%. I really appreciate my intuition because I didn't have anyone to guide me. I didn't know anyone in the US, and I didn't know anyone here. I didn't have a manager to back me up, nor did I work with any agency. I don't have a business background, but somehow, I think I inherited some street smarts and business savvy from my mom.

In a matter of a few years, without having a shortcut or someone to pave the way for me, I made it happen.

— What jobs did you have?

— All sorts of jobs. I think I have done absolutely everything in my life, from being a waitress to a journalist. I even took care of kids and had a full-time mom experience for two years.

— How was it?

— It was honestly amazing. Was it something I initially wanted to do? I don't know, but I embraced the experience. I started by taking care of two kids, then three, and eventually, I was caring for nine-month-old twins.

If you name it, I have probably done it. I think that is where my diverse experience comes from. When I look back at the time I spent dancing and preparing for shows, creating choreographies, and making something out of nothing in terms of outfits and ideas with my dance team, I realise that it prepared me for what I am doing now.

All the creations I am working on and the way I approach every single gig are influenced by those experiences. The difference now is that kids have proper curriculums, guidance, and the internet to show them how things are done. Back then, it was just my own imagination, like watching MTV and pretending I was preparing for a girl band audition or something similar.

A lot of imagination went into things that maybe didn't seem to matter much at the time, but looking back, I realise it was all part of the journey. It is crazy to think about everything I have done and how it has paid off in certain ways.

— Also, you were a dancer, and you ended your career at 23, right? Why?

— You know, toward the end, I realised I wasn't as passionate about it anymore. When you see new talents emerging, I think it is a smart and conscious decision to step back and give the platform to the new generation and people who are passionate about it.

Even though I wasn't as passionate about it anymore, it was really nice to come back to it and take classes this year. I will try to continue if time allows.

— Do you remember your first DJ set?

— I was able to do a post-graduate program at Columbia College in Chicago, which has a radio department offering a DJ class. There was a lot of theory and some practice, but it was an amazing experience because Chicago is such a great city for house music. It was incredible to explore this scene, especially with figures like Frankie Knuckles. When I moved to LA, I took classes and joined a program at the Scratch DJ Academy.

After graduating from the Academy, they offered me a spot on something called the LA Street Team. This was a very hands-on experience. For example, if we got an inquiry for a gig, I had to take a car, pick up all the equipment from the school (speakers, DJ sets, cables, everything), go to the venue, set it up, DJ, pack it all up, and return it to the school. It was an amazing experience. Honestly, if I were to recommend any school with a proper curriculum, it would be Scratch DJ Academy.

My first gig with them was at Angel Stadium. For a large crowd, around 4 thousand people. I was opening DJ for an artist, so it was a big deal for me and quite stressful.

— An obvious question for a female DJ is: Do you find it hard to be a female DJ, or did you?

— I didn't find it particularly hard. There is a lot of talk about being a female DJ and the associated connotations. Many people are offended by the female-male division in the industry. I agree it is a very male-dominated field, but I think as a woman, you do have some doors open that male DJs might not get.

I believe there is a reason why it is male-dominated, just as there are reasons why some industries are female-dominated. It is a hard lifestyle, especially when you are doing nights and clubs. Sometimes my event day is usually 12 hours long. If I have another gig on the same day, that means a 16-hour day full of preparation, soundchecks, getting to the venue early, setting everything up, doing the event, and then moving to the next one. Of course, after all of this, I can feel very exhausted.

Sometimes, when I look at my friends who have kids, I think to myself that I wouldn't be able to handle a family and this 24/7 job. I have female DJ friends with kids who make it happen, but I don't know how they do it.

To be honest, I just embrace being a female DJ and bringing my unique value to whatever I do.

— How do you recharge?

— I try to take a day off and usually spend it by myself. I disconnect from absolutely everything and everyone. Sometimes I go for a workout, and sometimes I go for a jog in nature. I really need to disconnect in that sense.

— Do people at your gigs give you energy or take it away?

— They give it 100%. I really thrive on gigs that are up close and personal with people. The closer they are to me, the better because I love interacting with them. When you are building a night and structuring your set, it is so energy-driven. Seeing people interacting and vibing with certain things, turning to you from the dance floor — it is the best feeling you can get.

I remember one gig at Monkey Bar where I got everyone to turn towards me, and we were all dancing and vibing together. That kind of energy exchange fuels me for days. After a great gig like that, I don't need to disconnect or take a day off because I am still riding the high of the experience. It was such a good gig that it left me feeling fantastic. Plus, when people message you afterwards saying they had the time of their life, it means the world to me. I love interacting with people and building those connections.

— The funniest/most stressful situation ever that happened during your gigs.

— Shortly after the whole Coachella situation with the DJ who couldn't handle the technical difficulties, I found myself in that tricky situation. While I was dealing with it, I thought, "What a funny coincidence." During one of my gigs, two of the cue points on the CDJ got stuck. So while I was mixing, it kept taking the song back to the cue point I had set. I had to really manoeuvre not to mess up my mixing because it was technically messing everything up for me. I managed to make it work and I didn't have a total disaster.

This kind of stress is something I go through internally. With experience, you come to realize that most people attending the event won't notice if you mess something up.

— Okay. Is there anything you have been proud of yourself for lately?

— Honestly, last year was really good for me. I did some amazing projects, including one with Nike, where we took over the Burj Khalifa with a music production I was involved in. Another milestone for me was releasing my very first edit, which, while not a huge deal, was a significant step in starting this new and exciting journey.

I also had the opportunity to do some incredible gigs. Recently, I worked with Mark Ronson, Idris Elba, and Jennifer Lopez for the opening of the One&Only One Za'abeel Hotel. Every year, I reevaluate my career, and I am proud of the achievements I have made. Each year seems to bring something better and new for me to explore.

I am not stopping; I have the discipline to keep going with integrity, which is very important to me. I have been doing this for eight years now, and it has been an amazing journey that I am very grateful for.

— That is cool. Are there any projects that you are working on or planning right now that you’d like to share? You know, anything happening that you are excited about?

— I am releasing my next edit soon. It is going to be very different and I am jumping on a different genre this time.

— The first one was Nelly Furtado, right?

— Yes, it is! For me, creating this edit felt like the cherry on top because the very first physical album I had was by Nelly Furtado. I really enjoyed the process.

This new one is a bit more tricky because I keep asking people if they know the song, and it seems like people from Poland and Germany recognise it, but elsewhere, not so much.

It is an old song, so I am very curious to see how it will be perceived, especially since it is not as popular as some of Nelly Furtado's other hits, like "Say It Right." I am excited to see how people will react to it.

— When are you going to release it?

— It is a process, and we are trying to go through some official platforms and such, so I don't want to give a definite timeline yet, but I hope it will be ready in about two months.

Right now, I am also working on my summer plans. Nothing is confirmed yet, but am keeping my hopes high. I want to do something different this summer, so let's hope it all works out.

— Once, you said, “One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a female DJ/producer is receiving heartfelt messages from mothers who share your story with their daughters.” Can you give us examples?

— Oh yes, I received a very heartfelt message from a friend of mine from my city who has a young daughter. You don't realise the impact you have until moments like these. Recently, I also received a message from one of the kids I used to take care of. He is older now, and he said, "You are freaking awesome. You are living your life doing this. Look at you. So proud of you."

In Poland I did a short documentary that was directed by Dawid Napierała, who has a young daughter. During the interview with my mom, he told her, "I know Sonya doesn't want to share too much, but I know her story from scratch. I want my daughter to see this and to know that it is possible. With no money, if you put your full attention to something and believe in it, you will find ways."

— And the last question. You were diagnosed with Hashimoto's. Could you tell me what symptoms you first experienced that led you to see a doctor?

— I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, but subsequent tests over the past nine years have shown no indication of it. My thyroid results were affected by the stress I was experiencing at that specific time, and I was actually misdiagnosed. My symptoms were fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss. I am happy I didn’t give up on myself because otherwise, I’d be taking hormones all the time.

by Alexandra Mansilla

It Was All a Dream. From Poland To Global Stages: Interview With DJ SONYA

28 Jun 2024

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28 Jun 2024

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