February 2012
Mondo Rosa Shokking is a cool fashion, art, music & culture webzine in Italy, and they interviewed me for their ”Shokking Pink” female DJ section.
You can visit the original article here (please feel free to Vote on the article by clicking on the “legs”!):
http://www.mondorosashokking.com/Consolle-Rosa-Shokking/Dj-Syrena-in-Consolle-Rosa-Shokking/
Can’t read italian? The English version is here:
K: Hi Syrena, when and why did you decide to become a dj?
dj Syrena: I had been working in the fashion industry as a stylist, event planner and model, and when it came down to it, the part I loved best was programming the music for the fashion shows, and booking DJs for the parties. Dancing all night at warehouse raves was a big part of my life, and I wanted to do something to give back to a scene that gave me so much in spirit. When Drum & Bass came into the scene, I was immediately hooked, and that motivated me to buy my decks, which I still have today. My repertoire soon expanded to House music. My love for discovering new music is always evolving my style.
K: Do you think be a dj it’s a passion more for music or more for clubbing?
dj Syrena: It’s always been about the music for me. I have loved dancing ever since I could walk.
K: What was the first cd/vinyl you bought?
dj Syrena: Honestly I can’t remember, I’ve collected vinyl & cds throughout my life.
K: Can you describe your personal Decks if you have in your house, or in the studio?
dj Syrena: In my studio: 2 Technics 1200’s, Pioneer 500 Mixer, 2 Pioneer CDJ 800’s, 2 JBL EON 10 monitors, MacBook Pro, Serato and Traktor. Throughout my career, I’ve learned it best to be ready for any format, but I prefer mixing on turntables with vinyl best.
K: If you hadn’t become a dj, what do you think would have been your career choice?
dj Syrena: I recently started doing Sound FX Editing & Design for movies. It’s quite challenging, but I have a lot of fun with it. It is highly compatible to what I already know how to do in the studio.
K: Apart your side as a DJ, how is Syrena in the other side of your life?
dj Syrena: A lot of people think because I DJ, that I party all the time, but I don’t. Since I am often around a lot of people & very loud music, I like to recover by doing things like yoga, see art, be in the sunshine. There has to be balance. I have an amazing group of girlfriends, and we sometimes get together and rent a nice house outside of the city for the weekend and have a spa day, make food, relax.
K: What’s your look like when you djing? And during the day?
dj Syrena: I like to change my look depending on the club and if there is a theme like costume party. My favorite look is classic with an edge. I really like furry coats, mini skirts and disco shorts. During the day, I’m pretty laid back. I usually wear jeans and a cute t-shirt, or a sundress with simple makeup and hair.
K: How is the female US club audience right now? (I mean what is trendy in the look)
dj Syrena: Girls still like to wear all black, and vintage is really big. It’s a mix of bohemian chic with techno goth.
K: Thanks to your job you can travel a lot. What’s it like for you to travel?
dj Syrena: Travelling is always exciting, I love the idea of meeting new people and experiencing a new city.
K: You been in Italy? For play or for holiday?
dj Syrena: I have not been to Italy, it is a dream yet to be fulfilled.
K: Do you like Art? Last gallery, museum or other that you visit in a city?
dj Syrena: I absolutely adore art and art shows. The last I went to was a contemporary artshow at Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport.
K: Where do you usually doing shopping?
dj Syrena: I love a bargain, so I like places like H&M and Forever 21, and if I want something special, I like to check out designer vintage stores.
K: Who is your favourite fashion-stylist?
dj Syrena: Pucci, Missoni, Alexander McQueen
K: How much pink there’s in your life?
dj Syrena: When I feel sassy I like to wear bright & neon pink clothing. I have tons of pink lipstick, especially hot pink lip gloss. My website is pink & black.
K: Is there a title of a song, of a movie, a quote, a saying, or one of your thoughts that you’d like to dedicate to the readers of MRS containing the word “pink”?
dj Syrena: “Pink Fluffy Dinosaurs” by Hooverphonic
K: Could you suggest to the girls of “Mondo Rosa Shokking” 10 tracks to put in their iPods, telling us the artist’s name and the title of the song + the year and genre?
dj Syrena:
- PFM “One & Only” (1995 – Drum & Bass)
– Goldie “Timeless” SBTRKT Remix (2009 – Dubstep)
– Rusko “Somebody To Love” (2012 – Dubstep)
– Moby “Lie Down In Darkness” Document One Remix (2011 – Dubstep)
– DJ T. “Sense ft. James Teej” (2011 – Tech House)
– Killers Hornets “Hell Groove” (2011 – Tech House)
– Grant Nalder “Guilty Pleasure” (2011 – House)
– The Model “Do You Believe In Angels?” Syrena Remix (2009 – Tech House)
– Lykke Li “I Will Follow (Dave Sitek)” (2011 – Indie Dance)
– Penguin Prison “A Funny Thing” (2011 – Indie Dance)
