“I definitely focus on my talent rather than on my looks.  I feel like I'd be representing a lot of future female DJs trying to make it so I want to be able to rep right.” -DJ Shy

So Hood Magazine: DJ Shy, How long have you been DJing?
DJ Shy: 4 years now since August 2001, when I first bought my tables.  I was also attending USC full time and working part time at the Laugh Factory

So Hood Magazine: How did you choose your DJ name? 
DJ Shy: I used to work at a comedy club called the Laugh Factory as a hostess.  Since I already worked there, I also started DJing there as well.  My friends at the Laugh Factory helped me with the name "Shy" because out of my friends I was the least talkative and more of a listener.  I liked the name and felt it was appropriate because as a DJ I listen to the music, the beats, the vibe...that's what makes people dance (not annoying DJs that scratch all over the place or gets on the mic).  I guess it can also mean a couple other things like....I'm shy & won't dress hoochie when spinning.

So Hood Magazine: When did you buy your first set of turntables?
DJ Shy: 4 years ago in August 2001

So Hood Magazine: What are some DJ/Producers that you admire?
DJ Shy: Hmmm…. I like the Neptunes, DJ Shortee (she's got some real scratching skillz!), DJ EQ, Kid Capri, DJ AM, Dr. Dre, DJ Don P.

So Hood Magazine: What has been your biggest gig so far?
DJ Shy: For sure my biggest gig is working for LA's #1 (according to Arbitron ratings) radio station 102.7 KIIS FM.  We are the largest top 40 station in the nation, actually if you think about it - in the world!

So Hood Magazine: How's the experience been working with American Idol's Ryan Seacrest on the same radio station 102.7 Kiis-FM out in L.A.?
DJ Shy: It's been an awesome ride so far since I started there in July this year.  I'm still considered a newbie and settling in.  It's a trip to be considered the first female on-air mixer at KIIS.

So Hood Magazine: What are your current top five tracks that you like to play?
DJ Shy: Personally, I would have to say some Michael Jackson (Rock With Me), Prince (Erotic City, KISS), Fat Man Scoop & Faith Evans-Never Knew a Love, AV8 record - It Takes Two.

So Hood Magazine: Do you read the crowd or do you have something put together beforehand?
DJ Shy: I always try to get information about the demographics (age range, race, etc) of the venue beforehand so I know what kind of records to bring.  You do not want to bring heavy metal music for a hip-hop crowd, ya know?  So from there I go with the vibe.

So Hood Magazine: Do you prefer playing at clubs or big events?
DJ Shy: I like it all!  I don't really have a preference as long as I'm able to rock the house!! 

So Hood Magazine: When you not DJing, what do you do to relax?
DJ Shy: Hmmm, I love eating so I try to dine at a different restaurant each week.  I like relaxing at the spas for their Jacuzzis, facial masks, and baths.  I also like to attend red carpet events.  Ohhhh, I like video games (racing like Need for Speed or Burnout and fighting like Soul Caliber).  Sports are cool too… bowling, pool, shooting some hoops & watching (hehe)

So Hood Magazine: It's seems everyone these days is calling themselves a DJ. What do think makes a good DJ?
DJ Shy: A combination of things: gotta get the dance floor packed, this is usually done by having a good song selection, being able to mix and maybe a little bit of scratching, but also at the same time exude personality, confidence, and be able to have fun.

So Hood Magazine: What would you say has been the low point of your career?
DJ Shy: Getting my records stolen from the backseat of my car.  I parked in downtown LA and someone shattered my window and stole my records from the backseat.  The cops think a bum stole them for crack money.  A lot of the vinyl I had was out of print.  It took a while before I can recover those records again.

So Hood Magazine: What do you think is the best track or remix you have produced?
DJ Shy: Well, I'm not at the point of my career to produce yet, but I'm very interested.  I'll probably get more involved with it later in my career.

So Hood Magazine: Do you have any future plans of coming out with a Mix-tape with exclusive joints?
DJ Shy: I really don't like to make mix-tapes because it doesn't really reflect a real DJ's skills.  It's all computerized and done by pro-tools.  I'm more of a live, club DJ.

So Hood Magazine: What problems have you encountered as a woman DJ?
DJ Shy: Distinguishing between guys wanting to book me for gigs and guys wanting to get my number!  I've obtained a pretty good team of publicists, agents, and management.  So now  that problem has, hopefully, been obliterated.

So Hood Magazine: What do you do to make sure you're given equal opportunities as a woman DJ?
DJ Shy: I definitely focus on my talent rather than on my looks.  I feel like I'd be representing a lot of future female DJs trying to make it so I want to be able to rep right.  We should all deserve that respect and credibility.

So Hood Magazine: Exactly what equipment do you use for DJing?
DJ Shy: Since I'm a vinyl only DJ, I use Technics 1210s, Vestax mixer, Shure White Label needles, Technics headphones

So Hood Magazine: What are your goals for the future in regards to DJing?
DJ Shy: 1.Become a well known producer
2.Become a female artist/group DJ
3.Spin on TV