From rising star to the renowned club DJ she is today, Sam Divine has undoubtedly been a key player for Defected over the last few years.
A pure house music DJ through and through, Sam has risen to the top on the strength of her selection and mixing skills alone. Here she recalls her top five Defected moments to date in her own words.
The first time I opened the 103 at Ministry Of Sound
It was incredible. I was so nervous but also really excited to show Simon Dunmore that I could rock a club to the standard of all the other Defected DJs on the line up. It helped that about 50 of my mates came to support so the place was rocking. At the end of my set I got the nod from Simon Dunmore and by Monday I was officially signed to the Defected artist roster.
The first year I was Defected’s resident DJ in Ibiza
2010 was the turning point for me in Ibiza. I had been resident at Hush in San Antonio for four great years but it was time to put my knowledge and experience of Ibiza’s nightlife to the test. From 300 people I went to 3000 people, warming up my hero’s at Pacha for the likes of Frankie Knuckles, Kenny Dope and Junior Jack & Crème. That year I also played weekly at the Defected In The House pre-parties at Café Mambo and had my own weekly radio show on Ibiza Global Radio.
The time I closed our first night ever at Ushuaia
This was one of my favourite and most memorable gigs of all time. Playing at an incredible venue like Ushuaia, outside in the blazing sun for the Defected Opening Party, it really couldn't have got any better. It was in my eyes a perfect party from start to finish.
My first set in The Box at Ministry of Sound
This was a biggie for me. I’ve played the bar many times and feel totally at home with that room so when I was asked to play after MK in the Box on NYE I jumped at the chance, but I was still really anxious. The Box needed a completely different approach and it was a very memorable gig for me. I always say ‘The re ain't no party like a Defected partaaay!’
When I played We Are FSTVL last year
This was my most special gig all of time. It was one of those parties where the stars align at the right time. I wasn't expecting too much as I was playing a 2.30pm warm up and when I got on the decks there was maybe 10 people in the tent. Within 15 minutes of me starting it was absolutely jumping. Exactly like the Ushuaia gig, I was playing with heart firmly on my sleeve.
Deep Down & Defected Volume 5: Sam Divine is out 20 April (digital) on Defected Records - order from iTunes
Defected In The House returns to We Are FSTVL Saturday 24 May. Head to www.wearefstvl.com for full details
