Photography by X-File
Editorial by Ryan Jones

As Intuned Online continues to grow in our Autofashion and Lifestyle coverage we aim to continue meeting our high standards as well as our readers’ expectations. To kick off a series of DJ interviews we wanted to start with one of the best from around the world and we weren’t disappointed.

We caught up with the globetrotting DJ Shy at Tonic Club Lounge in Montreal, Canada to discuss the past, present and future for this Korean-American DJ. Most of our readers are Intuned with what’s going on in the world but if some of you didn’t know anything about DJ Shy here is the 411. DJ Shy was the first and only female mixer at the No. 1 top 40 radio station in America, 102.7 KIIS-FM. in Los Angeles. She kicked off the 2006 Bud Light-MAXIM Exposure Tour, which touched down 45 cities throughout the United States. This year SHY travelled nationwide for the NOCTURNAL TOUR spinning at 80 events with Playmates and reality stars of Beauty and the Geek. She has also appeared on Damon Wayans “The Underground” on Showtime and Disney Channel’s “Totally Suite New Years Eve” and recently landed a role for “Ring of Blood: Tribute to John Woo” film. Shy got her start at the world-famous Laugh Factory comedy club in Hollywood, where she spun at sold-out shows for comics like Norm MacDonald, Damon and Marlon Wayans, Chris Rock, Bob Saget, Dane Cook, David Chapelle and others. She spins Top 40, pop, hip-hop, R&B and reggae music.

Shy has broken barriers in the male-dominated industry of deejaying to become one of the most skilled and respected female mixers in the world. Despite having a hectic schedule we had a chance to sit down with Shy for 1 on 1 interview.

Intuned Online: How did it all begin?

DJ SHY: During college, I was a hostess working part time at the Laugh Factory (a comedy club in Hollywood) escorting guests to their seat. I usually worked on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. One evening I switched schedule with someone so I worked on a Sunday night. Sundays nights are known to be Chocolate Sundaes because the comics were predominately from BET Comicview and African American. It was also unusual from the other nights because there was also a live DJ spinning hip hop. That’s where I was immediately drawn to the whole DJ culture.

I ended up getting a pair of turntables and practiced until, eventually, I asked the owner if I could spin there. Luckily, he let me DJ on Latino Monday nights and Open Mic Tuesday nights. Spinning was very basic…throwing in the music for the comics as they approach the stage. Stopping the music when they were ready to perform.

Intuned Online: Where did the name come from?

DJ Shy: The name was suggested from one of my comedian friends from the Laugh Factory. I was the “quiet” one out of my friends there. I thought it was perfect because I do not get on the mic or MC.

Intuned Online: What gave you the initial push?

DJ Shy: Well, it took me awhile to convert from a 8-5 office job to being a full time DJ. Growing up in a strict Korean household, my brother and I were basically brainwashed into becoming a doctor, lawyer or accountant….professions that my parents hoped for us.

When I started spinning, my hours would go well into 2 or 3am and waking up early to go to work started taking its toll on me physically. I had to make a choice and I was scared: leave the stability of a biweekly salary or start getting my hustle on and get gigs.

After the encouragement of my friends who are successful in the entertainment industry, I decided to take a leap of faith and go into business for myself and do what I love. You only live once right?!?

Intuned Online: Who’s throwing the best parties at the moment?

DJ Shy: I would say Joe Park of Blended Events (www.blendedevents.com) can throw it down in LA and Long Beach!

Intuned Online: What was the first record you ever bought?

DJ Shy: I believe I bought doubles of the Beatnuts Watch Out Now single from Fat Beats on Melrose.

Intuned Online: Out of all the tunes you have which one is a ‘never fail’?

DJ Shy: I would have to say no DJ could go wrong with any Michael Jackson classics.

Intuned Online: What’s your favorite tune of all time?

DJ Shy: There are so many! It really depends on my mood…Hmmm, I’m definitely an 80s baby so I will have to say anything Prince, Michael Jackson and Madonna.

Intuned Online: What do you do when you’re not working?

DJ Shy: Hmmm, I love to eat…dining is at the top of my list. I also like bowling, pool, movies, going to local dive bars, renting motorcycles, doing tourist stuff like walking around the beaches, amusement parks…anything fun.

Intuned Online: Funniest thing that ever happened at an event?

DJ Shy: The crowd entertains me just as much as my music entertains them. There are some clubbers that get so into it that they’ll start busting out some of the craziest moves. I saw an older guy trying to do the Worm on the dance floor.

Intuned Online: Any other DJ’s you like right now?

DJ Shy: I’ve always been a fan of AM even before his surgery. I used to go over to his spot Wednesday nights at Las Palmas and just stare at him in awe when he scratches and mixes tunes together.

Intuned Online: Do you own a car? If yes what is it?

DJ Shy: Lol, of course…it’s a must in LA. I drive a black Mercedes clk500. It kinda sux because it has a v8 engine. It’s a definite gas guzzler.

Intuned Online: What’s your dream ride?

DJ Shy: Hmmmm, I like the Rolls Royce 101EX

Intuned Online: Have you ever DJ’d at a Car event?

DJ Shy: I’ve spun a NASCAR event in Charlotte, NC for the Radioactive Energy Drink tour in 2007. We were supporting NASCAR driver Johnny Sauter.

Intuned Online: Any shout outs you’d like to make?

DJ Shy: I’d love to give shoutouts to my sponsors Michael Antonio shoes, Tokidoki, Ultimix Records, my friends, my mom and my roommates DJ DON P and Justin!

Intuned Online: And for all of our readers how can they find you on the net?

DJ Shy:
www.dj-shy.com
www.myspace.com/djshy

Source: www.dj-shy.com