Interview: DJ Soda on her electrifying music career, pre-show rituals, and dream collaboration

In the exhilarating world of high-speed thrills and automotive excellence, car clubs offer enthusiasts a platform to express their passion and connect with fellow car lovers. Among the many car clubs in Malaysia, the Ferrari Owners Club Malaysia (FOCM) stands out for taking the experience to the next level. Recently, the prestigious organisation hosted a festival in Kuala Lumpur, attracting Ferrari owners from all over Malaysia. This record-breaking event featured 297 Ferraris, including iconic models like the Ferrari Dino and the LaFerrari Aperta.

Another highlight of the evening was the attendance of DJ Soda, who made a grand entrance in a Ferrari Roma Spider. The South Korean DJ, also known as Hwang So-hee, captivated the audience with a thrilling 90-minute set. Her performance, complete with firework displays, featured a mix of EDM classics, modern hits, and K-pop remixes. During her stay in Kuala Lumpur, we caught up with the star at Else Hotel to learn more about her career, pre-show rituals, and dream collaborations.

A JOURNEY OF PASSION

DJ Soda has been in the music scene for over a decade. She initially pursued musical theatre in college before shifting her attention to music and establishing herself as a DJ in the renowned clubs of Gangnam. Her viral ‘Flute Dance’ catapulted her to global fame, leading her to headline major music festivals and collaborate with EDM legends like KSHMR and Steve Aoki. With over five million Instagram followers and counting, she ranks among Korea’s top DJs, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Thanks to her dynamic performances and unique fashion sense, DJ Soda has also earned collaborations with high-end brands like Nike, Dior and Chanel. 

ON PERFORMING FOR THE MALAYSIAN CROWD

After the thrill of performing at the Ferrari Owners Club Malaysia festival, she reflects, “It was an incredible experience. I truly enjoyed seeing the diverse range of Ferrari models on the road and the enthusiasm of fellow car enthusiasts. The atmosphere was electric, and the highlight was definitely the parade of vintage Ferraris.” When asked about her favourite Ferrari models, she names the Ferrari Testarossa and the SF90, admiring their sleek designs and powerful performance.

ON GETTING READY FOR THE FERRARI FESTIVAL

Like many performers, DJ Soda has pre-show routines and rituals to cultivate a sense of calm and boost energy levels. This includes staying hydrated, eating a light and nutritious meal, and engaging in a brief workout or stretching session. “I also do a half-body bath to get my blood flowing. Additionally, listening to some upbeat music helps set the right mood, and I take a few moments to meditate and visualise a successful performance.” In terms of her DJ equipment, she swears by the Pioneer DJ controller, specifically praising the DJM-A9-4-channel professional DJ mixer for its intuitive and versatile capabilities.

ON CHASING HER DREAMS

By now, you may have realised that DJ Soda has graced stages at countless venues around the world. Yet, one of her most unforgettable experiences was her performance at the Ultra Music Festival. “The energy from the crowd was unbelievable, and it was a dream come true to play on such a big stage,” she recalls.

For DJ Soda, the secret to success is to always stay true to yourself. In a crowd of DJs, what truly distinguishes the best is their unwavering commitment to being genuine, a quality she embodies to this day. “In the music industry, it’s easy to get caught up in trends, but staying genuine helps to build a lasting connection with your audience.” When it comes to musical dreams, the DJ aims high, sharing, “My dream collaboration would be with Drake. His music style is versatile and inspiring, and I believe that working with him would result in some incredible tracks.”

ON HER LOVE OF SNEAKERS AND COLLECTABLES

Beyond her magnetic stage presence, DJ Soda’s taste in fashion is equally intriguing. Alongside her undeniable allure, she is also known for her passion as an avid sneaker collector. Her all-time favourite pair is the Air Jordan 1, and she fondly recalls participating in the Off-White Chicago Jordan 1 release party and getting her shoes autographed by the late Virgil Abloh, which turned them into a treasured addition to her wardrobe. In addition to her love for sneakers, DJ Soda is a dedicated collector of limited-edition Bearbrick figures and miniatures created by artists such as Takashi Murakami and Kaws. “These pieces add a fun touch to my living space,” she states.

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Production credits:

Photography and Creative Direction: Jemmie Chew

Assisted by: Hailey Tan

Fashion Stylist: Birdy Lee

Lighting: Herry Chia Ee

Lighting Assistant: David Ong

Videography: Fion Koh

Videographer Assistant: Christine Hoo

Makeup & Hair: Jun Wong

Makeup & Hair Assistant: Ying Xuan