Thu Saminathen shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Thu , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
When I listen to music, time unravels. A single melody can suspend the clock a beat, a bassline, a lyric each one pulling me into a space where I’m no longer aware of minutes or hours, only the energy it holds.
It’s in that space that I find the inspiration for my DJ sets.
As I blend tracks, I’m not just matching tempos; I’m translating feelings. What starts as a mood becomes a journey, a story I tell through sound.
I lose myself in the process,
and somehow, I find a clearer version of who I am.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Thu, pronounced like the number 2. I’m originally from the Bay Area now based in Koreatown, Los Angeles.
I’m a true lover of music. I love everything about it. My favorite activities are going to live shows. It’s that feeling of energy that connects the crowd. That shared experience has always inspired me, now I get to create & share it myself.
I started my company: Major Vibes back in 2020 focused on events & marketing. Under that umbrella is my most recent creative endeavor: THUU DJS- where I blend emotion, storytelling, and sound into every set I play.
Earlier this year, I graduated from 1500 Sound Academy, completing a six-month program through a scholarship from the NFL. After that, I studied turntablism at Beat Junkie Institute of Sound. Since March of this year I have Dj’d in venues like: Paper Tiger, Catch One, The Shortstop, and The Dime.
A full circle moment in my music journey, thus far was flying to San Francisco to DJ at Soundtrack in SF. Performing in a room full of friends, family, and peers I grew up with was an incredible feeling. Seeing them vibe to my set was surreal, and truly unforgettable.
Currently, I’m working on a new project called: The DJ Concert Merch Series, which streams live on Twitch every other Tuesday- or as I call it, “Thu on Tuesdays!” I’ve collected over 100 pieces of concert merchandise over the years, and still counting! I feature one artist’s item in each episode and build a themed set around their sound.
This is just the beginning. Through music, I’m building a space where community, nostalgia, and self-expression come together one vibe at a time <3
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
This question makes me ask myself, “how did I get here?!” I can’t remember a time where music wasn’t around.
My earliest memories were watching POP-Up video on VH1 with my mom. I would look forward to coming home from elementary school & being glued to the television screen. My mother, Thuy Hong is a Vietnamese singer, and a member in a band. Music has always a key component in our home.
My high school won the Wild 94.9 radio concert my freshman year. I experienced my first live show at the SAP center.
I was instantly obsessed with all of it!
I became part of the night club scene in my late teens into my early 20’s. I started as a go-go dancer, then a promoter, and soon threw my own parties-events. I appreciated good music, and saw first hand how it can move a room.
Fast forward to a trip I took to New York in 2023, a friend let me jump on the DJ decks at ACME for a couple seconds. That’s all it took. I felt pure magic. Enough to inspire me to get my own equipment when I returned to LA.
I kept thinking: If not now, when? I’ve learned to trust that it’s never too late to start especially when you’re coming home to something that’s always been a part of you.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
When it comes to my journey as a DJ, the fear that’s held me back the most is the feeling that I started too late. At 37, there’s often this voice in my head that says, “You missed your chance.” I catch myself thinking, “If only I had started during COVID, I could’ve dedicated all my time to being a master at the craft.”
But, I also believe in timing, that each chapter of my life has happened for a reason, even if it didn’t make sense in the moment.
Currently, my biggest fear is sometimes coined as “imposter syndrome.” That inner critic that tells me, “it’s not good enough to share, I could make it better, I gotta change just one more thing.”
I’m still learning to let go of that fear. I’m streaming & posting myself more, uploading to SoundCloud even when it’s not perfect. Because it’s ME.
Releasing that need for perfection has created space for progress. It took the fear out of falling.
And more importantly, it made room to enjoy the ride.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That clicks, likes, and followers represent true connection.
Some of the most meaningful moments I’ve experienced as a DJ had nothing to do with algorithms it was easily someone coming up after a set to say, “That song brought back a memory I forgot I had.”
Connection isn’t about scale. It’s about depth. And I think the lie we often tell ourselves is-that unless it looks impressive online, it doesn’t count. But some of the most powerful things happen off-camera in the: present moment.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Honestly, I think it might be easier to give my best without looking for praise. Without the pressure of outside validation, I’d have more freedom to make mistakes and grow at my own pace.
I think the comparison in DJ culture is REAL. Once you step into the scene, it’s hard not to measure your success by how often you’re booked.
When I’m working in my own space without expectations or applause that’s when I feel most connected to what I’m doing. I always give my best. I prefer doing it without the need for validation. That’s when it feels most honest. Do it for you.
Be the BEST for You.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thuudjs
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@THUUDJS
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/thu-saminathen-818099465
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thudjs2
https://www.twitch.tv/thuuuuuumuch
Image Credits
Jon Leo
