Today we’d like to introduce you to Sokin Seng.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sokin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Started recording music with cassette tapes from the Radio at the age of 13. I was so good at recording music to the point of almost making it sound seamless. I started passing these tapes I made to friends at school and got a good response. At the time, I was working at the family donut store in LA near Inglewood and saved enough money to buy my starter DJ gear. I have also started clubbing at an all ages club in Hollywood with my older sister.
House music was very popular during that time and I always wanted to DJ at those clubs with the amazing sound, fog, lasers, and light show. I got my first gig for a Halloween party. I didn’t have a car and the time and normally had my sister drive. My parents hated the whole DJ thing…it’s an Asian thing I guess lol. So, they wouldn’t take me. I actually got a shopping cart and put some of my gear in it. The party was about a mile away and the event had no adults and just kids…the grownups were out of town. I didn’t really DJ too much since I felt I wasn’t good enough and so I stayed at home practicing most of the time until I was about 18 out of HS I started to meet some people with similar interest over the internet and promoted clubs and even did our own party somewhere in the mountains…a mini rave I guess. I’ve join local DJ battles and won some and did a few residences around LA and OC. In 2001 a partner of mine was getting lots of gigs to do weddings. I never thought I would ever dreamed of being a wedding DJ wearing a tux and playing line dances lol. The gigs I got was more of an assistant DJ. In 2013, I noticed I been getting lots of calls from Cambodian clients to DJ their wedding. I was told that they couldn’t find many Cambodian DJ’s and so now I just have been that go to person who specializes in Cambodian weddings. I think that the new generation of Cambodian engaged couples are not looking for the same ol band and an MC who can talk for days with no flow and structure. That’s where I come fill in the gap. I am able to keep familiar traditions while adding some new elements of modern western style weddings. I make the bride and groom the star of the night and I try to plan a production that can capture the magic when possible. I’ve taken more MC courses and attend seminars to find out what’s the best way I can perform on my next event. Right now, I’m still working a day job for transportation in the city of Long Beach.
I hope to gain more clients that in turn become good friends. I love seeing couples grow, buy their first home, start a family, get a new career opportunity etc. it’s always an honor to know that someone trust you on one of the biggest nights of their life. It’s an amazing feeling.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My parents were pretty strict and growing up as a Cambodian who came from the killing fields. We were not welcome at our stay here in the states. Many racial tension, gang violence and such surrounded us. So my parents wanted me to focus on school and become a doctor or engineer just like any immigrant parent. So the support from my parents was non or worse slowed down on my love for music. Despite going against my parents, I continued to do what I love but more in secret. Lots of my records were stored at friends’ houses to not let my parents know I blew all my money on music. After I just let go and couldn’t hide it anymore as a DJ, I found out that the competition is really tough and so I practiced a lot and entered battles to build a name for myself. After that, I had to compete with prices and that these days the equipment is so affordable that almost anyone can get free music and cheap gear to start a mobile DJ business. I think that my continued drive and keeping my word has built a brand like no other for myself. I think once you build trust with people, you’ll be okay in this industry.
Please tell us about DJ Sokin Events.
Although I am pretty versatile on the type of DJ I am. My business is catered more on weddings that specializes in Cambodian American infused culture. Clients who appreciate my work are looking for someone who has a great amount of experience in weddings while understanding the customs and traditions of the Cambodian culture all packed in one with the added benefit of having wide music knowledge from the past to the hottest hits in the club. I also do audio and video reinforcement with knowledge of program lighting to add on for the production side of any small to medium size events.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I remember as a kid on the weekends a dance show called soul train would be on and my brothers and sisters would all watch and mimic the dancers. I grew up with a big family 4 brothers and 3 sisters in one house hold in a two bedroom apartment. It was crowded but fun as we never really have the whole family together as we have our own lives and so moments were very clear to me as I enjoyed the company of my family and good music, oh and we love Michael Jackson!
Pricing:
- 1,000 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: www.djsokin.com
- Phone: 5628890010
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Djsokin
- Facebook: Djsokin
- Twitter: Djsokin
- Yelp: Dj sokin events
- Other: www.youtube/djsokin
Image Credit:
Klo Eang photo
Eberlyphoto
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
