Conversations with Midi Riperton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Midi Riperton.

Hi Midi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I was born just north of Koreatown, Los Angeles, as a first-generation Filipino American. My parents immigrated to the United States and settled in Los Angeles in the ’80s. We moved around to many different neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area, with much of my upbringing spent growing up in Santa Clarita. 

As early as I could remember, I was known for being the little girl who made up her own jingles and hummed to R&B songs my older sisters would play in their rooms after school. Every weekend, we attended church, where both my parents sang in the choir, with my uncle leading them as the musical director. Throughout my childhood, my world revolved around my love for music, performing, and watching the Selena movie over and over again. 

When it came to high school, I started to rap (Was it good? Hopefully, no one will ever know). I took it so seriously at the time that I went to different high schools to perform throughout the city and recorded tracks in my friend’s closet-turned-makeshift-studio. After seeing the behind the scenes work to making a record (that only made its way to Tumblr and nothing further), at 16 years old, I knew I wanted to make this a career. 

I graduated high school heading straight to the Art Institute of California – Los Angeles to major in Audio Production. I stopped rapping then and realized I wanted to focus my love for music on live sound and event production. I had numerous internships with labels like Innovative Leisure and G.O.O.D. Music. But in these experiences, I knew I didn’t want to be a studio engineer––I was ready to dive into the world of live music and producing concerts. When I graduated, I started reaching out to every club promoter in Los Angeles, offering free services to write their newsletters, post as their social media manager, work as their door girl, and prepare the stage however they needed. I did this for years. 

In 2017, when I was currently working as an Event Coordinator in the SF Valley, I enrolled into a school that what would change my life forever––The Beat Junkie Institute of Sound. I became a student as soon as the school opened up, and I graduated their Foundation course as part of the inaugural cohort. I was addicted. I took every class and begged them to let me their intern. I was taking classes religiously while working at the front desk. 

During that time, I co-founded Ladies of Sound with the school’s Principal, Maricel Sison. We noticed there was an opportunity to start a women’s division of the school to encourage more women to join and not be afraid of such a male-dominated industry. Since then, we have hosted countless events, provided resources and gig opportunities, and enrolled so many women into the school. All the while, I was building my career as a professional touring DJ. 

I have been Event Producing for 12 years now and DJing for 7. My world revolves around music. It is powered by my love for connection, community, and creativity. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life is never a smooth, linear journey. When following your dreams, the biggest struggles can be just that––the act of following your dreams. Sometimes, you feel lost and don’t understand why you decide to make your life harder voluntarily by deciding to pursue a creative career. But I have belief that when there’s a will, there’s a way. Life is abundant when you let it in. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am formerly known as DJ Sammi G. I just recently changed it to Midi Riperton. I specialize in DJ, hosting, and audio tech services. I’m known for my affiliation with the Beat Junkies and Ladies of Sound and how I dedicate my work to showing other women, especially women of color, that they can pursue creative careers and be successful in it. 

One of my most proud moments was going on tour with Grammy Award Winner Lucky Daye as Joyce Wrice’s DJ. We opened 36 of his shows within a 40-day North American tour. This was the moment I finally confidently called myself a professional. A touring one, at that! 

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I love a lot of non-fiction self-help books like I Will Teach You to be Rich by Ramit Sethi because it really helps folks like me who live an entrepreneurial/self-employed life trying to get a hold on their finances. Or Profit First by Mike Michalowicz, to learn how to create a more lucrative business. But lately I’ve been reading fiction novels. I’ve learned that sometimes novels can simply teach you more about life than any self-help book can do. Right now, I’m reading Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah, which explores the importance of long-term friendship. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.midiriperton.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midiriperton/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-garong/
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/midiriperton