Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Martin.
Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
So my journey in music began at about the age of four. For a short period, I was involved in a local ballet studio where I learned and performed ballet, tap and jazz. But when the biggest influence/ inspiration in my life (my big brother Michael) persuaded my mom into letting me join a youth hip hop competing dance team founded and ran by his good friend Byron Bucao my life changed forever. “ Undeclared “ which has now grown into the “Alias Dance Company”, is one of the very few still standing dance teams from its era. The Alias Dance Fam has multiple branches ranges from the ages of 4-18+ consisting of new and experienced competing dancers. I have been a part of this family since its early days till now and although I’m sure so much has changed, I am forever thankful and blessed to be a part of the family. Now when I decided to pursue DJing as a career to some, it almost seemed out of the blue but music has always been such a big part of my life.
When I was in high school there are endless times I remember walking into house parties and someone comes up to me like “Hey Sarah! Ayeeee yeah plug your phone in. C’’mooon you got the slaps!” I swear at the time, it was so annoying like we don’t have Bluetooth??? No, we had aux cords and one janky old speaker so I have to stay right there next to my phone flipping through tryna find a song for everyone haha, I couldn’t even enjoy myself. Well that was before I fell in love with SoundCloud.com. I used SoundCloud to discover songs, artists, remixes, DJs, mixes, playlists, moods literally everything. So I got ahead of myself and would just create playlist of all the lit songs from that year maybe the year before and of course, the old bangers that I know would go crazy, haha. I could just leave my phone on shuffle and hope it don’t repeat a song haha or someone doesn’t have a request because then that was an absolute no unless the song was a no brainer. I would play music for house parties, quinces, birthday parties and party buses which were the thing to do.
So fast forward, I’m out of high school of course still dancing, still pursuing dance doing some college and it never even occurred to me that I could be making a career out of DJing. So when I was introduced to a controller by my good friend DFO the ratchet God and a SCHOOL for djing to actually help walk me through step for step? It was a wrap. I still remember my first Sunday class of Academy of DJs in Santa Ana. Definitely gave me all the right feelings of I was pursuing my dreams and really doing what I want to do. I went to school for about 4-5 months, I think and had class like every Sunday again in Santa Ana, haha. Now I live in Ventura County which is a rough 2 hour drive with little to no traffic and like 4 hours if there is. Since money was tight for me since I was working to go to this school and gas and living, I would try to use my time as wisely as I could. I would drive out Thursday/ Friday night when there’s no traffic and stay the night at the studio till class Sunday and rush back to my bed Sunday night so I could wake up for work Monday and get through the week to do it all again. Staying at the studio honestly helped me focus more and getting to see other alumni and students come practice and some even come stop what they’re doing to help me with hw, listen to my mix, share knowledge, etc. It all just motivated me to want to be better.
We had an amazing big club event for our graduation where the students got to debut a set completed curated by us consisting of our own songs, effects, transitions, costume shoot whatever represented us. It was a night I could never ever forget. Graduation happened and then it seemed like Covid came right after so discouraged wasn’t even the lowest I was feeling. In these last couple of years, I have had to learn a completely different type of self-motivation. One that allows me to have a creative block or not touch my equipment for days weeks. One that takes time in releasing all the art (mixes and videos) I create to make sure it truly represents and sits well with me. Now, still a baby about two years in I DJ in different bars, clubs, stores, establishments, private events, corporate events, arcades, etc. all throughout Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange County thanks to my amazing and loving support system. I wouldn’t be who I am without music and those who pushed my love for music through dance or DJing… or those who had faith in me when I had none in myself. Everything I do is with purpose and this is all for them.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, there were soooo many challenges whether it was financial issues, discrimination or just like a lack of respect for Woman DJs especially one whose proudly African American it’s been a tough road. Yet I remain humble, Hyphy and beyond respectful, I don’t really get to mess up or make mistakes. Personally, I feel like if I mess up it’s like the end of the world compared to male djs who can mess up, drink or black out during their sets and it’s no biggie, haha. But it’s all good it keeps me on my toes and always making sure I’m representing myself in the most positive highest way if that makes sense. Also booking gigs during Covid was almost not happening so trying to get consistent on bookings has so far seemed to present as an on/off challenge.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Professional Dancer and Dj who uses her art to express how she feels and also to make others feel comfortable. I’m big on if you’re in my space you’re in my care if you’re with me you’re safe you know you’re good so I try to create that energy in the events I DJ at and throw. I’m all about having nothing but a good time and memories that will last you a lifetime so I use both dancing and DJing as outlets to share and be like the creator of those moments. I love the feeling of just knowing everyone had a good fun yet lit night out while I’m djing. With dancing, it’s really the same thing. I love dancing with my team because that energy transfer is something else. When I say, you can feel when someone is not okay or when everyone is hurting or pushing through it’s one of the most amazing feelings when you push through together. Leaving my heart on a stage so that the audience can be entertained to the most extent and like feel these emotions of me and my teammates yet also appreciate and respect the hard work and dedication put into it it’s just something else.
What’s next?
I do plan to continue dancing through my DJing career most definitely. I would love to tour with new, upcoming or even big artists as well. Right now, I’m just growing my brand, growing my name and putting in the work. There’s always change because there’s always room for growth so I do expect a lot in the coming years.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Ayesarrugh
- SoundCloud: SoundCloud.com/djayesarrugh
Image Credits
https://www.theotusmedia.com/, http://www.earlbuenaobra.com/
