INTERVIEW: Sally C
We have a chat with the Irish born Berlin-based selector taking the industry by storm…
On any given day, if you were to mosey past a string of Berlin’s most notorious record stores eg. Space Hall, Hardwax, OYE, or Bikini Waxx, chances are you’ll find perched in the corner, for hours on end, one blonde-haired, blue-eyed, vinyl addict by the name of Sally C. The Irish ex-pat turned Berlin native is considered a prodigy within the local scene, her recent Boiler Room set at AVA Festival - laden with a sea of “yewwww”s from the crowd - undoubtedly tipping her as one to watch in the future.
Just as likely to throw down a 90s acid house belter as she is laying down a classic disco track or some gritty breakbeat, Sally C is becoming known for her creative versatility and for her ability to hold the dance-floor in the palm of her hands. Gaining the attention of artists such as Denis Sulta and Big Miz, her rise to international acclaim, whilst it may seem sudden, is the product of years of immersing herself in the local scene promoting events, in-depth training and tutelage on playing vinyl, and, of course, an unwavering passion. Ahead of her highly anticipated Melbourne debut which will see the Berliner play in the cage at Revolver Upstairs, we had a catch up with Sally and got the low-down on how she feels about her increasing popularity…
We’ve heard that you embarked on your first ever DJ gig with a Bill Brewster & Frank Broughton handbook on ‘How To DJ (Properly)’. Firstly, how often did you actually use the handbook during your debut set, and secondly, were there any gems of wisdom in the handbook that you think are important for any aspiring disc jockeys to know?
Yeah, I brought it for comfort as I’d previously read it whilst learning how to mix. I wasn’t standing there flicking through the pages as I was mixing lol, but I was obviously shitting it, so it made me feel more prepared. It’s an amazing book, I would recommend it to anyone who’s learning how to DJ and also those who are well into their careers. There’s so much in-depth, detailed knowledge about a lot of things, from how to mix records, equipment handling, the industry, and it’s all written in a very relatable and relaxed manner despite the overwhelming amount of information.
Sally, it seems you’re a lady of the world, and that you’ve picked up an array of musical stylings based on all the places you’ve lived. Being born in Belfast, then moving to Dundee in Scotland, before relocating to Berlin, how has your change in location affected your creative outputs as an artist, and is there anything you wish you knew before changing location for your career?
In Dundee, I was a loyal punter at the local club The Reading Rooms, and it became an invaluable platform for me to grow as a person and an artist when I started to DJ and run nights there. The scene there was so strong and there were so many unreal local artists that set the bar very high. Moving to Berlin was a personal and professional development - I was exposed to totally different sounds, clubs, people, collectives and fell in love with all of the record stores here, obsessively adding to my collection. Both cities have contributed to shaping me as an artist and my sound/style.
You’re good mates with Denis Sulta aka Hector Barbour and have stated in the past that because a lot of bigger names helped him when he was an up and coming artist, he really helped you a lot as an up and coming artist. To keep the chain of good deeds going, can you recommend any up and coming artists that deserve a leg up or a shout-out?
Hector is a true gem, he is always on the ball with new artists. Absolutely, there are loads of class artists making moves. EMA, her recent Boiler Room is so good, and also Sarah Mooney, both are Irish women doing great things. I’m also obsessed with Private Press right now, they are a Polish duo who make insane tunes, they’re not really up and coming but I wanted to mention them. I recently met two sick DJs when I was in India, Nida and Sakshi who played before me in Mumbai. I was so refreshed by their sets - they smashed it.
If you could ask any artist, dead or alive, one question, who would it be and what would you ask?
I would ask Fast Eddie to come rap for me while I make a tune, lol.
You’ve clocked up some pretty epic b2b sets in your time, including but not limited to HAAi, Big Miz, and Denis Sulta. Does a lot of preparation go into playing a b2b set, and is there anyone you dream of playing b2b with?
No, you just have to feed off the other persons’ energy and respect what they’ve just played, complimenting it and contributing to the journey together. I fucking love it! But it has to be the right energy, or it doesn’t work.
And I would love to go MPC 2 MPC with Mr G.
Sally C playing b2b with Denis Sulta
What track are you listening to at the moment that you can’t get enough of?
VTSS - ‘Atlantyda’
Already in your career, you’ve earned headline sets at AVA Festival, Melt, Parklife, Lovebox, and Annie Max presents Lost & Found. Do you feel like you’ve made it as an artist yet, or do you feel like you’re still learning the ropes and finding your bearings?
Everyone measures success differently, and I am very much at the start of my career. I’ve been DJing for seven years but only professionally/internationally for the last two, it’s a complete process - you are always learning and evolving as an artist. I definitely don’t feel like I’ve “made it”, I don’t think anyone ever really does, but I’m extremely grateful for every gig I play.
You’re about to head to Australia for the first time! Apart from hitting up a couple of our best record stores and of-coarse trying out our national dish: Vegemite, is there anything else you’re hoping to do in your time off?
Swim in the ocean.
