This is a tale about a modern version of a girl gone vinyl, 25-year-old Aucklander Prerna Sinha, is a programmer by day and pulls a double shift as a DJ by night.
“People see me as this party girl, who loves to party, but in fact I’m a very shy person. I always finish playing my set, hang around for a bit and then head home for the night,” said Prerna.
Prerna is a shy, down to earth girl, as well as a smart, somewhat nerdy programmer, because “10 hours a day, 5 days a week,” she works as a software professional at GrabOne.
But on weekends, DJ Charlie comes out and plays into the wee hours of the morning at some of Auckland’s well known clubs such as R-Lounge and Twentyone at Skycity.
DJ Charlie was chosen as her stage name, because it was already her nickname and it also made it easier to pronounce for non-Indians. Although she says people are always genuinely surprised, because she could very well be one of the only Indian female DJs in New Zealand.
Originally from Bihar, Prerna came to New Zealand in 2006, at the age of eighteen, leaving behind her parents and brother. When asked whether her parents approve of her second profession, she says it wasn’t easy to get them to support her. Her parents were concerned, because a club for them; paints a picture of alcohol, and girls getting home late at night and unsafe. However, now they do support her.
While still a Bachelors in Computer Science and Software Development student at the Auckland University of Technology, Prerna was offered a fulltime job at Gravitas Research. She then decided to take up the offer and push her studies aside to part time.
It has been two years now, since Prerna decided to pursue her passion of Electro House music and take it one step further. “I did my own research using blogs written by DJs, but I’ve never actually attended any professional classes.” Prerna describes her enduring motion is to take challenges, if somebody says to her, she can’t do this, she would be one to say watch me – “I can definitely do this.”
Just last month, she did a one off gig with Fusion Bollywood DJ Areeb in Wellington. Juggling her fulltime job with her hobby has been hectic, but she enjoys it as it keeps her busy. “I can’t sit idle, if I’m sitting down watching TV, I feel like I’m missing something,” she said.
One of the best moments she describes that comes with being a DJ, is watching people dance to your music, it shows that you’ve done your job right and people are enjoying. So from then to now, what has Prerna’s DJ-ing Journey been like…
So where have you played?
I have played at some huge raves such as Splurge, Automania and Whiteout. As well as a support for international shows like Lisa Lashes (UK) and Stereodays which featured Scott Atrill, Rodi Style and Marlo. Also did several shows for UPFM in Auckland and then Flight Lounge, 1885, Twentyone (SkyCity), Goldfinch, R-lounge and many more.
Has being a DJ changed you in any way or brought out some new personality traits?
It has definitely made me more confident and outspoken, because when you’re going to a gig, you do have to be presentable, as your presence matters a lot.
What do you love about it?
I love mixing; it’s a skill, transitioning from one song to another, without people noticing, but it can also be the most challenging part at times; because every track is different. And of course, entertaining my crowd keeps me content.
Which one of the two would you consider your real profession then?
My coding job, I love it, I know it’s vastly different from DJ-ing, like you don’t have to be in front of a crowd of people and we mostly sit in the back benches staring at a computer screen. Also because everything runs on logic and there is only a yes or no answer. DJ-ing isn’t so bad, and I do get paid equally if not more at times with my male counterparts, as female DJ’s are definitely a minority, but it is still just a hobby and side profession.
What are your personal favourites?
I love listening to fast music, not a slow or smooth person, need something fast. Nicky Romero is my favourite DJ! And DJ NYK is also one my favourites, he’s a producer as well as a DJ, and I had the opportunity to meet him a few years back here in New Zealand. He was such a down to earth person, yet an intelligent producer; he has definitely been an inspiration for me. My own playlist though, has a few romantic songs such as Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqi 2 and Be Intehaan by Atif Aslam. But my English playlist would definitely have Get Lucky by Daft Punk on it.
What are your thoughts about the DJ-ing scene in New Zealand?
Come to think of it, I haven’t met any Indian female DJs here in New Zealand. And I’ve had the privilege to play at some of Auckland’s well known clubs and bars. As for the wider scene of Bollywood and DJ-ing in New Zealand, it is definitely expanding and becoming more popular. Even with respect to Bollywood music, our last gig in Wellington had 500 plus people come in through the door.
Describe for me your average Friday night and how juggle your weekend?
On an average Friday night, I finish work first and then go home and have a little nap. After that I would prepare my music for the night, scroll through my playlist and make sure I have good tracks, as well as download any new songs. Then I return home again at four in the morning, and then on repeat for the next day. However on a Wednesday night, when I usually play at Twentyone, I typically finish work at 1:30am and end up getting home an hour or so later, which means Thursday morning is when I really wake and think, I can’t do this anymore…
What are some difficulties you’ve encountered and or tips do you have to give to aspiring DJ’s?
You have to be able to judge your crowd and always be prepared, because DJ’s can’t really have a set playlist. I’ve chucked in a commercial or electro song sometimes and then I’ve seen nobody moving, so I always test my crowd first and see if they dance to the song I choose. Then I play music accordingly. And also, getting your studies sorted and having a qualification should be the first priority, and then you can pursue your hobby.
So after all this success, where do you see yourself in the future, with DJ-ing?
I still see myself doing the occasional gigs, but I would like to turn into a producer, rather than remain a DJ.
Check out DJ Charlie’s sound cloud or Facebook page for more info and or find her playing at Twentyone, SkyCity on Wednesday nights or Saturdays at R-Lounge, viaduct.
Her official website: http://djcharlie.info/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/djcharlie.nz?fref=ts ?
And Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/cool-charlie