Exclusive Interview with Dj Oxy - MissDjaneMag October

Dj Oxy, a Female DJ in Ho Chi Minh City started her career at her young age of 16, just within a short period of time of approximately 3 years in Dj works she be able to register herself one of the well-known name in the industry due to her personal style and sense of music. In the world of night life entertainment, she has quite a big influence to the young generation in Vietnam. She often receives invitation from many famous brands (Hennessy, Heineken, Tiger, Jonny Walker, Corona, Desperados, Larue, Chivas....etc) to collaborate on their musical events. 

In combination with Bằng Cường Singer, DJ Oxy has quickly created her own highlight of Music lovers. She can control the crowd with EDM, Trap, House, commercial music and many more. Besides that, she also a well- known name in photographic model in automotive shows. 

Oxy took the hard way on the path to becoming a professional DJ, but having overcome all the difficulties she moves rapidly towards her goals. 

Djanemag: Who came up with your nickname? What does it mean? 

Oxy: The first day I went to Dj school, my classmates named me as Oxygen. They would always tease me because when they look at my body they felt like they could not exist and cannot breathe so they need oxygen to breathe. After I finished the Dj course I decided to use Oxy as my nicked name, short for oxygen because I know without Oxygen people will not be able to survive.

Djanemag: Tell me please, how do you begin with music and Djing? 

Oxy: I started Dj when I was 16 years old, before that, I didn’t know what a DJ is or what they do. I had absolutely no idea what it was about it until one day, when passing by my classmates house to visit her, I saw her brother teaching Dj at home. I was slightly curious and interested so after that day, I went home and did some research online to learn about Dj. I found out that DJ can be a profession and from there, it really fascinated me. I went back to my classmate and asked her brother if he could teach me, but he refused, because I was a girl. He thought Dj is only suitable for men as being a Dj required a night life, working at the club. Dj course costs are high for the 16 year old girl like me in Vietnam. During that time it cost US$1,000/course. But I never gave up, every day I went to my friend’s house and sat there for 3-4 hours outside the door to listen to her brother teaching Dj class until he felt sympathy for me and was willing to teach me without tutor fees. 

Djanemag: Do you travel a lot? What countries or cities do you like most of all and why? Do you like to play in your native country? 

Oxy: I've toured in Moscow, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, China, but my favorite place is in Australia. This is because people living in Australia are very kind, they don’t mind whom I am and always help me. As for Vietnam, the current I toured all big and small cities. Vietnam has 63 provinces and just touring in Vietnam alone, was enough to make lot of money.I like playing in mine hometown, because they really understand me. 

Djanemag: Do you think that «Dj world» is men's world? In your opinion is it harder for girl to become famous Dj? 

Oxy: The day I started as a professional Dj, in Vietnam there are only 3 females as most Dj’s were males. It made me wonder why Dj is not suitable for girls? Precisely because of that I had challenged myself. If talking about male or female occupations anything can be learned. After I got the job and started work on the first day, my boss started to compare between Male & Female Dj’s. They think Female Dj cannot do a better job than male. During that time I found it very difficult for me to look for a job as many bar owners wanted me to be their girlfriend and in return they will let me work at their bar. I did not agree with them because I want them to recognize me and invite me to work in a respectful manner. 

But now, if you want to become a famous Dj, it is much easier
by posting your Video on Youtube, because the social network is now very strong compare to 5-6 years ago, when it really hard to be famous.

Djanemag: What challenges have you faced being a female DJ and how did you overcome them? 

Oxy: ​The obstacle I encountered was always asking me to be patient. I had faced financial problems in the process of building up a name and reputation for myself. I had to work 5 jobs a day, 2 jobs in the morning in bars and 3 jobs at big club. I did not have time for my family and for myself. One day I only sleep for 4-5 hours as I worked every day non- stop and only get paid of US$200/month. 

Every day I went to work by motorcycle. Sometimes in the rainy season, I was soaked in the rain on my way to work because my little salary cannot effort me go to work by taxi. When I arrived at work, my body is wet and all of my makeup has been washed by the rain. Sometimes I was electrocuted by wearing wet clothes whilst I was playing. But all this obstacles is one of my memories with my DJ profession as it helps me to stand and carry on up until today. 

Djanemag: Of course Djanes travel a lot! But still have some free time. Djanemag and readers interested in How do you spend your free time? 

Oxy: ​I just wanted to earn enough money whilst working and enjoying my work. I try not get too much show to schedule because other than being a professional Dj, I’m also a photography model for automotive as well. In a Month I try only work 20 days, 5 days I went to do Dj Course to improve my knowledge and skills and the rest I would travel around different places for leisure and learning. The place I love to Visit the most is Thailand. 

Djanemag: You look so slim! Do you go in for sports? Give advice for readers how to keep fit. 

Oxy: ​ I Went to Gym since I was 17 years of age. I would always aim to keep my body nice & fit as I’m also modeling for Motor Magazine. I have around 20 shows per month which I would fly to all big & small cities in Vietnam. If I don’t have enough time to go to gym I will choose to eat vegetarian to keep my body slim & fit. 

Djanemag: Could you describe your feelings when you play music? 

Oxy: ​When I play music my emotions is hard to describe hihihi. When I play I feel I am not alone anymore, and I was like someone else in the music world. I could not help myself, I often dance and sing to the music or I play my music preferences which is music I choose to demonstrate and music I liked it. I noticed that when I play, some people would express a silly face which is funny. 

Djanemag: Can you share your dreams and plans for future concerning Djing? What would you like to achieve? 

Oxy: My dream is simple. I want to try to build my reputation as being well-known before I switch to business. I want to build up my name in the time I've worked as Dj and it will be my best performance achieved at this young age.