June 01, 2009

Miss Sangeeta - Legs on the catwalk, hands on the deck

By Rachelyn Gordon

Stephanie Wallick or Miss Sangeeta models by day and deejays by night. If you think she's just another pretty face who can't tear up the decks and raise hell on the dance floor, you obviously did not witness her spinning at the recently concluded Gilles Peterson's Worldwide Festival 2009.

An embodiment of the modern woman, Miss Sangeeta talks about her flavor of music, and how she earned her reputation as one of the few female DJs in the scene today.

You were one of two female DJs at Gilles Peterson's WWF, how does that feel like?

I had such an amazing time! I showed up, laid down my tunes in the Miss Sangeeta fashion, and from what I heard back, it was the best deep house all day! The Next Men even ran up to me to give me props on playing proper tunes!

It's no secret that there are only a handful of female DJs in the scene right now, why do you think that is so?

It's a male dominated scene and it takes courage to step up to the plate! Patience is my virtue and it's taken me a few years to get to where I am. Rome wasn't built in a day, and let's face it, women tend to want things NOW!

How are the boys treating you now?

My philosophy in life is that what you put out into the world is what you get back. I give respect and I get it back! Guys love seeing a hot chick lay down huge croons and kill it!!!

Have you ever received any indecent proposals?

Sure, ask any model, who hasn't? Luckily my man is usually at my gigs with me, and he doubles as my bodyguard; it keeps the drunks at bay!

What do you love about performing live? If you could compare it to any other activity in the world, what would it be?

Playing live is such a rush! Any nerves disappear and I get into the zone! All I hear or think about is the beats and their climax. It's like being a conductor and the party people are your symphony. Controlling every level of intensity coming from the crowd!

How would you describe your music?

My sound could be described as sexy deep house, which fits perfectly for beach parties! Although when I'm booked for main sets, I go techy/progressive! My tunes need an element of spirituality in them. Life is pointless if you're not in deep!

Who are some of your greatest musical influences?

Well, you can take this question two ways; I get my energy and inspiration from Spiritual Sanskrit Bhajans. Or the producers who make the music I'm looking to play…being Manual Tur, Jimpster, Will Saul, the list is endless really! Anything that makes me bounce is going to peak my interest!

Was DJ-ing what you saw yourself doing or did you stumble into it by accident?

I've been raving for over 10 yrs, instead of having cute actors on my wall; I had DJs on my wall. I used to have a bumper sticker on my car saying "I love boys that spin". It was a natural transition that made a lot of sense having been named Sangeeta when I was young, meaning Beautiful Music!

Did you have to prove yourself to be more than just a pretty face on your way to success?

Definitely, when I first started DJ-ing in London, I heard about critics slashing female DJs saying "they only got here cause they're hot" I never wanted a critic to have the chance to say that about me! I grew up with very competitive brothers. It taught me to train hard and fight easy!

How is Miss Sangeeta different from Stephanie Wallick?

Miss Sangeeta is my alter ego, who loves to be in the clubs, raving! Stephanie Wallick loves to be at home in bed! I'm a domestic goddess, cooking and baking! Shake and Bake!

What is next for you after the Worldwide Festival?

Since it's gotten a lot of exposure, the international offers are starting to come in around Asia and even all the way from Brazil! In the immediate future, I'm at Supperclub on the 21st for a TimeOut TV recording event! I'll be in Hong Kong in June and Bali in August! Being A DJ is so much Fun!