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An Interview with DJ O Show: From WE Day to Opening for J. Lo to Now

DJ O Show is many things: a DJ, a teacher, an elected member of the Squamish Nation Council, and this year, Vancouver Pride Parade Grand Marshal. She’s been in the DJ community for more than ten years, performing at clubs, community festivals, and high-profile events—including J-Lo’s birthday! Get to know DJ O Show, what inspires her, how she got started DJing, and how she imagines the future of DJing.

Flygirl: How did you get started with DJing?

DJ O Show: I actually started DJing when I was 12 years old. I went to elementary school in North Vancouver and for school dances I would carry my Mom’s huge 6-disc CD changer to the school gym and play the music for the night.

I have a strong love for music and entertaining. My DJ name comes from that. It was a nickname I received when I was working at a radio station in Vancouver, because everywhere I go, I’m putting on a show. Even if it’s just telling a joke or a story, it’s entertainment. Hence, I’m DJ O Show!

Flygirl: You’ve said you’re passionate about teaching. How did you get into teaching? What do you love about teaching?

DJ O Show: I actually got the opportunity to teach through a DJ school that I used to attend called “The School of Remix.” They asked me if I would be willing to teach and mentor female DJs and I didn’t think I could do it, but Tyler Hazelwood encouraged me to.

I love teaching because I believe in creating more DJs. I remember that feeling, not too long ago, of wanting to DJ and not knowing how. I see that in the students that I teach today as well. They’re such keeners (in the best way) and remind me of myself! Sometimes they get better gigs than I do!

Flygirl: Tell us a little bit about your work as a DJ and your involvement in your community.

DJ O Show: My community sees the love and dedication I have for DJing and they try to apply that to whatever they want to do, whether it’s being a DJ or an entrepreneur or anything. I hope they’re getting the message that they can do anything they want in life; they just have to put their mind to it!

Flygirl: You’ve performed at some high-profile events, such as WE Day Vancouver and Gathering Our Voices. What was that like?

DJ O Show: It was unreal!! I remember for We Day, I was doing my sound check with the sound techs and they said, “O Show, you’re good to go.” I asked, “So that’s me playing throughout Rogers Arena on the speakers?” I was shocked.

I love playing at Gathering Our Voices because it’s for a thousand youth each year and I like to think I’m just an older version of them. For them, I try to be who I needed when I was younger.

Flygirl: What’s your favourite kind of event to perform at? Do you have any favourite memories?

DJ O Show: I like club events a lot because people are there to dance and there are rarely any backs up against the wall. I loved playing for J. Lo at We Day, that was amazing. One huge memory that sticks out for me is when my mother saw me DJ for the first time at a club. She looked so proud and she got out and danced with everyone else. My mom is my first love and raised me as a single parent, so I owe her the world.

Flygirl: Favourite cities to visit and perform?

DJ O Show: Las Vegas and Austin!

Flygirl: You’ve been in the industry for over ten years now. How was it changed since you first started out? Do you anticipate any changes in the industry going forward?

DJ O Show: I believe that there are way more female and LGBTQ2+ DJs than there were ten years ago. This is an amazing thing and I hope there are more to come! We want a seat at the table just like male DJs do. It’s happening, but there is still so much work to do.

Flygirl: What’s next for you? What are you excited about? (Doesn’t have to be music related!)

DJ O Show: I have a political position with the Squamish National Council as a Spokesperson. I have 2.5 years left in my term and I’m working hard on being a better advocate for our LGBTQ2+ members. I want to help show our community, Vancouver, and the world that the Squamish Nation is inclusive and accepting. Along with DJing, I am so excited for the changes that the future holds.

Thanks so much for chatting with us, DJ O Show!

To catch DJ O Show live (and we highly recommend it), grab your tickets to Hershe here. We’ll see you at Vancouver Pride!

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