5 Asian American DJs to follow on Twitch
Of the many things that the pandemic has taken from us, being barred from the experience of live music is truly becoming a heart-wrenching void, whether it be concerts, or even just going out to see your favorite DJ. To be surrounded by friends and people having a great time, feeding off the energy shared between a DJ and the crowd is what makes the experience so amazing, and in lieu of events at clubs, lounges, bars, and concerts, many DJs have pivoted to virtual and online programming. Until we can safely gather again, here are 5 Asian American DJs to follow on Twitch, who spin hip hop, R&B, soul, funk, and even Original Pilipino Music.
1. DJ Bitesize
I know I've posted about Bitesize before, but have you ever attended a no-alcohol event where the entire venue was hella hyped, getting hyphy, and having an amazing time? I have.. and it was DJ Bitesize who rocked the f*ck out of that party. Follow Bitesize on IG to stay updated on upcoming streams!
Follow DJ Bitesize on Twitch | on Instagram | on Soundcloud
2. DJ Sean Aquino
Hailing from Yonkers, New York, Sean Aquino's origins started in a basement with his friend's DJ equipment during his high school years. According to his short bio, DJ Sean Aquino spins for bars, clubs, and private parties in New York City and Westchester, but thanks to Twitch, us folks on the West Coast and internet can experience his great taste in hip hop and rap classics. DJ Sean Aquino streams every Wednesday, from 5:30-7:30 PM (EST). [I can't figure out how to embed from Twitch so we're gonna accept this screencap today! lol]
Follow DJ Sean Aquino on Twitch | on Instagram
3. DJ Sammi G & the Ladies of Sound
I'm a new fan of Sammi G, who is an incredible DJ, the co-founder of Ladies of Sound, and a vocal advocate for womxn who DJ. Ladies of Sound is the official womxn’s division of the Beat Junkie Institute of Sound DJ School, created to support womxn in the DJ community worldwide. Ladies of Sound aims to keep providing community events online, and you can donate to Ladies of Sound, or buy their supa fresh merchandise, to help them continue providing quality DJ education, insight, and virtual gatherings!
Follow Ladies of Sound on Twitch | on Instagram | Merchandise
Follow DJ Sammi G on Instagram | on Soundcloud4. DJ $PICY
$PICY is a San Francisco-based, open-format DJ for No Chance Radio. She not only streams her DJ sets on Twitch weekly and provides hilarious commentary, she also has a gaming stream on Thursdays. As a follower of $PICY on Instagram, I hella enjoy her introspective reflections on mental health, music, and notes on growth as a trying human in this world. If you like R&B and chill vibes, you'll also like her "Intentions" mix on SoundCloud. $PICY streams on Tuesdays, from 9:00-10:00 PM (PST).
Follow $PICY on Twitch | on Instagram | on SoundCloud5. DJ Proof
Marky, aka livinproofsf, aka Proof, is a pillar within Bay Area culture, as an event producer for Massive Selector; as the Digital and Interactive Media Manager for the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM); and a huge part of UNDSCVRD in San Francisco. Every time that I've tuned into his stream, everyone— including myself— is always asking where we can download his set. Proof has an affinity for modern funk, soul, and hip hop, and always finds a way to slide in music created by Filipino and Filipino American artists (might I add that he and Shortkut hosted an OPM night on Twitch?). Proof streams every Sunday at 5:00 PM!
Follow Proof on Twitch | on Instagram | on SoundCloudAnd as a bonus, to reflect the times we're in.. this clip from DJ Noodles aka Noodz:
Coming up next on Hip Hop x Asian America...
I'll be sharing a write-up of an interview with Bay Area veteran DJ, the Mighty Delrokz, about his new venture: The Stacks Record Shop, and what that means in the context of the legacy of Filipino American DJs. The Stacks Record Shop has a virtual launch on Friday, November 20th! In the meantime, check out the shop: THE STACKS!
Plz lemme borrow / Image Sources
Header image: Purple multicolor banner with center Twitch logo: Twitch Music Blog.
Featured image: DJ Sean Aquino on Twitch livestream. Screen capture.
Featured image: illustration/graphic of DJ Sean Aquino: Credit @djseanaquino Instagram.
All other images and videos are directly embedded.
