An Interview with Dena Amy Kaplan
Written by Madeline Rosene @madelinerosene
South African-born, Australian-raised DJ, singer, and actress Dena Amy Kaplan is comfortable in her own skin. Her grounded and balanced energy is infectious. When talking to Dena, it is hard to remember if you’ve been best friends your entire lives or if you’ve only just met. Whether she is on stage in front of thousands of people or sitting in the grass with me during the second week of Coachella, avoiding the noise and the crowds, Dena is always herself.
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Premiere Issue – 2016
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“I’VE ALWAYS BEEN PASSIONATE ABOUT MUSIC, GROWING UP AS A DANCER, MUSIC WAS ALWAYS MY DRIVING INSPIRATION.”
MR: How did you start DJing?
MR: Why do you think there haven’t been many female DJs in the past? Do you think this is changing? Why?
DK: I think there have always been amazing female DJs around but they haven’t necessarily been given the fair and equal credit they deserve. Nowadays people are aware that DJs like Nina Kraviz, Anna Lunoe and Alison Wonderland are not just beautiful faces but some of the most skilled DJs and producers around. I remember seeing both Anna and Alison perform live when I had just started DJing and I was blown away by their skills, energy and passion, I was really inspired by both of them.
MR: What inspires you?
DK: Also, travel, festivals, Berlin, South Africa, movement and dance, film, my friends and family, and other artists. Some of my favorite current artists are David August, Piecey, Bob Moses, Justin Martin and Kaytranada.
“THE HOURS OF PRACTICE AND MUSIC SOURCING AND SEARCHING ARE SO WORTH IT WHEN YOU ARE OUT THERE DOING WHAT YOU LOVE AND FEELING CONFIDENT ABOUT IT!”
PHOTOGRAPHER: Pat Stevenson @patstevensonhobo
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