Los Angeles-based DJ and producer Lady Sinclair caught up with the RepostExchange team this week to chat about injecting emotion into her mixes, live recording, and a commitment to authenticity. From her early days spinning at college parties (where female DJs were still a rarity) to lighting up stages like EDC Las Vegas, she shares how mentorship from the legendary DJ AM influenced her career, why Thailand’s EDC is on her bucket list, and how RepostExchange has helped amplify her music to new audiences and find new gems to add to her mixes!

How did you first get into DJing, and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?

I first got into DJing because I was passionate about music and loved collecting records. I also spent time with DJ AM, which fuelled my obsession with learning how to DJ. In college, I began getting booked for local clubs and parties, where girl DJs were still quite rare. After graduating, I pursued a career in the music industry in Los Angeles. However, I soon realized that I was earning good money from my DJ bookings, so I decided to leave the office job and focus on gigs at clubs, bars, private parties, and hotel lobbies. When I first started, I played anything I could get my hands on, mainly because I loved it and thought it was amazing to be earning money while doing something I enjoyed.

Who were your biggest musical influences growing up?

Growing up, my biggest musical influences were the people I surrounded myself with. In high school, my friends were making music and throwing parties, and I would watch and absorb everything they did. As a DJ, I felt incredibly fortunate to have DJ AM as a friend and mentor, as he was one of the best DJs ever.

If you could DJ any event in the world, which one would it be and why?

I would love to play at EDC Thailand. I'm set to perform at EDC Las Vegas again this year, and I’m eager to be a part of one of the other EDC festivals. Thailand sounds incredibly exciting and fun, and it would be amazing to connect with the local music culture there.

How do you approach creating a new mix? Is there a story or theme you often follow?

When I sit down to create a mix, I typically base it on a specific genre or vibe, ensuring that there is a clear start, middle, and finish. Making mixes is an opportunity to take listeners on a journey from wherever they are at that moment. They choose your mix because they are in a certain mood. I also find that I create a mix when I am in a particular mood that I think others will relate to.

What's the most challenging part of putting together a cohesive mix?

For me, the most challenging part of putting together a cohesive mix is staying in one lane. I love so many genres of electronic music, and I a tendency to try to mash them all together. Sometimes, that just doesn’t work. Recognizing that is the first step.

I also prefer to make my mixes live rather than using Ableton, which means that when I make a mistake, I have to start the mix over from the beginning.

What software or equipment do you prefer using when recording your mixes?

I prefer to record my mixes live. These days, I connect the CDJ setup to Ableton and hit record in the DAW. This also helps with mastering or adding any additional elements.

What advice would you give to any budding DJs out there?

If you love DJing and want to make something of it, stay the course. Figure out what kind of gigs you want. If your not willing to take any gig just for money, have another source of income so that you can continue to fuel your DJ career. Being a true DJ is a long game.

How do you handle song requests during a live set?

Most of the time, I listen and say, "Yeah, no problem," but then I just don't play it. Sometimes, though, they ask for a banger that fits perfectly.

Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations we should be on the lookout for?

2025 has been an exciting year for me as I've focused on releasing music, which is a big step for any DJ. I'm excited to announce that I will be releasing remixes of my latest track, The Moment, this coming July, featuring some incredibly talented DJs and Producers. There will be four remixes, all of which are perfect for any DJ's set. I can't share too much information just yet, but please visit my website and follow me on the platform that you prefer!

How do you decide which tracks or artists to repost? Do you have certain criteria?

When it comes to reposting, I typically seek out mixes and artists whose vibe aligns with the music on my page. I've discovered tracks through RepostExchange that I’ve incorporated into my live DJ sets, introducing me to artists I might not have encountered otherwise.

Can you share a specific track or mix that gained significant traction due to RepostExchange?

Releasing music for the first time and sharing it with the RepostExchange community has been an invaluable resource. In particular, my track "The Moment," which I produced and released on my own, had positive attention. This platform is a great resource for independent artists like me to connect with other DJs and producers and to build a supportive community.

Connect with Lady Sinclair on SoundCloud, Instagram, Twitch, and TikTok.

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This interview has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.