The 5th Element Magazine caught up with one frequent traveler, Miss Samantha Duenas. From coast to coast and overseas, this woman is in hot demand for both her musical talents and great sense of style. Someone who bridges the gap between fashion and hip hop, she is a prime example of what our magazine stands for. The crew converged at places around beautiful Marina Del Rey where we shot Samantha with items from her personal wardrobe. We also got to sit down and have a one on one chat, finding out some interesting facts about DJ SoSuperSam. This DJ got a taste of the scene when she was just fourteen, following her older cousin who managed the world famous Beat Junkies. At that time there was not enough money or equipment for her to start on her own. In 2008 she was able to buy her first setup and the rest is history. Vinyl vs Serato? She admits she started with vinyls but prefers serato nowadays. One of her influences in the industry, besides the Beat Junkies, is DJ ATrak, a well known individual who has roots in turntablism. “He’s able to evolve with music over the years and bridge the dance/global music with his roots in hip hop.” You can find Samantha at various events spinning for local brands or for friends in the music and fashion industry.
Representing the fashion showroom, 722 Figueroa, Samantha knows her brands and can speak the language of fashion. She describes a perfect summer outfit to include a billowy maxi skirt, some form of bustier, and chunky platforms. But being a busy woman, her everyday outfit is more the comfort seeking side and not planned out. You can often find her in jeans, boots, an army jacket and carrying a big work bag. One item she displays on the daily is her name necklace, like the one Carrie had from Sex and the City. Her personal favorite fashion must haves include pieces from Hellz Bellz, items from Urban Outfitters, various findings from vintage stores, dresses and clogs from a Brooklyn store called No. 6, and many more from different fashion labels. “I love fashion and style, but I don’t like being in debt. The most I’ll spend is maybe 3 to 4 hundred on a piece of clothing, but it has to be supper classic.”
When she is working behind the turntables, she will focus on what she wears on her top half because that is what the audience mainly sees. Rings, accessories, and the right nails compliment her DJ look. She tries not to wear heels during shows because she is standing most of the time, but she recalls how heels do save her when the tables are too high. Her Technics headphone is her weapon of choice due to its great flexibility and quality. Samantha has come a long way in just a few short years. She’s proven that you can follow your passion even when the resources are not available to you right away, to stand out as a female in a maledominated DJ world, and to blend work with what you love to do. So whether she’s spinning at the club or doing business in the fashion world, she will keep it fun, stylish and oh so super.
One friend in particular is Donald Glover, or “Childish Gambino” in the music world. Their similar taste in music caught the rappers attention and later brought her along to DJ at his shows. Another friend on her side is the female clothing brand, Hellz Bellz. Focusing on strong women, they chose Samantha for their mixtape series which features female DJ’s. With a great funky mix of songs, you can tell she had a lot of fun putting the mixtape together. 10