Sam Divine is among an elite group in the electronic music industry. She's among the few that have gained the respect that comes with being a tastemaking MC, host, DJ, producer and curator across just about every facet of house music's operations. You can find her on evergreen label Defected Records hosting their radio show, releasing her own music, running her own DVINE Sounds and hitting the summer circuit across Europe.
But for Divine, it all comes down to her choices in music. Her clout comes from knowing what to play and when, and seeking out who's next. With her roots in DJing vinyl from a young age, she's been primed to lead the way for listeners and for crowds who attend her live sets. It's as evident in the exclusive playlist she's put together for us to kick festival season into high gear, a playlist that feels like a crate digging experience even as a listener. But for Divine, that's just another day in the life as she curates and DJs. "Playing live in the studio gives me a lot more freedom musically because I only have my own energy to compete with. When I’m playing in front of a crowd I have hundreds if not thousands of people to keep entertained. I both equally love doing both," she says.
Keeping your finger on the pulse of what's new and maintaining your library is a skill. For Divine, she's watching artists like Folamour, Defected A&R and Glitterbox radio host Melvo Baptiste, and Sy Sez. In the playlist she's shared, you can find old favorites from stalwarts like Todd Terry, as well as newly released music from 2019. Creating a unique ebb and flow between the old and new is the greatest mark of a seasoned DJ, and in this playlist you'll re-discover and newly discover music.
To catch her playing music like this live, Divine is playing at SuncéBeat Festival Croatia at the end of July.
Connect with Sam Divine: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud
