Balinese DJ Maira Yamanaka is also a fashion influencer and model with a funky sport-luxe vibe and a whole lot of confidence! Her mother is Japanese, and has been her most positive role model teaching her that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to. Her father is Balinese and is also a professional DJ who doesn’t hold back on giving constructive criticism on her work!
Maira featured in our first shoot at La Laguna Bali with its eclectic backdrops, gypsy vibe and beautiful sunsets. Before the shoot we sat down over lunch and chatted about Maira’s journey so far.
When did you start DJing + when did you know that this is what you wanted to do as your career?
“When I graduated high-school I went to college for a year and was actually majoring in politics ! And after a while I was like, Whaaa? Why am I doing this? I was confused about my future. I was stressed. I was 17 years old. I knew a bit about DJ’ing because my dad is a professional DJ, and I was DJ’ing for hip-hop/breakbeat dance competitions, but at that time I wasn’t really taking it seriously as a career. Then a friend asked me to DJ at his party. He was a very fashionable + artistic friend and he wanted beats like Baltimore House + New Vogue which I hadn’t really heard of ! but I began studying it a bit so that I could do a good show for his party. So that was officially my first gig, and from then on, I never had to chase for a gig. By word-of-mouth, I began to get calls to do more parties + events. Now, at 23yrs old, I’ve found myself + I know what I want to do. But sometimes it takes time to figure that out so you have to try and be patient with yourself. Now I have a regular gig each week at Finn’s Beach Club, with more opportunities opening up each day which is really exciting”.
What are your big dreams for the future?
“I don’t really have dreams, it’s more of a to-do list. To me, dreams are something you ‘want to be’ doing, but to do list is what you are already doing. I would dream to have a good, strong family of my own. That’s more difficult to achieve because it involves other people”.
Are there any current female DJs who are style icons to you at the moment?
“Yes.. Peggy Gou“.
Look out Peggy! Maira is hot on your heels gurrrl! Check out Maira's Baltimore bass, funky breaks and oldschool Hip-Hop head to Finns Beach Bar the next time your over in Bali. Over and out lovers ....... xx
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