Sally C
DJ | Producer | Label Boss
‘It’s 150 degrees in here.’ These were Sally C's parting words after her B2B livestream with Dr. Rubinstein in the summer. Playing a set during the height of Berlin’s annual heatwave from the couch of Dr. Rubinstein’s apartment, the pair delivered a highly energetic 2-hour session packed with acid house, spiralling electro and old school bangers, literally melting into the surrounds of Rubinstein’s plant-filled flat in the German capital.
Even if Sally was playing to a packed-out club in the depths of winter, perspiration would still drip down the walls. The combination of Sally’s record collection and the impact her tracks have on the people around her is enough to break anyone into a sweat; you can’t help but have an aggressive bop to 80s Chicago house, 90s hip-house and tunes with a smattering of tongue-in-cheek vocals, of which Sally has plenty.
The Berlin-based, Belfast-born DJ and producer is a multitasker. Having made significant impressions on the crowds of AVA Belfast, Berghain’s Säule, Dublin’s Wigwam, Annie Mac’s Lost & Found festival and many more, Sally’s schedule was hectic at the start of January 2020. Three months later, most of her bookings evaporated almost over night but her desire to produce and collect music, as well as branching into clothing design for the first time, remained in full force.
In June, Sally launched her Big Saldo’s Chunkers record label, and teamed up with the Handy Supply Co. to create a limited run of Chunkers long-sleeved tops, durable tote bags and t-shirts while showcasing many of the items herself online. For those who are stuck for Christmas gift ideas, the shop is still open for orders here.
Currently staying put in Berlin where she has been for most of 2020, Sally shares a memory from the first leg of her Australasian tour in 2019. She also acknowledges the uncomfortable facts she has learnt about herself and the music industry over the last nine months, how she is feeling about the future and more…
Photo: Club 121 Archive
Where was this photo taken and why did you choose it? What was the music vibe at the time?
The photo was taken around this time last year in Wellington, New Zealand at a Club 121 party. It was the start of a small Aus/Nz tour and was probably my favourite gig of the tour, the promoters and crowd were so welcoming and crazy, they reminded me of an Irish crowd which was nice and kind of comforting after having travelled for so long solo. I was literally there for less than 24 hours so wanted to bang it out. I chose it because I can remember everyone in the crowd in this photo, the energy in the room, the friends I made and the connection I had with the promoters all in that short space of time.
How have you been over the last few months and what is life currently like in Berlin?
I feel lucky to have been in Berlin during this weird time. Before the second lockdown, clubs reopened with outdoor dancefloors and strict hygiene concepts in place which felt like a dream. To be able to play again was the sweetest feeling and I savoured every moment. I played at the new Griessmuehle venue Revier Südhost which is such a sick new spot I can't wait for the club to properly open again, they've got such a huge space. Right now it's very cold. We’re in lockdown again but I’m running a lot to keep in a good mind set, cooking, making music and of course sometimes doing absolutely nothing.
You recently teamed up with Handy Supply Co. to share a line of 'Chunkers' t-shirts and tote bags. How did you find the experience of collaborating with the platform/their designers and can we look forward to more merch dropping in the future?
James at Handy is a brilliant designer and artist. It's been an absolute pleasure working with him. He designed the logo and label design for my record and he did a bunch of tour flyers for me in the past so we’ve worked together for a while now. It’s really fucking nice to work with people you trust and who really understand your creative vision. He smashed the collection out of the park and we 100% have plans to do more merch, the next drop will be super special, aligning with the next Chunkers release.
You've done a few live streams this year, something most DJs have had to adapt to as a way of playing and sharing music during the pandemic. Do you enjoy live streams or does it still feel weird to play in front of a live camera and without a crowd visibly feeding off the tunes?
I do enjoy them. It’s obviously not the same but it's kept some sort of momentum going and I love playing music and just having a mix. It's super therapeutic for me to plan a set and just go into myself when I’m playing or of course to have the absolute craic with someone else doing a B2B. They are probably more fun and I’m a little more loose with someone beside me to bounce off, I guess you get something different from both but are equally as rewarding.
Have you discovered anything new about yourself during this unpredictable year so far?
I was of the opinion that I am not a racist person and do not partake in racist actions, but I have been learning that it takes a lot more than that opinion to be actively anti-racist. My opportunities in life were made possible because of racism. I have been at a fundamental advantage throughout life because of the colour of my skin and I had a rude awakening this year about my privilege.
What I’ve learned about myself is that I really knew nothing about racism before this year. When I say nothing I mean my privilege has allowed me to not have to really know about racism. It has never affected me negatively. I have been learning, reading, researching and listening, but I have a lot more to learn and unlearn in this case and it needs to be consistent. I need to be consciously taking these principles into the workplace and outside of the workplace - supporting black owned businesses, normalising conversations about racism with friends and family, listening when black people and people of colour speak about their experiences of racism. I’ve learned to not stop talking about racism.
As an artist, how do you feel about the future at the moment?
I feel good about the future. Despite this absolute shit stinking weird AF year, I have a good gut feeling deep down about what is coming that is getting me through. It’s the same gut feeling I had about pursuing music full time; music guides us through this weird life and I’m absolutely positive it will continue to do so after this shit show. I’m working on a lot of production at the minute, it’s been hard at times to keep motivation but I’m working hard on the next few releases on my label.
What has been a source of calm/comfort for you throughout 2020?
Apart from the obvious which is music, Spanish TV shows on Netflix. I’m addicted. They have honestly been my source of comfort, each show I get super into and I love listening to the language, it’s really comforting. I can HIGHLY recommend a few: ‘Vis a Vis’ (Locked Up) , ‘Las Chicas Des Cables’ (Cable Girls), ‘La Casa De Papel’ (Money Heist) there are loads more but I’m guna stop here lol.
Listen to Sally C’s latest track ‘It’s Dope’ with Dance System here and follow her below: