Sam Divine is a free spirit with epic energy behind the DJ box. In just a few short year’s Sam has blown up on the international scene and quickly emerged as one of dance music’s most influential ladies. Her animated personality has given rise to an incredible, loyal following and repute for uplifting, positively energized House sets. Her charity event La Vita has set the standard for playing with compassion, and she recently became the first female DJ signed to Defected Artist Management.
Born and raised in the Southwest of England, Miss Divine’s career has catapulted far and wide from the local Bristol bars and clubs she used to play. Now living in London, Sam plays regularly at top clubs the world over, and monthly residencies in Naples, Poland and summer-long stints in Ibiza keep her, and dance floors across the UK and Europe, firmly on their toes. Stamping her presence on the white isle; her six year residency in Ibiza has taken her behind all the best boxes the party island has to offer, including; Ushuaia, Pacha, Amnesia, Mambo, Savannah, & Hush.
Sam has put her position behind the decks to good use and launched her festive charity event project, La Vita, four years ago. The event encompasses what Sam’s vibe is all about; good music, good people and a huge-hearted atmosphere, paying homage to a cause dear to her heart; breast cancer. “Everyone involved with La Vita are proud to provide events people love, while utilizing a great night out to contribute to the fight against cancer.” To date La Vita has amassed an incredible £25,000 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, and has just celebrated its fourth birthday.
Snapped up by Defected Artist Management in 2008, Sam has essentially been given the platform to fulfill her Spiritual House Music prophecy and she’s in her element. Her first record was Barbara Tucker’s Beautiful People on Strictly Rhythm, so becoming the very first lady of Defected has felt like a surreal but natural move. “I’ve always supported Defected, it’s been my sound from day one and I’m so honored and grateful to be part of the House music legacy they’ve created.” Her role has also seen her take Defected’s Saturday night at Pacha in Ibiza to the tilt as Events manager and also hosting the weekly Defected Radio show on Ibiza Global Radio.
Sam is big on being on the dance floor too. Much of what she’s learnt about setting off a club has its genesis from having partied right in the thick of things, and her love for travelling has taken her party chasing around the world. “The rare occasion I get a weekend off I like to make the most of it. I think it’s important as a DJ to be continually inspired by all types of music, whether you play it or not!” This year she has partied in Miami, Berlin, Barcelona and Amsterdam and have all fuelled her passion for playing. “It’s all about pure connections and experiencing something incredible together!”
With her heart firmly on her sleeve, Sam has a strong vision of where she wants to be in 5 years. “I don’t want to be a superstar-DJ I think that is a bygone era. I want to be respected in the industry as a key player and be the best I can be.” Her ethos to keep building and give back to the dance community sees her hard work continue. She actively communicates with her fans, keeps them moving to her beat with two monthly podcasts and lends her time to the Ibiza Workers Union. She’s indulged herself, trawling though the Defected archives for more sound music knowledge and is teaching herself to produce. “I definitely want to produce my own music; I spend hours on the plane between gigs making beats, its something else to learn so I’m loving it, watch this space!”
Sam will be jetting out to Ibiza every Saturday where her new home for the summer will be Ushuaia taking up residency for the second year running. Her captivating attitude and good energy still abounds with gratitude at having come this far, and with no plans to slow down, there’s no doubting that her impression on House music will be long-lasting and truly Divine.
