“made in melbourne” part ii
diane rayos
“p. dazey”
DJ, dancer,
fashion icon
I met Diane at a gig she played at called “Sriracha”. I didn’t know Diane very well; I knew of her and had seen her around. Everyone in the dance or DJ community in Melbourne seemingly all know each other, more or less. Either they’ve trained under mutual friends, met someone at a gig or show, or simply just know one another through work they’ve seen on social media — the community is all about lifting each other and supporting one another. These creative Melbournians seem to just have that chill vibe, that nonchalant aura of coolness, that hipster glow. Diane embodied all of that, plus more.
Diane greeted me at Sriracha with an open hug, and ushered us to come hang out with her group. She took the time to intro everyone after her set, and her + Jay would dance (like, not LA dance, alright — they busted quality moves) when their favorite songs came on.
What I loved about the scene was that they didn’t care — none of the people in the group gave a hoot about what random eyes would think. They were there to have a good time. I had an absolute blast.
In the moments when Diane and I would converse one-on-one, she was always so attentive and easy to talk to. Not in the way where it makes you wary or uncomfortable — because I know that feeling all too well — but in the way where you just know that she truly cares about what you have to say. Her laugh is incredibly contagious, and she will always offer you drinks or food if you’re over, or make sure to say hello when she’s around.
To be short and sweet, Diane is probably one of the nicest human beings I’ve ever met. Her and Jay (to be mentioned later as well), together, just become the combination of a power couple within their respective group. They both started out in dance, and transitioned to the music scene. Diane, a.k.a. “Princess Dazey”, plays gigs around Melbourne, including most recently, Melbourne Music Week this past November.
I respect Diane a ton. I can’t speak for her personal experience, but I’m sure that being an Asian-Australian female creative can be difficult. To really stake your career on passion and love for the art is absolutely daunting, but she’s out here and she’s seriously killing the game.
With her hustle, she’s done collabs with Platypus Sneakers and with other talented people/companies around Melbourne. As P. Dazey, Diane also is one of the main set DJs that does gigs with The Listening Company.
“being the only female DJ in the area put me at some sort of social disadvantage”
A current student at Collarts, she’s currently getting a BA in Music Production, and is making literal sound waves to break into the music industry. But that’s not her only degree — in addition, Diane already has a BA and BS in Psychology and Biochemistry, with minors in Physiology and Philosophy.
You can say she’s been busy.
She’s also 21.
What was your biggest challenge when getting into DJing?
D: I faced most of my challenges when I was DJing in high school at 16 years old. High schoolers around that age and at that time naturally were more judgemental due to the blanket of insecurities that every almost inevitably wears at that age — so I’m not blaming anyone. I also had my own insecurities.
Being the only female DJ in the area put me at some sort of social disadvantage. I was objectified by males, and looked down upon by females. I felt isolated in crowded places. This negative experience made me want to quit DJing once and for all. Four years later, my environment has turned from one of discrimination to love and support from the community. Initially, I was afraid to begin again, but with Jay and TLP around to support and encourage me, I couldn’t be more blessed to be able to do what I love and be respected for doing it.
“seeing people smile and enjoy themselves during my sets is what inspires me to keep going”
What inspires you?
D: When I prepare my sets for DJ gigs, especially for The Listening Co., my goal is to make sure people have the best time on the dance floor. Seeing people smile and enjoy themselves during my sets is what inspires me to keep going because I wouldn’t be doing this if it isn’t enjoyed by the people. I honestly don’t see myself being happy with what I do if it wasn’t for The Listening Co. family. All the members in that group, being all so talented, is what truly inspires me.
“I consider myself very privileged to be a part of the creative scene here in Melbourne”
How would you define the Melbourne creative/arts community? In your opinion, how have you impacted this community or represented Melbourne?
D: When I visited the States, especially cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, I realized that these cities were the big sisters of Melbourne. It seems to me that the Melbourne creative scene is currently at its developing and nurturing phase. Collectives are forming and growing, and deserving artists are gaining exposure. I consider myself very privileged to be a part of the creative scene here in Melbourne. One that is so supportive and humble. We are all growing together as one big family.
“what I want to do in the future is always changing, but regardless of what I will be in the future, I aspire to live in humble abundance”