HCM City teenage DJ sensation Yen Luna has found fame as one of Vietnam’s youngest DJs.

Yen Luna has won the Talented DJ competition

Yen, 18, took home the title at the coveted Talented DJ Contest organised by the Vietnam DJ Association in May this year and now earns a monthly income of around VND10 million (USD483).

Breakthrough

“My adoptive father introduced me to one of Saigon’s top DJs, Huan “Bald”. I paid VND7 million (USD338.1) for his course, which I saved when I did bar work,” Yen shared.

Initially, Yen’s fingers became calloused. However, she soon got used to her work and has gradually become a skilled electro-house DJ.

“For the first couple of months of looking for a job, I got bored. I had to apply to several café-bars, did some tests, left my contact details and waited. During that time waiting for a job, I worked as a receptionist at several bars to learn more about different music styles.”

Finally, she got the first job as a DJ at a café on Le Quang Dinh Road. She earned VND2 million (USD96.6) per month working two hours per day.

“When I did my test, the café was full of guests. People were very curious and wanted to see my performance as they noticed how young I was. However, when I started to adjust the first track, people began to dance. At the moment, I knew I’d won their confidence. I was paid VND5 million (USD241.5) per month,” Yen said.

Prizes mean more shows

Yen defeated 107 contestants to win the Talented DJ prize organised by the Vietnam DJ Association in early May 2011. The prize brought her prestige and attention. She received more and more invitations to perform across the country, including Nha Trang, Phan Thiet and Haiphong.

Great spirit

However it isn’t all glitz and glam for her as she works until 2 or 3 am every day. She also says an aspiring DJ needs determination and ability.

Yen admitted “Sometimes, guests invite me to drink wine; I have to turn them down delicately. Sometimes they’ll even get on stage and flirt with me. I don’t want to let them down but gently refuse. Sometimes, I have to call for security.”

Yen’s mother is often worried about her job, especially with her working so late. “When I won the competition, my mother came to understand my dedication and has become proud of me.”

“\'I’m willing to support your work but don’t lose yourself\', my mother said,” Yen recalls.

She found it hard to get a job as a DJ

Being a DJ requires great spirit