Hailed by Flaunt Magazine as one half of “London’s most exciting DJ duo,” International DJ, actress, and filmmaker, Samantha Michelle makes her way back to the US with her hugely popular and spirited DJ sets that can only be described as distinctly vintage, upbeat and classical, as she fuses familiar tunes with rare records moving swiftly between the genres of rhythm and blues, ska, reggae, soul, and funk.
Bringing with her a deep passion to share good vibes and great times, the successful creator is a force to be reckoned with, already holding residencies at Omar’s Park Avenue, The Morrison Hotel Gallery, and Sunset Marquis, and DJ’ing for various events for Saks Fifth Avenue, Good Luck Dry Cleaners, God’s Love We Deliver, and the reception and closing gala of the exhibition of “The Lost Warhols,” where she also managed the creative content and experiential programming for the entire three weeklong exhibition.
Her love of music and inclinations towards all things rock-n-roll surface in her work as a filmmaker and all-around storyteller. Her glamourous aesthetic, whilst nodding to a bygone era, ultimately reflects her own individualized and vividly irreverent approach to creative expression, and as she continues to make films and tell stories, she’s creating a narrative-oriented content designed to bridge the worlds of cinema and commerce. Her first fashion film for the iconic 70s shoe cobbler, Terry De Havilland, was selected as a finalist for the ELLE Canada Fashion Film Competition.
Her first dramatic short, The Dark Side of the Sun, was accepted into the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner and has screened internationally at various festivals including NewFilmmakers NY, EuroShorts, and The Groucho Club Short Film Festival. InStyle UK launched the film’s trailer and named Samantha the “Filmmaker to Watch” in their “FUTURE 15” anniversary issue spread. She is currently in the works of writing the feature version of the project, whilst developing her second dramatic short, and she also recently directed/produced a documentary-style promotional film for The Lost Warhols exhibition in NYC.
Chillin’ with Samantha Michelle
Photo by Christina Buscarino
Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on.
Lots of playing tunes! I’ve got some fun gigs coming up. I was in the Hamptons to play at a charity event out there, and then I go back over to London to do a show with my DJ partner in Cornwall with Craig Charles, a little funk and soul special by the sea, so that should be quite fun. Anytime a gig takes me near the water, I’m a pretty happy lady. I’m also in the works of developing a new short film that I’ve written and plan to direct; it’s pretty nicely dark, and disturbing, but I find very exciting in that respect. It expands on some of the themes at play in my last film, The Dark Side of the Sun, and as I’ve just finished acting in this film up in Canada, I’m pretty thrilled about the idea of hopping back behind the camera.
With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?
I really love connecting people, so I’m all about getting a gang together. It’s nice to arrange an intimate dinner or drinks somewhere and invite along a whole bunch of mates who don’t really know each other, or don’t know each other at all and just see what happens. I’m also a big fan of staying in and getting cozy with a good film and delivery. Especially when I know I’ve got a busy work schedule up ahead, or when I’m coming off a load of travel, it’s important to take a second and have a grand time in your own company.
When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?
Well I’ve just moved to NYC, so I love exploring new places, as cliché as that may sound; the city is absolutely inexhaustible in every, and all the best possible ways. That said, I do have my favorites and I’m incredibly loyal to them. There’s a place called Fish in the West Village that my best mate and I hit up on a highly frequent basis; they serve shelled peanuts at the bar and they encourage you to throw the shells on the floor, so that’s always a wonderfully satisfying experience. I love any place that lets you behave like a small child.
Chillin’ with Samantha Michelle
Photo by Christina Buscarino
What types of dishes do you usually order?
I like healthy food, strange as that may sound. I’m a big fan of vegetables and salads. I mean I can get into a dark chocolate explosion just as much as the next person but I like to balance it out with clean, simple eating. I like to have lots of different flavors going on at once, so I’m a fan of the small plate approach or dining family style.
Do you cook?
In a word – nope.
What types of drinks do you order when out?
I like a nice glass of wine with dinner. I can also happily knock back a Tito’s and soda or two. And in NYC, and oddly, it’s a thing I want only in NYC, ideally in a hotel bar—a dirty vodka martini with olives. Complimented by a nice nut mix, that’s a perfect situation right there.
Chillin’ with Samantha Michelle
Photo by Christina Buscarino
Do you prepare drinks at home?
Not usually, but on special occasions, for special guests.
Do you own a home bar?
I do.
What is it stocked with?
At the moment, it’s looking a little sparse as I’ve been traveling a fair bit and have been focused on writing these last few weeks, which generally means, a little less drinking. It’s mostly stocked with gifts—so there’s a beautiful bottle of Casa Azul which my not-so-baby brother got me into, and left for me, some rose champagne and a bottle of red or two.
What is your favorite drink/cocktail?
I went through a phase for a solid five years where I only drank Johnnie Walker Black, which forever holds a soft spot in my heart, but now I take a more egalitarian approach. I do love a nice Negroni. But there’s also nothing quite like a nice glass of Gavi on a steamy summer evening.
Have you ever been a bartender?
Not in this lifetime. Yet.
Follow Samantha on Instagram.
The post Chillin’ with Samantha Michelle appeared first on Chilled Magazine.
Source: Mixology News
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