Discover
how local DJ Sandy Schuschu, became a DJ, why she loves spinning at
senior centers, and what movie should be re-made into a musical.
--interview
by Chelsea Morning
Every
time we experience something life-quenchingly amazing, our brain
gives us a dopamine reward. The sweet, neurotransmission rush cues
the brain to get more of whatever it was that brought on that juicy
goodness. It’s a survival mechanism! For example; Food=
Dopamine Reward= Survival! “Hugs and Kisses” = Dopamine Reward=
Survival! And for many, like me; Music=Dopamine Reward=Survival!
Therefore, Sandy Schuschu= Dopamine Reward =
Survival!
Local
DJ, Sandy Schuschu is one cool chick! With a soul as deep down and
groovin’ as Motown, she’s got blues in her bones, jazz for a
brain, punk rock eyes, a gospel choir wailing in her heart and a
sweet rocksteady smile that can get a whole dancehall feeling fine!
She
sets up her vintage 70s turntable as though she’s rigging wires to
an input/output plug hidden behind the cosmic veil, her cart of vinyl
stacked next to her like ancient scrolls. She has a way of making
any place so cozy and intimate, that you might believe you’re
sitting on a rug in a dim lit apartment, while she’s playing
records just for you. Still, as soon as the needle touches the
grooves of the LP, and the first sounds of crackling fiery notes
escape, smiles spread on faces as she delivers the Dopamine and helps
us all survive another day.
What
was your experience with music as a child? Can you remember the
first song that you ever loved?
I
was surrounded by music my entire life. My Grandfather and my mother
both played instruments and we had a piano, growing up. My mother and
my 4 older siblings had record collections. So of course, I was
exposed to every kind of genre under the sun. To this day, I love
everything from Broadway to Metal. I think the first song I remember
playing over and over, was my mom's copy of Mashed Potato Time, by
Dee Dee Sharp. I love that song. I still play it when I spin records.
People
love music--I personally can’t live without it--but most people
don’t run out, acquire turntables, and amps, and become a DJ! How
and when did you decide that this is something you wanted to pursue?
A
few years ago, I started crate digging…picking up records at
various thrift stores, yard sales, etc. I was especially drawn to the
old soul 45's. There is such a charm to hearing the driving beat and
slight crackle of a good old soul record, when it's played on a
turntable. One day, while browsing my news feed on Facebook, I saw a
post by Matt Texter a local Musician/DJ. He was promoting vinyl night
at Bobby's Place. He invited anyone with Soul, Hip Hop, Blues, Funk,
etc. to bring their records down and give them a spin. I thought it
sounded fun, so I did just that. Matt welcomed me and my little soul
collection, showed me the ropes and I was instantly hooked. I loved
learning the rhythm and timing of it and letting the records lead you
on a journey. Watching the crowd forget life for a while and lose
themselves in the music, was pure joy. And it came so naturally to
me. He and I went on to co-DJ a string of vinyl dance nights at
Scotty's. It wasn't until my friend Christine mentioned the need for
female DJs in the area, that I actually thought…”Yes..., I need
to do this”! Being a stay-at-home mom and out of the work force
for six years, I had been cleaning houses as a side job. This was a
chance to do something I love, still take care of my son...and
empower myself by getting out there and doing my thing, just like the
guys.
I
LOVE that you LOVE to DJ at senior centers, tell us the meaning and
importance of doing this?
As
folks grow older, their lives change in ways that can only be
understood through that very experience. The world advances at a fast
pace. It can leave many senior folks feeling out of step. Things
feel unfamiliar…like technology, cultural changes, social trends,
fashion, etc. and simply how they are perceived and treated in
society. Playing the music they request is something that helps them
connect with themselves in such a pure way. It lets them experience
feelings and memories that are not only familiar…but have meaning
to them. I feel that allows people to feel at home in a special way.
Music
has been known not only to bring patients in nursing homes out of
their isolation and help revive memory, but it also helps people
experiencing anxiety and depression, military and refugee PTSD, as
well as people enduring physical pain. Why do you think the harmony
and magic of music is so healing?
Whether
it is joy, pain, hope, inspiration, longing, fear, humor, regret or
love…Music taps into the deepest part of our souls and allows us to
experience these thoughts and feelings in a very natural, organic
way. It can help us move through thoughts and emotions, that
sometimes awaken, after many years… without speaking a word.
Music
is an ingrained part of every culture, tribe, and society. Though
humans like to take credit for almost everything, music began in
nature; the babbling brook, the songs of birds, whales, crickets, the
crackle of fire. Would you say that music is also our contribution
to the spiritual conversation of the universe?
Absolutely…it
transcends all of the things that tend to separate us…sex, race,
religion, culture, politics, and AGE!
15
Little Questions (because the little things mean so much)
What’s
your favorite noise?
A nice thunderstorm.
What
smell do you love?
Campfire.
Who
are you most like in the Muppet Band, Dr. Teeth & the Electric
Mayhem?
Well, I’m not sure that I'm cool enough to be in that band…but
if I was… I think I might be Zoot.
What
movie should be re-made into a musical?
The Man with Two Brains.
What’s
your plan to survive the apocalypse?
Offering my cleaning services in exchange for room and board in
someone’s underground bunker.
Ziggy
Stardust was David Bowie’s alter ego, what’s the name of your
alter ego?
My name would be Celeste Summers…and I would run a café in a
small sea port.
People
make money with careers as Elvis impersonators, who would you be best
at impersonating?
Oooh…I do impersonations…but none of them are good. Hahaha!
Fraggle
Rock or The Dark Crystal?
Fraggle Rock.
Rhett
or Link?
Can’t pick just one…no way.
Carpe
Diem or Carpe Noctem?
Carpe Diem!
What
always sounds like a good idea, but hardly ever is?
Ice cream.
What’s
your favorite herb?
SWEET BASIL.
What’s
your favorite essential oil?
Sandalwood.
What’s
your favorite gemstone?
I don’t have one.
What
is the universe trying to tell us?
Love and care for one another.
To
request Sandy for any upcoming events, she can be messaged via
Facebook @ Sandra Schuschu
