SAMBAM – Beyond the Decks
Some artists arrive polished. Others arrive in motion.
SAMBAM sits somewhere in between — playful, self-aware, and fully in the process of becoming. Based in Byron Bay, her approach to music isn’t about perfection or genre — it’s about feeling, movement, and creating something real on the dancefloor.
Ahead of her set with Flow Music, we stepped into her world to talk about beginnings, challenges, and what she’s actually building through music.
Who is SAMBAM?
Honestly… a bit of chaos (in the best way). Playful, sensual.
I’m a Byron-based DJ who’s obsessed with music that makes you feel something in your body. I love deep bass, finding a groove, a bit of sass… something that makes you want to move without overthinking it.
It’s less about genre for me and more about energy.
How did you get into DJing?
I started mid-2023 and it kind of grabbed me quickly. The opportunities came faster than my skills could keep up with.
I’ve always been really into music, but DJing felt like a whole new level — like I could actually shape the experience instead of just being in it.
It’s been such an incredible journey so far.
How would you describe your sound?
Cheeky, playful, sensual, bass-driven. A lot of fun.
I’m really drawn to Indie Dance, Afro/Latin elements and deeper tech-housey sounds — anything with groove and a bit of attitude. I want it to feel sexy, but not in a performative way… more like you just can’t help but move your hips.
What inspires the way you play?
Honestly, feeling.
I’m less interested in playing “perfect” sets and more interested in creating moments. I love when something drops and the whole room shifts, or when people are fully in their bodies without trying to impress anyone.
I also love a good vocal or spoken word moment — something that hits deeper and actually says something.
What’s your relationship with the dancefloor?
I believe it’s every DJ’s job to make love to the dancefloor.
There’s an element of seduction — you need a lot of “floor play” to drop people into their bodies. There’s an art to reading the room.
I love those tension and release moments, but also creating a groove where people just get lost in the sound. It’s a symbiotic relationship — I’m constantly reading, responding, building a journey from bass to heart to… something higher.
What’s been your biggest challenge so far?
Getting out of my own head about my age.
I’m 35, starting something new, learning a whole new skill — and that’s been a challenge. But also a really beautiful one.
Music feels like a whole other world. I’m not in a rush to get anywhere… just like a track, it’s not about the end, it’s about the journey.
What can people expect from your set?
I’m opening, and I actually think that’s one of the most important sets of the night. It sets the tone.
I won’t know exactly where it’s going until I’m in it — I like to meet the moment and the room. But it’ll be upbeat, groovy, playful… something you can ease into but still move to.
For me, it’s about finding that balance — warming people up while giving them space to arrive.
What are you building with SAMBAM?
Something that feels real.
I don’t want it to be polished and perfect — I want it to feel like an expression. Music, movement, energy… something that gives people permission to be more themselves.
