Cambodia & Music: DJ Maily, the kingdom's first female DJ

Vatheanith Khun, aka DJ Maily, bubbly, full of life and with pink hair, agreed to meet us to let us discover her world. 28 years old and already well known in Cambodia, DJ Maily doesn't let herself be impressed. After starting her career in 2013, she became Cambodia's first female DJ, something she is very proud of.

Most DJs are men, and few encourage women to pursue this career. Khun Vathanit, also known as DJ Maily, is a female superstar who has turned the EDM industry upside down and set an example for other women to follow.

Maily has been rehearsing and practising on her own since 2013, watching foreign DJs and learning about different genres of electronic music. She got her start at a local club while studying music and DJ techniques online. She was crowned champion at the 2014 Pioneer Digital DJ Battle, beating many experienced rivals. Her reputation has grown year on year and she attracts many fans to her shows.

CM: Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

My first name is Vatheanith Khun, my stage name is DJ Maily, I'm 25 years old, I was born and I live in Cambodia.

CM: What did you study?

After high school, I started working in a company, I worked hard and became a marketing manager. It was a great experience and I learnt a lot.

CM: Why did you start making music?

At first, I was watching videos on YouTube and came across clips of Thai girls mixing. That really got me interested.

And I said to myself ‘why can't I become a DJ too? Especially as there were no female DJs in Cambodia at the time. I thought it would be great to become the first female DJ in Cambodia. I told myself that if I wanted to be a DJ, no-one could stop me. I've also always loved music and dancing: this job was made for me. So I decided to quit my job and live my passion full-time.

Despite the difficulties, Maily has a family that understands and supports her career. Cultural challenges, such as Cambodia's small EDM sector and the lack of acceptance of her music by Western artists, have helped her to overcome them.

CM: What is your source of inspiration and what are your ambitions?

I'm inspired by a lot of artists, a lot of different singers... It motivates me to know that my music is going to make people happy. I want to become a big DJ. I'm already starting to make a name for myself in Cambodia but I don't want to stop there, I want to be recognised internationally.

CM: What style of music do you produce?

My style is very open, I like all types of music but what I like most is RnB/Hip Hop.

CM: Do you know any French DJs?

There's one French DJ I particularly like. He's very famous, he's called DJ Snake and he inspires me enormously. I also really like DJ Fly, he's a hip hop/electro disc jockey. He's really good at what he does.

CM: How do you produce your music?

During my live shows, I mix most of the time, but I also do a lot of mash-ups.

CM: Is it difficult to be a female DJ in Cambodia?

Yes, it's quite difficult. At the beginning, everyone wondered why I wanted to become a DJ, but I just wanted to live my passion. And when I said I wanted to become an internationally renowned DJ, everyone laughed, but I said to myself and I still say to myself that it's possible, I'm going to make it.

CM: Do you only play in Cambodia?

I've played almost everywhere in Asia, I think I've played in ten countries in all, including Thailand, China, Malaysia and the Philippines...

CM: Are there any other female DJs in Cambodia?

When I started there were no women DJs at all and now there are more and more. Without being pretentious, I think I've been able to inspire a few, perhaps, who didn't dare take the plunge before.

CM: What are your plans for the future?

I want to expand internationally, in Asia but also in Europe. I'd like to become very well known and be able to make people happy with my music.

Interview by Eva Marcadé