We first got in touch with Sarah right at the beginning of brainstorming for the Summer Series; as a friend of the C Word she was naturally someone we wanted to have do a live DJ set and she helped us close our final weekend of the series. Sarah has worked with some super brands in the last few years so it was a real honour to have her bring her energy, vibes and tunes.

It seemed only fitting to tie in having a chat and finding out how it all started and her plans for the future.

When did you decide you wanted to be a DJ?

Funnily enough I was looking through my Instagram the other day and I saw a post from Christmas 2015 when my sister bought me a DJ lesson at Scratch DJ Academy! I think she knew before I did! I remember having the lesson and thinking it was the COOLEST thing ever... so the seed was definitely planted. I've always been a huge lover of music, making mixtapes on iTunes (pre Spotify days) or burning CD’s for friends at school, which led to creating playlists for events/parties and really getting to understand the importance of setting the right energy and atmosphere through the music...and the power it held in a room! I started working in the music industry in 2015 at Sony Music and Radar Radio, then after two years I started in artist management at Modest! Management, which I loved a lot as I was working with my favourite artists and putting timeless music out to the world. However, I felt something was missing and I knew my purpose was something different. I loved music and loved playing music specifically to bring positive and uplifting influence into a room; and one day it just clicked. So in February 2019 I decided to just go for it and I haven't looked back since. Since then I've been full-time and worked with some of my favourite brands such as ASOS, Curvy Kate, Sweaty Betty and had multiple bookings at Soho House, The Curtain and Ministry of Sound in London. 

What is your go-to track? 

My go-to track at the moment is DJ Khaled feat. Drake - POPSTAR. I love the duo of Khaled and Drake (For Free is another one) - POPSTAR is my 2020 summer anthem. I've had it in full rotation since its release date!

Where is your favourite venue to play at?

I love playing R&B events in The Library at Shoreditch House - it's an intimate space and always popping! I love the energy you can create in there and I always feel a lot of love from the crowd. I also love my bookings at Ministry of Sound - it's always an honour to play there and the club is iconic, which always makes the performance even more special! 

My current alarm tone is Lizzo, Good as Hell. Gets me moving and grooving straight away, what gets you up on your feet in the morning?

I love that song! I enjoy running to Lizzo. My get up and get dressed track has to be Savage Remix - Megan Thee Stallion and Beyonce. Anything by Beyonce always sets me up for the day and gives me energy - she has a song for any and every mood and occasion!

Your schedule must have changed a lot over the last couple of months, what have you been doing to keep yourself busy? 

Yeah it's definitely been an interesting time being a full time DJ during a global pandemic. I moved my events online with brands such as Sweaty Betty, Curvy Kate and Moody Month and created new event playlists for self-promotion platform F*ck Being Humble, which has been really rewarding. I felt it was important that I kept working on new mixes to bring good energy into people's homes (as it has been an intense time). I recently put out a new project: R&B's Legacy, celebrating my favourite R&B artists and their incredible discography. I created a 15 minute mix per artist which can be found via my Soundcloud or Mixcloud (DJ Sarah Bo), featuring Drake, Jhene Aiko, Aaliyah, Beyonce and Usher. Outside of music, I've continued to record a weekly podcast, Your Ideal Day, which I co-Host with my big bro Adam, on Health & Personal Development. I also loved staying active so have enjoyed going on runs, practicing yoga, and pretending to be the house Masterchef! 

What three pieces of advice would you give aspiring DJs?

First of all - to anyone who has an interest in DJing - welcome! 

The three main pieces of advice I'd give to an aspiring DJ: 

1. Get organised - you want your music library and cue points to be perfect during your live DJ set so you can fully concentrate on queuing the next song and reading the crowd.

2. Know your music inside and out. This really is key! You can't rush this process, so listen to your music and get to know every single part of the song and the rest will flow.

3. Be confident about your mistakes, and don't be afraid of them - it is the BEST way to learn and to grow. You never make the same mistake twice and it only improves your skill in the art of DJing.

What women have inspired you in the industry?

There are so many incredible female DJs who I admire. My biggest inspirations are Clara Amfo from Radio 1, Soraya, resident DJ at Tape and a female producer and Yasmin Evans at Radio 1Xtra! DJing for me isn't just about playing the music, it is also the energy you bring to the table along with your record selection and these three women always bring something extra whenever they grace the stage. 

Where would be your dream venue to play at?

Well... seeing as I still haven't been to Ibiza yet (I am shocked at myself to be honest), I'd love to play there at Ibiza Rocks for Stormzy's Merky Festival - that would be huge! 

I like to throw in a random question, if you were to throw a dinner party who would you top 5 guests be? (alive or dead)

Ahh a dinner party! I love hearing stories and real life experiences so I'd have Michelle Obama, 14th Dalai Lama, Kevin Hart, and Tony and Sage Robbins. So many life lessons and wisdom to shared... I am sure of it! 

What is next for you (post the coronavirus)? Is there anything in the pipeline that we should know about?

I'm working with a global brand on an exciting new project... I can't say much but, watch this space :) I've had my summer of festivals put on hold but I'll be announcing new shows soon via my Instagram profile @misssarahbo and my website sarahboparker.com 

In the meantime, I'll be working on new mixes to play at your next (socially distanced) house party!