DJ Mish
Born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, DJ Mish is now based in Los Angeles, where she has emerged as a rising star in the DJ scene. Performing live at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in June 2024, featuring iconic Taiwanese hits like 'Hot Chick' and 'I Love Taiwanese Girls,' igniting the audience's passion for Taiwan. With more than 8 years of DJ experience and 500+ shows under her belt, DJ Mish has mastered the art of spinning for every type of event, be it corporate parties, weddings, or brand activations. Her impressive portfolio includes performances at renowned events such as Road to Ultra, Coachella, The NAMM Show, EDC, and worked with brands such as Disney, Vogue, and Fitbit. Specializing in Hip-Hop, RnB, NeoSoul, and Afrobeat, DJ Mish crafts her signature soundscapes to create an electrifying atmosphere for music enthusiasts. Her sets are known for dynamic remixes and edits of popular hip-hop tracks, adding an exciting twist that keeps the energy high and the crowd moving.
Female DJ Mish from Taiwan
Ventures into the U.S.
Creating unique musical nights
Bringing Taiwan’s Passion for Music to Los Angeles
Starting from Taiwan, DJ Mish has brought the vibrant energy of her homeland's music to Los Angeles, successfully blending Western and Mandarin pop music to create DJ sets with a distinct cultural flair. Her performances showcase the unique charm of her full-time DJ career. Recently, she hosted events titled “Taiwan Golden Melody Night” in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, marking a new chapter in her musical journey while deepening her connection to her Taiwanese roots.
A Musical Journey from Taiwan
Born and raised in Taiwan, Mish decided to move to Los Angeles after graduating from university to pursue music-related courses and embark on her career as a full-time DJ. Her love for music began during her student years in Taiwan, when she DJed at small local events.
“I initially gained some DJ experience in Taiwan, mainly playing Western music like hip-hop and trap—that was my initial understanding of DJing,” Mish shared. In 2018, she moved to Los Angeles, where she honed her DJing and music production skills and gradually carved out her place in the local music scene. As her network grew, so did her opportunities to perform, leading to increasing recognition in the U.S.
Building a Career in Los Angeles
After moving to the United States, Mish gained significant experience performing at mainstream venues. She worked tirelessly to hone her craft, striving to become the best and most professional DJ she could be. On the DJ booth, Mish reigns as a queen, commanding the stage and captivating the crowd. Her role as a DJ also allowed her to connect with people who often approached her for conversations, making her increasingly adept in the field.
However, like many new immigrants, Mish faced challenges integrating fully into mainstream society. While she excelled in discussing music and DJing, other areas of cross-cultural communication posed challenges. Reflecting on her experiences, she began to notice that most events featured predominantly Western songs, leaving many Asian immigrants like herself longing for the familiar sounds of their homelands.
In the United States, Taiwanese Mandarin music was rarely heard, Mish observed. “Many Taiwanese friends I met in the U.S. often told me they missed hearing the songs they grew up with,” she shared. “I wanted to create a space where people could enjoy Taiwanese music and reconnect with the sounds of home.”
This realization led Mish to experiment with incorporating Taiwanese Golden Melody hits into her DJ sets. She began including classics from artists like Jolin Tsai, Jay Chou, A-Mei, and Fish Leong. Her innovative approach quickly resonated with her social circle, sparking interest and enthusiasm among those eager to hear Taiwanese music in the U.S. This bold move not only enriched her performances but also fostered a sense of community among Taiwanese music enthusiasts.
Launching “Taiwan Golden Melody Night”
Mish created the special event “Taiwan Golden Melody Night” as more than just a music party—it’s a heartfelt tribute to the rich culture of Taiwanese pop music. At these events, Mish curates a playlist of iconic Mandarin hits from Taiwan, spanning from nostalgic 90s classics to contemporary chart-toppers. Each track reflects memories of growing up in Taiwan, shared by Mish and her friends.
“For the first Taiwan Golden Melody Night in Los Angeles, I didn’t expect it to be such a success,” Mish shared. “I initially thought around 60 to 80 people might attend. But to my surprise, we sold 200 tickets, and 150 people showed up that night. The energy was incredible, far beyond what I had imagined.”
This overwhelming success confirmed the demand for such events and gave Mish the confidence to expand the concept to other cities. By celebrating Taiwanese music, “Taiwan Golden Melody Night” has become not just an event but a vibrant connection to home for many in the diaspora.
The Double-Edged Sword of Being a Female DJ
In the DJ industry, approximately 80% of professionals are male, with only 20% female. For wedding DJs, the disparity is even greater, with 90% being men. As an Asian female DJ, Mish is among an even smaller group—she estimates there are only three female DJs like her in Los Angeles. While being a minority has brought unique opportunities and increased exposure, it has also allowed her to showcase her musical creativity in diverse settings.
However, Mish candidly admits that being a female DJ comes with its own set of challenges. In a male-dominated industry, female DJs often face undue focus on their appearance rather than their skills. Mish noted that people sometimes assume female DJs succeed due to their looks or connections rather than their talent. She also faces online trolls spreading false rumors, which adds another layer of pressure not typically experienced by male counterparts.
“Many times, it’s only when I perform well on the DJ booth that people realize I’m here because of my skills, not because of my looks or relationships,” Mish shared. Despite the fierce competition, she chooses to approach challenges with a positive and optimistic attitude.
“Music is about sharing,” she said. “I hope everyone can support and help one another grow, rather than compete against each other.” These words reflect Mish’s genuine passion for both music and life, highlighting her resilience and determination to succeed on her own terms.
Performing in the Bay Area
This year, Mish decided to bring her “Taiwan Golden Melody Night” to the Bay Area, using it as an opportunity to expand her musical influence. While Taiwanese pop music has a relatively small audience in the U.S., Mish takes pride in showcasing her homeland’s culture abroad, calling it one of her greatest achievements.
She explained that Mandarin songs often lean toward ballads and emotional melodies, with fewer dance tracks compared to other genres. Additionally, she noted that Chinese audiences are generally more reserved compared to Latin or Filipino communities, who tend to get energized more easily with heavy beats. This made hosting a party primarily for Chinese Speaking attendees more challenging.
However, at the event, it was clear that Mish’s concerns were unfounded. Once she started playing her music, the crowd came alive, dancing and enjoying the atmosphere. This highlighted an essential truth: a DJ’s ability to energize the crowd is key to the success of any event.
A Musical Bridge Across Cultures
Mish’s journey demonstrates her ability to bring the essence of Taiwanese music to the global stage while seamlessly blending it with Western musical traditions. Through her efforts, she has not only introduced Taiwanese music to new audiences but also empowered the Chinese community to feel the unifying power of music.
Looking ahead, Mish plans to further expand her musical horizons by bringing “Taiwan Golden Melody Night” to more cities. She hopes to connect with more Chinese communities and music lovers, creating moments of shared resonance through her performances.
For Mish, this musical journey is just beginning.
