Introducing Model-Turned-Mixtape-Master Tamara Sky
During her childhood, Tamara Sky was completely captivated by music, including salsa, 80s, rock ‘n’ roll and disco. The Puerto Rican beauty listened to everything, including her father’s collection of old records.
“When I was about 4 years old, I raged to one of my dad’s ‘60s records, Surfin’ Bird by The Trashmen,” recalls the 27-year-old model and professional disc jockey with a giggle. “In my teen years, I listened to metal, drum & bass and reggae. To this day, I really enjoy music with Latin and disco influences.”
Tamara Sky - Photo: Charis Kirchheimer
With such an eclectic ear, it should come as no surprise that Sky moved to Miami—a city bursting at the seams with mind-blowing music—at the age of 19. But she didn’t actually relocate to the Capital of the Americas to work in music.
Tamara Sky - Photo: Joel Alvarez, Venge Media *
“I moved to Miami to pursue a modeling career,” states Sky, who has worked with brands like LOVE+MADE, Luxirie by LRG and Stüssy. “Miami reminded me of Puerto Rico’s beach vibe; and I liked how free-spirited and open-minded people were. Making the move was definitely a pivotal moment in my life. I was in Puerto Rico studying accounting, which I’d probably be doing today if I’d stayed there.”
It’s hard to picture Sky crunching numbers, especially knowing the stunning beauty—who was featured in Ocean Drive magazine, became a Playboy Playmate of the month and appeared on E!’s reality TV show The Girls Next Door—was born to strike a pose. And, Sky has capitalized on her success as a model to take her deejaying career to new heights.
“I’ve always been passionate about music, but I didn’t wake up one day saying, ‘I want to be a deejay.’ Honestly, it never crossed my mind,” admits Sky, who dated a turntablist who would inspire her to become a disc jockey. “After watching him nerd out, it just came about organically. And, once I started, I couldn’t stop. I was practicing five hours a day, even after starting to deejay at clubs. I was focused on being good at it!”
It’s that commitment to her craft that has made Sky a highly sought-after deejay. In recent years, she’s landed high profile gigs, including playing at Donald Trump’s birthday party and sharing the stage with industry superstars like Tiësto, Paul van Dyk and The Crystal Method.
“I get to travel and experience new cultures, which is something I have always wanted to do. The countries I visit and the events I work at are very diverse, everything from underground parties to high-profile events, which fits my personality,” proclaims Sky. “But my biggest reward is establishing myself as an artist through the eyes of my peers. I love getting the opportunity to perform alongside other artists that I respect, that inspire me.”
Sky’s now inspiring others with her own mind-blowing mixtapes, like Jet Lag and Lil Death, which have been commissioned by brands like Casio G-Shock and We Are Handsome.
“I like to tell a story with each of them and make sure there are levels of meaning and intention. They all come with a vibe, theme, title and cover art that I personally design to convey their respective message,” asserts Sky. “I like using movie samples and some of my rare music finds to make them even more unique. And I focus on making cinematic intros and unforgettable endings.”
Even though Sky has experienced tremendous success as a model, deejay and mixtape master, she’s not planning to settle for the status quo.
“I’m never content with what I do,” admits Sky, who is currently working on her own music as a singing artist. “If I achieve something I’ll be searching for the next thing. I believe that the key for success.”
With that dogged determination, coupled with her ceaseless creativity, there’s no doubt the sky is the limit for this dazzling deejay.
For more about Tamara Sky, visit www.DJTamaraSky.com
Hair: Rock Paper Scissors Salon – Make Up: Art of Beauty by Sunha – Wardrobe: Fused Fashion, Saks Fifth Avenue Tampa – Production: Parisa Soleimani/P.S. Promotions – Photographer: Joel Alvarez, Venge Media – Location: The Playboy Club, Miami Beach – Cover Picture Photographer: Charis Kirchheimer
Tom Castañeda
Tom Castañeda is a creative writer, blogger, and award-winning broadcast journalist who has worked at Architectural Digest, In Touch Weekly, and Latina – a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle magazine for today’s bi-cultural Latina woman. Throughout his career in publishing, Tom has planned and executed numerous celebrity, fashion, and beauty programs throughout the country, including fashion shows, and shopping events for brands like Bloomingdale’s, Chanel, Mikimoto, David Yurman, Givenchy, Armani Fragrances, Macy’s, Southpole Collection, and more. Additionally, Tom has drawn on his strong journalism background to create various print, online, and video reports on various subjects, including fashion and beauty.
