Everyone knows that music can make or break a party, and the V Magazine party for the launch of the new Spring V153 issue in Paris was unforgettable. Meet Skinny, the DJ at the helm of the turntable all night. From eclectic underground raves to luxurious fashion events, Sabrina Marie trades her ordinary life, as a new mom, to command the deck as a music selector for the coolest of scenes. 

Skinny is limitless in music taste. Her setlists range from hip-hop to techno, house to disco; she’ll stop at nothing to connect with the crowd and keep the party alive all through the night. “My main goal when I create a set is to make people dance,” says Skinny. For Skinny, music has intention—it’s an art. “I imagine being the girl on the dance floor and really think about what I want to hear and feel in that exact moment. I guess I understand how to identify with my audience because I have been and still am that girl!”

Her passion for music began and continues with fashion. While fashion naturally came with ease for her, “music actually came later,” says Skinny. “But in the end, it’s [fashion and music] I have always absolutely loved. Especially nowadays, my true calling is to really do what I love and express myself with these two forms of art.”

Discover an extended Q&A with DJ Skinny Worldwide below!

V Magazine: You’ve played for both underground raves and luxury fashion events. Do you approach these gigs differently, or is there a common thread in how you connect with different audiences?

DJ Skinny Worldwide: I approach my gigs with the same intention: making people happy, having a good time, and creating a moment to remember. I learned along the way to be versatile, to adapt to any type of crowd, and not lose my identity. I’ve been part of the crowd in both, and still am, so I know my audience. In the end, it’s about the vibes and if you’re able to bring it as a DJ.

Photography by Milo Citron

V: You’ve played alongside industry heavyweights like Diplo, Seth Troxler, and PAWSA. Has working with them influenced your sound or approach to DJing?

Skinny: Yes, of course! I get influenced positively every single time I see or listen to all of these artists playing. I got my inspiration from them, as before me, they made a difference in the industry with each of their unique sounds. I’m actually really particular with what I like and I don’t want to lose myself doing a bit of every musical style—even though I know how to adapt myself to the place and crowd during my performance. To be completely honest, I’m still on my personal journey, trying to shape my personal sound and become the best version of myself in general and as a DJ.

Photography by Milo Citron

V: Your DJ career took off in Amsterdam. What was the club scene like there when you started, and how did it shape your sound?

Skinny: I started learning how to mix in Amsterdam, and at that time, I was playing solely hip-hop, trap, and dancehall… That was the vibe back there and then. Little did I know that this was the beginning of my journey. I then left for London and discovered grime. Later, when I switched to house music, I definitely kept all these influences to build my sets, just adjusting the beats to match the vibe.

Photography by Milo Citron

V: You’re now venturing into music production. What kind of sound are you exploring in your original work? Can you tell us about your forthcoming track? 

Skinny: As a DJ, I’m exposed to a lot of music; hearing the tones and beats of different tracks and playing music by others, it was time for me to make a move. For me, it’s important that I release music that reflects me and what I stand for. I think my signature sound will essentially be tech house with an old-school vibe, but I’m still figuring that out along the way. I want it to be groovy, and I definitely want lyrics to make it complete! My first track, NEW DAY, is actually dedicated to the birth of my daughter, Sky Rose, and it will be released on all the platforms soon. Super excited for this one!

Photography by Milo Citron

V: You balance being a mother with a high-energy international DJ career. What has that journey been like, and do you think it has influenced your artistry?

Skinny: Honestly, everybody was telling me to be careful because having a kid while working on your career as a DJ would be like shooting myself in the foot. For me personally, I never wanted to choose between my personal life and my passion. I always wanted it all! I think because it’s two things that I adore and do naturally, I haven’t felt any pressure or difficulties with it. It has just been more of a question of organization and time management. I am very grateful that my partner, Vann Cielo, fully supports me in my career. He actually manages me as well. I honestly love being a mum, and I love being an artist, and he loves that about me. I think it influences me as an artist in a positive way by pushing me to be the best.