DAUCHÉ
A lifetime of listening taught Dauché to trust what she hears.
More Than the Title
Before she ever DJed, Dauché shot photos, wrote, and worked in live music. The title covers only part of it.
Why leave “DJ” out of your name?
I didn't want to put DJ in front of my name because I felt like I'm so much more than just that. I do embrace that DJ title, of course, but where I started is not exactly as a DJ.
I explored photography, writing, the live concert space, always within music. And so people know me as more than just a DJ.
In the House
Her father's records, her mother's songs, and her sister's music videos turned the living room into a stage.
What do you remember about music at home?
We would always be in the living room. Music would be blasting, and we're just having a dance party. Me and my sister had toys that were microphones on stands, and I used to sing in it like we were having our own concert.
It's definitely a memory that will forever stay with me, because a lot of changes came after that.
Music is what has connected me to not only my family, but so many other people as well. It plays a really huge role in my life.
“MUSIC IS WHAT HAS CONNECTED MEDauché
TO NOT ONLY MY FAMILY,
BUT SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE AS WELL.”
Say Yes
What made you start saying yes to gigs?
I was tired of denying myself opportunities. If I prayed about it, and I'm putting in the work, and it feels like I'm supposed to be here, and it feels like home, then what am I doing saying no to people asking me, “Hey, you want to do a set?”
It was like, all right, I'm done saying no. Let's do this. Let's see where this goes.
Once I said yes to one gig, another gig came weeks after.
Locking In
What happens when you step behind the decks?
It's not necessarily a switch. It's more like a lock-in.
Locking in means making sure I'm having fun, making sure I'm focused on what song comes next. There's a lot of multitasking going on. You have to be here with it.
What have unfamiliar rooms taught you?
Walking into unfamiliar rooms has taught me to trust myself. If I am being called on, if I'm being invited, then that's where I'm supposed to be.
That's always an opportunity, when behind the decks, to make a real connection. Make people feel seen, make people feel like they can forget about their problems for an hour or two. Or even just work through their problems on the dance floor.
Music as a Vessel
Tell us about the set you played after your father died.
When my dad passed away in 2022, I DJed a couple days later. I dedicated my set out loud on the microphone, and it touched somebody else who had lost their dad.
That's why music is so important to me. It's spiritual. It's deeper than just getting attention for me. This is not about me. I'm just a vessel that happens to play other people's music.
There are songs that evoke really great memories with people who may have passed on, including my dad. “Man in the Mirror” was one of his favorite songs. If I hear it out, I'm like, “Hey, Dad, how's it going?” It's not even with extreme sadness. It's joy.
Bring It Here
What haven't we seen from Dauché yet?
I have this desire to perform in the live music space as a DJ. Playing with a live band is one of my goals.
I'm going to bring jazz, hip hop, R&B, house. I need it all. And I need San Diego to be the place for that. I'm not talking about anywhere else. Here.
I look forward to being the person throwing the show.
To Her Younger Self
“SEE?
I TOLD YOU.”
“I've been getting back to her more and more, which I'm super proud of. I fought to get here.”
The People Who Know Her
What's something about Dauché that has stayed the same no matter how much her life or career has changed?
Since we were little, my sister has always been the sweetest, most loving, most giving person. She wants to see everyone win in whatever they feel called to do—and she supports everyone!
Today, DAUCHÉ is simply a more evolved version of herself. She has never tried to be anyone else, and it's beautiful to watch.
What's a moment with her that feels unmistakably Dauché?
There are so many moments, from our countless spontaneous concerts to trying new restaurants to co-hosting Listening Rooms together. But if I had to pick one that feels unmistakably Dauché, it's from my birthday this year.
She was booked to perform at an activation on-site at Coachella on Saturday, so I didn't expect her at my party in the park on Sunday. To my surprise, there she was, flowers and a card in hand, in time to wish me happy birthday in person.
That's the kind of friend she is: she prioritizes her commitments, delivers with excellence, and still shows up for the people she loves.
DAUCHÉ
SELECTS
The songs Dauché picked for Frequency.