RB Exclusive Interview: 10-Year-Old DJ Derringer is a Rising Star in the Making

At just 10 years old, DJ Derringer is already turning heads with her vibrant presence and natural command of the decks. Whether it is her uplifting energy, her ability to read a crowd, or the thoughtful curation of her sets, Derringer brings something rare and genuine to the stage.

I first discovered Derringer while walking through the crowd at a festival. I noticed a young girl DJing, so I made my way over to show some support. As I got closer, I realized it was a 10-year-old behind the decks, completely dialed in and controlling the energy of the crowd. Her sound pulled me in right away—I liked it so much that I quickly found out her name just so I could follow her after the set. By the end of the weekend, after experiencing so many incredible sets, the one that stayed with me the most was Derringer’s.

While many kids her age are focused on school and personal hobbies, Derringer balances those same responsibilities along with a growing passion for music. Her love for DJing fits right alongside her creativity in other areas, like art and performance, showing a spark that shines across everything she does.

A few weeks after her captivating set on the Scarab Art Car, I sat down with Derringer to talk about how her journey began, what fuels her love for DJing, and what she hopes to accomplish next. Her answers reflect not only talent but also the joy and excitement of an artist discovering her path.

Hi! So before we get started, why don’t you just tell me a little bit about yourself?

I’m 10 years old, and I started DJing when I was around seven or eight. I go to school at Los Altos Grace. I also do art at school. Wait — I wanna show you something. Here’s a piece I did.

Ooh, that’s really nice.

Thanks! It’s koi fish.

That’s really nice. My girlfriend’s mom actually has a big pond at her house — she’s had koi fish in there for over 20 years.

That’s so cool! Yeah, we used to have this big barrel bucket in our backyard with koi fish in it, but we don’t have it anymore.

So before we jump into the questions, do you have any questions for me?

I’m trying to think if I have any questions… I think I’m good. Yeah, I’m good.

What inspired you to start DJing?

At my mom’s birthday party, there was a DJ named Jet. He brought his deck, and I went over to check it out. He showed me a few tricks, and I started playing around with it — and yeah, that’s how it started.

Do you remember the first time you played music for a crowd?

It was at my and my brother’s combo birthday party. The theme was “rave,” and I DJed for friends and family. It was really fun. My favorite part was seeing people enjoy the music.

Who are some of your favorite artists or songs to play in your sets right now?

Armin van Buuren, Gareth Emery, and Purple Disco Machine.

What was your favorite part about playing on the Scarab art car at Lightning in a Bottle?

Two things — one, seeing how people reacted to the music and how much they enjoyed it. And two, the lights on the art car! It was such a cool car.

How do you feel when you’re behind the DJ booth and everyone’s dancing to your music?

I feel really happy — just being there in that moment, getting the chance to DJ at a place like that. It’s really special.

Do you make any of your own music yet, or is that something you want to try?

I haven’t yet, but I want to start soon. My dad has a little keyboard and Ableton all set up. I’ve started learning a little already.

What do your friends and classmates think about you being a DJ?

It’s kind of funny — I told them I was a DJ, and they were like, “No, you’re not.” I brought in a picture and was like, “Here you go — proof.” Then they started asking me all these questions.

When you’re not DJing, what do you like to do for fun?

I do art — like koi fish and watercolors with my mom. We also make bracelets, and I like to read — Nancy Drew, Unicorns, and Sweet Valley High.

What’s a dream stage or festival you’d love to play one day?

Dreamstate and Tomorrowland.

If someone your age wanted to start DJing, what advice would you give them?

At the beginning it might feel a little tricky. But once you get used to it, it’s really fun. And the second thing — practice!

ll right, that’s all the questions I had. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I look forward to following your journey!

Keep an eye on DJ Derringer. With her talent, poise, and love for the music, she’s not just a young prodigy, she’s a future star in the making. Her story is a reminder that passion knows no age and sometimes the next big thing is just getting started.

Connect with Derringer: Instagram | SoundCloud