DJ is an ever-evolving art form. It fuses technical mastery, creative flair and a profound love for music. Those aspiring to become DJs are encouraged to dive deep into the culture, carve out their distinctive style, and persistently engage in learning and adapting to the dynamic currents of the music realm.
Rachel Johnston, aka DJ SunRay, is all about positive energy and empowerment, skilfully integrating the lively strands of reggae into her life.
After graduating from cheffing school in Canada, Rachel started her global adventures. She was bartending on the Gold Coast in Australia when she met her partner Gabe Johnston, who is from New Zealand and was finishing his cheffing apprenticeship. They continued to travel together for a few years, before deciding to make New Zealand home. Rachel and Gabe have been running the popular Hula Cafe in Whitianga for over four years, but before that they were the owners of the iconic Baobab Cafe in Newton, Wellington. That’s where she found her groove, initially spinning vinyl in Baobab’s sunny courtyard. A collab began with the Nice Up Crew & Artificial, and they ran regular, strictly vinyl reggae sessions called Newtown Top Rankin. Rachel’s super supportive mate, Art, from Newtown Sound, suggested she had a session DJing, and the next thing was to find a name for the poster. Amongst some other options, ‘SunRay’ stood out and felt right. Her ever-growing love for vinyl collecting and obsession with crate digging had started.
For many years, her cafe ran Sound System events in the courtyard during the Newtown festival called ‘Nice Up the Dance’. The first few years, they had Vital Hi Fi’s system set up (NZ’s first custom-built reggae sound system run by a long-time reggae selector, DJ Manray), and then they brought in Sounds Almighty Sound System. Once SunRay started to play on those sound systems, the bass hooked her in!
The roots of reggae can be traced back to the ska and rocksteady genres of 1960s Jamaica, with significant influences from traditional Caribbean mento and calypso music, along with elements of American jazz and rhythm and blues. Reggae has been and will always be SunRay’s favourite music genre, and she loves to spread those positive vibes. It’s a voice for the people, by the people. It’s a voice of reality. Reggae speaks of the trials and tribulations around the world. When the people are oppressed, music and dance can unite us.
SunRay always puts a big emphasis on playing femme vocals and Dancehall from around the world. She has a big love for deep, heavy, funky bass riddims (Jamaican Patois pronunciation of the English word ‘rhythm’), especially Dancehall and especially on a sound system.
It’s an experience to feel the bass vibrate through your body. Songs are a collaboration of exceptionally talented musicians and as a DJ, SunRay loves to showcase those collaborations in her sessions. When it comes to preparing for a set, she says that music has flow; she rolls the waves and selects the songs on the spot, based on the ‘in the moment’ vibes. Not too much is preplanned.
SunRay really appreciates the people who contributed to her musical journey, but there were times of slow progress and also moments where she didn’t feel supported. Women in the music industry as a whole are unequally represented. From the airwaves, in festivals, in the clubs, producers, musicians and DJs – unfortunately, it’s still a male-dominated industry. This discrepancy can be easily spotted in the names on the festival circuit this summer. SunRay strongly believes that if more women were supported and given the same opportunities when they first show interest in music, they could succeed. She also acknowledges that there are funding opportunities going into females in the industry and statistics are rising! SunRay’s advice for young music lovers is straight to the point: “If you are interested in DJing, don’t hold back, don’t hesitate!”
SunRay has performed at top events like The Coro Classic 2023 and 2024 in Matarangi, Neck Level 2023 in Whanganui, Big Badda Boom Sound System at the Newtown Festival 2023 (largest free street festival in NZ), Ladies in the Dance at Auntie Social 2023 in Newtown, and Dubscape 2023 in Raglan.
You can check out SunRay on Instagram: dj_sun_ray or Sun Ray on Facebook and find out where the next boogie will be! She is available for hire for weddings, private parties and events in general.
DJ SunRay will be playing at the epic Newtown Festival again this year, on the 3rd of March, so book that flight now!
Coromind: Coromandel’s Collaborative Magazine
Help us take Coromind Magazine to new heights by becoming a member. Click here
Change the Weather for Your Business: Advertise with Us.
Advertise your business in the whole Hauraki Coromandel in the coolest Coromandel Art Magazine, from Waihi Beach/Paeroa /Thames up to the Great Barrier Island.
Advertise Smarter, Not Harder: Get in Touch
