Meet Sasha Thrower | Performance DJ and Multidisciplinary Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sasha Thrower and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sasha, how do you think about risk?
I will say the utter thought of failing and not meeting the expectations of others or myself used to discourage me from taking initiative on my deepest desires. Yet, my relationship with risk-taking has grown immensely. Accepting opportunities with a “growth mindset” really helped me get comfortable with the uncomfortable and embrace the unknown. I’d say risk-taking has played a huge role in my life. From moving to a big urban city, San Francisco, at the ripe age of 17 to exploring the art of performance DJ-ing. The list goes on and I will continue to take more risks! It adds great value and makes life more interesting!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is a by-product of my most vulnerable thoughts and a way to connect with others through community and joy. As I’m navigating my creative journey, I put a huge emphasis on following what feels right to me, exploring outside the bounds of mainstream influences, and taking inspiration from my own daily life.

In this past year, I have started Novelty Radio. It is a self-produced radio show where I share a recorded mix in the first half of the episode and then a segment titled “Stream My Consciousness” where I have a self-discussion on whatever topic has piqued my interest. The essence of Novelty Radio is raw, unfiltered, vulnerable, reflective, and experimental. It’s an organized outlet where I can express the thoughts I find difficult to share, music that I love currently or have loved before, and a way to refine my skills. This passion project is more so for my own self-development, and if others enjoy it as well, that is a plus! With that, I believe what sets me apart from others is my craftsmanship, courage to be emotionally vulnerable, and the aesthetic taste I bring to my performances.

I am so proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and accepting new and different opportunities/gigs! As I mentioned before, I’ve made incredible progress in taking risks, and it has done me well so far. I’m most excited about expanding Novelty Radio beyond my bedroom and into a professional studio space where I could meet more artists like myself.

I got where I am professionally through “horizontal networking” as Issa Rae has coined, “Effective networking starts with the people around you, not above you.” Making genuine connections and friendship goes a long way and is more fulfilling, to say the least. Also taking tips from Dr. Meg Jay and really becoming more acquainted with my “weak ties” was so helpful. Not limiting myself to the same circle of friends or familiar environment works wonders not only professionally but for personal enrichment. Where I am professionally is from people I really appreciate and admire, the progression feels natural as if it delicately falling into place. I wouldn’t describe this journey as difficult because I had no ulterior motive or agenda. The only challenge I’ve had to overcome was my own self-doubt and crippling fear, but that is slowly chipping away day by day.

What I want the world to know about me is I truly believe there is immense strength in emotional vulnerability, taking your time in perfecting your craft is worthwhile, and advocating for your personal autonomy is the single most empowering thing you’ll learn to do. Although my life so far has been a complex combination of privilege and strife, I am so grateful to be where I am today and looking forward to wherever I am headed.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A week in San Diego simply isn’t enough to experience what it has to offer but I’ll share a little of my favorites to give a head start! I’m a huge fan of the outdoors so I would suggest a hike to recalibrate and experience some of San Diego’s beauty. My favorite outdoor excursions have been Bernardo Mountain Summit, Los Penasquitos Creek Trail and Green Valley Falls. I also really enjoy picnics and my go-to place to hang out would be Presidio Park, Golden Hill Park, and Civita Park. Sometimes when I need some alone time, I’ll venture to La Jolla and go to Windesea Beach or a cozy spot along the La Jolla Beach Trail. Speaking of beaches, Ocean Beach is one of my favorite places in San Diego! I love the farmers market on Wednesdays and often go to Sunshine Bar to play pool with my friends or The Holding Company to grab a bite to eat. Every Saturday, I also go to Little Italy’s Farmers Market! The overall ambiance is comforting and enjoyable not to mention the wonderful vendors ranging from artists sharing their craft to local farmers exhibiting their harvest of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. I always eat at Graze by Sam afterward. I would also suggest heading out to South Park, taking a stroll, and checking out one of my favorite bars Whistle Stop. My favorite bookstore is Libelula Books co, in Barrio Logon! I also like doing my shopping at the Barrio Logan Thrift store too. I’ve gotten my first machine tattoo at Pixley Oddities which was such a lovely experience, would highly recommend it. Some of my favorite restaurants have to be North Italia, Plumeria, Seneca, Tajima, Bambu sushi, and Truluck’s to name a few.

There is so much more I need to explore in San Diego but these are just a few of my favorites, I hope to add more.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shout out Lucky Stars Market and Kim for allowing me a platform to express creative freedom and grow more confident in my artistry. As well as my friend Natalie, who created my dreamy set design! Of course, my family who have been become increasingly more supportive along this journey, so precious to have their support. Also, so many other friends and fellow artists that continue to show up and show out for me! The encouragement and reassurance are so appreciated, beyond what words can describe. Also, my therapist has had a huge role in my personal development and helps me navigate my creative journey in addition to my life outside of DJ-ing. Lastly, my favorite podcast “Friend Crush” by Amber Akilla! Everything I’ve mentioned keeps me grounded, and motivated and provides such great insight I’m truly grateful for all the support!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mintwhisper/

Other: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mintwhisper

Image Credits
Krystina Fernandez Natalie Davila