Pitchers clink, voices rise and hips sway as students sing “Hotel Room Service” by Pitbull in unison. At the center of the room, student DJ Kallia Sideraki bobs her head, swaying to the beat.
Known for rocking jeans and a trendy soccer jersey, Siderakis sets the tone for unforgettable nights. By day, she is a physical therapy major at the University of Miami. By night, she spins soundtracks at the Rathskeller every other Thursday.
“I’ve always wanted to do so many things. When I was a kid, I would say I wanted to be a ninja who plays basketball and DJs,” Siderakis said.
Her journey into DJing began in high school when her TikTok feed got flooded with DJ mixes. She then told her mother how she wanted a turntable, and that’s where it all began.
“I always knew she was gonna ask for [the turntable] down the line,” her mother said. “I love seeing her in her element.”
Music has always been a big part of Siderakis’ life. Born in Queens, N.Y., she recalled growing up hearing Frank Sinatra’s song “New York, New York.” Now, she brings her love for music to the University’s on-campus sports bar every other Thursday.
“Her music is really viby, she really knows how to bring great energy and sounds on Thursdays,” Jasmine Chen, a Rathskeller employee, said.
Balancing school and music is one challenge, but navigating the DJ industry as a woman adds a new layer.
She’s used to raising eyebrows and people asking her, “You’re the DJ?!” in a surprised tone, before she can even get to the booth.
Siderakis just lets the music speak for her. In the past, when she was booked through others — whether clients or the president of the EQ Collective club — she was typically scheduled for opening time slots, when attendance was minimal.
Those familiar with her work, she said, see gender as the only difference between her and other DJs at the same skill set.
“Some people can’t even see past me being a girl that I’m probably a little bit more advanced, more skilled than these other people,” Siderakis said.
She recalled a time when she got to a club located in Greece and they glanced at her and said, “The line starts back there.” When she told them she was the DJ, they were shocked.
“I continue to master my craft so I can back my talk with a crazy set,” Siderakis said. “Staying in my lane and just letting everybody see what I can do.”
And, her sets and the crowds she draws at the Ratskeller speak for themself.
“Thursdays are the busiest days at the Rat and the main reason is because of her,” Nathanael Scheer, another Ratskeller student employee, said. “Even in this male-dominated space, she’s holding her own.”
Her presence is a reminder that women can own the stage, sound and moment.
Want Kaillia to be your DJ? She’s open for gigs at ksiderakis@aol.com. Otherwise, catch her every other Thursday night at the Rathskeller.