interview+photos Jorge Perezchica
In the heart of the Coachella Valley, where electric dreams pulsate through the desert air, there’s an energy that you can feel, and if you allow it, you get to really experience magic — and that’s through music, movement and friendships. “Music is the healer, it’s the ultimate connector” enthuses Christina Rainer, better known as DJ Tina Turntables, who has been steadily carving her name into the local music scene since 2015. From artist to DJ and from radio host to TV personality, DJ Tina Turntables is constantly evolving and ascending new heights.
With a childhood steeped in both the urban streets of Irvine and the desert landscapes of Coachella Valley, Tina’s journey to becoming a DJ has been marked by deep connections, creative freedom and the power of music.
From a young age, Tina found solace and escape in music. The vast expanse of the desert became a backdrop for her long walks to school, where she discovered the transformative power of music through her iPod. Drawing inspiration from her early artistic inclinations, she channeled her creativity into expressing herself through drawing, painting, and theater, building a foundation for the expressive journey that awaited her.
It was at the iconic Coachella Festival in 2010 that Tina experienced a profound sense of freedom and musical enlightenment. Surrounded by artists like Jay-Z, Frank Ocean, and A$AP Rocky in their formative years. Tina felt the magic of being present in a space where people were truly immersed in the music, free from the distractions of phones and technology. This seminal experience ignited her desire to become a DJ, and with her unwavering determination, she pursued her dreams.
Tina’s first steps towards DJing came while working as a karaoke host, a role that allowed her to delve into different genres of music and hone her skills behind the decks. Her years spent hosting karaoke nights at Tortoise Rock in 29 Palms exposed her to an array of musical styles, from regional Mexican music to Polynesian tunes and everything in between. Drawing from her upbringing in a musical household, where her parents owned a recording studio, Tina effortlessly incorporated her vast knowledge and passion into her DJ sets, creating bridges between eras, genres, sounds and lyrics.
What sets Tina apart is her unwavering commitment to connecting with her audience on a deeper level. With a meticulous attention to detail, she crafts her sets to tell a story, carefully selecting songs that resonate with the crowd’s emotions and memories. Through her music, Tina captivates and transports her listeners, creating an atmosphere where people from all walks of life can find their groove and experience a shared sense of connection.
For SOUND UP an eight part DJ series, Coachella Magazine caught up with Tina Turntables at Cafe La Jefa to explore the artist’s journey from becoming lost in her headphones to commanding the DJ booth. Tina Turntables breaks down her creative process on how she seamlessly blends diverse musical elements, fusing saxophones, lyrics, and beats to create a symphony that transcends boundaries. There’s a magic and intention behind Tina’s sets, and how she continues to keep the classics alive while introducing new generations to the rich tapestry of musical heritage. Read on for the Coachella Magazine interview.
SOUND UP pt.2 DJ Tina Turntables
Thursday, March 16, 2023 / Cafe La Jefa
Coachella Magazine: Introduce yourself and tell us about your background in music.
Tina Turntables: I have a lot of roots in this desert. And basically, I’ve always loved music. But because I did like a group of my years in Irvine, when I moved from Irvine and then back to the desert in the eighth grade, it was very different lifestyles. Irvine was like foggy, to say the least. And always a little bit chilly in a way.
But when I moved to the desert, I hated the desert. I couldn’t stand it. I didn’t have a car. Everything was so far. I took the bus and music would be a way I would escape on these long walks, going to school. And the thing is, my mom, she didn’t want me to go to Indio because she had done some reach out therapy and counseling work out there. And she was frankly scared of that school. And so that’s why she had me in La Quinta. But I had to really find my way back home, even though we lived in Indio. So I feel like I really got my grid around that time finding my way. Cuz my mom grew up in a city in Chicago. I’m the only one born out in California. But she didn’t have an understanding like, “Oh, it’s a bus, it’ll get you there.”
But I mean, the bus didn’t even have wifi at that time, you know? And so my love for the iPod came through and making everything lost in your headphones and it’s a way of meditation and art was always my first love. So back before I moved to the desert, I was really theatrical and dramatic. And then when I moved to the desert, I became very introverted and I would draw and paint and that would be my expression. And so fast forward, I was with a kind of strict parent, you do what you gotta do.
My first taste of freedom was Coachella Fest, 2010. That was my first year I attended the festival. And it was a place where I was able to experience freedom for the first time and music. And it didn’t matter if I knew the artist, you could just walk in and you find new friends, people were so happy to be there, that it was magic. It was a place where you didn’t find people really on their phones, you know? And 2010 was like the earlier years. So it was just so magical in the artists. I mean, around that time, Jay-Z, Odd Future, Tyler, The Creator’s early Days, Frank Ocean’s, early days, A$AP Rocky. I’m talking about like 2011, 2012. I was hooked because it was my taste of freedom and DJing was always a desire.
So I went to San Francisco Art school, and that’s where I was named Tina Turntables. And actually my best friend called me Tina Turntables. He was like, “You would be an amazing DJ.” And shout-outs Mr. Flaco (laugh). But he said I would be a great DJ. In college, people started calling me that. And so the name came to me before the actual skill.
In 2015, I was working for hospitality, Starbucks. I just wasn’t doing something that I was passionate about. And so, one day I looked on Craigslist and they were hiring a karaoke host, and I was like, “I can host karaoke.” And so I got with this company called DJ 2A Entertainment. And from there, I was hosting their karaoke nights up in 29 Palms. So that’s how I started to learn the High Desert. And one day they just came to me and they were like, “Do you wanna learn how to DJ?” And I said, “Yes.” Everyone in the company didn’t wanna go out to 29 Palms, so they just sent me there. And all I had to do was learn the equipment.
For the next three years, I would host karaoke on Thursdays at 29 Palms in Tortoise Rock Casino the sister casino of 29 Palms at Spotlight 29. And so that’s where I learned different types of music that I wasn’t really well versed on, like regional Mexican music and then also Polynesian music and Country and Metal. And my job basically was just to play the music and make the mix as best as I could. But I play the request and I was so passionate that I just kept on learning all these different types of music.
I grew up with my mother and my father, they actually owned a recording studio growing up and they were always singing and performing. So music’s always been close. When I started actually DJing, I was just applying all the knowledge I already knew. And that’s why fast forward to today, the reason why I love DJing is because — I don’t like to be in niche, I like to have a dance floor where anyone from any walk of life can find their groove because at the end of the day, I’m looking to them and thinking, “When were they born and maybe they like this music from this decade.” It’s all in my mind. And my purpose is to find the bridges. So it doesn’t matter if it’s 50’s music or like rap from the 2000 and the 2010s. Cuz I like all that music and I feel there’s so many people that are eclectic out there, they just don’t know how to express it.
And that’s why I think everyone should become a DJ. But once I figured out my tool, my instrument, which is the DJ board, I get to connect with these people without even exchanging a word. Because when I play a song and I’m trying to build that bridge to someone random in the crowd, I want them to feel like I’m paying attention. Like I’m speaking to you. It’s like a whisper. And it’s like a magic that you get to take part in. And that’s why my gigs have a range. You know, I don’t like to do just one type of music. I like to really funnel it all. Cause I feel like it’s the DJ’s responsibility to keep the classics alive and remind people of all the music that we love today that’s on the radio that is sampled, comes from amazing music that came before.
I’m so intentional and conscientious as a DJ. I like to tell a story when I’m doing my sets. Like I’m not only DJing from the beat, but I’m also thinking about the instruments they use. And that’s how I jump from genres. If two things have a saxophone, I’ll tie the saxophones together and that’s how I’ll mix it. And I’m very intentional about the lyrics too. So if something’s talking about love, I’m gonna keep it a story of love. And you know, I don’t mind requests because sometimes I realize that people are trying to access a memory that they no longer can reach and sometimes they need a little help.
CM: Were you born the Coachella Valley?
TT: I was born in LA and then lived in Coachella Valley like from preschool to the second grade. And then Irvine, Orange County from third grade to seventh grade. And then eighth grade I came back to the Valley ever since.
CM: As a youth, you were involved in art and theater. Were you still trying to discover yourself as an artist at that time, kind of trying to find your path in life?
TT: 100%. And so as far as my art background, it still finds a way in my DJing, because I’m always doing my own marketing, my own posters.
CM: Were your parents and family supportive of your creative pursuits in the arts?
TT: Yes. They were very, very supportive. But in this recent time, I’ve been a DJ for the last eight years and that’s been my exclusive work. And so, it’s hard for my mom because she always wanted me to finish college. But I’m an art school dropout and I found my business that supports me to this day. And, she’s just always in fear. But I realize that I can’t look for validation outside of myself. That my inner validation is the most important. And at the end of the day, I am so proud and happy of where I’m at. What have I achieved.
I’m not just a DJ. I’m literally a sound technician. I do these sound setups and quality is so key. That’s why it’s hard for me to like plug into other people’s systems, cuz it’s not the same quality. Even though it’s hard work setting up, it’s the best way to ensure quality. And that’s literally the brand that I’ve been investing in. And my mom, I tell my mom, “You know, college is great, but I’m literally doing what I wanna do right now.”
CM: What was it like for you growing up in Indio? It is the city of festivals and Coachella is right there in your backyard. What’s your first memory?
TT: That was (Coachella) 2010 with Jay-Z. Amazing, transformative, the sweetest people I’ve ever known. And it’s like, you’re given access to the world. Everyone is there coming to you, coming to your space, and there’s an energy that you can feel in the ground. And I crowd surf during Coachella at one point. You know, it’s the most potent piece of the universe and if you allow it, you get to really experience magic. And that’s through music, movement, friendship, genuine generosity, art, colors, sounds.
CM: Did you dress up for your first Coachella?
TT: I was actually, I was very calm for the first one because I think I wore plaid — and I was very plain, you know, my hair was big.
CM: But the second time?
TT: Oh. I went all out and I’ve just been turning it up every year. And it was so fun because…
CM: Is that where your background in theater kind of comes out?
TT: Yeah, it is performing, you know, I love it. I love actually just going out dancing and just performing right there and like people are looking and I soak it up. But it’s probably my Leo, you know, my Leo side.
CM: And you’ve been going every year since 2010? Or did you skip some years?
TT: I skipped one year. I think that was 2016. But all the years up to that, yeah.
CM: At what point did the idea of becoming a DJ come to your mind? Was it when you were were hosting a karaoke?
TT: Well, yes, exactly. Before I was working in restaurants and I knew that wasn’t aligning with what I wanted to do. And so when I answered their application (DJ 2A Entertainment) to be a karaoke host, I was like, “At least this will get me in the vicinity.” And I’m all about being intentional. So it’s like, if I wanna be somewhere, I’m gonna place myself to the closest area. I’m gonna put myself in the environment.
On taking it to the next level
TT: Each year I give myself a goal and like, “How can I take it to the next level?” And basically, I worked with a DJ company for three years and after three years the owner came to me and he said, “I’m afraid that I’m gonna lose you to somebody else who sees the potential that I do. And they’re gonna be able to give you more than I can.” And from there, I knew that I had hit my ceiling, you know, and I knew that I had to go independent after that. Cause I was like, “This man will always keep me here.” And so I was very thankful in everything and I was like, “Thank you so much.” But I made my parting from the company and from all that I had learned working with them. I like how can I support myself as a DJ.
And with learning the ropes, Libation Room was my first independent residency, my best friend Roxanne, she told me, “Hey, Libation Room’s looking for a DJ.” And it was big. So I went in there and I was like, “I’m really good.” And I lived in Palm Desert, so it was a dream gig. And for three years I was Libation Room’s resident DJ. And so many people throughout the desert know me from Libation Room. And it was an amazing time because they let me play whatever I wanted.
But the thing is that I love a range of things. So when people would come in, they’d be like, who is this DJ, you know. It was a vibe and I had to move on from there because the original owners had separated and it just wasn’t the same when the owner that hired me left. And so I had to make my way as well. And I realized that I love playing for the people, but I can’t be controlled. I have to be set free.
That’s the thing. I didn’t go into DJing to play music that I liked. I went into DJing for connection. I get to connect with the people and the shyness I may have when walking up to someone, it goes away because I’m already talking to them with my music. So that’s why it doesn’t matter if I’m in a small crowd or I’m in a big crowd. I love playing for small crowds though. The smaller the crowd, the more intimate. I love it.
CM: You went from art to DJing. What do you see in the road ahead for your next creative endeavor?
TT: So Libation Room, getting that independent residency, that was a big landmark that set me up and I got a lot of my clientele from there. So then I started doing private events, private birthdays, and that’s how I ended up landing Big Horn. And I’ve been doing Big Horn’s New Year’s for the last three years minus the pandemic year. And then that fell into my radio gig. I was hosting Hot 95.9 fm for six months. I got to host the radio from 2pm to 6pm, Monday through Friday. And that was a dream hitting the radio. And so I started realizing more.
And so last year I was on the radio and now this year I’m gonna be on TV because we’re working on this show with NBC that just got green lit. It’s gonna be premiering May 1st (*Update, May 27th) but I’m gonna be on TV, and the show is called “Desert Brew” and they’re gonna be showing it every Saturday. So it’s gonna be primetime, NBC Palm Springs.
And so basically my goal is to just to keep on ascending and using my platform to spread the talent that’s out here in this valley. As you know, there’s so much good music out here. So basically my role on the show is we’re talking about the lifestyle of the Coachella Valley, but I’m also having a section where I’m talking about music of the Coachella Valley.
CM: Have you ever worked at Coachella?
TT: Yes. I worked at the, “I love Spicy Pie.” And then I also worked the gate security. I was one of like the managers of the gate.
CM: Did you work at Stagecoach?
TT: No. I’ve attended Stagecoach like a couple times.
CM: But you did Desert Trip too, right?
TT: Yes. Oh my God. Desert Trip was magical 2015.
I’m such an old soul, you know, I’m such an old soul. Being able to see Neil Young, The Who was mind blowing. Pink Floyd, my mind like, “Ah.” But you know, that’s why I can do these like older country clubs sometimes, you know, it’s the music of my stepfather. He is gonna be 80 this year and it’s music I’ve always known, I’ve grown up with, and when I look out in the crowd, I’m like, that’s my mom, that’s my brother, that’s my cousin, that’s my stepfather. And somehow we find the connection and that’s why I love doing what I do. And I hope I can just keep on doing it, but I hope the intimacy stays.
CM: Does your mom ever come out to see you DJ?
TT: Sometimes, yeah, sometimes.
CM: Is there any music that she prefers, that she would want you to play?
TT: You know what, she would never like request. She just, “Oh, just play what you want.” But she loves a little Stevie Wonder.
CM: What kind of music did you listen to growing up?
TT: Al Green, Isley Brothers, Teddy Pendergrass, Barry White, even KC and The Sunshine Band, Average White Band. All the funk, Funkadelic, Earth, Wind & Fire, all of it.
CM: Describe yourself in three words.
TT: Creative, adaptive, and deep.
CM: How do you prepare for your DJ set?
TT: I think about who’s gonna be there, what the theme of the party is. And a lot of the times I like to match my events. So whether it’s a birthday party, a fundraiser, I ask what the color scheme is and I like to dress the part. A lot of the times, I’m setting up these subwoofers and everything, so I gotta see if I can wear flats or heels or not, you know. And I think about the people who are gonna be there, the age range. I’m doing my research on those classic songs. But I’m also keeping in mind, the songs that are played today.
At the end of the day, people love new songs too, but you have to give them both, and in a way that they’re not used to hearing, but in a way that only you can deliver it. And so when I have a party of young and old people, I’m basically mixing them together. So grandpa and granddaughter are getting down to the same groove.
CM: How would you describe your sound?
TT: Inclusive, expansive, groovy, funky storytelling. A vibe, an energy that is quality, not corny, something you’re gonna feel from your young days — but remixed in a new delivery. Something that’s familiar, but a new presentation. Yeah, a little funky. A little old. A little new. A little soul with our heavy base of today, a refreshed look of the classics.
CM: Where do you see yourself 5 to 10 years from now?
TT: I’m self-sufficient right now, but I would like the 5, 10 years to be — I found a way for people to escape if they allow themselves. And so basically I would like that very key to be evolved. Sometimes I feel very spiritual and it feels like a church when we’re all vibing together. So I’d hope to evolve that into something on a mass scale. I feel like music heals, so I would like to be a conduit of providing part of that heal space with my skill set.
But also, I don’t really want fame from DJing. I just want human connection. So what I’m already experiencing now, but just more of it. If I can have that on a mass scale and bring a light to someone’s day. I hope it’s a lot of sunshine out there, you know?
CM: Do you pay attention to the latest trends or try to predict the direction music is going?
TT: Keeping the classics alive. That’s how I know where the future is going, because music goes in circles. And so as a responsibility, I know the way of the 5 to 10 years it’s gonna be how I plant the seeds in other people — And that’s why I’m into teaching people how to DJ too, because everybody has their own sound, but they just don’t know how to get it out. And so by keeping the classics alive, by knowing your past, you know where you’re going.
So I just remember my responsibility as a DJ to not only play what’s hot, but to play the history of what came before and not allow it to be lost. Things from the seventies, sixties, fifties, It’s up to the DJs to keep it alive.
And I would love to have an army, an army of woman DJs in 5 to 10 years. DJs making the world a beautiful place. And everybody’s getting therapy. But therapy a dance floor provides, being able to express themselves.
CM: What’s the most important lesson that you’ve learned since you first started DJing?
TT: Collaboration. The importance of collaboration and community collaboration, housing, investing in your community. You know, really supporting the artists out there, without that community who’s gonna come to your shows? You know what I mean? You have to give time into the community, be a face in the community, be supportive so it can flourish.
CM: Do you DJ outside the Coachella Valley?
TT: So right now my current residency is in Oceanside. It’s at Mission Pacific Hotel. It’s a rooftop bar restaurant. It’s amazing. (Laugh), they take such good care of me when I’m there, you know, and it’s amazing. I get to stay at the hotel while I DJ there and I DJ to the sunset. And it’s magical. It’s literally my dream. We’re right along the beach and so I’m like DJing and then the sun is setting in the background in the ocean. I love the desert, but I also love that DJ allows me to do some traveling and play in some cool places.
CM: What do you love most about the music industry?
TT: Expression, people are so creative. People, they’re not bound to sounds, you know. They break out of it. Cuz what I learned in art school is that they teach you the rules so you can break them. And so I love that there’s these sound hounds out there that are trying to put what’s in their head into the physical world. And that’s my favorite thing about music is the beauty of expression frozen in time. And you throw it out in the universe and everyone gets a little piece of it in their heart. And music is the healer. It’s the ultimate connector. Cuz that takes me back on why I DJ.
The music industry, It connects us all. The reason why I’m able to DJ and why I keep on getting my gigs is because I may play a track from a time that someone has to remember to access and then I’m gonna look at them. They’re, they’re gonna think, “How does this DJ know?” Because I’m paying attention to them. I’ve met someone like them in my life. People are so passionate about music. I observe, I look around and I see how people are affected by certain music. And I know that power and I wield it with great honor and it connects us. That’s really what the beauty of music is.
CM: Are we gonna see you at Coachella this year?
TT: Heck yeah.
CM: Weekend one or two?
TT: I’m trying to go all of them. Yes. Both.
CM: Do you got your tickets?
TT: Not yet. But I manifest them every year. (Laugh), Like last year, I was gifted tickets. So I’m pretty positive about this year too. I invest in Coachella all year long and stuff. And so if someone’s got extra tickets, I’m like, “All right, let’s go.”
CM: How soon do you start preparing for Coachella?
TT: The Monday after Coachella from the previous year, so all year. (Laugh), I’m always looking around and like, “Ooh, that’ll be good for Coachella.” Always on the hunt. I can’t just be on the hunt two weeks before, you know?
CM: Is there any venue that you would want to play, anything that you’ve had your sights on. Coachella?
TT: Yes. I wanna be on the campground. A little side stage, anything. I would love to perform there, like the Do Lab.
CM: If you got the call, would you be ready?
TT: 100%. I’d get it together. (Laugh), I’d get it together.
CM: Thank you very much for your time. I appreciate it.
TT: Thank you.
