Back in school, we were told to pick a lane, doctor, lawyer, engineer, something that sounded stable enough to please the adults. But the rising generation isn’t about choosing just one thing. They’re rewriting the rules, chasing every passion, and making it all look effortless. These are the ones who thrive on duality, that’s what makes them the blueprint for modern hustle. Welcome to the world of the region’s ultimate moonlighters.
Tala Samman is a Dubai-based Syrian-American content creator and DJ who has mastered the art of moving between worlds. Born in Chicago but raised in Dubai, Tala has carved out her own space in both the digital content landscape and the region’s music scene. From fashion industry beginnings to commanding festival stages alongside artists like Lana Del Rey and Dua Lipa, she has proven that authenticity and versatility are not mutually exclusive.
CosmoME: What first drew you to DJing, and when did you realise it could become a career?
Tala: I had many friends in the music industry and spent countless evenings in studios, which deepened my love for music. In 2013, while working in fashion, I took a DJ course just for fun. It all grew naturally from there when I started playing for friends’ brands and the ones I was already working with. It was not a sudden realisation, it just evolved organically.
CosmoME: How do you approach creating energy differently when you are behind the decks versus creating content?
Tala: Content and DJing are very different, but one thing stays the same, I never create with the sole focus of pleasing an audience. Of course I read the room or take feedback, but my choices are always rooted in what genuinely excites me. With content, I share things I use and love; with music, I play tracks I truly connect with.
CosmoME: Does your skill at reading a crowd translate to how you engage your online community?
Tala: Yes, and I think it is an art in itself. It is about finding the right balance between staying true to your own style and understanding your audience. That balance is what keeps people engaged, whether it is on a dance floor or online. The fundamentals are the same: you are creating an experience and responding to energy.
CosmoME: Do you see music and content creation as separate worlds, or do they overlap?
Tala: They are separate worlds, but they often overlap in odd ways. Sometimes I get invited to events as a guest by the PR team, while at the same time being booked as the DJ by the events team, which always makes me laugh. I have also played at spaces completely outside my industry, like the MDLBeast Soundstorm Festival, film festivals, or opening for artists such as Lana Del Rey and Dua Lipa. Those moments feel exciting, especially when they take me to new destinations to play.
CosmoME: The DJ industry can still feel male-dominated. What challenges have you faced as a woman, and how have you turned them into strengths?
Tala: When I first started, I was intimidated by how male-dominated the industry was, with hardly any women in the industry here. Now there are more of us, though still only a handful in the region. What I found really lovely was how supportive most of the men were, many of whom became like brothers. One of my favourites, DJ Crown Prince, even mentored me when I first began. The challenge became finding my community, and once I did, it became a strength.
CosmoME: You share everything from music to lifestyle content. How intentional are you about curating that mix?
Tala: I am a Gemini, so I naturally love many different things and get bored if I focus on just one. When I first started, my blog MyFashDiary was divided into categories, and I have carried that approach onto other platforms. I share my style, beauty finds, wellness routines, food spots, and travel guides. Recently, I launched a Substack newsletter, which feels like a modern version of my original blog and a space to tie it all together.
CosmoME: What advice would you give young women in the region who want to break into music or digital media?
Tala: My biggest advice is to stay authentic, because people can always sense when you are being real. It is easy to get caught up comparing yourself to others, but your uniqueness is your edge. Keep building your skills and stay consistent, even when progress feels slow. And always make sure you are doing it for the right reason. Many go into content creation thinking it is quick money or free gifts, or into DJing expecting gigs right away, without seeing the hard work behind proving yourself.