Cover Subi, or Subez Yeti, played at the Louis Vuitton afterparty in November 2023 (Photo: Instagram / @subez.yeti)
Subi, or Subez Yeti, played at the Louis Vuitton afterparty in November 2023 (Photo: Instagram / @subez.yeti)
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Hong Kong DJ Subez Yeti shares why ‘partying’ and ‘drinking’ do not need to go hand in hand and what her to-go wellness practices are
Everyone in Hong Kong knows Subi (or under her stage name Subez Yeti). And even if you don’t know her, you’ve been to one of her parties.
Subi has established herself as one of the most influential DJs in Hong Kong in the last decade. Whether she is touring the world with the music collective Yeti Out, organising gigs in Hong Kong with her collective Thür or highlighting up-and-coming female DJs with the Mean Gurls Club: she is everywhere, and she is here to stay. And as a busy public figure, maintaining her wellness is crucial to Subi’s continued success. She shares with us her experience with health and wellness as a DJ—and what would make artists like her sustainable in the long term.
You might also like: From giving women a voice and creative outlet to making sure the city’s music scene isn’t ‘boring’—why Hong Kong needs more female DJs
She answered our questions while flying, right after she had watched Love, Bob Marley (2024) on the flight. “Seeing Bob Marley’s story unfold made me reflect on my mortality,” she writes. “You really never know when your time will come—it could be today or tomorrow. But it reinforces something I’ve known for a while: I want to stay as healthy as possible, to not succumb to sickness.”
As Subi is about to embark on a festival tour—her next stop being the Hajodaze YangYang in South Korea on July 20—here is how she allies health and nightlife.
Above Subi, or Subez Yeti, following a collaboration with Louis Vuitton (Photo: KIM/@_____3___5)
Above Subi, or Subez Yeti, following a collaboration with Louis Vuitton (Photo: KIM/@_____3___5)
Subi, or Subez Yeti, following a collaboration with Louis Vuitton (Photo: KIM/@_____3___5)
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Hey Subi! Festival season has started. What are your five must-do recommendations to party safely in festivals?
- Hydration is key: Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated will keep you energised and ready to dance the night away.
- Sun and comfort protection: Apply a high SPF sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher) to protect your skin. Bringing a battery-operated fan can also help you stay cool and comfortable in the festival environment.
- Practical and comfortable outfits: Choose clothing that is both stylish and practical. Short hemlines and off-the-ground outfits can help you avoid any unpleasant bathroom mishaps.
- Safeguard your belongings: Keep a close eye on your items like your phone and wallet.
- Trust your instincts: If you ever feel uneasy about a person or situation, don’t hesitate to remove yourself. Your safety and comfort should always be the top priority.
What does a day in your life look like, when you’re travelling to play at festivals?
I come prepared for festival days. I’m talking fabulously coordinated ’fits, and killer makeup. I usually start my day early: with a big, nutritious breakfast to keep me going strong. And you bet I’m slamming back the H2O—hydration is key for looking and feeling my absolute best.
By the time I arrive on site, I’m strutting in with total confidence. Gotta make sure my equipment is running smoothly and that I’m mentally locked in for the big performance. No last-minute scrambling for this diva—I’m all about that calm, cool and collected vibe.
During my set, my focus is laser-sharp. I’m completely present and attuned to the energy of the crowd. I feed off their enthusiasm and put every ounce of myself into the music. It’s an exhilarating, almost meditative experience.
After my performance, I make sure to stay hydrated and give myself time to decompress before diving back into the festival atmosphere. I find a nice quiet spot to chill and just soak in all the awesomeness that just went down.
It’s a lifestyle that might seem a bit unconventional compared to the typical other DJs experience. But for me, this balanced, mindful approach allows me to savour and appreciate these incredible musical events.
Staying sober has allowed me to have more empathy for those struggling with their intake, as well as appreciation for those who maintain self-control.
You decided to stop drinking when DJing and partying. What’s the reason behind this choice?
There are a few reasons why. The first one is about my physical health. I stopped drinking because even cold drinks with ice would give me debilitating headaches and leave me severely dehydrated. The hangovers were just not worth it anymore. Now I avoid drinking so I can stay healthy, hydrated and fully present to enjoy the music when I go out.
The second is about my mental health. Drinking alcohol would impact my mood and emotional regulation. I would often feel empty and depressed when I woke up the next day. I had to figure out the reason why I felt that way. One day, I stopped drinking while I was DJing and I felt great. After that experience, I decided to keep avoiding alcohol, as I found that it allowed me to be in a much better mental and emotional state during any events.
Finally, not drinking helps me keep my mind clear: avoiding alcohol enables me to better remember all the gigs I play all the people I’ve met, make wise decisions, and take care of myself and my friends throughout long days and nights of revelry.
What did sobriety teach you about yourself and about the nightlife?
Maintaining sobriety is not only about the nightlife but also about my valuable lessons about myself and the human experience. Many people use alcohol as a coping mechanism or to fit in, rather than for genuine enjoyment. Choosing not to drink has made me more aware of these underlying motivations. Alcohol can bring out both the best and worst in people. Staying sober has allowed me to have more empathy for those struggling with their intake, as well as appreciation for those who maintain self-control.
What things did you wish people were more mindful of when partying?
Moderation and self-awareness, knowing one’s limits with substances.
What wellness practices have you incorporated in your life?
One of my absolute non-negotiables is my morning meditation routine, as well as drinking a lemon ginger shot. It’s the perfect way to ground myself and get my mind right. I’m a big believer in the power of self-care rituals—eating healthy, taking care of my skin and taking the time to pamper myself. It’s the perfect way to unwind, recharge, and show myself a little extra love.
What’s next on your wellness wishlist?
Breathwork! I’ve been hearing so many amazing things about the transformative effects of conscious breathing practices. I’m talking deep, mindful inhales and exhales that can boost energy, reduce stress and even heighten creative flow.
Some words of wisdom for fellow partygoers?
Remember to be present and soak in the magic of the moment. It’s easy to get caught up in capturing the perfect photos or videos, but try to strike a balance between documenting your experience and truly immersing yourself in the energy of the festival. Dance like nobody’s watching, The memories you make will be the true souvenirs you take home. It’s all about finding that perfect harmony between indulging in the excitement and nourishing your mind, body, and spirit.
Some words of wisdom for your fellow DJs?
Eat healthy, don’t eat too much sugar, and go to sleep at a reasonable hour. Your body (and your immune system) will thank you in the long run. For my homies who are losing days to their crazy sleep schedules—bless their heart! We’ve all been there, but it’s all about finding your groove. I would gently encourage them to get on a more balanced sleep-wake cycle.
Above Subi, or Subez Yeti, during a DJ set at Keep hush x Slimefest (Photo: courtesy of Jack)
Above Subi, or Subez Yeti, during a DJ set at Keep hush x Slimefest (Photo: courtesy of Jack)
Subi, or Subez Yeti, during a DJ set at Keep hush x Slimefest (Photo: courtesy of Jack)
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Subez Yeti exclusive playlist you should listen to before going out:
Sit Around the Fire by Jon Hopkins, Ram Dass,East Forest
Headache by The Beginning of the End
Sonata for piano 4 hands in C Major,K.19d (Allegro) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
What Does your Soul Look like Pt.4 by DJ Shadow
Dr.Gizmo (Detroit Mix) by Byron The Aquarius
Boy Don’t Waste My Time by Forzo
Talkin’Drums by Melé, Touré Kunda
Whispers by Dom 877
Salomé Grouard was Digital Editor and Front & Female Content Lead at Tatler Hong Kong. Primarily focused on managing Tatler Hong Kong’s digital platform and content, she also covers gender equality, the music scene and sports through interviews with industry leaders, experts and trendsetters.
Interview highlights include renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, Korean actor Park Seo Jun, singer Jorja Smith, Chinese TV host Yue-Sai Kan, YouTuber Kimono Mom, Japanese rapper Awich, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter Mikey Musumeci.
She has also produced stories on revolutionising sexual wellness in Asia, activism within the surfing community, Asian trans musicians reclaiming their narratives through music and looked at the toxicity of gym culture through the lens of the plus-size community. She also covers music festivals, such as Hong Kong’s Clockenflap and Bali’s Suara.
