This 14-Year-Old Delaware Native Rocked Firefly Festival

Photos Courtesy of DJ Sophia Rocks / by David Clayton

Delaware’s own 14-year-old DJ Sophia Rocks impressed crowds as the youngest performer ever to take the stage at Firefly Music Festival.

“Today I am taking you all on a musical journey!” 

So said DJ Sophia Rocks, the 14-year-old phenom from Dover, who rocked the Firefly Festival Saturday afternoon as the weekend’s sole local performer. 

Sporting pigtails and a contagious smile, the teen soaked in the good vibes as the youngest performer in the 10-year history of the festival. 

- Advertisement -

From atop the Pavillion Stage, DJ Sophia Rocks scratched and spun through an eclectic 45-minute set, oscillating from N.O.R.E. to Kanye to Queen to Smash Mouth. The crowd, which included many of the DJ’s friends and family (including her 5th grade music teacher), showed ample appreciation.

We caught up with the Caesar Rodney High School student (on social @djsophiarocks) immediately after her set. 

How do you feel?

It was first time with a lot of my friends and family being able to support me live. The big love, the live crowd, I recognized a lot of people in the crowd. It was really crazy, I had a really good time when everybody was interacting. Really good experience for my first time. 

How did this compare to some other big shows you’ve played?

Normally if this wasn’t in Delaware, it might’ve been another gig. Since I’m so local, it will definitely stay with me forever. 

What does it mean to you to be holding it down for Delaware at Firefly this weekend?

It’s motivating. People from Delaware look up to me and are confident in me. Delaware is a small state, so having that loving hometown support is so great. 

- Partner Content -

Tell me a little about the fundraising efforts you have going on.

The money we raised, we gave out reduced tickets to Caesar Rodney students and staff, and the money we raised will help out families in need around our community.

How did you get into DJing?

Started around two as kind of a cute joke. Then it was a once-in-a-while thing, then a hobby, and then I’m practicing every day in my room. So I’d say by age five-six, I started really wanting to do this. My dad asked me if I wanted to do an event. It was at a school–not my school, but still with kids my age–so it was cool to perform for them. To see their smiles and having a great time, it really motivated me to keep going. 

At the end of that first event, some girls came up and asked for my autograph. I thought, “is it going to be like this all the time?!” 

Do you tend to surprise people who might not know what to expect from a young performer? 

It happens all the time. Even when I was younger, at smaller events, people might not take me seriously. Like, who’s this little girl behind these big turntables? But now more people know me, or expect something of me. 

How much time do you spend practicing your sets, your techniques, etc.?

Every day, I spend 2-3 hours. I used to get up before school and practice for a few hours, but I transferred those hours to later in the day so I can get a little more sleep before school. For Firefly, of course I practiced more. But I do still make time to hang out with my friends and stuff. 

- Advertisement -

I definitely want to play something for everybody so everybody can have a good time and enjoy it. 

You’ve performed with and for some famous people. Any star-struck experiences?

The first big artist I met was Chris Brown. I listen to his music all the time, one of my favorite artists. So when he first walked into the room I was like [*subdued screaming noises*] … definitely fan-girling a little bit. But once you’re around [celebrities] for a while, it gets okay.

Related: Avery MacGuinness Crafts One-of-a-Kind Dresses out of Book Pages

Our Best of Delaware Readers' Ballot is open through January 8!

Holiday flash sale ... subscribe and save 50%

Limited time offer. New subscribers only.