By Michael Milano, for The Hollywood Times
Napa Valley, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/9/25 – As the sun dipped behind the vines at BottleRock 2025, I caught up with Bay Area favorite DJ Umami just after her culinary-meets-music set lit up the Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage. Known for effortlessly blending hip-hop, R&B, and Bay pride into her sets, DJ Umami brings as much flavor to the stage as the chefs beside her.
She had just shared the spotlight with a celebrity chef slicing sashimi so fresh it nearly danced off the plate. “We couldn’t keep our eyes off it,” she laughed. “It was still kind of moving after the head was chopped off and the mouth was still moving. That was incredible.”
Food is a unique part of DJ Umami’s experience at BottleRock, and she’s not just spinning records—she’s sampling Michelin-level bites in real time. “Friday someone made salmon, and I got a bite before they took it away,” she recalled. “I’m always like, ‘Beat me to it.’ Usually, I’m in the background doing music for the chefs and artists, so it’s a treat to be up there.”
When it comes to her music, every set is curated with intention. “It usually corresponds to whether there’s a guest,” she explained. “The stage manager tells me each artist’s walk-up song. If there isn’t one, I pick a vibe track or their biggest hit.” One standout moment this year was actress Kate Hudson singing live as DJ Umami dropped one of her own tracks— “Those artist-engagement moments are key,” she noted.
So, what makes BottleRock stand apart from other festivals? “This festival is such a vibe,” she said, smiling. “The food is outstanding, and the lineup is always top-notch. It’s comfortable—I can wear my best shoes without worrying about mud. It feels safe and welcoming, even for families. The hospitality is incredible.”
Many fans know DJ Umami from her high-energy weekend sets at San Francisco Giants games, and that connection has deep roots. “I used to DJ for the Warriors’ game-night after-parties from 2015 to 2017. When the Warriors’ VP of Game Ops moved to the Giants, he asked me to sub in. After the pandemic, they offered me the residency. It’s been an honor.”
And what’s next for the Bay Area’s go-to vibe curator? “You’ll catch me with Jazzy Jeff happening July 26th at the Phoenix Hotel in SF. And at all the Giants’ weekend games and weekday evening home games, and potentially at Outside Lands,” she shared. “I also host ‘Orange Friday’ on Star 103 FM every Friday night from 10–11 PM.”
From stadium crowds to sushi on stage, DJ Umami is a festival mainstay who knows how to read the room, drop the beat, and stay hungry—both musically and literally.
Michael Milano is a contributing editor at The Hollywood Times covering music, festivals, and emerging artists across California.
