Abby Nurock - Vinyl, Authenticity and the Art of DJing

Abby Nurock

A Career Built on Instinct, Taste and Vinyl

For more than 20 years, Abby Nurock has helped shape South Africa’s electronic music scene through authentic DJing and vinyl culture. Abby Nurock has built an international reputation by trusting her instincts and creating carefully considered musical journeys.

Her DJ career began in 2002, when she first stepped behind Technics SL-1210 turntables. Since then, she has remained a strictly vinyl-only DJ, combining house, electro, disco, techno, and breakbeats into distinctive sets.

Her influence also extends beyond the dancefloor through SAMP Records. As co-director, she helps preserve important South African releases on vinyl while introducing them to collectors and listeners worldwide.

After another significant year, Abby returns to Sound Press to discuss vinyl culture, career milestones, trusting your instincts, and the lasting importance of authenticity.

A Year of Change, Growth and Perspective

What happens when a DJ experiences both career highs and deeply personal challenges? For Abby, the past year brought an intense mixture of exhilarating performances, difficult moments, and personal reflection.

She describes the year as a non-stop whirlwind, filled with unforgettable gigs and disappointing experiences. Because DJing reflects her personality and emotional vulnerability, difficult performances can affect her deeply.

The loss of her father also changed her perspective and reminded her about the value of time. As a result, Abby now approaches opportunities more intentionally.

She focuses on bookings that match her values, direction, and appreciation for vinyl. She feels fortunate to perform in spaces that genuinely respect vinyl and trust her abilities as a selector.

“Every dance floor is different. My job is to read the room while staying true to the records I genuinely want to play.”

Career Highlights Beyond the Booth

The past year delivered several major professional milestones. Abby opened for Gerd Janson at Fabric and shared line-ups with Four Tet, Marcel Dettmann, and Gabrielle Kwarteng.

She also performed for the Bread4Soul crowds and appeared as a guest speaker and DJ on LP Giobbi’s FEMME HOUSE Radio. Abby admires the platform for creating opportunities and supporting underrepresented voices.

Away from performances, SAMP Records continues expanding its reach. The label introduces South African music to audiences across the world while giving important recordings new life.

For Abby, the year has centred on creative growth, choosing the right opportunities, and recognising that trusting her instincts often leads her in the right direction.

Preserving South African Music on Vinyl

What makes SAMP Records so important to South African music culture? The label continues preserving significant local music through carefully produced vinyl releases.

One major project is the 10-year anniversary vinyl edition of Jullian Gomes’ Late Dreamer. The album has become a modern South African house classic, making the vinyl edition particularly meaningful.

SAMP Records has also released:
•    Simphiwe Dana – Zandisile, presented as a beautifully remastered 2LP.
•    Zim Ngqawana – Zimphonic Suites.
•    Trompies – Sigiya Ngengoma, receiving its first life on vinyl.
•    De Mthuda – The Landlord, also receiving its first life on vinyl.

The catalogue reaches well beyond one genre. SAMP Records works across jazz, kwaito, amapiano, soulful house, and pop.

Every release requires detailed work, including licensing, historical research, audio restoration, and remastering. Seeing these records appreciated locally and discovered internationally makes that effort worthwhile.

Why Vinyl Still Matters

Why are more listeners returning to analogue music? Abby believes people increasingly want something tangible in an increasingly digital world.

Vinyl creates a more intentional listening experience. Selecting a record feels considered, while the physical format offers a different relationship with music.

She has also noticed growing interest from younger listeners. For Abby, that interest goes beyond trends. Many listeners appear to seek a deeper connection with music through analogue culture.

Her own experience reinforces that connection. Vinyl remains central to how she discovers, selects, and presents music.

Reading the Room Without Losing Your Sound

How does a vinyl-only DJ keep every performance fresh? Abby spends days or even weeks preparing records, but she never prepares a fixed set.

Every dancefloor demands something different. Her role involves reading the room while maintaining her own musical identity.

The booking also influences her approach. At a festival or underground club, she may push boundaries and take listeners somewhere unexpected.

A specific brand brief requires a different approach. In those situations, she respects the requested narrative while still bringing her personal sound to the performance.

For Abby, the essential principle remains simple: good music is good music. The challenge lies in responding to the audience without abandoning the records she genuinely wants to play.

Crate Digging Keeps the Discovery Alive

Where does a DJ with decades of musical knowledge continue finding new inspiration? Abby still considers crate digging one of her favourite tools.

She searches through:
•    Record stores
•    Vinyl fairs
•    Friends’ garages
•    Label catalogues
•    B-sides and overlooked releases

Sometimes a damaged record leads her towards an incredible acid or electro track. It can also introduce her to a producer she might never have discovered otherwise.

Abby often searches by label rather than producer or track. When she trusts a label and its sound, she feels comfortable taking a chance.

Her musical taste has evolved over the years. However, her approach remains open. If she loves a record, she will play it regardless of whether it arrived yesterday or 30 years ago.

What Comes Next for Abby?

The future looks busy for both Abby and SAMP Records. The label continues building momentum, with new releases already on the horizon.

The team also hopes to develop its own 12-inch compilation series and expand into digital releases alongside its vinyl projects.

Abby’s performances remain varied, covering festivals, clubs, and underground spaces. She encourages fans to follow her social channels for upcoming appearances.

Her final message extends beyond her own career. She encourages audiences to support the local scene, underground artists, friends, and risk-takers.

She also encourages people to spend less time on their phones and become more present. Trust the DJ to educate you, experience the music, and, most importantly, have a proper boogie.
“Trends come and go, but authenticity, professionalism, and trusting your own taste will always take you further than chasing clout.”