What was your first big break as a DJ? Do you feel like being a woman made it any harder, easier, or just different?
Moving to London from Birmingham! The styles of music that I like to DJ and spin are received better here. Being given the opportunity to go on NTS radio was a great thing for me as the type of listeners they have are more open-minded. From that, I've had a couple more gigs with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Also, playing at Night Tales in Hackney was so cool and gave me the experience I’ve always wanted as a DJ.
The music industry is still very male-dominated in many ways. What's one change you would like to see improve in your space with female music?
Being given more of a chance. Just because we're females doesn't mean we don't understand things… especially in male-dominated genres such as house and deep house, which I tend to spin. So, if you could take us a bit more seriously, that would be amazing.
Have you found support from other women in the industry? Are there any specific female mentors or collectors that helped you along the way?
There's Keyrah, who’s a prominent female DJ in the London circuit right now, she’s doing bits. Before I wanted to move here, she was very encouraging in saying that it would be a good opportunity for me, as good things will happen in the right environment. She's been very influential and I’m now getting gigs and starting to make moves as a DJ.
What's one thing you wish club festival creators considered when booking females?
Give us the same respect as the male DJs that they book. Also, knowing that there are protocols and things in place if we do feel unsafe while we're DJing, which is unfortunately true. If we know there's something we can fall back on, or a go-to contact with us on the night, that can make DJing a more positive and better experience.
If you could create a one-night, all-female line-up at your favourite venue, who of the three artists would DJ alongside you?
What a question! One would be Jenifa Mayanja (@jenifamayanja), a New York Deep House DJ from Uganda. She’s very prominent in the Deep House scene, especially in the 90s - I would love to have her on the lineup. I would also love to have Ash Lauryn (@ash_lauryn_), I'm really excited to see her at the Brooklyn Festival soon. Then the last DJ I would have is Mia Koden (@miakoden), she's flipping amazing. Her productions, her ear, her approach to her sets… amazing. I would love to meet her and have her on the line-up, that would be one to remember.
What's the most annoying assumption people make about female DJs…
is that we're not as good. Simple.
Best song to open a set with?
Oh my gosh. There is a track called What You See in Me by The Jewels and Cassie.
Best song to end a set with?
God Made Me Funky, extended mix.
Club or festival?
Club.
Best venue you’ve played?
Night Tales - Hackney.
One word to describe the feeling of being behind the decks?
Euphoric.
One female artist everyone should be listening to right now?
Cleo Sol.
What's one goal you've set yourself in 2025 that you're really excited about?
Getting myself more out there. Bigging myself up and knowing that I belong in spaces that I may not think I deserve to be in. I came here for a reason and I’m being booked for a reason because I have something to offer. I'm not holding back anymore. I didn't move to London for nothing and things have to happen for me. That's my goal.
If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice for your career, what would it be?
Hold on, it gets better.
