How do you approach creating a new track or preparing for a DJ set? Additionally, have you had any notable collaborations that have enriched your artistic journey?

Creating new tracks or prepping for a DJ set is all about following my instincts. I dive in impulsively, guided by a mix of intuition and my music taste. I don't stick to a plan, instead I am always ready to take a risk that could elevate the sound.

What advice would you give to any aspiring female DJs/producers? Are there any lessons you've learned that you wish someone had shared with you when you first started out?

Stay true to your unique sound and trust your gut. Ignore the noise and hype—originality is key. Resilience beats trends every time. Forge your own path!

Can you share a bit about the catalyst that first gave you the idea of starting a label? Is there anything we should expect in the future?

Launching my productions and first label 20 years ago was all about sharing groundbreaking sounds and creating a platform for innovative music. To celebrate this milestone, I am revisiting the classics—releasing a curated selection of my all-time favorite tracks, complete with fresh remakes and a stellar remix package from icons like Radio Slave, Cassy, Deetron, Scuba, Paramida, Jako Jako, and more on my current label Sous Music. Excited to share this evolution with you—it's a nod to the past with an eye on the future.

Is there anything that you wish to add on the importance of gender equality within the electronic music scene?

Gender equality in electronic music isn't just important; it's essential. We've got a long road ahead, but every step towards inclusivity makes our scene stronger.

What do you believe needs to happen within the music industry to achieve gender equity and inspire inclusion?

To achieve gender equality and promote inclusion in the music industry, we have to give priority to talent and quality of music over social media metric. In this regard, we should consider the quality of the music rather than its quantity, which means that age, sex, race, sexual orientation and country of origin will no longer be a hindrance. It is about diversity celebration and acknowledging individualism of every artist.

How do you approach creating a new track or preparing for a DJ set? Additionally, have you had any notable collaborations that have enriched your artistic journey?

In the studio I usually start with a simple drum pattern and the I move over to some chords. Usually whenI have the chords , the basslines writes itself. I only need to add a pad or stings or a vocal and voila, we have a tune.

When I prepare my DJ sets i always try to imagine the crowd. It s always a plus when I already played in a club or festival cause then I know how it goes or how the crowd would be. Sometimes you have them instantly hooked with your music and sometimes you need to work the crowd a bit until you have them where you want to have them.

What advice would you give to any aspiring female DJs/producers? Are there any lessons you've learned that you wish someone had shared with you when you first started out?

Do your thing and don't let anybody tell you " you need to be more sexy or arrogant etc" to succeed a as a DJ or musician. Also please never follow any trends but stay true to yourself.

Can you share a bit about the catalyst that first gave you the idea of starting a label? Is there anything we should expect in the future?

I'm just relaunching my 803 Crystal Grooves label after covid. Cause during Covid it took almost 12 months to receive your records and that s not so much fun. But now I'm excited to showcase new talents again.

But my first label Beste Modus was found in 2011 and it was a huge success. I just met a bunch of guys and they sent me tracks and I thought I really need to release those tunes... the rest is history.

Is there anything that you wish to add on the importance of gender equality within the electronic music scene?

Gender equality is important and it s good to push it more. It s nice to see that a lot of women are doing their thing now. I hope we can keep on pushing it in a healthy way.

What do you believe needs to happen within the music industry to achieve gender equity and inspire inclusion?

There is a lot that needs to be changed but unfortunately electronic music is now the new popmusic. And it comes with all the bad sides. We are now more paying attention to looks instead of the music. If we go more underground again then we can maybe fix gender equality but with the current pop music attitude it s getting harder and harder.

memorable moments :1996 Micky finn rewinding “Damn Right” At World Dance just after we’d given it to him to cut as a Dub. , 97-2001 touring USA with Jakes and Chickaboo including 1998 knowledge tour (that’s a whole book of memories, mostly amazing apart from 1999 Being stranded in Arizona with loads of Uk Djs after playing a massive gig on a ranch, The promoter went into hiding because apparently cowboys stole the takings ! But more happy memories in 1996/97 were Radio 1 performances …fast forward to 2017 creating Xtraordinary League of Junglist Albums , with accompanying comic , double vinyl and cd , 2019 Sonic Stage at Glasto before Shy Fx, 2022 headlining harbourside festival , 2023, closing mainstage Saturday at Hospitality on the beach in Croatia plus Ruffneck Ting Boat Party, Ruffneck Ting on Arcadia, headlining Shindig Speigel Tent , 2024 Welcome to the Jungle LP and support for current Ruffneck release!

How do you approach creating a new track or preparing for a DJ set? Additionally, have you had any notable collaborations that have enriched your artistic journey?

DJ SETS – spend hours downloading tunes that I've been sent either for the label submissions or as promos. Pick my favourites then work out which ones go with new tunes that I've made (generally to disguise the fact that I haven't mixed them down properly but I really want to play them 'cause they are new and that's what gives me the buzz of playing a set every time, even after all these years) Arrange the music in Rekord box for hours, then hours more on the decks. (I have a comedy Tik Tok that shows you my exact process)

PRODUCTION: Get inspired by a sound, break, remix or bootleg , play around with bass sounds in serum, add layers of sounds, fx, music , fat kick and snare, lots of bussing and parallel processing, make a loop with everything working , smash out an arrangement, play it out in the mix for a year , then decide I need to change it completely about three times and eventually release after the ten thousandth mixdown. Sometimes the process is faster if I don’t have time to start doubting and a release is for another label. Also if I’m co-labbing with people, in particular Jinx or Euphonique as they work much more methodically and decisively than me!

What advice would you give to any aspiring female DJs/producers? Are there any lessons you've learned that you wish someone had shared with you when you first started out?

Advice : Success comes if you have a genuine reason for doing it, what are you bringing to the sound? What do you want to be known for, what are your musical values ? Learn the history of that music, and value your crew and their support if you are lucky to have it . Lesson: keep making plans and goals, manage time properly.

Can you share a bit about the catalyst that first gave you the idea of starting a label? Is there anything we should expect in the future?

I started the label with Markee Substance two years after we started the club in 93, for the same reason : we wanted to hear more jungle ! We naturally found our sound, which seemed to work on the dancefloor at Ruffneck Ting and we got a P&D deal with Vinyl Distribution in Reading. We just wanted to create and contribute and that’s still what I’m doing 30 years later . Obviously I’m now running the label as mostly digital releases but the ethos is still the same. We have lots of samplers dropping this year leading up to the third Xtraordinary League of Junglists LP . There will be some interesting physical merch going with that as we have a very imaginative artist Ste Wright who’ll be coming with some surprises! Obviously its Ruffneck Business all the way with the music – warm rollers / jump up- jungle hybrid, lots of my own tracks and classic Ruffneck producers, K Jah, Jinx, Vytol, The Force Euphonique plus a lot of new artists such as Jungle Industry and Jenni Groves to name a few.

Is there anything that you wish to add on the importance of gender equality within the electronic music scene?

It would be nice to see more equality with headline acts and while there are far less less “token”, “room 2” or “ladies Nights” there are still some events that look very unbalanced. I don’t think anyone should be booked because they tick a box but its clear more promoters need to learn about the skills people who don’t identify as male, actually have.

What do you believe needs to happen within the music industry to achieve gender equity and inspire inclusion?

There’s still a long way to go with not just gender equality but representation of all people of all backgrounds involved in or supporting music as its audience. We’ve literally just had this conversation at a Q&A run by The Cause Bristol and supported by Dave Columbo Jenkins (one More thing) Part of the solution would be to bring back funding for youth clubs, and youth music in less affluent and inner-city areas , music colleges and unis should run scholarships for underrepresented groups, more conversations must be had, there needs to be more diversity in event management and venues stop trying to block music that doesn’t attract their preferred demographic.

How do you approach creating a new track or preparing for a DJ set? Additionally, have you had any notable collaborations that have enriched your artistic journey?

I practice hard, every set, editing records and making sure Im playing a great set that flows. Then I throw it all away and just do what feels right on the dancefloor.

I approach making tracks very methodically. I take my time, often working on a track for 5-6 hours then leaving it alone for 2 weeks to return with perspective, something I learned the hard way, not to rush. I always strive to make timeless tracks, not whatever is 'in' I want them to sound amazing in 15 years to someone who has never heard it.

Collabs too many to mention, but here are a few, outside of drum and bass I played alongside with David Bowie/Greenday/Seal and in House music DJ Sneak, Eric Morrillo, Tydi and in DnB my last track was with General Levy to name just a few...

What advice would you give to any aspiring female DJs/producers? Are there any lessons you've learned that you wish someone had shared with you when you first started out?

Save money and invest when your young and leave it alone to grow. Learn about index funds. It's hard to make a living from music. Only a few manage to have a long career in this business.

Be original, make your own sound, leave no stone unturned with production, and learn it backward forward, you will never be bored or lonely when you're a producer, there is always something to learn!

Can you share a bit about the catalyst that first gave you the idea of starting a label? Is there anything we should expect in the future?

LOL I was sick of not getting paid for my records that I released. That's why I started PROPA TALENT. I release every 6 weeks, so expect more music coming your way!

Next single is with the talented vocalist David Boomah, called 'Let It All Go' Out March 8 2024.

I also have House releases coming out on Shaboom Records this year.

Is there anything that you wish to add on the importance of gender equality within the electronic music scene?

I don't believe in it. I believe you should be judged on your merits not to fill a quota. Make badass tracks, you'll get the attention you deserve. Life isn't fair, I just ignore anyone who says I can't or tries to stop me. I'm still standing after 35 years and loving every minute of it.

What do you believe needs to happen within the music industry to achieve gender equity and inspire inclusion?

See answer above. If you want to be taken seriously, then get serious with your production...Focus on your abilities rather than your Gender, take your work seriously, always act professionally, don't be a sheep, you'll get there.

How do you approach creating a new track or preparing for a DJ set? Additionally, have you had any notable collaborations that have enriched your artistic journey?

I'm so lucky to have had many amazing collabs along the way, Hank Shocklee mentored me and was exec producer on my album DVA (It means 2 in Czech, not Diva) Pinch, Marcel Dettmann, Horace Andy (Massive Attack), Jim Barr (Portishead), Liela Moss (Duke Spirit), Robert Ames (LCO), some of the biggest planetariums in Europe, Stephen Schmidt who is the Creator of Reaktor and Founder of Native Instruments, Mike Dalliot who is the creator of the synth Massive, most recently Sound Designer Drew Schlesinger who we are releasing on my label, Katta who creates insane organ music from her Church in Prag, Eomac who made Techno from Water sounds, The Exaltics who I made many amazing beats with, it's truly inspiring for me to be able to release music of other artists who inspire me too. I love running my label and studio very much. I approach creating a new track by starting with a lot of coffee and thinking about how I really should fix the lighting in my studio because it's too dark to see my synth parameters easily... Then at some point I get down to it.

What advice would you give to any aspiring female DJs/producers? Are there any lessons you've learned that you wish someone had shared with you when you first started out?

There are many rude people in music, often they are rude because they just are, it's rarely because you are a women. They will be rude to anyone they encounter who they think are not important and smaller than they are. Focus on the music, through this it's possible to make some absolutely incredible connections, friendships, soulmates..

Can you share a bit about the catalyst that first gave you the idea of starting a label? Is there anything we should expect in the future?

After testing many many things out with my own releases and building a really solid team and structure around what I do - it became the next step for me - to share everything I've built with other artists, especially ones that inspire me with their own sound worlds and unique visions. It's really something special when an artist you admire, trusts you with their music. And together you can figure out what's at the heart of it all and what you'd like to share with people and give people as a musical experience. I do everything project by project, I have a few templates saved in Canva for press releases and social media stuff, but other than this, each artist gets 100% undivided attention and I am happy to work on what ever it is they feel is really important to make. The artists lead the way, it's such a pleasure for me, and often a much welcomed art holiday from thinking about my own productions. Emika Records is an extension to the way I do things with my music, free-spirited and always chasing the next new idea and fresh sound. My next album is called Haze coming in the Spring. It's my own take on the Future Garage genre.

What do you believe needs to happen within the music industry to achieve gender equity and inspire inclusion?

I am concerned that such goals overlook the most important parts concerning talent, artistic vision and good music. So much of the way music organisations work are formed around friendship circles and understanding within intimate shared creative spaces. It's not easy to deconstruct this very nature and change everything because a HR department comes in and moves people around. People are rarely happy in this type of set up let alone create anything ground-breaking in terms of creativity. It's not a fair world, it's run by incredibly conservative type people who are good with numbers not art, and it will most probably never have the commercial incentives to want to change in a big way, just look over-all at how little all artists are paid through our current streaming models. Artists themselves are not really included in big tech development decisions. So perhaps when music starts to be more valued, other important parts of gender equity will be considered too. Being independent and free from many of the constraints of typical music business is a great way to develop ones own ideals and find like-minded people to grow with.

Sonnendeck-Fusion Gig 2022. After Corona and all the culture lockdowns this was healing. I couldn't play for so long and had depressive episodes before.

Here is what I posted on Instagram:

CN: mental illness, eating disorder, society pressure

- I was on vacation and then there was Fusion Festival -

A few years ago I posted this picture of me during a vacation, because I liked it and had a good time. It’s been really hot and I made a big exception: I showed my legs. I hardly ever do that. Only a few minutes after posting, I deleted that picture. Because I thought I am too fat and my legs are too ugly and pale to actively show myself like that on social media and disgust people. Why is that? Society told me. People told me. Media told me. From a young age on I’ve been told a lot of times, that I am not pretty enough to be on stage. From a young age on I had friends, that had serious eating disorders. One of them even died. From a young age on beauty standards are fucking my mind.

Thank you patriarchy, thank you male gaze, thank you poisoned minds of all genders, thank you sick system, thank you to myself, I was and am part of this shitshow and not proud of it. It’s not always easy to unlearn.

The one time I did not wear long pants or leggings at Fusion festival, I was nervous. When I left my tent, another woman from our camp looked at my legs and said a little too loud “Oh your legs look weird” Maybe because I have scars from an accident, maybe because they did not look like in a magazine. I immediately was hiding my body again. Many years have passed since then. This year it was sooo hot when I had my gig at Fusion. I brought leggings to the stage to put them on before I go up to play this huge gig. A friend, who knows about my insecurities, said to me “Do you seriously want to wear that? It’s so hot, you should enjoy your gig and not sweat right away. And you are behind the booth anyways. No one will see your legs.” That’s right I thought. So I went up there with shorts, had the gig of my life and no one saw my complex-me. Because I was diving into that set. It felt so great! It was perfect.

And then something happened I wasn’t prepared for at the end of my set, even though I know the procedure at big stages. I just forgot due to being nervous before playing.

The technicians came up to me and said “You and your friends need to go upfront stage like…. now, when your last track is playing. We need to roll away your booth and set up the liveset of your colleague playing after you.” I thought I cant do that, that means I have to show my whole body and all my insecurities to a big crowd and I was so not ready for this. “Do I have to go there? In the front of the stage?” I asked. And the technician said something like “The alternative would be to leave the stage and go behind when you are not even done. You don’t want that. Go up there, have fun.”

So I put on the last track, so I went up there with my friends dancing to a german song called “I love life”. Dancing away the insecurities for this moment with a big crowd cheering and friends supporting me. Thank you for that. Thank you so much! For me that was a really big thing and only few people knew why to this point. It was one more step towards healing to make an experience like this.

And a Fusion-Gig means a lot to me, I kind of grew up there.

What a combination.

I know some people can not relate at all to this story. But I also know that a lot of can. And now just imagine how much more energy female artists could put into their work, if they would have their head free of this bullshit. Just imagine what this would mean to every woman to be free of this pressure and to be valued for what a person she is and not how she looks. Just imagine! It blows my mind…

Let’s do our part. #smashpatriarchy

How do you approach creating a new track or preparing for a DJ set? Additionally, have you had any notable collaborations that have enriched your artistic journey?

I think i do not have an exact workflow. I am having trouble to describe that. Producing comes with the flow and of course time resources. Right now I am working on a great Storytelling-Podcast-Sound-Design Project with my mate and well respected colleague Stephan Zovsky for ARD/MDR. We had a collaboration with the MDR Sinfonie Orchestra and choir. It was exciting to see the written scores of our tracks and the choir and the strings were recorded live for us in an impressive studio and concert hall. Usually we sit in a small studio by ourselves and are only surrounded by plugins and synths :)

The podcast series will be released in May and its an important and historical subject concerning the GDR, that will be discussed from a feminist perspective. This much I can tell. I am honored to be part of that and you shouldn't miss the release!

When it comes to dj sets. I put the promos I liked and music I digged in month-folders and put them in order into "blocks" and "moods" and try them out in the upcoming gigs. Some of the tracks make it to my alltimefavorites and become signature-tracks.

My artistic journey was also enriched by the "Call me Dj" ARD Kultur Documentary by Rosanna Grüter from Switzerland. I was part of it and through this whole series I felt finally seen, how it feels to be a woman in this scene. Its still online. Go watch it! (Link in my Linktree https://linktr.ee/judithvanwaterkant)

What advice would you give to any aspiring female DJs/producers? Are there any lessons you've learned that you wish someone had shared with you when you first started out?

Practice practice practice, digg digg digg. Know your tracks well and avoid weird surprising moments while you play them. The quality of the tracks should be very good. If you play a ripped youtubevideosound in between, the bigger soundsystems will not male you look good. What works at home on the small controller, sounds awful in the club or festival-stage. Know the equipment. If you have not the possibility to get to know the club equipment in a relaxed setting, youtube-tutorials can help nowadays. If you play an opening slot, you could for example ask, if you are allowed to come earlier to practice half an hour before. Learn how to beatmatch. I think there is nothing wrong to use the synchbutton, it was build in there. But sometimes the equipment is on strike and not linked.

Play b2b sets once in a while. This way you can explore new tracks and mixing techniques by others. Upload a live recorded set. A lot of podcasts are beautiful, but not representative. With a live recorded set from an actual event, booker and promoter know, that you are able to play in front of people and this is actually the biggest challenge for most people in the beginning of their career. It takes some guts to not fall apart because of being so nervous.

And if you don’t like the recording anymore you can always delete it. I deleted so many sets from earlier, because my mixing got so much better.

Wear clothes on stage you really feel comfortable in, so you can concentrate on the music instead of correcting your outfit permanently. Don’t play too loud, this is not fun at all on the dancefloor, talk to the technicsperson.

Don’t wait passively to be invited. Have in mind: there are now less events due to gentrification, inflation, capitalism and a lot more DJs who want to play since it got more easy and affordable to start djing (which is a good thing! Too long it was just the white cis man, that passed the other white cis male gatekeepers and had the resources and money to create music and dj with vinyl. Therefore I hate this debate about just talent, when it comes to artists. It’s also a question of classism and other discrimination forms)

Another development I watch since events are possible with/after Corona again is, that a lot of people just ask to play, but do not participate in any activity in creating events or supporting event structures :'(

For me an event is a collective thing. It’s a „we“ and not an „I“. And I know it’s not easy to just magically hit it off with own events. It took me decades to host events myself because I did not have the confidence earlier. I learned it and opened doors with crews and every other job it needs to make an event possible.

I want to encourage, besides performing, to learn how events work, create them yourself if aou can, next to the stuff already existing, mostly in men’s hands. So we can invite each other ;) Because to do this all by yourself can get lonely and frustrating, go ahead and network and become part of a crew.

Do not compare yourself to other artists. We tend to compare bottom up and become frustrated (why is xy playing here and there and not me?) I do that too. It helps me to remember then to compare myself only with myself. At which point was I a year ago? Was there a development? We are often our biggest critics and hard to ourselves. It helps to ask: would I be this hard to a good friend in the same situation. My answer is always “no”. And then I try to be more kind to myself.

Most important I think: network with other woman. We have to unlearn to be competitors like patriarchy taught us. We should support each other to learn and unlearn. Each one teach one! Form gangs!

I wish someone would have told me all of this. It’s a little healing to pass this on to the younger woman. But there is also sadness in me, that I went through a lot of pain to be finally there, where I always wanted to be. It needs healing.

Is there anything that you wish to add on the importance of gender equality within the electronic music scene?

We still have a lot of work to do. The things, that developed to the better, concerning diversity in the music scene, were not a miracle like some people make it seem it was hard work, deprivation, a lot of pain and tears. I actually paid with my mental health for this. I know women who left this scene.

To all the women fighting: I see you and I appreciate you!

Also I wish, that female artists see each other as supportive colleagues and not competitors like we have been taught by patriarchy. Lets be sisters.

What do you believe needs to happen within the music industry to achieve gender equity and inspire inclusion?

We have to understand, that the goal is not only to have more divers lineups. We also need more women and BIPOC in other positions of charge. We need fair payment.

You are not done, when you for example put a woman in the opening slot of your event. lets have a look who makes the decisions like booking, who has the resources and who owns the clubs and labels, where does the money go: its almost all men. This has to change.

Thank you to the allies and my female colleagues who do their part for the change of the better!

How do you approach creating a new track or preparing for a DJ set? Additionally, have you had any notable collaborations that have enriched your artistic journey?

I use hardware in my studio and usually start with sound design sessions, field recordings, sampling instruments as well as my voice and then have these ready as a pallette to start with so I can get going pretty easily with creating ideas. The next step is jamming on the machines until an idea comes through and then I will expand, develop it as far as I can on the machines; create variations and then it's time to record into ableton where I will structure, mix and do some post production,

What advice would you give to any aspiring female DJs/producers? Are there any lessons you've learned that you wish someone had shared with you when you first started out?

Follow your heart! Don't pay attention to what others are doing or what's on trend. As a woman you are blessed with great intuition so use it! That's what being creative is all about. Once you get over the technical hurdles by showing up and putting in the hours, then the fun begins and the magic happens.

Can you share a bit about the catalyst that first gave you the idea of starting a label? Is there anything we should expect in the future?

I started my label during the pandemic, when there was so much uncertainty about the future and it gave me so much hope in a difficult time. The label allowed me to continue to have an output and was / is something that I have full control over.

How do you approach creating a new track or preparing for a DJ set? Additionally, have you had any notable collaborations that have enriched your artistic journey?

I usually begin new tracks with the melody first - definitely a product of my classical music upbringing. A lot of times I hear the melodic idea or chord progression in my dreams, or while walking around the city, or riding the subway… my iPhone is filled with voice notes of me humming musical ideas that I save to work on later.

In terms of creative collaborations that have impacted me, that’s an easy one. Collaborating with Tenesha The Wordsmith has been the most inspiring, fluid, and natural musical partnerships that I’ve embarked on. Her poetry is so poignant that it challenges me to bring my best to do her words justice. Right now, we’re working on her next solo studio album, which I have the immense privilege of executive producing! We’ll be performing together more this year as well.

What advice would you give to any aspiring female DJs/producers? Are there any lessons you've learned that you wish someone had shared with you when you first started out?

I’ve been asked this a lot over the years, and honestly what I wish I had heard when I started as a DJ was encouragement to take care of my mental health. Just being in nightlife brings so many challenges, from inconsistent sleep schedules, being overbooked and overworked to make ends meet, the normalization of substance and alcohol consumption…. and when you add some of the hardships that are exclusive to being a woman in a male-dominated spaces on top of an already challenging lifestyle, it can effect you in ways you don’t pick up on, sometimes not until many years after the fact. Before COVID and the lockdown of 2020, I was so laser-focused on doing the most for my career, but during that time I was forced to slow down and be still. That’s when I realized just how much I had been neglecting my own physical and mental health. Not everyone has access to affordable health care, especially in the U.S,, but I always suggest to new female DJs that they know what their support system is to help keep them grounded, whether its friends they can talk to that aren’t in the scene, therapy, journaling, sleeping, eating healthy, etc.

Can you share a bit about the catalyst that first gave you the idea of starting a label? Is there anything we should expect in the future?

Starting my own label was always a dream, but back in 2019 is when things finally started to crystallize. I played at Love Long Beach festival that summer and after my set, two younger girls came up to me and were so excited to meet me and were asking when I was releasing new music, what was next, talking about what songs of mine they put on in the car… It was one of those moments that reminded me that there are a lot of people, especially young women, who were inspired by what I was doing and rooting for me. That day I swore I was going to start my label, and November of next year is when I put out my first release.

What do you believe needs to happen within the music industry to achieve gender equity and inspire inclusion?

To continue to inspire equity and inclusion, I think we have to remove the barriers that keep not only women, but queer, LBGTQIA+ and BIPOC people, from thriving in nightlife. I alluded to this before, but being a women in a cis male dominated space comes with its own sets of challenges and conflicts, and is frankly flat-out dangerous and scary at times. How can artists be expected to flourish and have long, fulfilling careers in spaces that can evoke fear and be the breeding ground of trauma? Fear often hinders the ability to access vulnerability that makes for a lot of wonderful art. I’m truly thankful that there are spaces now in NYC that prioritizing creating a safe space for everyone and have staff on hand to swiftly address sexism, racism, homophobia, and any intolerance that artists and dancers may have to face - this is definitely an important evolution in nightlife. And of course, the most obvious way to inspire inclusion is to book more diverse lineups! There are so many amazing artists whose voices need to be heard!

How do you approach creating a new track or preparing for a DJ set? Additionally, have you had any notable collaborations that have enriched your artistic journey?

As I’m digging and organizing music on a regular basis, I can pretty much be ready to play any gig at any given time, just from browsing through the different particular playlists I have, ordered by energy / atmosphere with poetic names.

Still, I love to create unique playlists for each gig. mainly selecting all the tracks from my most recent finds that would fit the event, so I can present the freshest music possible. Then I explore further in my library to pull out some older forgotten gems to complement. (About 300 to 400 tracks total in general).

I very carefully prepare this selection ahead so I can completely improvise in the moment. Before I start playing, I have no idea where the music will take me, which 30-40 tracks I will end up playing and in what order. I really want to be able to present the most diverse, varied and unexpected sets I can, telling totally different stories each time, this is what excites me most.

What advice would you give to any aspiring female DJs/producers? Are there any lessons you've learned that you wish someone had shared with you when you first started out?

Believe in yourself!! You absolutely can do it and there is room for you in this music world!! You have something unique to transmit, it needs to be shared!!

How do you approach creating a new track or preparing for a DJ set? Additionally, have you had any notable collaborations that have enriched your artistic journey?

I never force myself to make music, I do it when I feel like it. I rarely have something specific in mind when I start a project, I just go with the flow and my mood of the moment. Regarding DJ sets, I spend at least one day a week digging for music. I always prepare a playlist for every event I play at, 50-100 tracks that could fit the vibe.

What advice would you give to any aspiring female DJs/producers? Are there any lessons you've learned that you wish someone had shared with you when you first started out?

Focus on the music. Work to gain respect, stay classy, be patient and consistent. Network, develop your music culture, be humble, always. Don't rush into things, don't release anything you're not 100% certain of, don't compare yourself to others, it's not a race.

Can you share a bit about the catalyst that first gave you the idea of starting a label? Is there anything we should expect in the future?

Sirus Hood and I started Mood Child after the Pandemic. It started with Mood Edits, limited series of Edits on Bandcamp where we created our own solid community of supporters. We then launched the label, with original music. Today, we do parties at Hi Ibiza, Lovefest, Unum Festival, Elrow, and we release original music from artists like Nick Curly, DJ Sneak, Yaya, Malikk etc

How do you approach creating a new track or preparing for a DJ set? Additionally, have you had any notable collaborations that have enriched your artistic journey?

When creating a new track or set - I look at what’s been working well/ I’ve been enjoying recently, combined with my favourite tracks from a variety of labels for inspiration. I practice a set a couple of times before recording or playing live - I never play the exact set list but it helps me feel confident and find a nice journey & interesting transitions through my mixing. Working with my brother Jack and friends Funk Cartel on my production has greatly improved my skills and given me trusted ears to give me feedback on my tracks - which is so important throughout the process!

What advice would you give to any aspiring female DJs/producers? Are there any lessons you've learned that you wish someone had shared with you when you first started out?

I think my number 1 bit of advice is that everyone’s journey is different and it’s not useful to compare yourselves to others but to take inspiration from those you look up to - remember it’s a journey to enjoy not a race to get somewhere. Consistency, hard work and being nice will all pay off. Also - I think there’s been a lot of pressure recently to find “your sound”, which is important but not something to get stressed about. Remember that your sound can still include diversity - DJs at the top of their game like Skream or Eats Everything are great examples of this.

Can you share a bit about the catalyst that first gave you the idea of starting a label? Is there anything we should expect in the future?

We caught up with Lady Of The House founder Laila Mckenzie to learn more about LOTH’s Labels origin story, she said "In all honesty the label as it unfolded seamlessly in perfect timing and purpose. I believe in the philosophy that crises breed opportunities, and in times of need, solutions emerge and I do believe the music industry has been in a state of crisis and that there is a real need for Lady of the House. Launching the label post pandemic was the perfect time as there has been a transformative shift, with a growing openness to individuals from diverse backgrounds - I think people have been more conscious of this so the launch of the label was really welcomed because of the time it was launched.

The Lady of the House label emerged from this period, driven by the positive energy of the initiative and a commitment to addressing the industry's genuine needs. In its first year, the label has flourished with 17 releases, a testament to the transformative power of conscious, purpose-driven action.

Is there anything that you wish to add on the importance of gender equality within the electronic music scene?

Laila Mckenzie: Women have been the backbone of dance music and the industry driven by it, from the vocalists, to the label owners, from the managers to the booking agents, from the promoters to the club owners we have always been at the forefront yet we still face barriers and it’s exhausting. It shouldn’t be that way because that’s not the way it started, the roots of Dance Music - Disco and House music originated from the US and from marginalised communities of Latino, Black, and gay individuals who lacked spaces of their own....the music has always been inclusive, the scene has always been inclusive....it has been the business that hasn't and the business should always respect the roots....as the late great Godfather of House Frankie Knuckles (RIP) said - The minute you think you're greater than the music, you're finished.

What do you believe needs to happen within the music industry to achieve gender equity and inspire inclusion?

LOTHs Founder Laila Mckenzie states, "Our manifesto at Lady Of The House is to celebrate, champion and honour women in dance music and beyond. We celebrate by shouting about their successes and achievements, giving the deserved respect and credit to women who were not being publicly celebrated for their work and impact on Dance Music. A key example of how we celebrate is the book and the amazing success stories featured within its pages. Celebrating is our first and most important pillar by celebrating the achievements we make as women and non-binary people and recognising/crediting their efforts which increase the confidence and general well-being of our community leading to more positive output and further visibility. This is a blueprint for future generations so they can look to the success of their predecessors and have role models who will inspire and motivate them".

How do you approach creating a new track or preparing for a DJ set? Additionally, have you had any notable collaborations that have enriched your artistic journey?

I try to feel my way into the room and if I don't know the place yet, I sometimes make two different set lists. one that is a little more forward and one that is a little more dignified. My collaborations with the artist Maltitz was really nice for me because he has a really creative mind and we can inspire each other with our madness in the studio.

What advice would you give to any aspiring female DJs/producers? Are there any lessons you've learned that you wish someone had shared with you when you first started out?

Try not to neglect producing!

Can you share a bit about the catalyst that first gave you the idea of starting a label? Is there anything we should expect in the future?

As a young artist, I found it quite difficult to get noticed by a larger label. I wanted a platform so that I could publish the music of myself and my friends.

My label should be a platform for young talents who also like to make a bit of strange music.

I like it when it's a little out of the box.

Is there anything that you wish to add on the importance of gender equality within the electronic music scene?

There is still so much sexism in the scene. As a mother, I am often confronted with hate because I have a little kid and travel abroad regularly. I'm constantly asked if my daughter is okay and I feel like I'm often judged for it, usually by men. Woman often see me more like role model and give me a lot of positive vibes.

Of course, my male colleagues are often fathers too, but no one is surprised that they are constantly on the go. As long as we as female DJs are not accepted as mothers in our job, a career as a DJ will always be more difficult and stressful than for our male colleagues.

How do you approach creating a new track or preparing for a DJ set? Additionally, have you had any notable collaborations that have enriched your artistic journey?

If I want to start a new track I’ll find a sound or sample or take inspiration for something that sparks in me and I’ll try to recreate it. For example I’m working on a track atm that I heard a little snippet from a mix Dr Banana did and I was like… I want to make something like that and then comes the movement and sound process, or I’ll find a vocal sample or drum sample that could literally be a few seconds and then I instantly want to make a tune around it. In terms of DJ enrichment it’s mainly seeing others play, people like Chloe Caillet and Tash LC are super talented and inspire playing in new and different ways.

What advice would you give to any aspiring female DJs/producers? Are there any lessons you've learned that you wish someone had shared with you when you first started out?

Just do it, I spent so long procrastinating and scared and felt intimidated by learning a new skill or reaching out to people… you don’t ask you don’t get, and get to it!

Can you share a bit about the catalyst that first gave you the idea of starting a label? Is there anything we should expect in the future?

I basically just wanted to start putting out my tunes and having spoken to friends about the delays they’ve had in releasing because of scheduling and time tables from other labels I thought fuck that, if I want something out tomorrow I want something out tomorrow! I’m quite impulsive and less of a long term planner so I think of something and want to do it and that’s kind of what happened with the label. More releases and a comp to come.

Is there anything that you wish to add on the importance of gender equality within the electronic music scene?

We need more women working in venues, as agents and as managers because it’s still rough when you show up to a venue and you’re still getting spoken down to, or like not understanding about getting your artists home safe, we need way more women in the way of music full stop. That’s the only way we as women can thrive.

What do you believe needs to happen within the music industry to achieve gender equity and inspire inclusion?

More visibility, more inclusion, more equality across class, ability, race, etc. because it’s about intersectionality, you can’t have equality from just a small section of the battle.

How do you approach creating a new track or preparing for a DJ set? Additionally, have you had any notable collaborations that have enriched your artistic journey?

I make pre-made templates in Ableton so that when I get a creative brainwave I'm ready to hit the ground running in the studio! When preparing a DJ set I like to think about the time of day I'll be playing, what mood people will want, and also the best way to incorporate all my new dubs and exclusives!

Most notable collaboration has to be working and releasing with Kelsey. After our first single release we became such good friends and working partners that she became my official host/MC on 24hr Garage Girls, and we continue to make music to this day! We're both creative, have musical theory in our backgrounds, love performing and writing and we're both independent female artists! Now we run the 24hr Garage Girls label together! Its been such a game changer and a great example of how we're stronger together!

What advice would you give to any aspiring female DJs/producers? Are there any lessons you've learned that you wish someone had shared with you when you first started out?

Be consistant! Don't be afraid to ask all the questions and push your ideas!

Can you share a bit about the catalyst that first gave you the idea of starting a label? Is there anything we should expect in the future?

When I realised I could offer more to artists than what other labels were able to offer me!

With 24hr Garage Girls, we can offer a holistic campaign that addresses every avenue of a digital release; We offer worldwide release, along with artwork and radio plugging, but unlike most labels, we do huge live shows where we can showcase the releases live and get the golden 'crowd reaction' videos; we have trained dancers who can do bespoke choreography for tiktok and high engaging reels, plus my weekly KISS FM show which has just been promoted to Friday night! We also book the artists we sign for live events and festival takevers, really pulling all the ties together and making the 24hr Garage Girls brand feel like a full movement!

The moment I realised I had the tools I needed all along, it was a no-brainer and its' felt so good to invest in my own brand, support new artists and build an even stronger foundation in the scene!

We are releasing a new UK Garage single every month in 2024! Launched in February with Efan x Banditt 'No Contest', followed by my colab with Ance and PVC called 'Trouble', which comes out on IWD (8th March)! We will be showcasing this at our Drumshed show in March supporting Craig Dvid!

Expect plenty more throughout the year!

Is there anything that you wish to add on the importance of gender equality within the electronic music scene?

Equality is how we grow, how we discover new sounds and voices. It enriches our musical culture and gives future talents hope that there is room for everyone!

What do you believe needs to happen within the music industry to achieve gender equity and inspire inclusion?

The industry needs to invest in genuine talent if we want to see real equality and diversity balanced. Propping up 1 token artist with a smoke screen campaign (ghost producers etc) is only projecting an ideal, but it wont lead to systemic change unless real talent in women is nourished.

There is so much amazing untapped female talent that is getting ignored, because gate keepers tend to cherry pick a token female on the basis of marketability over talent, and it comes across disingenuous - the public don't like it, and it leads to negative assumptions about what we are trying to achieve. It actually undoes real progress for authentic female artists.

How do you approach creating a new track or preparing for a DJ set? Additionally, have you had any notable collaborations that have enriched your artistic journey?

I like playing around with my Serum synth and also my analog synthesizer Prophet '08 by Dave Smith Instruments. I always find sounds that inspire me. Sometimes I start with a melody or lyrics. I tend to produce more song structured work, for example I use the arrangement view more often than the clip view on Ableton.

I love working with my friend Ludwig Wandinger who does a lot of very unique electronic music. We have a great workflow, and at least produce two new ideas each sessions. It's so much fun and very inspiring, also because we're very good friends besides the music. He shows me his latest sounds and plug-ins and I go to the keyboard and lay down some chords. Then from that we'll work our way through a track.

What advice would you give to any aspiring female DJs/producers? Are there any lessons you've learned that you wish someone had shared with you when you first started out?

Be aware of the structural sexism, so that you dare to stand up for your worth. There's a lot of subtle downplaying of female/FLINTA* skill going on and I think it's important to point it out. The most important lesson was to not give up, connect with other FLINTA* persons to support each other and show your work. Each release is a new chance to connect with people and to get new opportunities to get heard or seen.

Is there anything that you wish to add on the importance of gender equality within the electronic music scene?

It will be a long way to reach gender equality and we may not stop fighting for it.

What do you believe needs to happen within the music industry to achieve gender equity and inspire inclusion?

The people with power have to take responsibility and book, support, feature more FLINTA* artists.