Female Pressure Part 3

Female Pressure Part 3

8 April, 2010 | 6.30AM

• Written by: Beatportal
• Filed under: Music News: barbara preisinger, chloe, cio d'or, fei-fei, gina star, monika kruse, shinedoe

Back by popular demand, here’s a third installment in our “Female Pressure” series of interviews, which was inspired by the Next Girl DJ competition. After posting the first and the second segments, requests kept coming in by more DJs and producers who wanted to be included, so how could we say no?

Read on for Q&As with a stellar group of DJs and producers spanning house, techno, trance, and more: Shinedoe, Fei-Fei, Chloe, Monika Kruse, Cio D’or, Barbara Preisinger, and Gina Star. Their perspectives are as diverse as the music they make, with one exception: a near-universal loathing of the term “DJane”.

Shinedoe

Shinedoe has been a major force in the Amsterdam scene since the ‘90s, when she made her name as a DJ; her international stature has kept rising since the mid ‘00s, thanks to her productions (as both Shinedoe and Innersphere), her Fuse Presents Shinedoe mix CD, and her label Intacto, which she runs alongside 100% Pure’s Dylan Hermelijn (aka 2000 and One).

How did you get started DJing and producing? Did you ever feel that being a woman made it harder for you to get booked, get signed, or get respect?

I started to experiment with mixes in the early ‘90s; I loved to fuse warm and funky sounds, switching between warm Detroit techno to funky house to US garage. Then I began DJing when I was 19. In 1996, curious about creating my own sound, I followed a sound engineering course, which I have to say was really an inspirational springboard for making my own music. As for being treated differently, I have never felt or experienced that, but then again, I’ve never thought about it. My focus has always been on the music.

It’s no secret that electronic dance music has typically been a boys’ club. What’s your opinion? Do you think that things are changing?

At the top, there are certainly a lot of professional DJs that are male - but meanwhile, I receive a lot of demos for Intacto Records and there are many new rising stars that are female… so maybe things are not necessarily changing, but they are certainly moving.

Have you ever felt that, as a woman, you were somehow expected to “prove yourself” in a way that male musicians don’t have to?

Not at all. The only person I need to “prove myself” to is myself. It’s important for me that I always try to do my best; I will always strive for perfection.

I’ve heard some people praise female DJs for creating a different vibe than male DJs do. Do you think that female DJs/musicians bring a different sensibility than men? Or is it totally up to the individual?

I’ve also heard that, that women bring “more warmth” to the music. But then again I have heard some women who certainly didn’t! At the end of the day I think it all comes down to the individual.

What advice would you give to girls/women that want to start DJing or producing?

Two things:
1. Always believe in yourself.
2. Heart not hype: Do it because you’re passionate about it, not because of the hype surrounding the scene.

What inspires you creatively?

E V E R Y T H I N G! People around me, my environment, my mood, my feelings….

When and where was the best set you’ve ever played? What made it so special?

AAAAHHHH that is so tricky – I have had so many great experiences! But let’s see…. When I read the question I immediately thought of the wonderful times at Womb in Japan, Goa in Madrid and Fabric in London…I remember those nights clearly – the fantastic energy of the people and the amazing sound system! There were certainly more times, but those nights immediately spring to mind.

If you could change one thing about the electronic music scene, what would it be?

That vinyl wasn’t so HEAVY! It’s exhausting carrying it around and not great for my back either. AND that all clubs had brilliant sound systems.

Finally, how do you feel about the word “DJane”?

The same way I feel about DJohn.

Fei-Fei

Los Angeles’ Fei-Fei earned her stripes the old-fashioned way, pounding the pavement, demos and flyers in hand. Discovered playing at a house party by a promoter from Club Red, she soon catapulted to the city’s upper echelons (and a Spundae residency). Her productions have been picked up by Armada, Vandit, and Discover, but she hasn’t stopped there. In late spring, Fei-Fei will launch her new label, Feided. The first release, Fei-Fei’s ‘Twilight’, is her debut vocal trance track, and features the singer/songwriter Molly Jenson.

How did you get started DJing and producing? Did you ever feel that being a woman made it harder for you to get booked, get signed, or get respect?

Music has always been a huge part of my life. I have my parents to thank for that. I played piano for about thirteen years before I traded it in for my turntables. Richie Hawtin & John Acquaviva’s ‘X-Mix-3 Compilation’ shook my world. I fell in love with EDM. I went to my first party and it was all over for me. I remember watching the DJ, taking in the music and thinking to myself, I have to do that. That has to be me. The rush, the adrenaline, the vibe--all being tied together by the DJs and their music. So like any sensible young lady, I went after it--bought the gear, set up shop and taught myself how to DJ.

I moved to LA to pursue my Masters in film production at USC, lucky for me because I also landed in the hot spot for dance music. There are a ton of talented artists living in LA, and the scene is unbelievable. Music took over my life. I began producing music and playing gigs. I quickly landed residencies at the mega clubs here in LA---Club Red, then Spundae, then bookings all over the US. When I graduated, I said to myself, that’s it...time to go all out---I will be the first female to break DJ Mag’s Top 10. My first production got signed to Vandit and broke into the Beatport Trance Top 10 chart. After that I signed a record contract with Armada, signed my FFW alias to Discover, and saw huge success with my tracks, and it just keeps getting better! This year I’m super excited to launch my own label, Feided. I feel incredibly lucky to be where I am right now and I’m excited to see what the future brings. I work very hard to achieve my goals, but I’m surrounded by people who support me and who helped me along the way. I attribute my success to the people who have stood by me and continue to stand by me throughout my journey.

Being a woman in the scene is definitely a double-edged sword, and a very sharp one! While you get noticed quickly, there’s also a whole bag of negative stereotypes that go along with it. People have this preconceived notion that a woman can’t possibly be talented, that she only got booked by her looks, or that she is sleeping her way up. Then there’s the people who might appreciate female talent, but only as a novelty item or some trend to exploit. I’ve heard my fair share of nasty rumors and accusations and you learn to ignore all the haters out there and let that fuel your passion even more. You gotta have thick skin, play the game, stick to your guns and have enough determination and perseverance to rise about the BS, and really earn that respect!

It’s no secret that electronic dance music has typically been a boys’ club. What’s your opinion? Do you think that things are changing?

It’s definitely a boy’s club. Don’t get me wrong, I love it and I’m happy to be in it, but you better believe there’s going to be some changes. Four years ago, you would be hard pressed to name many female producers who have broken through internationally, at least in the trance scene. I’m glad there are many more of us, paving the way, kicking up a fuss and hopefully inspiring many more to come. Let’s face it, us girls rock way harder than the boys!

Do you think that trance is more or less accommodating to female artists than other genres?

I would imagine every genre has its challenges. Trance is pretty mainstream, and there are certain things people come to expect. It’s a very tight clique and there’s definitely a status quo. It’s not just the female stereotypes you have to overcome. There’s lots of other factors involved. You have to figure out how to play the game and still develop your own style. Once you break in, sure you can become a superstar, but until then, it’s much harder to break in with your own style, or a new idea. But you know what, I wouldn’t have it any other way. It makes the success that much sweeter.

I’ve heard some people—men and women both—praise female DJs for creating a different vibe than male DJs do. Do you think that female DJs/musicians bring a different sensibility than men? Or is it totally up to the individual?

I’m not sure I agree with that statement. I think it’s totally up to the individual. Statements like that continue to put women in a separate category. Until that division disappears the playing field will always be unequal. It’s gotta be “Wow she’s a damn good DJ”, not “Wow she’s a damn good female DJ”.

What advice would you give to girls/women that want to start DJing or producing?

Just do it. Don’t listen to your fears, your doubts, or anyone telling you otherwise. Stick to your guns, work your ass off and follow your passion. If you want it bad enough, you’ll make it happen.

What inspires you creatively?

Everything I go through in life, good or bad. All the people in my life my loved ones, my friends, my fans, my colleagues, and my haters. I also listen to a ton of different music, even outside of dance music--classical, rock, ambient, experimental. Of course I listen to a ton of dance music, but variety is nice. You never know when inspiration will hit.

When and where was the best set you’ve ever played? What made it so special?

That’s a tough question--there are tons! Lovefest in San Francisco, this club on the oceanside in Croatia, a festival in Slovakia, an outdoor warehouse party in Dallas (if that makes any sense), a party in my hometown, Madison, Wisconsin...I could go on and on. Whether it’s 70,000 or 17 people, the thing that makes every gig special is the vibe, the energy and the people dancing their butts off!

If you could change one thing about the electronic music scene, what would it be?

No more stereotypes! I wish it was more open minded. More leaders, fewer followers. A lot of people look to others, want to be told what’s good or who’s the best. How about open your eyes and see what’s right in front of you! Don’t be afraid to be different. Explore a bit and venture outside your comfort zone. Mix things up dammit, challenge the status quo and have some fun!

Finally, how do you feel about the word “DJane”?

It sucks. A DJ is a DJ whether you’re a girl or guy.

Chloe

The Parisian producer Chloé released her first records on Karat in the early ‘00s, and she’s gone on to record for Battle, Gomma, and BPitch, among others; she’s equally well known as a DJ, thanks to her landmark ‘Kill the DJ’ mix with Ivan Smagghe, from 2006, and 2008’s ‘Live at Robert Johnson’. This month, she releases her second solo album, ‘One in Other’, which finds her continuing to perfect her unique, personal sound, a fusion of minimalist house and techno, vintage electro, ambient, and pop.

Did you ever feel that being a woman made it harder for you to get booked, get signed, or get respect? Have you ever felt that, as a woman, you were somehow expected to “prove yourself” in a way that male musicians don’t have to?

I started to DJ and produce at a time there weren’t so many girls in this business. Today it has become a real business, so it implies more people inside, which means there are some girls. I had a few sexist experiences in my career, just as you can also have in other fields. It looks things have changed but still you have stupid people everywhere. I started to get a form of “respect” when I did my first release around 2001-2002, as if people realized I wasn’t doing this just for fun.

It makes me feel uncomfortable and angry if read the description of a girl’s release like the “fragile…”, the “sweet” whoever, meaning that the music is described in connection with the gender, it can very reductive. I work in my studio, I tour a lot, I produce EPs, remixes, and do diverse collaborations, so I don’t have time to deal with this kind of thing regarding gender. It’s very stressful, as it reminds me that we are still here, and things are moving very slowly.

I had a 10-year residency in Le Pulp, Paris, and it was only girls working there. I met all my friends who I still work with today there, mostly women. It’s funny to realise today i’m mostly surrounded by girls, with my label partners at Kill the DJ (Fany Corral, Stephanie Fichard, and even” the half” Ivan Smagghe) and Magnet Musik, my booking agency.

I’ve heard some people praise female DJs for creating a different vibe than male DJs do. Do you think that female DJs/musicians bring a different sensibility than men? Or is it totally up to the individual?

I don’t agree that the music you make is different depending on whether you a man or a woman. Every person has his/her own personality. It has nothing to do with gender.

What advice would you give to girls/women that want to start DJing or producing?

Just do it and don’t be scared.

What inspires you creatively?

Listening to good music, life, the freedom of making the music I want, without any marketing imperative.

In the past few years there have been a bunch of male artists adopting women’s names (Sarah Goldfarb, Luci, DJ Donna Summer, Actress). What do you think, is this a show of solidarity or are they encroaching on your turf?

Choosing a name, no matter if you male or female, is meant to hide the real identity, just as it has often been used in literature and in other fields, of course. It’s interesting to see how it can disturb people. A few years ago, we released a mix compilation on Kill the DJ records with Ivan Smagghe called ‘The Dysfunctionnal Family’. The whole concept of the compilation was about identity, this ambivalence about gender and sexuality.

Finally, how do you feel about the word “DJane”?

I don’t like so much that everything has to be put in terms of gender. We should probably put an end to all “sexed” things. But “DJane” in English sounds nicer than the French name. In French, you say “DJette”. When you add “-ette” at the end of a word, it implies making the object smaller, cuter… You get the idea.

Monika Kruse

Monika Kruse secured her place in German techno history way back in 1994, when she became one of the founding residents of Munich’s legendary Ultraschall club. Today she’s known as a producer, the founder of the Terminal M label, the selector behind the popular ‘On the Road’ mix CD series, and a familiar face behind the decks at Watergate and Berghain. But her efforts reach far beyond the dancefloor: she’s also the founder of No Historical Backspin, an anti-racist charitable organization.

How did you get started DJing and producing? Did you ever feel that being a woman made it harder for you to get booked, get signed, or get respect?

I started 18 years ago with DJing and 14 years ago with producing. I think it is harder for a woman to get respect; there is still a lot of sexism in the techno business. But on the other side you stand out faster than a male DJ because female DJs are still rare.

It’s no secret that electronic dance music has typically been a boys’ club. What’s your opinion? Do you think that things are changing?

Slowly it is changing. And there great female producers and DJs out!

Have you ever felt that, as a woman, you were somehow expected to “prove yourself” in a way that male musicians don’t have to?

For sure. If a boy mixes badly nobody would say, “Yeah, he mixes badly because he is a boy.” No, then they laugh and say “Yeaaaah, he is too f**ked up!” But when a girls mix is failing because a needle jumps, then the people say, “Girls can’t mix.”

I’ve heard some people—men and women both—praise female DJs for creating a different vibe than male DJs do. Do you think that female DJs/musicians bring a different sensibility than men? Or is it totally up to the individual?

Hmmm, I heard this as well, but I would say that it always depends on the DJ, not on the sex.

What advice would you give to girls/women that want to start DJing or producing?

Don’t give up. Be yourself. Don’t copy.

What inspires you creatively?

My left little toe. (Joke!) My mood, or when I have been out and had a great evening privately.

When and where was the best set you’ve ever played? What made it so special?

Puuuh. Can’t say. I am overcritical. One of my favourite sets was in Berghain. I played eight hours instead of the four hours I was supposed to play, because the vibe got so special, so they left the room open for another four hours. I even saw an open umbrella amidst hundreds of smiling faces.

If you could change one thing about the electronic music scene, what would it be?

F**k jealousy, bad gossip, disrespectful behaviour.

It seems to me like Berlin often has a more progressive attitude towards women artists in general than many other places do. Do you agree or disagree, and why?

I think Germany is not as macho as some other countries, and Berlin, especially, is open-minded towards everything.

Finally, how do you feel about the word “DJane”?

I hate it, Tarzan!

Cio D’or

Munich’s Cio D’or began releasing on Treibstoff in 2004, and within a few years had singles on Karmarouge, Motoguzzi and Broque. But it’s within the last 18 months or so that heads have really begun tuning into her brand of heady, trippy minimal techno, thanks to a string of mindbending records on Prologue and Time to Express. With rumors swirling of an ambient collaboration with Donato Dozzy, D’or’s psychedelic journey looks like it’s just getting started.

Did you ever feel that being a woman made it harder for you to get booked, get signed, or get respect?

There was never a “gender thought” in my mind for creating music, learning techniques. My personal feeling is to work constantly on music, technique, mixes and sets, it is the main reason of getting gigs, signed and respect. Another point is to have a good network with your label, agency, webdesigner, VJ etc., so that promoters and the crowd have the chance to recognize you. It’s hard to compare with men, because I never was one. ;)

But I met lots of very kind, helpful and respectful men in the music scene. On the other hand, there are only a few female artists that get major gigs, even if they are females who produce, mix and perform well! This generation of woman is the pioneers of Electronic Music, lots to do and to progress!

I think that the electronic music scene reflects general social conditions - we still have not achieved gender equality in every day life, neither politically, economically, nor culturally. To me it is necessary to undertake everything possible to close these gender gaps and to open resources and opportunities to everyone, with special attention to underrepresented population groups. I also see an evidence of structural incapacity given the poor representation of what women do in the music scene - both in media and in club and festival programming - and so I welcome your initiative. And you are welcome to open your eyes to Female:Pressure, Female Cut, and Hertzbeat.

Club music has typically been a boys’ club. What’s your opinion? Do you think that things are changing?

Booking policies have a lot to do with networking and friendships. Usually, only few artists of a line-up are “famous”, the rest consists of the promoter’s buddies. By chance, most promoters are male. Maybe that’s a reason for little female participation as well… I like techno not only for the music but also because it implies a certain utopia of transcending social, geographical, and language boundaries. So why not try and be avant-garde in gender issues? A clear accent on female artists in club and festival programs just makes me happy. :-)

Do you think that house and techno are more or less accommodating to female artists than other musical genres?

Generally speaking, I would guess that woman easily find an emotional access to music - and that’s what music is all about. Electronic music is full of stimulating elements, emotional sounds, special atmospheres. According to that, woman should feel very comfortable in electronica and techno, but finally any genre or style should be accommodating to female artists and audience. But if nearly any music can be entered via emotion, most women would probably find “their” music in available, more popular genres.

Have you ever felt that, as a woman, you were somehow expected to “prove yourself” in a way that male musicians don’t have to?

On the first view, I see myself as a perfectionist, consequently proving myself - as a question of character. My personal consequence on the special attention that I get as an artist - always aiming for best that I can give.

What advice would you give to girls/women that want to start DJing or producing?

If you love music so much that nothing can stop you - then go! Work hard on your technical skills, intensely study sounds, learn about techniques. Develop your musicality and sense of style. Always be patient, don’t force - things take time. Only if you stumble, will you learn. Whenever you fall, get up! Listen to your heart, stay true to yourself and follow your vision. Find a label and a good agency.

What inspires you creatively?

Silence. Nature. Classic instrumentals, political events. Love, hate, faith, colors. Architecture, diving. Experimental film or techno music.
Acoustic research & development, audible science and sound-design.
Sounds of the day in all its colors.

When and where was the best set you’ve ever played? What made it so special?

If I have to pick one of all the marvelous venues, I remember a night at Dachkantine in Zürich, Switzerland. The previous artist was playing so hard, I didn’t want to go after. I was thinking about how to calm down… I just did it, by feeling my music, thankful for the producers I played, technically perfect, too. Totally drifted away, I didn’t look up, forgot the crowd. Suddenly I recognised somebody beside me, dancing near the speakers. When I looked up, the people were totally into the music. I loved them all, different individuals from 17 to 60, bald, grey hair, short hair, dreadlocks - a colorful crowd of humans, dancing, ‘til the rising sun came shining through. It was just the right set for the right people in the right club with the right feeling. Amazing.

If you could change one thing about the electronic music scene, what would it be?

- more timeless music
- productions without time pressure
- replacing quantity by authenticity and quality
- individual character in music and people
- brave clubs and labels
- more females playing in clubs and festivals
- experimenting and pioneering should be welcome for a more colorful and not boring nightlife
- always a great soundsystem

It seems to me like Germany often has a more progressive attitude towards women artists in general than many other places do. Do you agree or disagree, and why?

Germany’s electronic music-scene has been enjoying increasing popularity during the last ten years. First Frankfurt, then Cologne and now the Berlin hype. More and more creatives settled down here, forming a pool of national and international musicians and artists based in Berlin, a multicultural reinvention of the German electronic music scene. Of course, the fresh perspectives gathered female artists, probably more than in any other European capital. But I don’t think that it was Germany bringing a progressive attitude towards female artists - it’s been the women bringing their progressive attitude to Berlin, spreading their energy all over the scene. The result is a new generation of female artists, seizing the technical part with an awareness and a will that hasn’t been in DJ culture before. For this self-understanding, today’s electronic ladies play a pioneering role - they broke down the antiquated, female technical frontiers. Hopefully, there will be a rising number of female DJs and producers in electronic dance-music during the next years! A big thanks to Female:Pressure and all women, worldwide, that are getting active!

Finally, how do you feel about the word “DJane”?

DJ means Disc Jockey and it is genderless, so I don’t like the term, because ultimately it is all about music.

Barbara Preisinger

A co-founder of Berlin’s ~scape label with Stefan Betke, Barbara Preisinger has toiled largely behind the scenes, but in recent years, more and more clubbers have been recognizing her as one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Her Deeperstill parties with Daniel Bell were a highlight of Club Der Visionaere’s 2009 season; currently, you can catch her at some of Berlin’s most underground parties virtually every weekend. In late 2009 she launched Slices of Life, a vinyl-only label dedicated to deep house. 

How did you get started DJing and producing?

I started DJing when I got more and more into buying electronic music records in the mid nineties. A big help was it for me when I started to working for Disko B records. The label was very closely connected to the Ultraschall Club in Munich, where I did some DJ gigs from time to time. The label and promotion work has always been keeping me busy, so I never found the energy and patience to get into the production side of the business.

Did you ever feel that being a woman made it harder for you to get booked, get signed, or get respect?

There is no specific experience that I can point out, but I think that even in our pretty open-minded club scene, it is still more difficult for a female DJ to get the same attention and respect as an equivalent male DJ. I’m pretty sure that some promoters—consciously or unconsciously – would still prefer to book the male DJ, if they were be in the situation to make a choice between male and female.

Once you are established as a woman, it could be a different story; it can even be an advantage being a woman, since you belong to an interesting minority. On the producer side, I think we are one step further. The labels around me that I know would not make a distinction between a female or a male producer. In the end it is the quality of the production that counts.

When and where was the best set you’ve ever played? What made it so special?

I can’t say that there was any one gig that was much better than every other one. There were several gigs and nights that were very special to me. As soon as the crowd gets into the music and enthusiastically follow you over a whole set, whatever you’re playing, then you can feel these special moments. Another great experience is to playing back to back with other DJs who have a similar idea about music. In the best moments it can be like an exciting conversation that creates a very special vibe.

It’s no secret that electronic dance music has typically been a boys’ club. What’s your opinion? Do you think that things are changing?

On the producer side it is definitely a boys’ world. Unfortunately there still are only a few female producers. Among the DJs, women are still the minority, but nowadays there are way more female DJs around than 10 years ago, and it’s increasing. (And I’m not talking about these wannabe models who think they just look cooler with headphones). It’s more common nowadays to find good female DJs behind the decks, which hopefully encourages more other girls to start.

Have you ever felt that, as a woman, you were somehow expected to “prove yourself” in a way that male musicians don’t have to?

Yes, sometimes there were situations when you obviously are being watched differently since you are a woman on the decks. You hear stupid comments like “For a women you’re playing quite good,” or similar. I also have noticed that it is more likely that female DJs get weird comments and questions while they’re playing. Obviously the barrier to talk to a female DJ is lower. The only way to get around it, is to ignore it, believe strongly in what you’re doing and not lose your self confidence. It can be also good for yourself to give a comment back sometimes!

I’ve heard some people praise female DJs for creating a different vibe than male DJs do. Do you think that female DJs/musicians bring a different sensibility than men? Or is it totally up to the individual?

I think it depends on the personality of the DJ. It might be the case that women are less inclined to “show off” while playing, and maybe have a bigger sensibility to the music, but I also know a lot of men to whom these attributes would fit. So I’m not convinced that women would have a different sensibility in general.

What advice would you give to girls/women that want to start DJing or producing?

Every DJ and producer had to start at one point, so believe in yourself and don’t think that “I will never make this”. Get in contact with other female and male producers and DJs around you. Exchange and communication is very important.

If you could change one thing about the electronic music scene, what would it be?

In the last couple of years it became more and more important for DJs to release their own music in order to get any attention from club promoters. But being a good DJ does not mean that you are a good producer and vice versa. This is proven by sometimes pretty bad DJ sets of some hyped producers who are trying to play records, or at the same time, by boring releases of good DJs who are trying to promote themselves with quite average tracks. My wish would be that some producers would learn how to play a good DJ set before they go into the public as a DJ. And DJs should doubly question whether the track is worth being released and if this track is really adding something necessary and interesting to the music world.

It seems to me like Berlin often has a more progressive attitude towards women artists in general than many other places do. Do you agree or disagree, and why?

There are so many DJs living in Berlin, and every month there are more. Therefore the number of female DJs is automatically higher than in other cities. In addition, several of the top female DJs are based here. Therefore I think the Berlin club crowd and the promoters are more used to female DJs and they more easily get treated equally to their male colleagues. Which is a good thing.

Finally, how do you feel about the word “DJane”?

It’s one of the most counterproductive terms that were ever invented and in my opinion it is very discriminatory towards female DJs. Nobody would say DJohn or DJack to describe a male DJ. Why is it necessary to make a difference? DJ as a description works for men and women in the same way. As long as people think it is necessary to make a difference here already, female and male DJs will never be seen on the same level.

Gina Star

Originally from Dallas, Texas, Gina Star spent several years building her reputation in the L.A. progressive-house scene before relocating to the UK in 2009, where she landed a residency for Toolroom Knights. In late 2009, she released ‘This Is Hollywood’ featuring Roland Clark on Toolroom’s Leaders of the New School sub-label; it entered the Beatport Top 100 at #10, and went to #1 on the Progressive House chart.

Did you ever feel that being a woman made it harder for you to get booked, get signed, or get respect?

Well when I was first starting out I found it difficult to break into the tight circles or “DJ cliques” that organized and ran the underground parties. The fact that I was a girl automatically made me an outsider as opposed to part of their circle. But as time went on and I got more exposure, the more the clubs and promoters made the decisions on how much I got to play. Respect comes from other DJs and producers hearing and playing my productions.

Club music has typically been a boys’ club. What’s your opinion? Do you think that things are changing?

Club music is most certainly a boys club, but I think that it is slowly accepting more females due to the fact that they are getting serious about producing.

Do you think that house and techno are more or less accommodating to female artists than other musical genres?

I think its less accommodating than other genres due to the tough image many artists portray.

Have you ever felt that, as a woman, you were somehow expected to “prove yourself” in a way that male musicians don’t have to?

All musicians, male or female, have to prove themselves every time they get on stage. If you’re trying to fake your way through something, your peers will always be able to tell, and eventually your spot will be taken.

What advice would you give to girls/women that want to start DJing or producing?

If you’re doing it because you love the music and have a passion for performing and entertaining, then by all means do it. If you’re doing it because you think its cute and you have any thoughts of DJing in lingerie, then please spare us.

What inspires you creatively?

I love what vocals bring to house music. There is nothing more inspiring then a great hook along with a great voice. Most of my projects are created around a specific vocal idea.

When and where was the best set you’ve ever played?

Ministry of Sound London is always an amazing time, but the best set would have to be at Avalon in LA when I closed for Eric Morillo to a sold-out crowd. The energy was just so amazing, and the crowd was going mental.

If you could change one thing about the electronic music scene, what would it be?

I wish that American radio would be more open to playing dance music. The general population is missing out on huge dance hits that the rest of the world is embracing.

Finally, how do you feel about the word “DJane”?

I just think it’s funny.

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