Tomorrow night, the winner of the 2012 She Can DJ competition will be crowned at a massive party at The Ivy in Sydney. All TEN finalists caught up with us to talk about their favourite songs and let us in on how they get into the DJ scene… stay tuned to find out the winner!
ELLY K
Tell us how you got started as a DJ?
I used to go along and watch my older friends practice, and I just picked it up from them. One of my friends was throwing parties in the cross when I turned 18 so he offered me a couple of gigs, and I guess I never stopped!
What does it mean to be selected as a finalist for She Can DJ?
It’s so exciting to be recognised for not only a skill that you have, but something that you’re super passionate about. It is one of the most humbling things I’ve experienced, especially when it’s a global label like EMI, and your put up against 9 other extremely talented women!
How important do you think an initiative like She Can DJ is for the growing numbers of female DJs in Australia – and what do you think separates the sexes when it comes to DJing?
I honestly don’t think there’s such a huge separation of the sexes anymore. But, She Can DJ has been incredible in uncovering some really cool talent that might not have reached this level of exposure on their own.
Top 3 songs that no DJ should be without?
Tough one!!
1. Eric Prydz – Call On Me
2. Daft Punk – Around The World
3. John Paul Young – Love Is In The Air
GIRL AUDIO
Tell us how you got started as a DJ?
I was always interested in music, I’ve been playing Piano since I was 4 and at the time I was really into dance/electronic music. One of my friends had decks, I started practising and got the hang of it pretty quickly! I started gigging in 2010 around and got my first big break when I came 2nd out of over 1000 entrants in the Melbourne YOUR SHOT competition!
What does it mean to be selected as a finalist for She Can DJ?
It’s in incredible feeling to be selected as a finalist and being included as one of the top girl DJ’s in Australia at the moment. This competition is a chance to show the world what we’ve got and it will open up a lot of great opportunities for us in the future. Just being in the top 10 I’ve gained so much!
How important do you think an initiative like She Can DJ is for the growing numbers of female DJs in Australia – and what do you think separates the sexes when it comes to DJing?
It’s really important both for the opportunity it gives the contestants but more broadly that it lets girls out there know that you don’t have to be a guy to DJ. I think that as many girls as possible need to know about this competition because plenty of them wouldn’t even consider DJing as an option. That’s probably one of the main things separating the two sexes at the moment, we need to let more girls know they can do it just as well if not better than the guys!
Top 3 songs that no DJ should be without?
Avicii – Levels
Nicky Romero – Generation 303
Hardwell – Spaceman
ALLEY OOP
Tell us how you got started as a DJ?
I’ve always been an avid music collector, and one fateful night in 2008 I filled in for a friend who missed a flight back to Adelaide and couldn’t make his gig. I’ve been hooked ever since
What does it mean to be selected as a finalist for She Can DJ?
When you spend every waking moment, thinking about, dreaming about, working with, making, collecting and playing music, it’s an incredible honour to have a company like EMI recognise your dedication and passion. It’s like a gold star on the homework assignment of your life.
How important do you think an initiative like She Can DJ is for the growing numbers of female DJs in Australia – and what do you think separates the sexes when it comes to DJing?
I think She Can DJ is a fantastic initiative. Any project that encourages people, female or male, to follow their dreams and become apart of something has to be positive. I also think it creates awareness of the number of female DJs doing good work across so many different genres right now. I’ve made some incredible new friends in music throughout the competition, that I may not have met otherwise, and I can’t wait to collaborate and work with them more in the future. I don’t think anything really separates the sexes as a whole in the DJing industry at the moment. If you are a good selector, can read crowds, have a passion and can play, that’s all that really matters.
Top 3 songs that no DJ should be without?
Claude Von Stroke – The Whistler
Metro Area – Miura
Booka Shade – In White Rooms
FINGERTIPS
Tell us how you got started as a DJ?
I had a community radio show in Adelaide… an indie club promoter liked the tracks I played and offered me a DJ spot!
What does it mean to be selected as a finalist for She Can DJ?
It’s pretty freaking awesome!! I love DJing so much, so to be acknowledged for it at this level is such an accolade. It’s also a great launchpad for my music career.
How important do you think an initiative like She Can DJ is for the growing numbers of female DJs in Australia – and what do you think separates the sexes when it comes to DJing?
It’s an awesome initiative because it sheds light on a previous gender imbalance in the dance music world. Personally, I love playing mega fun (and sometimes mega girly) tracks… with lyrics!! So you can sing along. I don’t take myself too seriously, it’s all about having fun. I dress up, I dance and am not afraid to put on a show! Dudes probably don’t do that as much. I find female DJ’s are usually more interesting to watch. Unless you’re the Yacht Club DJs. Those guys are insane. 🙂
Top 3 songs that no DJ should be without?
Depends what type of DJ you are. My fave bangers are:
Pon De Floor – Major Lazer
212 – Azealia Banks
Creator – Santigold
LEAH MENCEL
Tell us how you got started as a DJ?
I bought two cdjs. Locked myself in my room. And mixed the same two tracks back and forth until I could do it seamlessly. I only emerged for food, water and bathroom stops for about a month I’d say. My friends thought I’d skipped the state! From there it was finding gigs and playing heaps of gigs for free just to get a look in. That was almost 3 years ago! And here I am now!
What does it mean to be selected as a finalist for She Can DJ?
It’s a massive honour and a money-can’t-buy opportunity. For anyone at EMI to even know you exist is just a huge WOW!
How important do you think an initiative like She Can DJ is for the growing numbers of female DJs in Australia – and what do you think separates the sexes when it comes to DJing?
Nothing separates us! Haha! Look, DJing is only the half of it in the EDM industry. You need to be able to make music too. I think what is separating the sexes at the moment is the fact the fellas are mostly tech heads and nerds by nature! They are right into the nitty gritty side of production, there’s a lot more of the boys releasing stuff and remixing than girls right now. We need to knuckle down and follow their lead! I’m going to say we can probably DJ just as well and most of the lads! It’s putting our heads down in the studio that needs to be the focus right now as well as playing banging sets!
Top 3 songs that no DJ should be without?
House Of Pain – Jump Around (Need I say more?)
Skrillex – Bangarang (Even my mum bops her head to this)
Niggas In Paris – Jay Z & Kanye West (Always breaks up a set perfectly)
JULIET FOX
Tell us how you got started as a DJ?
I was very interested in learning how to DJ from my early twenties, and would jump on the decks at house parties when ever I had the chance. But one day I just decided I wanted to purse it as a career so went out that same day and bought a set of Technic 2000’s and taught myself to mix.
What does it mean to be selected as a finalist for She Can DJ?
Its such an amazing feeling to be have been selected in the TOP 10. Especially when you put in a lot of hard work to get to the level you are at, it just reassures all that.
How important do you think an initiative like She Can DJ is for the growing numbers of female DJs in Australia – and what do you think separates the sexes when it comes to DJing?
I think its such a fantastic competition EMI are running. It recognises that females are just as skilled as the males, and is giving us girls that time to shine and show the nation what we can do.
Top 3 songs that no DJ should be without?
– Sonny Fodera – Putting It Down (Original Mix)
– The Mekanism – Missing Love (Original Mix)
– Tegma – 0512 (Sonny Wharton Remix)
HANNAH PARKER
Tell us how you got started as a DJ?
It all started a long time ago when I used to work behind the bar in a nightclub. I fell in love with electronic music and was amazed at how people could take you on such a journey just from playing music! I decided from there that I wanted to learn and got thrown in the deep end – I played my first gig two days after i got taught how to beat match! After that, I never looked back!
What does it mean to be selected as a finalist for She Can DJ?
It means the world! This is the biggest and best opportunity I’ve had in my career so far and I am so grateful that I have been chosen to be a part of this amazing experience.
How important do you think an initiative like She Can DJ is for the growing numbers of female DJs in Australia – and what do you think separates the sexes when it comes to DJing?
I think that this competition is incredibly important to show other female DJs the things that you can achieve with hard work and determination. Initiatives like this are extremely motivating in such a cut throat industry. I know myself seeing the progression of the top 10 last year made me want to work harder and to keep on trying! On separate sexes in DJing, I think it shouldn’t matter as much as it does at the moment, and once people see the talent that is coming through this competition and with so many other amazing female DJs and producers in the industry, we will eventually be seen as just amazing prodicers and DJs and gender wont matter!
Top 3 songs that no DJ should be without?
Frisky – Maceo Plex
Clives Alright – Pteradactil Disco
The Size – Eats Everything
NAT NOISZ
Tell us how you got started as a DJ?
Back in 2008 I was a promoter for a club night called Hot Damn. I spent most nights hanging out with the resident DJ’s, watching them mix and asking them hundreds of questions. Every now and again they would let me have a mix which was awesome! About a year after I started promoting, I decided to throw myself in the deep end and get a gig. After a few odd gigs here and there, I soon had my own resident set from 9-11pm every Thursday night at HD. Here I practically taught myself how to mix all genres, from rock to dance to classic party anthems!
What does it mean to be selected as a finalist for She Can DJ?
It feels so out of this world! It seriously took so long to sink in!! The week I found out my cheeks hurt so bad from smiling, haha. Making the Top 10 has been one of my greatest achievements yet! What comes with it is seriously a bonus and a half! I just can’t wait to play at the final…. I get butterflies every time I think about it!
How important do you think an initiative like She Can DJ is for the growing numbers of female DJs in Australia – and what do you think separates the sexes when it comes to DJing?
She Can DJ is so important because it empowers women and gives us much needed exposure in a very male dominated industry. There are so many female DJs out there with such potential! Stop hiding, get the hell out there and show em what you’re made of!!! *Girl Power*
Top 3 songs that no DJ should be without?
‘Lady’ – Modjo
‘Technologic’ – Daft Punk
‘Day ‘N’ Night (Crookers Remix)’ – Kid Cudi
DUSK
Tell us how you got started as a DJ?
I started by collecting records, buying turntables and then practicing!
What does it mean to be selected as a finalist for She Can DJ?
Being selected means being noticed by a highly reputable major label, which inturn gives me confidence that I have something worth giving 100% to.
How important do you think an initiative like She Can DJ is for the growing numbers of female DJs in Australia – and what do you think separates the sexes when it comes to DJing?
The fact the competition exists at all says to me there is a demand for more female artists in the EDM industry. This implies that female artists have something different to offer, whether it br the vibe they put forward, stage presence, or what they want to express. I think there are differences but you can’t generalize too much.
Top 3 songs that no DJ should be without?
Each DJ would have their own very different top 3 songs I can’t speak on behalf of them all!
CASSETTE
Tell us how you got started as a DJ?
I worked in radio, touring and dance music events for a few years before I took the plunge! I was always surrounded by loads of talented DJs and I think that gave me the confidence and insight to get started
What does it mean to be selected as a finalist for She Can DJ?
It means a lot. When you have been working hard at something for a long time it feels amazing to have it recognized, especially by a huge juggernaut like EMI.
How important do you think an initiative like She Can DJ is for the growing numbers of female DJs in Australia – and what do you think separates the sexes when it comes to DJing?
I think it’s very important as hopefully it will encourage aspiring female DJs to work hard at being taken seriously rather than just becoming a DJ because they know the right people or because they can.
I hate the misconception that it’s easy to get gigs if you are a girl. The really good gigs are hard for ANY dj to get and being a girl sometimes makes it harder. All this hype about girl DJs just means I have to work twice as hard to fight against the stigma and prove that I deserve to be where I am. And I’m okay with that but it is what it is. A good DJ is a good DJ – male or female
Top 3 songs that no DJ should be without?
3 of my all-time classics are:
Bookashde: In White Rooms
Metro Area: Miura
Laurent Garnier – Man with The Red Face (Mark Knight & Funkagenda mix)
Dance music masterpieces!
