ISSUE 02: THE YOUNG TEAM

WINTER 2021

BEHIND THE DECKS

THE YOUNG TEAM E L E C T RO N I C M U S I C A N D C LU B C U LT U R E

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Ah, shit, here we go again. I want to thank all the artists that were featured. Without their talent and dedication, this venture would not be possible. We remain in a familiar place as lockdowns are becoming normality. It’s been nearly a year since music venues and clubs were last open in Scotland. A depressing thought that crosses my mind only a couple of times a day. But please don’t despair, maybe the contents of this publication will cheer you up. Perhaps when the next one is out, you’ll be reading it drenched in sweat in a dingy dark club. More likely you’ll have received it late in the post as the Royal Mail have been slacking during the pandemic. Thanks for purchasing a copy. Without your support, my wonderful girlfriend and I would not be able to eat tonight. With your generosity, you have saved two hungry fourth-year journalism students from starving during a pandemic. Which reminds me, I would like to thank her, not because she forced me to write this but because without her support every day, I probably wouldn’t get out of bed to create this. I can’t forget the writers who contributed, their captivating writing helped make this magazine more than my grumpy Glasgow voice ranting about diversity.

Love Editor, Bill Rah

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CONTENTS

THE YOUNG TEAM

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SINK OR SWIM

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FOR THE LOVE OF HOUSE

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THE ODYSSEY OF KAI KASPAR

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GET TO KNOW HAYLEY ZALASSI

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SAVY AND RETRO

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6 ARTISTS TO CHECK OUT

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ABERDEEN NIGHTS

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THE YOUNG TEAM

BY BILL RAH PHOTOGRAPHY BY GORDON EDDIE

On the final party there were literally two layers of people. One on the ground and one on the shoulders, it was crazy

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It was dark as he skated through the streets of Glasgow, his heart racing. He swerved around the corner and reached his destination. It was his Boiler Room debut at Sub Club, a month after the release of his debut EP Good Thing.

“I went straight from the skatepark to Subby. I remember skating down across the bridge over the motorway and down to the club. It was a mental night.”

However, he encountered a peculiar issue that distracted him. “My needles were skipping on my records, I couldn’t work out for the life of me what it was. My ex-girlfriend and her pal were both hammering the table with the decks on, absolutely buzzing, which was making my needles skip.” After the release of his Boiler Room, his career skyrocketed. At the time he was relatively new to the game. “When I got my first record out on DABJ and they asked me to do the Boiler Room it was one of my first gigs on my own. Before that, I was just running my club night DJ’ing with my pals at La Cheetah.” When young Miz and his squad of House and Techno loving selectors were coming up they built a reputation for their outrageous and fierce club nights. When they first began their club night Offbeat, they were buying lots of records and mostly DJ’ing at house parties. “The older house and techno crew used to call us the young team. We used to go to them with our list of artists to book and it would be people they had on their lists for years.” They hosted Jackmaster and Bake for their launch party in 2011. Skatebard, DJ Funk and Lory D supported their parties. Miz recalls hosting some of the most extraordinary sets in his career there

“Had some of the craziest nights in La Cheetah DJ’ing, with my mates Joe McGhee and Jordan Coleman.” They tended to perform on the last Friday before Christmas for the birthday. “That was always a mad one. On the 5th Birthday and final party, there were literally two layers of people. One on the ground and one on the shoulders, it was crazy.” Back then he was a young bam waving a bottle of tonic. Now he is a deadly proficient producer and sampling wizard. The next release, Coming Up Roses, will be out in February. The breathtaking four-track EP is composed of energetic House, Garage and Acid accompanied with exquisite vocals. “Four tracks I’ve made with my pal Michael, a singer who goes under the name Bodega.” Miz describes Bodega as a “talented singer and songwriter.” They have been friends for a few years and regularly spoke about collaborating. “I had these tracks sitting and asked if he wanted to put vocals on top of them.” It’s something that he’s wanted to do for a long time. “I’ve always wanted to make tracks for singers. I made the tracks with nice simple but interesting chord progressions that would be easy for a vocalist to write melodies over.” Due to the current economic climate and lack of income, he needed to source other revenues. “With coronavirus, I don’t have a lot of spare cash but ideally, I would have pressed them on to a record. That’s just not viable at the moment, unfortunately.” This motivated him to plan the release around Bandcamp Friday, which has significantly supported artists during the past year. Last year, Big Miz released a stunning EP ‘Cartha Cuts’ on DABJ.

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He shared some of the other tracks he has in the pipeline and said: “I’ve got another two tracks I made in Devon Analogue Studio and a remix with Dart from Ireland that I would like to get out at some point.” His production is extraordinary, as his versatility is unparalleled. He decided to try something different by making four heavy techno tracks and began learning music theory. He has a remix of the classic Kariya ‘Let Me Love You for Tonight’ coming later this year. Big Miz shares a studio with Kenny and Dan, the legendary duo behind DABJ. One of Glasgow’s elite record labels and promoters. “I met Dan from going into Rubadub buying records when I was younger and had just started my club night.” Kenny and Dan used to run a night called Monox. Miz and his mates booked them to do a reunion night at La Cheetah. His first release was supposed to come out on La Cheetah’s label although it fell through.

Despite this, things worked out for the best. “Dan emailed me and said right let’s do it, and that was that.” After they put out his record and performed together, he built a relationship with them. As he described their bond, he candidly revealed his perception. “They have been my family all through my career so far. They released my album and a few of my EPs.” As a self-taught producer, Big Miz believes you get settled in your own routine and find out what works for you. Although he appreciates getting a second opinion. Last year he produced multiple tracks with Liam Doc in Devon Analogue Studio. “It was good because we both have a different way of working. When that comes together you come up with ideas you wouldn’t normally come up with yourself. Two heads are better than one.”

Before the recent restrictions, Big Miz was working on a collab with Jasper James. They had been planning on getting together in the studio for a while, having previously produced tracks before COVID. “We have tried to make tracks at parties and I went up to his house a few times. I asked him to come down to the studio end of last year and we got 2 finished. It’s always good working with Jasper.

Hopefully, we can get a collab EP rattled out.” During the lockdown, he began a new business. “During the lockdowns, I have been providing a mixdown and mastering service. It’s aimed at up and coming producers, who don’t fully know their way about compression, limiters, EQ and things like that.” He has enjoyed this as it gives him a reason to go to the studio. “People send me the stems of their tune and I would go through it and make sure it’s sounding polished and ready for the club.” He has also been passing some on to other superstar selectors. “I’ve been sending a few to La La for her label. I’ve been getting some absolute belters that I want to keep for myself.” He has considered starting a label to release some of the music he has discovered. Without regular income from gigs, he has occasionally picked up on delivery shifts to get by during the pandemic. DJ’ing was his life and the pandemic took that away from him. “It’s been tough, that was my life and my full-time job before, but I’ve just got my eyes set on the light at the end of the tunnel. Waiting for that vaccine to get rolled out, waiting to get back to it.” When clubs return the prodigal son of Scottish club culture will be the one hammering the decks with sheer joy.

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BIG MIZ

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I’ve got my eyes set at the light at the end of the tunnel

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COMING UP ROSES EP

ARTWORK BY SENSORY WORKS

SINK OR SWIM

BY BILL RAH PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG GIBSON

I grew up in communism and remember the transition to Independent Slovenia and the start of the war

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In the 80s Maya Medvesek listened to electronic pop. “My parents listened to disco, funk, and jazz.” She isn’t the only artist in her family. “My Dad is a musician so music has been a part of my life since day one! His band’s stuff was electro so it certainly had an impact.” She was born in Ljubljana where she spent her childhood.

“I grew up in communism and remember the transition to independent Slovenia and the start of the war.” Maya had a fascinating perspective on the Slovenian War of Independence. “I lived in Switzerland during that time for a while but was lucky enough to return home as our war didn’t last nearly as long as the horrors in the rest of ex-Yugoslavia.” In the early 2000s, she moved to West London before settling down in Glasgow in 2009.

“It was a great time with a buzzing and thriving scene and exciting new producers coming up. LuckyMe and Numbers doing big things, infamous parties with really interesting music.” Maya believes club culture in Glasgow is superior to London.

“Some of my most memorable shows are Movement Detroit, Sonar Barcelona and Tokyo, plus every night at La Cheetah and Sub Club of course.” When she was first trying to establish herself Maya was influenced by Jeff Mills, DJ Deeon and Dance Mania. Today she adores the sounds of Special Request, Jensen Interceptor and Nite Fleit. “I’m always experimenting and exploring new directions but there’s usually a common theme of fun and high energy.”

Her productions send a dancefloor into a euphoric frenzy. For some artists the

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lockdown has accelerated the production process but not for everyone. “I had periods of not being able to open Ableton, it almost made me sad as it was a reminder of not being able to see people and share the joy.” She practised guitar every day. “It brought me so much happiness and it’s the best therapy.” Despite at times struggling with inspiration, she remained active. “Managed to release a couple EPs, a few singles, remixes, charity compilations, lots of streams. I always feel I’m not doing enough but I guess I was quite busy!” She even played a role in a movie which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Last September she launched the Love Amazonia charity compilation, raising money for indigenous tribes in the Amazon rainforest. It received a great response.

“I’m planning Vol.2 and find this so exciting as a small contribution really makes a big difference.” Nightwave has multiple releases planned for 2021, expect powerful rave tracks. “If last year has taught me anything is to not be too hasty as things can turn on its head in no time. I haven’t decided which record to go ahead with first but it’s all pretty ravey stuff.” Life has undoubtedly been challenging, she remarked that “it was brutal at times and very challenging but you have two options, sink or swim.” Deep down Nightwave is an optimistic soul. Maya believes the solitude allows us to self reflect so we can better ourselves. “I try to stay positive. I do think these hard times are an opportunity for proper transformation and I hope good times are not too far.”

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FOR THE LOVE OF HOUSE

BY JO DARGIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY LYNDSEY PHILLIP

Nowhere in the world will compare to a Scottish crowd

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As Eddie Amador’s 90s anthem goes: “not everyone understands House music. It’s a spiritual thing, a body thing, a soul thing.” Brought up around House music-lovers, it’s no surprise that Dundee DJ Hannah Laing would grow up to not only understand the power of House music but channel her deep connection with the genre into a successful DJ career.

Earning herself live slots around the globe supporting renowned headline acts. All while running her events and podcast series ‘Hannah’s Choice.’ “The soundtrack of my childhood was the likes of Roger Sanchez, Paul Oakenfold and Sasha.” On reflection, it’s clear those early influences have had a lasting impact on Hannah’s musical identity to this day. She accredits her technical form behind the decks to House icon Roger Sanchez. “On a technical level, his style of DJing is different from anyone else and brings so much energy. I still to this day watch videos of him playing to learn tips and tricks.” Another significant influence on Hannah’s development is DJ and producer Hannah Wants. “Besides her amazing musical talent, her work ethic and positivity inspire me every day. She has also given me multiple opportunities in Dundee and Glasgow to warm up for her over the years. I will always be grateful for that.”

Hannah herself exuberates dedication and a fighting spirit. Like many DJs and music industry professionals, the effects of the pandemic hit her spirit hard. “Djing every weekend for eight years religiously to absolutely nothing. You feel like part of you is missing. That’s what you have put your heart and soul into. Working so hard to not be in a dead-end job.” Since the first lockdown in March 2020 Hannah has used her platform to share an honest window into the pandemic’s devastating impact not only the nightlife industry as a whole but the individuals within. “I had to get a full-time job at Tesco dealing with complaints as I have no income from gigs. I then lost that job and tried my hand at Hermes and the Chicken Factory.”

She spoke openly about the negative effects this had on her mental health and motivation to continue creating music. Hannah proclaims what most artists can relate to. “I felt like I lost myself for a bit as I had no motivation or inspiration to get in the studio for months. However, I’m getting back into the swing of it now and becoming more accepting of the reality at the moment.” A successful string of mixes and track edits would come from her downtime. Some of which even caught the attention of Joel Corry and Jaguar.

Hannah let us in on the creative process. “The edits that were picked up were only supposed to be tools for my sets. I wanted to create a different version that would fit into my sets. I used only the vocals from these tracks but created a whole new track for them. They worked and gained so much hype.”

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FOR THE LOVE

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OF HOUSE

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Despite the circumstances, Hannah secured an impressive support slot alongside Solardo in Croatia last summer. “I had already played on the same line-up as Solardo at Hï Ibiza, and their manager contacted me to join them in Croatia.” After six long months of not playing live, she jumped at the chance.

“It really did hit differently as that was the longest I had gone without DJing in eight years. I had so many friends from home supporting me. It was class.”

Although international jet-set crowds are somewhat of the norm for Hannah Laing pre-covid.

She’s defiant that nothing compares to a home gathering. “I’ll always stand by that nowhere in the world will compare to a Scottish crowd. We are so lucky to live in a country full of mental ravers. Don’t get me wrong I love playing abroad but I feel it’s a more reserved vibe in comparison to Scotland.”

During her travels, one destination stands out as pivotal to Hannah’s journey as a DJ. Ibiza. Having spent three summers working on the island immersed in the music, she stated that “It gave me a boost of confidence to network with lots of people.

Networking is a major part of an artist’s career and now I have the experience to do this because of going to Ibiza on my own so young.” Moving to the White Isle at just 19, Ibiza is still a summer staple for Hannah. It’s where she first experienced club culture in it’s purest form in the breathtaking island.

Now Hannah is embarking on her new role as Dundee Area Manager for MADE Academy. “MADE academy is a DJ school based in every major city in the UK. Students can purchase different packages depending on what their end goal is. Some of the opportunities included in the packages are gigs in Ibiza etc. It’s a great concept for people learning to DJ by giving them something to work towards. Students are taught everything from DJing to how to handle marketing themselves.” When asked to share her best advice for budding DJs, quite simply Hannah says “you have to put the time in and practice. If you want to play an event make sure you attend as a raver first so the promoter can see you’re also supporting the event.” But, above all “enjoy the journey and have fun.” 2021 is in full swing, and things look promising for the selector. Hannah has even returned to her previous job as a dental nurse.

However, reuniting on the dancefloor is still very much at the forefront of her mind. “I am praying to get DJing again more than anything. I can’t wait for that feeling of getting booked for gigs, being able to put on my own events with other DJs so we can all be together again.” Until that day comes, Hannah teased her remixes have been granted clearance for official release. “These will be out in 2021. I’m so happy about this and I can’t wait to share them with the world.”

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THE ODYSSEY OF KAI KASPAR

BY BILL RAH PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS NEATE ARTWORK BY HAMISH HANNAH

Promoters and clubs need to take responsibility to promote a diverse line-up. They decide who plays no one else

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THE ODYSSEY OF KAI KASPAR Dripping in sweat, he reached a monumental moment as he was spinning tracks. The club was packed and, the atmosphere was exceptional. It was a surreal moment supporting Mall Grab and Loods alongside All Good, Salary Boy and Chris Boyle. He realised that creating and sharing music was his purpose. “It was a surreal experience playing outside, everyone was just having a good time. Massive shoutout to All Good for allowing me to be a part of it.” He has also supported Hammer, Patrick Topping and Folamour. The German-born producer spent his coming of age in Springburn. His production is advanced considering his unknown status. He has been DJ’ing for four years and has been producing for half a decade just before he left high school. He is heavily influenced by Palsm Trax and will be releasing two remixes in 2021. Kai grew up listening to Rock and Indie before his little brother introduced him to electronic music. It took him some time to acclimate to the sounds. “I’ve become more in love with the sounds of electronic music.” He always had a penchant for music growing up, playing the trumpet and bass guitar. He remarked his parents have “always been supportive” and encouraged him to pursue keyboard. His parents were subjected to bigotry during his childhood living in Barmulloch. The discriminatory experience resulted in “verbal abuse by people and being nearly deported.”

However, noted that “facing these challenges made us stronger individually and as a family.” What won’t kill us only makes us stronger. “My mum and dad are originally from Sri-Lanka.

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A small country just underneath India, but I was born in Germany, which shocks people.” Society has built up attitudes where they assume minorities aren’t born in Europe. There are misconceptions surrounding minorities which circulate in social circles. Minorities are unequivocally underrepresented which is why Kai believes there is a lack of Black and Asian residents. “Once there are more opportunities for people of colour then you’d see more people like me getting into DJ’ing and producing.”

Minorities are more likely to relate to people with similar cultural roots. “The crowd will always be there for anyone who puts on a good show. It should be about talent, not race or gender.” Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. “I’d love to play in Glasgow, that would be special.” Despite the fact he has yet to make his hometown debut it won’t deter him from expressing his opinion. “I think promoters and clubs need to take responsibility to promote a more diverse line-up. They decide who plays, no one else.” He would love to see a “more ethnically diverse line-up” contemplating how refreshing it would be rather than repeating the same artists. “For people, there are so many white DJs they can look up to and want to be like but when it comes to Black and Asian people there are not that many. You need to have someone that you can look up to and aspire to be.”

Black and Asian up and comers need someone to look up to which shows they could achieve something in the industry.

Perhaps one day Kai Kaspar will be the one inspiring the next generation of Scottish selectors.

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I’ve become more in love with the sounds of electronic music

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW GET TO KNOW

BY JOSH FRYER BLOOM PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX JAMES

I’m exicted for the future and putting into practise all the valuable lessons I’ve learned last year

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GET TO KNOW HAYLEY ZALASSI For any aspiring DJs dreaming of what it must be like to play in an Ibiza superclub, look no further than one of Glasgow’s own, Hayley Zalassi. Moving away from her design degree, she started studying sound production. Gaining inspiration during her time working at the Arches which consisted of raving every weekend and meeting artists. However, it was unfulfilling. “I wasn’t happy not doing what I knew I wanted to do, so I saved up money and bought some decks.” With just 3 years of experience, the energetic house-loving DJ has been grooving to her idols Annie Mac and Jayda G. Hayley began playing weekly for UOKHUN at Octan. This helped her bag a residency in her first Ibiza season, something many DJs and producers struggle to achieve.

However, with Covid stifling the music industry, Hayley explains her motivation shifting. “I feel like I was just getting started when this all happened and it completely killed my motivation. However recently I’ve been getting excited and I definitely have my motivation back.”

Detailing how it felt to receive the call telling her she would be playing for FLY’s upcoming event in Dubai. “I could have fainted. This year has been really shit and I was starting to think seriously about what my plan B was going to be.” With the uncertainty, it’s difficult to fault her for searching for an alternative. Then it happened.

“I got the call at the perfect time and it’s taught me to never give up and that things happen when you least expect them.” Fingers crossed it all goes ahead.

Hayley wants to reach new heights as a DJ and dreams of getting involved in radio and interviewing artists. With her mix series “Houseproud” she has been sharing funky house-infused mixes made on the fly. Hayley has recently been fine-tuning her production skills to incorporate them into her sets. “I produce a lot of stuff using different vocal samples and lots of piano and sometimes I don’t think it would fit in with my sets.” Although making music was once a love-hate relationship, Hayley describes 2021 as “the year of producing the right sound for what I want to play.” Hayley described last year as an “emotional rollercoaster” which severely challenged her mental wellbeing. She revealed she dealt with some personal losses which changed her life. “It was difficult but now I’m happy and learned a lot about myself. I’m excited about the future and putting into practice all the valuable lessons I’ve learned last year.” This perseverance is commendable and although it may seem difficult right now, it’s important we all continue to follow our passions without giving up when the going gets tough. With her rising status, Hayley Zalassi joins the likes of Eclair Fifi, Lala and Miss World, as selectors inspiring women across Scotland.

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SÄVY AND RETRO

BY KENNA KIRKWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL HUNTER

This label is purely about good music and art for me

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S A V Y

Starting a record label is a tricky endeavour, that’s why IDA decided to share her experiences beginning a label.

She grew up in Vantaa, Finland and spent her childhood immersed in nature. Throughout her childhood, she was influenced by her brother. “When I went to primary school, I remember sneaking into my brother’s room while he was away, logging on to his PC and going through the music he had on there.” Her curiosity led her to burn CDs on her Sony Walkman. Her savvy method of accumulating tracks is retro. She discovered “the Chemical Brothers, Gorillaz plus 90s East and West Coast Hip Hop and Rap.” However, this wasn’t her only manner of acquiring music. “I collected CDs that my uncle brought back after travelling over the border to Russia.” She moved to Sweden for University before heading to Scotland 7 years ago. She lived in Aberdeen, and then Glasgow where she completed her masters in 2018. She believes the relocation led her to become an independent creative. She feels moving to Scotland was “arguably the best thing I’ve done in my life.” 2019 was a staple year as part of her Boiler Room tour she reflects on her gigs in Bournemouth, Bangor and Cambridge. “The energy in these small-town crowds is sometimes different compared to bigger cities, perhaps because the selection of gigs to go to is smaller.” At About:Blank in Berlin for OECUS, IDA played an extended closing set which lasted around 5 hours. “It was such a treat. The vibe throughout the night was amazing. I played 90s trance which worked really well.”

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Sävy records is a project IDA has been working on for 2 years. Starting a record label was a dream of IDA’s for many years. “This label is purely about good music and art for me.” She is using the label to define her own sound as well as promote artists who inspire her. Sävy’ is a Finnish word that translates into multiple meanings such as “hue accent, hade, and tone of speech.” IDA describes Sävy as an “audio-visual label” focussing on the emotion expressed in music, with artwork and visuals tailored by Finnish artist, Irene Suosalo. The Genre’s Sävy release will sweep over the spectrum of techno, breaks, electro and any unique sounds that complement the project’s aesthetic. You can expect to hear sounds from artists based in Germany, Italy, UK and Iceland on future releases. IDA suggests that anyone thinking about starting a label to release vinyl should start planning early. The process can be longer than expected and requires savings. She recommends contacting record stores directly and sending out promos to DJ and artists you network with. “It’s always a good idea to start compiling your own promo list early on.” She believes in contacting anyone you know who already runs a record label, asking for advice is the best way to learn. “I’m happy to help anyone who’s wondering how to start, we’ve all been there.” Although the pandemic has devastated the industry, and some labels are currently only releasing digital music. IDA plans to continue releasing vinyl, focussing on the quality of her products. One of the most retro and savvy selectors isn’t going to let a pandemic stop her from doing what she loves.

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MENSWEAR VINYL BARBERS Inspired by the youth subculture’s of the 20th century

138-140 Easter Road Edinburgh EH7 5RJ @ITSTARTEDINTHENORTH

6 ARTISTS TO CHECK OUT THIS MONTH

Focusing on the next wave of underground talent in the industry.

Here are some of the best DJs in the UK. Ranging from prolific producers who have performed in Scotland’s top clubs to newcomers trying to establish themselves. Here are our picks for artists to check out this month.

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CALLYT The 22-year-old Livingston based selector was making a statement in Edinburgh before the pandemic. His philosophy is simple. The faster and harder, the better. Cally honed his abilities behind the decks at house parties, improving his skills. Throughout the pandemic, he worked tirelessly on his production. Also estbalshing a fashion brand, Club Use Only. His effort has paid off and culminated in his debut EP which is dropping later this year on Eyeangle Records.

His productions could rapture a pensioner’s eardrums. His selects will reach 150 bpm as his style consists of fierce heavy-hitting bangers.

When clubs return, he will be headlining the launch event for STAND B-SIDE, a brand new Edinburgh based club night.

OPTIMISTIC SOUL The 23-year-old selector from Zimbabwe is based in Glasgow and has been producing since 2015.

He produces a soulful and profound sound.

Optimistic Soul holds a deep affinity for his cultural roots and expresses his sound through his passionate fondness for Afro House. He performed in Sub Club for the Javia NYE livestream. He runs his own independent record label, Optimistic Music. His imprint is dedicated towards all forms of afro sounds.

Ranging from Afro-Soul to Afro-techno. He lives and breathes Afro music as he pays homage to his heritage through his music. He will be dropping two EPs in 2021. One in the first half of the year and a second in the latter half.

FARHANNAH The 22-year-old was named AVA Festivals Emerging DJ in 2020. She played flute and piano in her high school orchestra then developed her flair for music in university. Farhannah honed her craft during her time there and has been DJ’ing for three years. She has been releasing monthly mixes to fully explore her style. The London based DJ loves groovy disco and melodic techno. She performed in The Brixton Jamm during the pandemic and is a regular on foundation.FM. Her influences include, OR:LA, Artwork and HAAi. She first invested herself in club culture through DBE in Loughborough.

She is drawn to tribal sounds. Expect to see her release her debut track later this year.

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PINBALLSPIDER The 25-year-old Glasgow based selector is one of Scotland’s most technically proficient producers with a knack for slick melodic techno. His tracks have been described by DJ Python as ‘sexy IDM’. His intellect isreflected in his cerebral production. He is influenced by the sounds of Beatrice Dillon, Batu and Call Super. He is a member of the Cybrofreq collective alongside Liam Doc and Kamus. The trio holds a residency in The Berkeley Suite, where they host euphoric and visually impressive club nights. Pinball Spider has multiple EP’s in the works and recently released a mix on Hypnotic Groove. He will also be part of an upcoming VA out on Banoffee Pies.

The limited series 10 will be out in the first half of 2021.

LISALÖÖF The 32-year-old from Paisley is a force to be reckoned with behind the decks. The Glasgow based DJ has been featured on Clyde Built Radio and will be part of an upcoming VA on Soma Records. She has supported prolific selectors Charlotte De Witte and Partyboi 69 in the renowned warehouse SWG3. Lisa has been a major part of Glasgow club culture, performing in Sub Club and La Cheetah on behalf of Animal Farm and Acid Flash. Her selects include late 90s techno. Her fast-paced mixes are full of exciting, raw techno which will catapult a dancefloor into another stratosphere. With her prolific skills resume and talent, she is one of the finest DJs in Glasgow.

LUNARPLATZ The 23-year-old from Glasgow came knocking on the door after her Platform 18 Livestream. She has been DJ’ing for two years and has been producing for only seven months. Lunarplatz adores the classic sounds of Detroit Techno.

Drawing heavy influence from pioneers Jeff Mills and Robert Hood. She also incorporates old school Chicago House within her sets. Her love for House is abundantly clear within her seamless mixes. Lunaplatz raised money for the International Anti-Poaching Foundation before lockdown shattered the industry. She feels passionate about using her music to raise money for charitable causes she believes in. She is one of Glasgow’s brightest future stars.

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ABERDEEN NIGHTS

BY FRAN BLAIR PHOTOGRAPHY BY STUART TAYLOR Zema, the 23-year-old DJ and RARE Thursday resident revealed what club culture is like in Aberdeen. Her sets are “designed to make you want to party and let loose.” She balanced an Arts Degree and retail job, alongside a pursuit in DJing. Zema has been forced to adapt and search for new ways to reach her audience. “I am now a proud and practised bedroom DJ and producer awaiting to return to the stage.” Growing up in a musical family, she remembers they would all get together and “jam” which exposed her to repetitive drum music. Today she is influenced by percussive sounds. Her passion for electronically synthesized sounds being influenced by the digital and technological culture of her generation. Her style varies, leaning in different directions, from rap to dubstep, Techno and tribal varieties to breakbeat. She even confesses she loves finding music from different countries, sampling non-English languages, “Even if I can’t understand it.” Zema takes inspiration from the likes of Hagan, Sputnik One and Jasmine Infiniti. Creating Sound Art during her degree, she has taken inspiration from other artists, and occasionally from the natural world. Completely self-taught, she admits that “I mainly like to work things out myself.”

Later joking, “I definitely think it is something to do with pride and being stubborn.” Along with two of her friends, they set up an internet radio station called Aerial Community Radio, allowing people to showcase their talent and sound. Zema feels this has allowed her to “channel my energy into something creative and non-restrictive.”

She disclosed that the industry is full of “closed circles which are hard for outsiders to penetrate, and these circles are always mostly male.” There is a severe lack of female resident DJs within Scottish clubs, and this is due to the fact women have to work much harder to prove they’re as technologically capable as men. Internalised sexism within the music industry is engraved in us from early years, with girls toys typically being dolls or animals, encouraging social behaviour, and boys toys having moving mechanical parts, similar to that of a set of decks. In school, boys gravitate towards technology and assert themselves more in class than girls, so by the time they’re young adults, it’s much easier for them to get into DJing. Similarly, there is a lack of ethnic minority groups within the industry, Zema explains this is, “Technology and social class are inherently intertwined. Emerging technology is expensive and BAME groups are categorised as largely existing within the working or lower classes within society.” She feels it’s important that while the image of a DJ is almost always that of a white male, it’s important we “change this narrative.” She also points out that “Since I started DJing I’ve had a lot of girls tell me that seeing me do it gave them the belief they could.” Despite the pandemic stopping her from DJing, she still continues to inspire women across Scotland. Perhaps one day when restrictions are ease Zema will tutor women across Scotland in the art of DJ’ing.

With selectors of her calibre teaching, the future is in good hands

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