Zèyla is a shape shifting multi genre who doesn't limit herself to one sound. She was raised on Jazz, Soul, Hip Hop, Electronic, Deep House, Latin, Funk, and anything that her parents deemed fly enough to blast through the speakers. This has enabled her to have an enriched mixing style and artistry in her mixes that is distinctive and allows her to be pioneering when telling a story through her sound. Zèyla is a true selector. Her mixes are influenced heavily by her external environment and she loves digging for samples and creative ways of telling a story through her sound. Each show will be a sign of the times and no show will be the same.
Photo: @niggotiate__
Whats been the biggest highlight in your career so far?
One of my biggest highlights was supporting Slumvillage. From my Dad and older sister playing it in the car with me in the backset just absorbing the sounds, to growing up to it for nostalgia, to then actually supporting them was an honouring experience.
Do you have any rituals or routines you follow to prepare yourself mentally and physically before a performance?
I still get nervous before club sets, my main thing is to listen to Pharoah Sanders whilst getting ready. If my people are getting ready with me, they know to help and be as chill as possible while my mind is all over the place! Once I get on deck, all the nerves go away.
Are there any specific genres or styles of music that you particularly enjoy mixing, and why?
I adore mixing Dancehall and riddims together, because I believe it’s the genre of excitement and high energy, it falls into the electronic realm for me. Dancehall artists are lyrical geniuses. I also love blending Jazz, Soul and Hip-Hop into a mix as they compliment each other always.
Photo: @xen.on.film
What do you think sets you apart from other DJs, both male and female, in terms of your style or approach?
Before the majority of my sets, I set an intention of the way I want to feel from the sound i’m sharing and I come to find that when I do, the crowd receives the same experience and the ones that get it come and tell me so.
Can you share any tips or techniques for reading and engaging with a crowd while DJing live?
I feel the best way to engage with the crowd is to be solid in your own artistry as a DJ. Don’t always fall into the trap of how many people in the crowd are overly hyuped by a song. The set is meant to be a journey, there are high moments and moments where you’re letting the crowd be introduced to new things, be confident in that journey.
Have you encountered any notable milestones or achievements in your DJing career that you're particularly proud of?
Just being a DJ that has people who come out to see me in particular on a line up. That’s a milestone for me. To know that my sound is sought after and recognised. It makes me really happy!
Photo: @novocem + @fabricstudiosbhx
In your opinion, what role do DJs play in shaping and influencing music culture?
We are here to share our musical upbringing and to provide a continuation of music that is timeless, music that isn’t well known yet, the greatest hits and the songs that mean something to that DJ. The more DJ’s, the better.
How do you navigate the competitive nature of the DJing industry while maintaining positive relationships with your peers?
I try not to focus too much on the competition aspect of DJing. I stay with the goalpost of knowing that DJing was initially a hobby and anything that followed from that was a bonus. I’m sharing art and with that comes vulnerability. I feel the only DJ I compete with is my beginner self! I always try to evolve. Supporting your peers is important. Going to their sets when you can, having real conversations about music being intertwined into daily life and listening to their creations when you have the time seems to yield the most valuable experiences with fellow artists.
Can you share any funny or memorable stories from your experiences as a DJ?
Chipmunk giving me my first money pull up is probably my most memorable. I have yet to have a funny story, but soon come I'm sure!
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