I thought first we could discuss the DUCFS 2023 show, as this will be your second year going into the role as Music Director. Would you say there was a highlight for you in last year’s show?
I think because it was my first year in this creative position, definitely seeing everything put together in real life was pretty spectacular. All the lighting, the graphics and hearing the music I mixed on the massive loud speakers was a huge highlight for me. It got everyone hyped in the rehearsals and during the show.
It must feel incredibly fulfilling hearing your music at the show. Do you feel nervous before DUCFS or was it more of a relief seeing everyone enjoy your work?
It really felt both nerve wracking and exciting. Some mixes that I wasn’t feeling completely happy, I would hear on the loudspeaker system and obviously hear every little issue that I didn’t like about it. But I remember, nobody really hears it the way I do. I’m the one that made it, nobody is going to see the details I do. But everyone seemed to have a really good time, and looking back now I wouldn’t change anything.
That leads into my next question; is there anything you’ve learnt from last year to do differently this time round? Has your approach changed?
Last year, I was essentially working solo, collaborating with the Creative Vice President to select the music before involving the choreographers. This year, it’s been much more collaborative, with even the president participating in our meetings. Now, whenever I create a playlist that I think will work well, I can get everyone’s input, making it a more team-oriented process.
Do you feel like you still have creative control over the music you choose?
One hundred percent. The President and the Creative Vice President are doing a really good job at letting me have my creative freedom. It can be challenging to let go of control over your vision, but Mezie (Creative Vice President) has truly given me the freedom to follow my creative process.
What would you say is the best part about being Music Director for DUCFS?
In prior years of DUCFS there have been two music directors, but I think when it comes to music it’s one of those things you need to do alone. Having another music director would definitely make the process more time-consuming, and clashes could definitely occur. So being able to have that control, while also collaborating with others means I’ve been able to properly explore my ideas.
When you are mixing for the shows, do you find yourself mostly using tracks from your own personal music taste, or do you like using music that’s trending or popular?
Sometimes if the vision means I can include genres like house or hyperpop that I enjoy, then I’ll definitely put in some music that I like in there, but I’m harsh on myself. I try not to let my personal taste get in the way too much, I know it’s more important that I choose tracks that fit the theme and each walk really needs. Often for a walk I’ll have a song come straight to mind, but most of the time I’m using a lot of Spotify radio, SoundCloud, skipping through songs quite quickly. I definitely know quite soon into a song if it feels right.
Last year’s theme was Age of Inception; with eight walks each uniquely different, what was your creative process when deciding the tone and selecting the tracks you use?
Actually this year, the music is a bit more based around fashion. Mezie has been really helpful and given me the exact mood he wants to achieve in-line with his vision for the show, including song suggestions. So for me, there is a lot of listening to music, adding to playlists, and removing songs from playlists. It actually can take me about a week or two; I’ll listen to the playlist that I have for a good week, and once I feel like it all works well together, only then will I start mixing. Last year I had no idea what everything would be like when all the staging is there, and the lighting all in place. Timing wise, I understand better how little time the models actually have in between walks to change so now I know to perhaps add a little extra build-up at the beginning of the walk to give them more time to get ready.
For those that can’t wait till the show and would like to hear you as a producer and DJ, are you planning or DJing anywhere else in Durham this year?
I’m definitely planning on doing a Rotate set this year, and I would like to get involved with Retracked again and have a go on their open-decks, which is a really great society for improving the representation of women and non-binary DJs in Durham.
How would you describe your personal music style when you’re producing? What kind of music do you like to put out?
I produced my first song last summer, which was a sort of an African house track, not something I normally listen to, but I was really drawn by the vocals on the song. Now I would say I’m leaning more towards hyper-pop music; I really enjoyed Charli XCX’s new album so that’s the kind of genre of music I want to create.
That brings me to my next question; do you feel there are any artists you feel are shaping this landscape particularly?
There has definitely been a lot of buzz surrounding The Dare, and I actually used some of his music in last year’s soundtrack. I would say his music is sort of a cross between house and hyper-pop; to me it feels like it’s got a really good beat to it while having a rock influence? There is just something about it, and can definitely go to explain why it’s gotten so popular recently.
You mentioned that you’re interested in producing hyper-pop style music, do you think this aligns with what kind of music is being played in venues and clubs at the moment?
I think things are definitely evolving in that direction. House music is predominantly still for clubs, but club culture is dying a little bit, which the lack of vocals in house music definitely plays a role in. So with artists like Charli XCX and SOPHIE starting to play more, I think it has allowed for a revival of this clubbing lifestyle.
Do you think these music trends are translating to club culture in Durham?
Durham definitely isn’t known for its nightlife, but I was surprised when I started at how busy the clubs were. Having platforms like Rotate and WAGS, are brilliant for students to get back into clubbing. Hearing music that is actually what students are listening to, makes clubbing much more enjoyable and something different to what DJ Dave is playing in Jimmy’s. I think it also has to do with students in university cities drinking less, which means more and more people are realising clubbing isn’t all that. Student run societies and events are really great because they don’t require you to drink, you can actually come and enjoy the music.
Is it accessible to start producing and DJing in Durham?
It’s definitely not perfect, but I think Durham does a pretty good job giving everyone opportunities to try producing out. When I started I joined DJ Society, which I’m now on the exec for; they have open decks every week and that was a good way to meet people. You don’t need to know how to DJ, the supportive environment is a really great way to learn especially if you’re feeling nervous. Retracked, which was set up by Georgia Murphy, is particularly great for getting more women and non-binary students involved, as DJing can be very male dominated, and definitely is still that way in Durham. But with more collectives like WAGS and Retracked, the Durham DJ scene could definitely be more inclusive.
For those that want to give producing a go, what would you say is the best way to get started?
For me it started when I was around thirteen after going to a few Bat Mitzvahs, and seeing that the music playing wasn’t really what my friends liked. I would always go up to the DJ and make requests. Everytime I would do this everyone would come back to the dance floor, so I thought ‘I’m pretty good at this! Maybe I should start DJing.’ I found that I could predict the song that would come on next when the DJ was transitioning, which felt quite cool to me. After that, I taught myself using YouTube videos, and I used a website online. Only then did I ask for a beginners decks for my birthday. So I would say to someone starting to watch videos and there are some really affordable beginners decks out there now. Just experiment. It’s one of those things you’ll get good at through lots of trial and error. The transitions will be terrible at first and you’ll want to never look at it again, but that’s just part of it.
Is there a dream project or artist you would collaborate with?
That’s a difficult question! Maybe someone like A G Cook, Cobra or Charli XCX, but there are a lot of talented artists I would love to collaborate with.
For those coming to DUCFS 2025, can you give a hint for the kind of soundtrack we can expect to hear?
It’s the sort of music you might not normally listen to! Expect lots of bass, build-up, and not a dull moment.
by Isla Mustin and Asha Persaud
