We caught up with Glasgow based DJ & producer LISALÖÖF this week and she gave us some great insights and advice for anyone that is starting out in the industry. LISALÖÖF’s raw dark strain of techno is catching a lot of attention in Scotland and further afield as she gears up for a busy 2022. Read the Q&A below.

Where did your career in music start and how long have you been a DJ & producer?

In 2017 I started DJing and producing at the same time. I was out clubbing in Glasgow every weekend. Usually at the afters there was a fight for the aux cable, and I would often win, but to the detriment of everyone in the room I would usually select dark techno. Friends encouraged me to start DJing but I felt terrified that I would be the only woman on the bill (if I even got on the bill) So I attended weekly DJ lessons at Grassroots Glasgow, run by Sarra Wild, and also Intersessions run by Nightwave and E.M.M.A. They helped me to build skills, confidence and also network (I’m still friends with lots of the DJs and students today). I then purchased a DJ controller and practiced every night. I was really lucky to be invited to headline at my first gig, it felt really special and gave me confidence to push through!

How has your sound progressive since you started djing?

My musical tastes have changed a lot over the years. But there has always been dark and hypnotic undertones to the music I like to play. When I started DJing I would play what I expected the promoter would like because I was desperate for gigs, but now I’m booked for playing the music I like.

What DAW do you use?

I use Ableton 10 on an extremely slow MacBook Pro.

What have you got coming up in 2022? Can you let us in on any of your plans ?

As for 2022, it’s a pretty big year so far. I have played with Slam and Tham, and next month I’m playing at a Ukraine Fundraiser organised by my wonderful friend. I’m absolutely buzzing for the legendary Slam Tent as I’m going b2b my friend Neoma who plays some right raw techno. In the summer I’m opening at Riverside and I couldn’t be any more excited. I’m also excited to have one of my tracks on a compilation from a Berlin label run by one of my dearest friends.

who are your biggest influences ?

It’s difficult to choose from the abundance of music that’s shaped me as a person. But some influences to name a few are Underground Resistance, Blawan, Lady Starlight, Bjarki, Drexciya, Ryan James Ford, Slam, The Advent, Nene H, Stanislav Tolkachev.

what advice would you give to someone starting to emerge as a dj ?

I’d recommend you stay true to your sound never doubt your abilities. Don’t let chin strokers and trolls tell you anything. It’s your gig, you’re the person being paid to play, not them, just ignore them. They are usually jealous or threatened, especially if you’re not a typical white dude. Also when taking gigs always be clear about your fee, travel arrangements, and set times from the minute the promoter contacts you. It’s less awkward than waiting until the gig and finding they weren’t planning on paying, and it means both parties know where they stand. The same goes for releasing music on labels. I would also recommend that you put as much focus on your mental health as you do with music. Partying and electronic music comes hand in hand and this can result in burnout, especially if you juggling DJing, producing and working full-time. I would recommend you stay away from the narcotics and bevy as much as you can, try the odd sober club night and try to keep out of the continuous samsara of getting on it. It will ultimately leave you too exhausted to focus on DJing and producing.