Brisbane
DJ, DESIGNER
HOUSE, HIP HOP/RNB
Tell us about yourself!
In high school I used to listen through massive playlists/download packs of daily music releases every day and pick my favourites, friends from all over would message me asking what my selections were so I think DJing and radio was something that was always a part of me. At 18 I went on a European solo trip including some time in Berlin where I was with a few DJs and picked up on some tips and tricks, coming back to Australia I jumped right into the scene mingling my way in.Â
The music I cherished for most of my life was hip hop, until I went international and became hooked on electronic and dance music. I started off DJing both and since then I’ve worked within both genres. It has been so exciting the past year to watch the two converge.
"The music I cherished for most of my life was hip hop, until I went international and became hooked on electronic and dance music."
Describe your past year in one sentence…
A rollercoaster of emotional and physical loopy-loops.Â
Do you have any new work coming out that you'd like to tell us about?
I am working on a bunch of mixes, of so many different genres. From house to hip hop and everything in between - jersey, techno, rnb, garage, drill, jazz, soundscapes - I feel so passionate about so many different elements of music so I’m always thankful for the wide range of opportunities I get. I have been working here and there on my own music, just fun dance stuff that’s super digestible. One day it might see the light of day.Â
"I feel so passionate about so many different elements of music so I’m always thankful for the wide range of opportunities I get."
What’s the last really fun thing you did?
I just walked around to each room of my house and wrote an extensive Spring Clean checklist where no corner or crevice of my house goes untouched???
How do you practice self care?
Some form of exercise like yoga or cycling. I try to get a bit of sun (with SPF) and fresh air every day, typically tending to my garden and cooking myself some delicious vegan food from scratch.Â
What’s your favourite record at the moment and why?
When I can’t pick what I want to listen to at the moment my immediate go-to is Yaeji’s release from April WHAT WE DREW. Every song intrigues me and makes me move differently, I was so lucky to have opened for her when she was here too. I appreciate her so much, what a talented and unique gal. Duval Timothy is a pianist that I’ve enjoyed listening to over and over since their release in 2017 but their new record Help is simply divine too.Â
What's the best part about being in the music industry?
The sense of community, I feel this strongly in Brisbane. The way each corner of our industry connects, the supportive web of creatives that coexist so beautifully. I love seeing us work with one another, the completely random collaborations of talent blows me away almost every day.
Who inspires you?
The Indigenous women that I have in my life are the people who inspire me the most. I learn so much from them within every little nothing chit-chat to our long yarns. Indigenous women in the music industry, Indigenous women in the media industry and Indigenous women who have absolutely no media insight - they ALL give me life.
"I want to see my Indigenous sisters and brothers put FORWARD as p r i o r i t i e s."
What are your predictions for the future of dance music and the industry?
My predictions are that we will continue to push for an inclusive, equal industry and it will be an exhausting, frustrating and long process but absolutely rewarding in all the little wins along the way. I want to see my Indigenous sisters and brothers put FORWARD as p r i o r i t i e s.Â
Check out Dameeeela's WIP Profile Page for more!
